The English Premier League moves yet another step closer to the end of the season this weekend as all 20 teams take part in matchday 35. Some hugely important games are set to take place within this time, holding huge weight on the title race, battle for European football and the fight to stay in the league altogether.
The standout game is undoubtedly the North London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the hosts fighting with Aston Villa for fourth place and the Gunners pushing for the title.
With this and plenty of other games sure to provide action and drama, we’re picking out our best booking codes and tips for this weekend’s fixtures:
West Ham United vs Liverpool
Liverpool’s title chances have taken two huge blows in recent weeks, falling to defeat against Crystal Palace a fortnight ago before being beaten 2-0 by their bitter rivals Everton in their most recent outing.
West Ham have also struggled for results in recent weeks, losing three of their last four and only winning one of their last eight across all competitions.
While both team’s morale will be low following these runs, we believe that Liverpool’s motivation to get back to winning ways in an attempt to salvage their title hopes will lead them to victory.
Liverpool to win, 1.52
Newcastle United vs Sheffield United
This game could see the first relegation from the Premier League be confirmed this season, with Sheffield United guaranteed to be competing in the EFL Championship if they lose on Saturday. Even if Sheffield United are to avoid defeat, their safety is still out of their own hands with a win for either Luton Town or Nottingham Forest also guaranteeing their relegation.
Unfortunately for Sheffield United, they are set to face a Newcastle side who have been superb at home this season, only losing three league games at St James’ Park, and beat them 8-0 in the reverse fixture. We expect Newcastle to continue this brilliant run against the statistically worst team in the league with the Toon taking victory and sending Sheffield United down.
Newcastle United to win & over 3.5 goals, 1.98
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
Ollie Watkins has been on hot form throughout the majority of this season, matching his highest-ever goalscoring season with 26 goals while also scoring the most he has ever managed in the Premier League with 19 in 33 games.
This leaves Watkins just one behind Cole Palmer and Erling Haaland, who currently lead the goalscoring chart, and with four goals in his last five games, we believe Watkins will score again in this one.
Ollie Watkins to score anytime, 2.40
Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal
Arsenal’s defeat to Aston Villa a fortnight ago has left the fate of the Premier League title firmly in Manchester City’s hands, with Pep Guardiola’s side trailing the Gunners by just a single point but with a game in hand.
Despite this, Mikel Arteta’s team will want to pick up as many points as possible between now and the end of the season in the hopes that City do drop points, leaving them able to capitalise and potentially win their first title in 20 years.
While this is sure to be a tough game, with Tottenham not only needing a win in their own battle with Villa for fourth spot but also to try and stop Arsenal from winning the title, we believe that Arsenal will be too much for Spurs to handle, leaving us to believe the Gunners will win.