The football action comes thick and fast this week, with no fewer than five fixtures on Wednesday night alone as Liverpool look to take another huge step towards clinching their first top-flight league title in 30 years.

But it’s not all about the glittering prize of the Premier League trophy; there’s plenty to play for at both ends of the table, with European qualification and Premier League survival up for grabs.

So here’s a look at all of Wednesday night’s fixtures and just where the points might be heading.

 

Newcastle v Aston Villa

On paper, Newcastle don’t have a lot to play for as they currently sit comfortably in mid-table, but the Magpies seem to have had a new lease of life since the takeover news has escalated from rumours to a probability.

As a result, Steve Bruce is somewhat under the cosh and is determined to stay on as Newcastle manager, despite rumours that former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino will take over next season.

Not surprising then that the Toon returned from the Coronavirus break with a convincing 3-0 over Sheffield Utd and now face Aston Villa, who are involved in a full-blown relegation battle themselves.

Villa may have taken the lead against Chelsea, only to let it slip in a matter of minutes, but points will do them the world of good, as it should take them out of the relegation zone, but it won’t be an easy one.

Prediction:  Newcastle to Win and Both Teams to Score

Man Utd v Sheffield Utd

Manchester United will be favourites going into this clash; no doubt boosted by their draw against Spurs in an entertaining encounter last Friday night.

But what makes this fixture fascinating is the prospect of Bruno Fernandes joining forces with Paul Pogba, who came on as a sub in North London having finally looked to have put his troubles behind him.

The Red Devils might have begun slowly that night, but eventually got into the groove and picked up a valuable point; however, Sheffield United should not be taken lightly and don’t forget, they are still in contention for a European spot themselves with just two points separating the sides.

The Blades might have lost against Newcastle, but only a fool would dismiss their ability to rise to this occasion and maybe the question should be, after a 3-3 draw the last time these two met at Bramall Lane, will there be as many goals again at Old Trafford?

Prediction:  Bruno Fernandes to Score

Liverpool v Crystal Palace

Expect The Reds to come out of the blocks firing on all cylinders at Anfield on Wednesday night, especially after something of a drab 0-0 against near-neighbours Everton, knowing they need just five more points to clinch their first-ever Premier League title.

At home, Liverpool have won all of their last 15 matches and that is just one of many impressive stats, whereas Crystal Palace will look to put up a fight themselves, having registered  4 straight victories without conceding a goal.

Their head-to-head is not something which Crystal Palace will be looking a which much confidence, however, as The Reds have won their last five when these two have met and there is little to suggest anything will change on Wednesday in front of an empty Kop.

Prediction:  Liverpool to Lead at Half Time and Win

Wolves v Bournemouth

Wolves returned after the Coronavirus break with a solid, if not impressive, victory away to a West Ham team who looked lacking of any kind of clear game plan and staring relegation squarely in the face.

Even so, Nuno’s men played out a typical Wolves game plan, with the trump card being the extra firepower provided by the key substitutions of Adama Traoré and Pedro Neto.

The break could have worked out perfectly for Wolves to push on to try and mount a serious challenge for fourth spot despite this being their 11th-month of competitive football this season.

Bournemouth, on the other hand, returned with a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace, though no doubt Eddie Howe will be demanding a reaction from his team after that poor showing; but facing a Wolves team who are unbeaten in there last five games at home also without conceding a goal will be a tough ask.

The home team should be too strong here, but to boost the odds a little we suggest using the FansBet bet builder tool to add into the mix a more open second half like so many Wolves games this season.

Prediction: Wolves to Win and Over 1.5 Second Half Goals

Norwich v Everton

Bottom side Norwich come into this one on the back of a heavy 3-0 loss to Southampton at the weekend, while Everton, to their credit, put in a gritty performance as they held Liverpool to a 0-0 draw on their first game back after the break.

The Toffees were close to stealing a dramatic victory on Sunday, but there is a danger we could see their season fizzle out as they sit mid-table over the next couple of weeks.

Norwich, on the other hand, have everything to play for as they are desperate for points to close the gap on the teams above them, so expect to see a more defensively tight Norwich which makes under 2.5 goals an appealing betting angle if not for any neutrals watching.

Prediction Under 2.5 Goals

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