Saturday and Sunday have a slate of games that peak the interest of many soccer fans. The Premier League and all other soccer leagues in Europe have gone on without a hitch, no bubble necessary. Soccer players would rather focus on their craft than be a distraction to the team compared to what we see in other leagues in America. These teams are flying all over Europe for club competitions and continue to not have any team outbreaks. With the race for the top of the Premier League heating up, many teams look to continue their push to be the kings of England. Every point will matter by season’s end. Here are my top 5 matches to watch this weekend:
5. Arsenal vs. Chelsea:
This season has been one to forget for Arsenal. Only four points up from being relegated, Arsenal needs to figure out how to play soccer once again. Chelsea sits 6 points from atop the Premier League but have hit a bit of a rough patch lately. Chelsea is 2-1-2 in their last five, whereas Arsenal is 1-1-3 in their last five. Nothing seems to click when Arsenal are on the pitch. You cannot blame the coach for the lack of production this season, but that is who everyone turns to blame. If Arsenal gets embarrassed by Chelsea this Saturday, I do see a change coming.
My Pick: Chelsea -108
4. Wolves vs. Tottenham:
We’ve got ourselves a couple of firecracker teams meeting this Sunday afternoon. In the last four meetings between these teams, they’ve split the matchups 2-2. In those four games, the lowest-scoring game was 2-1 in favor of Tottenham. Something to look at when you see the over/under is set at 2 ½ for the matchup. Tottenham had a rough two games with the loss to Liverpool and Leicester City but won today against Stoke City 3-1. Wolves last matchup would’ve ended in a shoutout loss if it wasn’t for a converted penalty kick in the 89th minute. Wolves are five points behind Tottenham in the standings, and more importantly, they are only 6 points out from a UEFA Champions League spot for next season. One thing to watch for is how the Wolves defense contains Tottenham striker Son Heung-min who has netted 11 goals and added 4 assists this season.
My Pick: Wolves +275/Over 2 ½ Goals -110
3. Liverpool vs. West Brom:
On paper, this match is going to be a blowout, which I’m thinking it will be. Liverpool will have over a week’s rest and will be able to put out their star-studded lineup. West Brom has to hope and pray they can stay in it for longer than the first 15 minutes. Liverpool is an exciting team to watch as they go for the Premier League repeat and are looking to become the kings of Europe for the second time in three years.
My Pick: Liverpool -840
2. Fulham vs. Southampton:
Southampton has surprised many this early in the season, sitting at 7th in the Premier League, only 2 points off from a UEFA bid. In the last four meetings between the two clubs, Southampton is 3-1, with their lone loss being a 3-2 defeat. Fulham is struggling with a 2-4-8 record and a -10 goal differential. If everything turns out perfect for Southampton, they have a chance to sit in second place by the weekend’s end.
My Pick: Southampton +128
1. Leicester City vs. Manchester United:
Great matchup this Saturday morning at 7:30 sharp. Leicester have won four of their last five, and Man U have gone 3-1-1. These teams are separated by one point, Leicester City sits in second, and Man U sits in third. These two teams are gunning for Liverpool’s top spot in the Premier League. It seems as though Leicester gets all three points or none at all. No draws this season for Leicester and five losses to go with their nine wins. The biggest advantage for Liverpool when it comes to the teams chasing them is their goal differential. Liverpool has a +17 GD, whereas Leicester has a +9 and Man U has a +7. Three points will go a long way this weekend.
My Pick: Draw +255
For more Premier League coverage, click here.
For a full look at the Premier League table, click here.
