Midweek Tips: Premier League's finest in action

Another big week in the battle to be Premier League champions and on reflection, regardless who wins this particular title race, at some point we need to acknowledge that we have never had two sides of this quality in England’s top tier operating at the same time.

Manchester City and Liverpool have been phenomenal, and with seven games to go, just a solitary point separates them at the top of the table. One of the hottest rivalries in English football takes centre stage again on Tuesday night, as Liverpool host Manchester United at Anfield.

The Reds' barnstorming recent form simply cannot be ignored. They are into the last four of the Champions League and secured an FA Cup final appearance at the weekend after beating Man City 3-2. The last time they faced Manchester United they were magnificent, winning 5-0 at the Theatre of Dreams and so it’s hardly surprising they are 2/5 favourites for the win on Tuesday.

It’s been another strange season for the Red Devils. Before edging past Norwich at the weekend, the Old Trafford club were winless in their last three and had won just once in their last five. It is this kind of inconsistency that suggests they won’t finish in the top four, but the door has been left ajar for them again after both Tottenham and Arsenal lost at the weekend.

That Norwich win was massive, but in reality, United should have had no trouble beating a side that had conceded 2.03 goals a game going in. Instead, they almost blew a two-goal lead and required a brilliant late save from David de Gea and a rocket of a free-kick from Cristiano Ronaldo to claim all three points.

Ralf Rangnick’s side are fifth, three points behind Spurs, with six games left to play, despite all the ups and downs of their stormy season.

Liverpool currently look unstoppable and if they put in the kind of shift they did in that first half against Man City at Wembley you would back them against anyone, never mind a United side with clear defensive problems. Betfair are a standout 11/8 that Liverpool score ‘Over 2.5 goals’ and that looks decent business against a team who have shipped 44 Premier League goals this season (more than any other club in the top ten except Leicester City).  

 

The Nap – Home Team Total Goals - Over 2.5 at 11/8 (Betfair)

 

A season that promised so much for Arsenal is unravelling quickly after three Premier League losses on the spin have seen their top four hopes take a huge hit. With Spurs losing against Brighton the Gunners missed a huge opportunity at the weekend, and now face Chelsea on Wednesday in a game that could define their season.

The bookies have chalked Chelsea up as 10/11 favourites for victory, and a home win looks the logical call under the circumstances. However, Chelsea have only won 50% of their home games in the league this season, and it was only a few short weeks ago they were being battered 4-1 by Brentford at Stamford Bridge. They have also played a lot of football in recent weeks. That heart-breaking Champions League exit to Real Madrid was followed by a lung-busting FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace on Sunday. The Blues more or less have third place sewn up so you wonder just how motivated the players will be on Wednesday in comparison to Arsenal?

 In addition, in terms of performance Arsenal have been dominating their games but lacking a clinical finish to put away their chances. With a bit more luck in the final third they could win this. They also won 1-0 at Stamford Bridge last season, and so could be worth a speculative punt at 100/30 to claim a priceless win at Stamford Bridge.

 

Value Tip – Arsenal to win at 100/30 (Coral)

 

Manchester City are red hot favourites to take maximum points against in-form Brighton on Wednesday, and while few people will be getting rich backing the home win at 1/6, it could prove wise to get stuck into Riyad Mahrez at 9/2 to score first.

Mahrez was one of the star names ‘rested’ against Liverpool at Wembley, and while he did eventually come on as a sub, he is almost certain to start at the Etihad given his form this season.

The Algerian has made 40 appearances in all competitions, scoring 22 goals with seven assists. It is hands down his most prolific campaign to date, and he could be the man to get the ball rolling against Brighton.

The Seagulls have just completed a ‘North London Double’ by beating Tottenham and Arsenal on the road, but should find things much more difficult against the champions. When the teams met at the Amex in October Man City ran out 4-1 winners, with Mahrez adding a fourth late on in a game that Phil Foden dominated.

 

First Goal Flutter – Mahrez to score first at 9/2 (bet365)

 

Inter and AC Milan are going head-to-head in the Serie A title race, and on Tuesday face each other for a place in the Coppa Italia final. It’s honours even after a goalless first leg in March, and these eternal rivals are very well matched.

Only two points separate them at the top of Serie A as things stand, but the Rossineri have been struggling for goals in recent weeks while Inter have gone on a bit of a run since beating Juventus in Turin.

The 27th Derby della Madonnina in Coppa history could be tight, and another stalemate cannot be ruled out. Bet365 go 9/1 ‘No Goalscorer’ and that looks a value shout given what us at stake and how AC Milan have struggled to convert possession into goals in the last few weeks.  

 

The Euro Banker – No Goalscorer at 9/1 (bet365)