There are two Premier League matches on Sunday, with the focus very much on the race for European places with Newcastle entertaining Liverpool and Tottenham hosting Swansea.
The Magpies of course surprised everyone with their successful start to the season but continue to impress and still remain in contention for an unlikely Champions League berth.
Alan Pardew’s men are five points behind fourth-placed Spurs and level with Chelsea going into the weekend’s fixtures, while a victory on Sunday will take the Toon 11 points clear of Liverpool.
That would surely secure a Europa League spot at the very least if it were to happen, although the match betting suggests Liverpool will take the points as they are priced at 7/5, with Newcastle at 15/8 and the draw at 12/5.
However, Newcastle look good value to pick up the win as they have bounced back from a blip in form to record back-to-back wins, looking impressive last week in a 3-1 win at the Hawthorns.
The Magpies have only lost twice at home all season – to Chelsea and West Brom – while they have won five and drawn two of their seven games at St James’ Park this year.
Papiss Cisse has made a hugely impressive start to his career on the North East with five goals in just six appearances – only Wayne Rooney has scored more in the Premier League in that time – and he must be considered in the goal scoring markets, priced at 11/2 First/Last Goalscorer and 3/2 Anytime.
The Senegalese forward has forged a useful partnership with Demba Ba on Tyneside and looks better value to reward backers given that his compatriot (5/1 First/Last, 11/8 Anytime) has scored just once on his return from African Cup of Nations duty and none in his last six games.
Liverpool did beat Newcastle 3-1 in the reverse fixture at Anfield and have won six of the last seven meetings but look a shade short in the betting considering their recent run of form.
Kenny Dalglish’s men have lost five of their last six league matches, winning only two of 11 this year, have lost their last three on the road and have recently been beaten by strugglers QPR and Wigan.
Pardew enjoyed a 3-1 win in this fixture last season in his match at the helm and he can celebrate again come Sunday, which would all but secure that top six berth.
Spurs’ title challenge has petered out of late while they are also in danger of missing out on the Champions League but remain strong favourites at 2/5 to get back to winning ways in the league, with Swansea on offer at 15/2 and the draw at 7/2 in the match betting.
Harry Redknapp’s men have not won in the Premier League since trouncing Newcastle in February but of course have kept their FA Cup run going, impressing in a 3-1 win over Bolton on Tuesday.
It has not all been doom and gloom though in the top-flight of late and with a bit more luck could have picked up better results, but Aaron Lennon’s expected return is a welcome boost as it will restore a bit more balance to what is arguably the best footballing side in the division.
Swansea though have enjoyed their debut in the Premier League and have now won their last three matches on the road, despite only securing their first away-day success in January.
The Swans have also recently beaten Manchester City at the Liberty Stadium so will not be over-awed going to White Hart Lane, although Everton eased to a 2-0 win in South Wales last week.
The price about the Swans will look tempting to some with all the pressure on the hosts to come up with the goods, but that could still work in Spurs’ favour and there is no doubt they have the talent to beat any side on their day – and they need to to keep pace with arch rivals Arsenal.
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There is a triple header of La Liga action on Thursday which will have a big bearing on the outcomes at both ends of the table, with two Champions League chasers going head to head as well as struggling sides looking for points to beat the drop.
There is a full programme in the Championship on Saturday as the table begins to take shape nine games into the season and the stand-out match has to be the surprise package so far, Derby County, travelling to East Midlands rivals Leicester City.
With pre-season well underway and the transfer market continuing to build towards an exciting crescendo it’s time to begin looking at the best bets for the Premier League season.
Marcello Lippi’s provisional 30-man squad has been confirmed, with a blend of experience and fresh talent, la Nazionale will be hopeful of retaining the Cup they won in 2006.