The end-of-season run-in is gathering pace and the bumper Easter programme continues with five Premier League games on Monday, with all of them offering value for the punter.
Everton v Sunderland
You could perhaps forgive the Everton players (10/11 in the match betting) if their minds drifted beyond this encounter and towards next week’s huge FA Cup semi-final with Liverpool at Wembley. Boss David Moyes will be keen to rotate his small squad as much as possible ahead of that game and, after making three changes for the match at Norwich on Saturday, expect even more for the visit of Sunderland (12/5).
Since taking charge in December Martin O’Neill has revitalised the Black Cats, who have lost just twice in eight games. They have a poor record at Goodison Park though, without a win there since 1996. So with that and Everton’s Wembley dreams in mind, back this one to be a draw.
Prediction: 1-1 @ 6/1
Newcastle v Bolton
Newcastle (8/13) are flying at the moment, putting real pressure on the sides above them in the race for a top four place. They have won their last four games and, in Papiss Cisse, have a striker in deadly form. The Senegalese hitman has scored seven in his last four and is a good tip to open the scoring again here (3/1).
Bolton (7/2) meanwhile were brought back down to earth with a bump when Fulham thrashed them 3-0 at the Reebok on Saturday. That ended a run of three successive wins and it is difficult to see them bouncing back at St James’ Park on Monday.
Prediction: 3-0 to Newcastle @ 11/1
Tottenham v Norwich
Tottenham (2/7) boss Harry Redknapp insists his players are relaxed about their hopes of a top four place but it cannot be denied that things are beginning to get tight at the top, with just two points separating Spurs in third and Newcastle in sixth. They appear to have recovered from a mid-season wobble that saw them lose three on the bounce, making it five games unbeaten with a goalless draw at Sunderland on Saturday.
The Lilywhites are tackling a Norwich side (15/2) who all but secured safety against Everton on Saturday, with the point earned in the 2-2 draw taking them to 40 points. With top-flight status assured they may play with more freedom, which could spell danger for Tottenham, whatever Redknapp says about the state of mind of his own squad. However, Spurs seem to have too many match winners for this game not to go their way, although it should be close.
Prediction: 2-1 to Spurs @ 7/1
Aston Villa v Stoke
Villa (11/10) have had more than their fair share of problems this season but given their recent form, more drama lies in wait for Alex McLeish’s men between now and the end of the season. They may have claimed a hard-earned point at Anfield on Saturday but their run of just one win in ten means they sit just six points clear of danger. One would normally expect a team in Stoke’s (2/1) position – comfortably in mid-table on 41 points – to relax going into the final few games. However, any team managed by Tony Pulis is unlikely to let that happen and Villa are up against it if they are to claim a valuable win here – another score draw.
Prediction: 1-1 @ 11/2
Fulham v Chelsea
If Roberto Di Matteo doesn’t want the permanent Chelsea job, he isn’t doing a very good job. The Blues (11/10) have lost just one of his ten games in charge to remain in contention for the Champions League, FA Cup and a top four spot. Stamford Bridge chief executive Ron Gourlay has insisted that a top four place is their priority, meaning a victory in the west London derby is vital at Craven Cottage if they are to achieve their primary ambition. That is easier said than done though with Fulham (5/2) a much stronger outfit on home turf than on the road. They have won eight games at home this season – more than any other side outside the top six – and look capable of causing a shock here, especially with the in-form Clint Dempsey (15/2 first goalscorer) in their ranks.
Prediction: 2-1 Fulham @ 12/1
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