All four domestic professional divisions have plenty of excitement going into the final few games with plenty to play for at the top and bottom. We have a treble of games where we are forecasting BTTS as teams go for maximum points.
All games this weekend will kick off 7 minutes after originally billed time to show respect to the Hillsborough disaster.
Sunderland v Everton – 3.07pm Saturday
Both teams to score odds – 4/5
So much is riding on this game for both clubs. Sunderland have now lost their last four matches which has left them at the foot of the table scrapping for survival, desperate for a win to save their season. Everton are on fantastic form after demolishing Arsenal at Goodison Park, 3-0 last Sunday and have the opportunity for a Champions League spot if they win their remaining games.
Sunderland suffered a 5-1 defeat to Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Monday night and was another nail in their coffin as relegation becomes more and more likely. No victory in seven matches does not making good reading for the Black Cats and at home 60% of their games have ended in defeat. Most games they do lose they seem to score and against the top sides they manage to find the net. Nothing but a win will do for Gus Poyet’s side and they will go all out for goals.
It is difficult not to believe that Everton can win here after watching their performance verses Arsenal on Super Sunday last week. Outstanding all over the pitch, the Merseyside club were better than Arsene Wenger’s outfit for 90 minutes. I cannot see this hard working, good passing, attacking Everton side letting all their hard work go to waste against this Sunderland team. Six wins in a row now leaves them with a huge chance of the Champions League and another three points here is looking likely.
West Brom v Tottenham – 3.07pm Saturday
Both teams to score odds – 8/11
West Brom are still very much in contention for one of the relegation slots despite a fine victory over Norwich City last weekend which left Baggies fans breathing a huge sight of relief in the proverbial six pointer. Tottenham strangely announced on Monday that Tim Sherwood would be replaced in the summer hours before their home clash with Sunderland, fortunately it seemed to have a positive affect as Spurs went on to win 5-1.
Not only will Pepe Mel want to win here to gain another important three points towards survival but after the back pages were filled this week with rumours of his employers being interested in Tim Sherwood as their next manager, the currently Baggies boss will want to make a statement on his future by getting a victory. Currently five points clear of the drop, the Midlands club need more wins to ensure another campaign in England’s elite league. West Brom have a tough run in which also includes playing Man City, Arsenal, West Ham and Sunderland. A win here is possibly and even though that may be a bit too much to ask, a goal should come there way.
With Sherwood’s future hanging over the club, the manager can just keep winning games as each match is used as the final stages of his job interview. Tottenham are starting to play with more creativity and power and the North London club are adamant to finish the season on a high with favourable fixtures coming their way. Three points will be the target here and considering West Brom have not won in six games at the Hawthorns and have conceded in each of their last six, I am banking on a Tottenham goal.
Liverpool v Manchester City – 1.37pm Sunday
Both teams to score odds – 4/9
WOW WOW WOW. What a game. A huge match that will contribute significantly to where the title goes this year. Manchester City and Liverpool are the two front runners for honours and here they go head to head. Neither side have particularly good defensive records but going forward, it is continuously goal mayhem. Expect a thriller!
Liverpool have to be confident going into this one, not only do they have home advantage but the Reds have won nine games in a row and have the Premier League’s most dangerous front line pairing in Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez. Pool have not tasted defeat for 14 games and even though this will be their biggest test since they played and lost to City earlier on in the season they will feel more equipped at Anfield to do the business. A result is very hard to call but with Liverpool scoring at least a goal in their last 23 matches and only failing to score at home, once all season, BTTS looks the best bet.
City will be most pundits’ favourites for this clash and the League title as they have been for most of the season. The Citizens multitude of talent going forward is there for all to see and has helped them remain unbeaten in the league for their last 10 away games. It seems Sergio Aguero is on his way back and along with Eden Dzeko hitting form, goals are looking better than ever for the Manchester side. In such a huge game I cannot see Manchester City leaving Liverpool without at least a goal.
