With it being FA Cup semi-final weekend and the title race in the Premier League not getting its latest chapter written until Sunday we have just four matches on what is a truncated day in the top flight on Saturday.
Man City vs Stoke
All eyes will first of all be on Manuel Pellegrini’s team selection when Man City host Stoke in the lunchtime kick off and then secondly on his side’s performance at the Etihad as City have a huge Champions League semi-final first leg in midweek.
City’s form has been good in recent times and I’m certain part of that is because of their extended run in Europe but this is a little too close to the semi-final to be confident they will a) field a strong side and b) give it their all.
This looks a good week to take City on but sadly Stoke head to the Etihad in rotten form off the back of rather tame defeats to Tottenham and Liverpool, matches they conceded four goals in on both occasions.
All of that tells me this isn’t the match to go wading in on to begin our punting for the day so I’ll kick back and save the dosh for later.
Aston Villa vs Southampton
Aston Villa were finally put out of their misery last week when their relegation was confirmed and the fall out since only highlights just how much of a shambles the club has become.
Southampton will want to take advantage of that but in truth after a draw with Everton last week they are no longer playing for anything so as bad as Villa are it is risky backing a side who are going through the motions.
It may be that relegation frees Villa up to show something resembling a professional performance. It might not though and that is the issue we face here. It is a no bet game again.
Bournemouth vs Chelsea
Talking of sides who are playing out time this season that is certainly Chelsea. The Blues have won just one of their last six Premier League matches and that was only against Aston Villa so they don’t really have much to brag about there.
Bournemouth are safe which in itself is a wonderful achievement and they can go out and play with freedom here and look to complete a double over the champions which would be something they can look back on in the years to come and really highlight what they’ve done this season.
Most sides in Bournemouth’s position would take their foot off the gas and ease up now but they’ve got some big players who haven’t been around to make an impact on this season because of injury. They are slowly coming back now and they’ll have a point to prove so I fancy Bournemouth can avoid defeat in this one.
Liverpool vs Newcastle
Liverpool are finishing the season with a flourish but their week isn’t about this match it is all about the first leg of their Europa League semi-final with Villareal on Thursday night so how committed and strong they will be in this match remains to be seen.
It took a couple of matches but Rafa Benitez is beginning to get his point across at Newcastle. They go into this match off the back of two positive results and a win here will take them out of the relegation zone for a short while at least and there is no bigger incentive than that.
The Spaniard will probably have plenty of motivation for his side to put up a good showing at the home of his former employers and that is exactly what I expect to see here too. I fancy Newcastle to get something out of this match but I’ve read Liverpool wrongly for a while when they’ve had European fixtures on the horizon so I’m going to learn my lesson and not get involved here.
Tips
Back Bournemouth (+0.25AH) to beat Chelsea for a 4/10 stake at 1.88 with Bet365
Back them here:
