Weekend Tips: Premier League action and the Coupe de France final pick

The domestic season around Europe is winding down, but there is still a lot to play for. The weekend tips this week focuses on Premier League action, as well as the Coupe de France final.

The Nap

Just how will Manchester City respond after that heart-breaking Champions League exit in midweek? Real Madrid did not have a shot on target for 90 minutes. Suddenly Rodrygo scored twice in 90 seconds to level the tie before Karim Benzema's penalty in extra-time sent Real through at the expense of Pep Guardiola's devastated City.

It was one of the most dramatic matches in Champions League history, but Guardiola somehow has to pick his team up in time for Sunday’s clash with Newcastle if the champions are to stay top of the pile in the Premier League. Just a point separates Manchester City and Liverpool in the table, and some critics feel the Citizens could implode after those astonishing late scenes at the Bernabeu.

However, it would take a brave punter to back the Magpies, who 16/1 to win at the Etihad. Eddie Howe has performed wonders on Tyneside, but Newcastle were clear second best against Liverpool last week, losing the shot count 24-4. The Mags have never won a Premier League game at the Etihad either and they have also lost three of their last four Premier League away matches.

They are unrecognisable from the team in January who were mired in the relegation zone with one point from 20 matches, and that is down to hard graft, some astute transfer windows signings, and Howe getting the best out of the players at his disposal on Tyneside.

However, this looks Manchester City’s to lose. Guardiola's men have the best defensive record in the top flight, having shipped just 21 goals this season, and a bet on them to win to nil looks the way to go.

The Nap – Manchester City to win to nil at 10/11 (Betfair/Paddy Power)

 

Value Tip

Leeds United are now the bookies’ favourites to occupy that third relegation spot at the end of the season – they are 5/4 shots at time of writing – but they’ve shown enough endeavour and quality under Jesse Marsch to suggest they might yet be OK.

Burnley and Everton are starting to gain momentum so Leeds need a response, and with this in mind they could be a big price at 6/1 to win at Arsenal on Sunday.

Logic dictates that the Gunners – who have won their last three and who won 4-1 at Elland Road earlier in the season – should claim all three points. However, they are a young side who are very inconsistent, having lost at home to Brighton as well as being thumped 3-0 at Crystal Palace in recent weeks.

If they don’t get an early goal the crowd at the Emirates might turn against them and Leeds could be worth a punt at 6’s to claim a smash-and-grab in north London.

Value Tip – Leeds United to beat Arsenal at 6/1 (bet365/Coral/Skybet)

 

First Goal Flutter

Manchester United have lost their last four away fixtures and could be facing further heartbreak on the south coast this weekend when they travel to Brighton.

The Seagulls are enjoying a decent season and have taken 10 points from their last five matches. They continue to improve under Graham Potter and perhaps should not be betting outsiders to win at the Amex.

The Red Devils have been hugely erratic this season, and have shipped 12 goals in their last four away from home.

Leandro Trossard is enjoying his best ever scoring season for Brighton. The creative hub of Brighton is mainly centred around Trossard, who can either play on the wing or behind two strikers.

The Belgian has scored three in his last four Premier League matches and so looks a huge price at 11/1 to score first on Saturday against a misfiring Manchester United side.

First Goal Flutter – Trossard to score first at 11/1 (Betfair/Paddy Power)

 

The Euro Banker

It’s not the Coupe de France final anyone would have predicted at the start of the season, but this weekend’s Stade de France showpiece between Nice and Nantes should still be fascinating.

For the first time since 2014, Paris Saint-Germain are missing from the final of France’s national knockout competition. PSG have dominated French football since the Qatari takeover of 2011, but lost to Nice after a penalty shootout. Christophe Galtier’s men proved that was no flash in the pan by then routing Marseille 4-1.

They have won three of their last four in Ligue 1, and have also done the double over Nantes this season. With this in mind the stars could be aligning for them to win their first silverware since 1997, and Les Aiglons look a fair price at 11/10 to win in 90 minutes.

The Euro Banker – Nice to win at 11/10 (Coral)