There might only be two matches in the Premier League on Sunday but it is no less important a day in the top flight as any other that has been and gone so far this season.
The football begins on the coast as Bournemouth host an Arsenal side who will be desperate to win to keep tabs with Leicester before the big showdown between Chelsea and Man Utd takes place at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal have dropped from the top of the table earlier in the season to fourth place going into this match but a win here will take them level with their arch rivals Tottenham in second place ahead of a massive match with the leaders Leicester next weekend.
Bournemouth can move a comfortable eight points above the drop zone if they can find the three points in this match and that is as big an incentive as they are likely to need to go into this one with.
I’m expecting an open game here given that both need the points for different reasons. Bournemouth spent a lot of money on strikers and have played a pretty open, expansive game all season and I certainly don’t see that changing now.
Arsenal get the ball down and open sides up and with key players now firmly back ensconced in the side they are likely to pick up again after a couple of dodgy results at the Emirates.
This is one of those matches where the draw suits neither team so I think we’ll get a few goals. It is also one of those games where either could win 3-0 just as easily as a more comfortable scoreline comes in so it is the overs for me here.
In the second game of the day Chelsea are pretty strong favourites to see off Man Utd and a couple of weeks ago I’d have probably been all over that but United have just found something in the last few matches and all of a sudden they look a more dangerous proposition.
I’m still not in a position where I would feel comfortable taking United but Chelsea suddenly look plenty short enough to me so I’ll stick with the bet in the first game and take a watching brief in the second game in the hope it isn’t the damp squib it could easily turn into.
Back Bournemouth vs Arsenal – Over 2.5 goals for a 4/10 stake at 2.00 with William Hill
