Midweek Football Picks and Fantasy Football 2021 (May 18-19)

The short turnaround from GameWeek 36 to GameWeek 37 is a difficult one for players, but I expect the home teams to be given a huge boost from the returning fans.

You can read my thoughts on the fixtures to be played over the next two days as well as my Fantasy plans for this GameWeek having been hit with another injury.

Manchester United v Fulham Pick: The Premier League is winding down over the next few days and this is the last home game Manchester United will be playing this season.

Like the rest of the clubs in the Division, the final home game will be played in front of the supporters who have been locked out of their grounds since March 2019 and there sounds like being around 10,000 Manchester United fans at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Unlike other clubs, those fans might be ready to remind the owners of their disgust at their stewardship, but I also think they will get behind the players who are looking to end this campaign with silverware. Manchester United have lost back to back games at Old Trafford, but they will be looking for some momentum to take them towards the Europa League Final and this looks a very good opportunity to get back to winning ways.

I expect Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to pick a strong line up in a bid to get back to winning ways, and he might not have been able to select a much better opponent.

Fulham have gone down with a whimper and the team are really struggling to be competitive at both ends of the field. They are allowing big chances and not creating as much as they were a few weeks ago and it is no surprise that recent defeats have come in comfortable fashion on the scoreboard.

The latest was the 3-1 defeat at Southampton and I do think the Fulham squad are perhaps not very focused at the moment. Many of them will be returning to their parent clubs having been on loan at Fulham and that means there is some uncertainty about their futures, a distraction that could see Fulham struggle in their remaining two fixtures.

Defeats in 7 of their last 8 Premier League games and in 3 of their last 4 away Premier League games is a huge blow for Fulham's confidence. They have a really poor record at Old Trafford and I think the push from the supporters will see Manchester United come through with a relatively comfortable win on the day.

Manchester United had won 5 in a row at home before the back to back losses to Champions League chasing Leicester City and Liverpool, but Fulham are not of that quality. The home team should have the attacking players to break down the Fulham defences and I think it will result in a win by a couple of goals on the day.

Southampton v Leeds United Pick: Both Southampton and Leeds United might still be chasing spots above them in the Premier League table, but in the main these two clubs have nothing to lose when they face each other on Tuesday afternoon.

That can only be good news for the neutrals with two managers who like to see their teams get forward and cause problems for opponents in the home and away dugout. Both Ralph Hasenhuttl and Marcelo Bielsa like to see their teams press the opponent into mistakes, but also get forward in numbers and I think Southampton and Leeds United could produce some fireworks for the home fans who are finally back at St Mary's.

There are some quality attacking players on the field playing in both home and away colours and an early goal would really spark the fixture.

Goals have been flowing in recent Southampton and Leeds United games and you would think an early goal would really open this entire fixture up. The two teams are scoring plenty, but they are looking far from watertight at the back which makes picking a winner a little more difficult, although everything is pointing to this being one of those high-scoring end of season games.

When Leeds United hosted Southampton, three goals were shared out.

In each of their last 2 Premier League fixtures coming into this one, there has been four goals shared out in those and the chances are that this fixture leans towards that mark again. Neither team is likely going to sit on a lead unless we are down to the final minutes and that attacking enterprise should see a few goals shared out on the day.

Brighton v Manchester City Pick: This should be a decent game of football with the styles that both Graham Potter and Pep Guardiola implement on their teams.

When Manchester City and Brighton met earlier this season, Guardiola was very complimentary with the performance of the latter although his Manchester City team continue to get the better of Brighton.

Manchester City have won all 7 Premier League games and also a FA Cup Semi Final against Brighton since the latter returned to the top flight. The 1-0 win earlier this season was closer than expected, but Manchester City have won 1-4 and 0-5 in their last two visits to the Amex Stadium and injuries in the home camp certainly make them vulnerable.

Brighton did dig in and earn a result against West Ham United, but Manchester City showed against Newcastle United that standards have not slipped despite winning the Premier League title. That was a much changed Manchester City team, but I would expect the manager to pick stronger elevens in the final two Premier League games to make sure key players are well prepared for the Champions League Final.

