Premier League preview: Saturday’s action including Sheffield United vs Aston Villa
Everton vs Spurs
Everton aren’t having a great time of it. Though they’ve at least drawn their last two league games, they’re winless in their last five.
That includes a defeat against Tottenham back in December, and on current form the Toffees will struggle to avenge that result in this reverse fixture.
Sean Dyche’s side haven’t found the net in their last three league games. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is fit, but emphatically not firing; he’s drawn blanks in his last 16 games in all competitions.
Former Everton mainstay Richarlison is flourishing by contrast. The Brazilian scored against Brentford as Tottenham won 3-2 on Wednesday night, and Richarlison has now netted seven goals in seven league games.
It’s not hard to see him doing the business again on Saturday, and Richarlison is 7/4 to score at Goodison. Spurs are 5/4 for the win, and look capable of nabbing the away win.
Brighton vs Crystal Palace
The Seagulls were humbled away to Luton earlier this week, with Rob Edwards’ side enjoying a 4-0 win over the south coast side. Brighton will be keen to shake off the disappointment of that result – particularly against bitter rivals Crystal Palace.
The Eagles have problems of their own, though they did at least win against Sheffield United in the run-up to this match. Still, Brighton are firm favourites to earn the win on home turf.
It’s worth being at least a little wary of the host’s chances though. After all, Roberto De Zerbi’s side haven’t even scored a goal in their last three league games.
With neither side in awe-inspiring form, we’re tempted to take our cues from recent history. Eight of the last nine meetings between these sides have seen two or fewer goals scored.
Palace have one goal from their last three away games in all competitions too, so – assuming Brighton don’t go ballistic – this could be low scoring. Under 2.5 goals is currently 11/10.
Burnley vs Fulham
After Burnley’s defeat to Man City midweek, now Vincent Kompany faces more beatable opposition as Marco Silva’s side head to Turf Moor.
With neither side exactly racking up the Ws, is this a rare opportunity for one of these sides to take three points – or will both managers end up settling for the draw?
Burnley have won one game at home all season, while the Cottagers have won a single away game in the Prem over the same period. This one could well end in a draw – available at 49/20 – but whatever the result, a low scoring game seems likely.
Burnley have one goal in their last three home games, while Fulham have amassed three goals in their last six games across all competitions. Under 2.5 goals is a 23/25 shot.
Newcastle vs Luton
Each of these sides enjoyed eye-catching, unexpected victories this week. The Magpies rocked up at the heretofore impregnable Villa Park and achieved full penetration, winning 3-1 against Unai Emery’s side.
Luton produced an upset too, scoring twice in the first three minutes as they turned over highflying Brighton 4-0.
Now the Hatters head to St James’ Park – and if causing a similar upset seems a stretch, Luton did actually get the better of Newcastle in the reverse fixture back in December.
Outgunning Eddie Howe’s side on their home turf is a sizable task of course. Particularly for a team who, let’s not forget, currently sit just one point outside the relegation zone. Still, after this week’s heroics, Luton supporters – and players? – may think anything is possible.
The odds suggest otherwise, with Newcastle heavy favourites. And with Alexander Isak likely to miss out with the injury he sustained against Villa, Anthony Gordon could be the man to find the net for the hosts. Gordon is 11/2 to find the opener.
Sheffield United vs Aston Villa
Chris Wilder’s side have shown some fight in recent matches – but sadly, to little avail. The Blades have scored twice against each of Luton, West Ham & Crystal Palace in recent weeks, yet have emerged with just one point from those encounters.
Against Palace, new loan signing Ben Brereton-Diaz scored in the first minute, but Sheffield United couldn’t translate that excellent start into a much-needed win.
The Blades’ sole league win under Wilder came against Brentford, back in early December. Now they take on an Aston Villa side that have lost momentum in recent weeks.
It’s possibly a little fanciful that Sheffield United can earn a win over Unai Emery’s side. But Brereton-Diaz has scored in his two league games to date for the Blades, and may be capable of getting on the scoresheet again. He is 5/2 to find the net against Villa at Bramall Lane.
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