PUT THE CHAMPAGNE ON ICE: Three games left, it looks like Leicester have what it takes to lift the Premier League trophy after last weekend’s results. Both themselves and Spurs have very testing fixtures this weekend, as Spurs will be looking to prolong the league at least one more week.
EVERTON TO PICK IT UP
It has been a disappointing season for Everton, they showed so much promise again but they just couldn’t pick up points. Unfortunately it looks like it will be the end of the road for Martinez. He has got his side playing an exciting brand of football in his time at Everton, but there has been something naive about them where they have given up so many leads. Last weekend was his last hope, and they gave a strong effort in the second half but came up short in the FA Cup semi final.
Luckily for Everton, Bournemouth have the same problem as themselves. They play a good brand, but don’t know anything else. Once a game starts to go against them, Howe doesn’t change much to try and grab a result. It has been a good season for them, but since becoming comfortable a few weeks ago they haven’t been playing great. Especially against better footballing sides, which Everton are.
The main area of concern for Everton this season has been in midfield. Martinez really rates Barry, but to me he is very one paced, and is no more than an average player. McCarthy has been way below this season as well. Since dropping Howard to the bench, Martinez has tried to reshape his side, and it really hasn’t worked out. They have been conceding far too much since the change. Luckily this week they won’t have a massive danger of conceding as Bournemouth seem to be in holiday mode already. Verdict – Everton Win
MAN UNITED TO SPOIL THE CELEBRATIONS
Leicester are only three points from glory! What an amazing season it has been for them in the most unlikely league win of all time. This weekend they face the club with the most Premier League wins, and they certainly will not want another team winning the trophy in their back garden. As well as this, they are still chasing a Champions League spot, so they will be all out to get the win this weekend.
Leicester looked great last weekend without the suspended Vardy, but this weekend is a completely different story. Man united are a far more organised side, and clearly have a lot more quality than Swansea. Without Vardy they will struggle. His pace has been an out ball for their defense all season, and without that, Man United can really take advantage. United have been a tough side to break against, as they are not very attacking in their approach. They don’t pack players forward, as Leicester like teams to do. The way this game sets up it will be tough for Leicester, and with United coming off a high last week, and with plenty to play for I can see them spoiling the party for another week. Verdict – Man United Win
SPURS TO KEEP FIGHT ALIVE
After a poor result against West Brom on Monday, it looks like an extremely uphill battle for Spurs to catch Leicester at this stage. They look to be too far back from Leicester. But they will certainly keep fighting, especially as they come up against a London rival this weekend. The tables have really turned for these two side this season. Last year Spurs were on the periphery and Chelsea stormed to the title, this year Spurs have been in a battle for the league where as Chelsea have really under performed.
Last year if you were to do a mixed side between Chelsea and Spurs, eight out of eleven of the side would have been Chelsea players. This season that has completely reversed. They have been a far better team, and with such a young core and an excellent coach, the future really looks bright. They are brilliant going forward, and Chelsea have been surprisingly poor at the back. Chelsea will be up for this one for sure, again because of the London rivalry, but Spurs are just a better team right now. Verdict – Spurs Win
SATURDAY TREBLE
I am going to put in a small treble bet for the 3pm kickoffs this weekend too, just to spice things up a bit to close out the season. I am including Everton in this one, as stated above I really think they will get a win this weekend. I am also picking West Brom to beat West ham and Newcastle to beat Palace. This treble currently pays out at 15.71.
I think West Brom can beat West Ham, largely because a Tony Pulis side always closes out a season strongly. West Ham have been rejuvenated, but their chase for Champions League is over, and they can definitely be caught out travelling to West Brom.
Newcastle are still battling to stay alive. They need to win this weekend to have any hopes. Crystal Palace are safe, they are in the FA Cup final and their concentration will be on that game. Pardew back in Newcastle, and would love a win but Benitez has been around long enough to know what to do to get a win here.
£25 IN FREE BETS