Both Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez look to be influential figures for Manchester City in the Champions League Final but have played very few minutes in the last couple of Premier League games. That rest should mean they are available for selection and ready to go in the final two Premier League games and I expect Manchester City to have a bit too much for a Brighton team who have just slowed down in the underlying numbers in recent games.

Brighton are unbeaten in 4 at home which makes them a confident team, but they were a little fortunate to hold West Ham United on Saturday.

Now they face a Manchester City team who have won 12 in a row away from home in the Premier League and I do think the visitors will have a bit too much for them here. Chances should be created by the Champions and I think their performances in visits to the Amex Stadium suggests they will be able to win this game by a couple of goals on the day.

Chelsea v Leicester City Pick: The FA Cup Final has been won by Leicester City and they should have a big mental edge going into this pivotal top four clash at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

Brendan Rodgers will know he is still going to be judged on whether or not his Leicester City can avoid another late collapse to fall out of the top four places and this is a big game for them. The results over the last eight days have given Leicester City control of one of the top four positions, but a defeat would leave them vulnerable and they are likely going to be without Jonny Evans.

The leadership will be missed, but Leicester City will feel they were able to defend against Chelsea with a lot of success on Saturday even after Evans was forced off. That will be encouraging, although Leicester City will want to pose more of an attacking threat having scored a special goal to win the Cup Final but not really creating a lot else.

Thomas Tuchel's team are under pressure after back to back 0-1 defeats with the lack of consistency in the final third hurting Chelsea. They play a lot of good football, but the final pass or finish has let them down and anything less than a win on Tuesday will give Leicester City and Liverpool the advantage in the race for a top four finish.

Pressure has only increased after losing the FA Cup Final, but Chelsea will feel they have been defending well enough to at least contain Leicester City in this one.

The Cup Final was a tight, competitive contest and I can only see this Premier League game following suit. Chelsea had the better of the chances on Saturday and I would not be surprised if they did win this one, but Leicester City can dig in and try and counter their hosts which will suit their game.

An early goal could spark the game, but Chelsea games have been tight in recent weeks and the margins are very fine in their performances. I expect the manager to still want his team to be largely secure defensively and hope for something to break in the final third, but Leicester City can keep this one close and then look to exploit spaces if Chelsea get desperate.

Goals might end up being at a premium on Tuesday evening and I think another tight final scoreline will be in the offing.

Everton v Wolves Pick: Two out of form teams meet on Wednesday in the Premier League and ambitions for both Everton and Wolves have not been met so far this season.

Ultimately it is too late for Wolves who are set for a bottom half finish as injuries have hurt what has been small squad in recent seasons. That was always the worry for Wolves and this summer the transfer window is going to be important to strengthen in order to perform much higher up the standings next time around.

There is still the faintest of hopes for Everton to earn a top seven finish and a return to European Football, but the 0-1 defeat to Sheffield United has likely ended those barring upsets and other results going their way. At this point the sole focus has to be on winning this Premier League game, but it is very difficult to trust Everton considering their lack of goals and performances at Goodison Park.

However, there is the boost of playing this fixture in front of supporters and that may just push Everton to ending their run without a victory here. They are also facing a Wolves team who are struggling for consistency and who have had a hard time scoring goals without Raul Jimenez.

Pace in the final third makes Wolves potentially dangerous, but Everton should be able to create chances in this game. They have not capitalised on those in recent games, and the first goal is going to be critical in this one between two out of form and unconfident teams.

Everton should have the slightly superior attacking options though and I think they may just edge this. They are not easy to trust considering form at home, but the supporters can push Everton over the line in this one and I think they can earn the three points.

Newcastle United v Sheffield United Pick: You would be foolish to ignore Sheffield United’s win at Everton on Sunday, but the underlying numbers suggest this team have been out of their League this season and on another day they would not have secured a positive result.

The squad are trying and they are playing with relative ease, but Sheffield United were fortunate that Everton made some big mistakes which ultimately cost them at both ends of the field.

They may have the same outcome on Wednesday when travelling to Newcastle United, but the home team have been playing with real attacking intent and have been creating and scoring chances. Losing Callum Wilson is a blow for Steve Bruce and his team, but Newcastle United have been scoring goals and that makes them very dangerous.

