The Premier League is here though we have a fractured programme of fixtures owing to the semi-finals of the FA Cup. However, while Leicester, Southampton, Manchester City and Chelsea are all gunning for silverware glory, Liverpool, Tottenham and West Ham are all in action over the weekend as the race for the top four heats up while the first relegation of the campaign could be confirmed…
Everton vs Tottenham
Where: Goodison Park
When: Friday, April 16
Kick-off time: 8pm
TV: Sky Sports
When you’re pushing for a European place, April isn’t the time to suffer a dip in form. However, Everton and Tottenham are stuttering to the finish line and now look off the pace when it comes to the top four.
The Toffees are winless in four, drawing at home against Crystal Palace before a stalemate at Brighton. They are now seven points off fourth-placed West Ham with a game in hand.
Spurs, meanwhile, are six points off the Hammers having lost to Manchester United on Sunday after surrendering a victory at Newcastle a week ago. This game really does feel like win or bust for both sides.
Sportsman Stat: Everton’s win at Tottenham on the opening day ended a run of 15 games without a victory against them and they haven’t done the double over Spurs since the 1985-86 campaign.
Betfred odds: The Blues are 33/1 to finish in the top four while Tottenham are 12/1
Newcastle vs West Ham
Where: St James’ Park
When: Saturday, April 17
Kick-off time: 12.30pm
TV: Sky Sports
This is a gigantic game at both ends of the table. Last weekend, Newcastle’s victory over Burnley edged them closer to safety while West Ham’s triumph against Leicester maintained their place in the top four.
While the Hammers are dealing with the frightening prospect of Chelsea and Liverpool being in pursuit of fourth, the Magpies are looking to fend off Fulham in the drop zone. Both sides will be desperate for another victory to keep the momentum go as they look to achieve very different aims come May.
Sportsman Stat: The Hammers have won just two of their last 16 Premier League away games at Newcastle, drawing six, losing eight and winning 1-0 in November 2012 and 3-0 in December 2018.
Betfred odds: Jesse Lingard is 3/1 to score the opening goal of the game
Wolves vs Sheffield United
Where: Molineux
When: Saturday, April 17
Kick-off time: 8.15pm
TV: Sky Sports
Sheffield United have endured a nightmare season following their ninth-placed finish last time out and have been rooted to the bottom of the table for the entirety of the campaign.
Their abysmal form cost Chris Wilder his job and their relegation has been on the cards for months. Defeat at Molineux and other results going against them will see them down officially.
Wolves, meanwhile, are steady in mid-table and one more win will take them past that magic 40-point mark.
Sportsman Stat: The Blades have taken just four points from a possible 45 on the road this season, winning one, drawing another and scoring just seven goals.
Betfred odds: Wolves are 11/1 to finish the season in the top half
Arsenal vs Fulham
Where: Emirates Stadium
When: Sunday, April 18
Kick-off time: 1.30pm
TV: Sky Sports
The Gunners aren’t going to finish in the top four barring a miracle and for a long while this campaign the Europa League has looked their best route to reach next season’s Champions League.
Fulham, meanwhile, are six points from safety having played a game more than rivals Newcastle. Scott Parker’s side have lost four straight matches since their win over defending champions Liverpool at Anfield.
Sportsman Stat: Arsenal have beaten Fulham more times away (11) than they have at home (10) in the Premier League era while the Cottagers have never claimed victory at the Emirates.
Betfred odds: Fulham are 10/3 to stay up this season
Manchester United vs Burnley
Where: Old Trafford
When: Sunday, April 18
Kick-off time: 4pm
TV: Sky Sports
The Red Devils will be keen to secure second place swiftly having won their last four Premier League games though they host a Burnley side who are unbeaten at Old Trafford in six years.
The Clarets face a huge task getting the better of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side this time around but need the points as they limp towards safety.
Sportsman Stat: Man United’s last victory at home to Burnley came in February 2015, drawing three times since and losing the last Old Trafford fixture 2-0 in January 2020.
Betfred odds: The Red Devils are 6/1 to beat Burnley 1-0
Leeds vs Liverpool
Where: Elland Road
When: Monday, April 19
Kick-off time: 8pm
TV: Sky Sports
This promises to be a classic if the reverse was anything to go by when Liverpool beat a fearless Leeds 4-3 on the opening weekend of the season.
The Yorkshire club have shown the same bravery all season long, beating Manchester City at the Etihad in their last outing and will fancy their chances against a Reds side who have struggled under the pressure of defending their crown.
Sportsman Stat: The Reds’ last league trip to Elland Road was back in February 2004. It ended in a 2-2 draw – Harry Kewell opened the scoring for the visitors against his former club though Eirik Bakke and Mark Viduka put Leeds ahead before Milan Baros levelled the scores.
Betfred odds: Mohamed Salah is 6/5 to finish the season as Premier League top scorer
Coming up…
Chelsea vs Brighton - Tuesday, April 20 (8pm)
Tottenham vs Southampton – Wednesday, April 21 (6pm)
Aston Villa vs Manchester City – Wednesday, April 21 (8.15pm)
Leicester City vs West Brom – Thursday, April 22 (8pm)