It is a significant edge over Sheffield United who simply don’t offer the same attacking threat on a consistent basis and I think that is going to be the key difference here.

A place in the Premier League has been secured so the Newcastle United fans should be fully behind their players without putting them under undue pressure and that is key for the home team.

Winning has not been easy for Newcastle United all season, but they do score goals and that is likely going to help them secure the points here against a goal-shy Sheffield United team. At St James’ Park in particular Newcastle United have got forward and scored goals and I think they will secure a narrow victory on Wednesday.

Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pick: The Europa League may not be a top priority for clubs in England, but playing in any kind of European competition is important for Tottenham Hotspur with the extra revenue generated for the club not to be ignored.

The new format of the competition may also make life a little easier for those clubs involved in the Europa League and Tottenham Hotspur will be looking for two wins this week to confirm their top six finish in the Premier League.

This does look the 'easier' of the two fixtures left as Tottenham Hotspur complete their home schedule with fans back in the stands. The side have won 6 of their last 7 at home in the Premier League which includes all 3 games played here under Ryan Mason and the manager has tended to pick attacking teams to get Spurs on the front foot.

Aston Villa's poor second half of the season has seen them struggle having overperformed the numbers earlier this campaign. They have returned closer to the mean over the last couple of months, although losing Jack Grealish to injury was a severe blow for the team.

Jack Grealish may start this game which will give Aston Villa more of a threat going forward and especially against a vulnerable Tottenham Hotspur defence. However, Spurs will definitely feel confident in breaking down the Aston Villa defence which has given up some big chances in recent matches and who have lost 3 of their last 5 away Premier League games.

The visitors are conceding too many goals of late and Tottenham Hotspur have the attacking talent to hurt them. Spurs have won their last couple of games at home with comfortable scores and they have been creating enough chances to believe they can win this one with some relative comfort too.

Crystal Palace v Arsenal Pick: In general terms this looks like a London derby with very little on the line for both Crystal Palace and Arsenal, although the latter will be looking to keep the pressure on those teams in the European places and at least have a chance of a top seven finish on the final day of the season.

Some of that is out of their hands, but Arsenal have won their last 3 away Premier League games without conceding a goal and will believe they can earn a victory here and then hope Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United slip up.

Crystal Palace have secured Premier League Football and they are not able to finish in the top half, but motivation for the players will be playing in front of supporters. The fans have been missed at Selhurst Park, while another motivation is giving Roy Hodgson the send off he deserves after the manager announced he will be leaving Crystal Palace at the end of the season.

On Sunday the players showed they are willing to fight for their manager even with very little to play for and they came from behind to beat Aston Villa 3-2. In their last few Premier League games, Crystal Palace have been playing with attacking freedom and creating chances and they have given Arsenal plenty to think about in recent matches between the clubs.

Arsenal have been finishing the Premier League season with momentum which makes them dangerous, but they were a touch fortunate to secure a 0-1 win at Chelsea last week. The team are well rested which makes life more difficult for Crystal Palace, but I think the motivation to perform for their retiring manager will see The Eagles put up plenty of fight and I would be surprised if they are seen off easily on their current form.

Burnley v Liverpool Pick: You do have to wonder if fate is on Liverpool's side having scored a late winner at West Brom and through the goalkeeper no less.

That victory means Liverpool are favourites to finish in the top four positions in the Premier League, but Jurgen Klopp will be looking for a little more composure when it comes to the final third. His team created enough chances to win at The Hawthorns without the need for an injury time strike, but Liverpool need to be more clinical in the final third.

They could be facing the right opponent on Wednesday as they take on a Burnley team that have conceded eight goals in their last 3 at Turf Moor. The latest result on this ground saw Burnley beaten 0-4 by Leeds United this past Saturday, although Sean Dyche will feel his team did enough in the final third to have scored on the day and at least put some pressure on their visitors.

Burnley have posed an attacking threat and will feel this Liverpool defence is plenty vulnerable to their front two. It will give Burnley a chance of an upset and the fans will also be in the Stadium to give the players another boost, but Burnley have struggled when hosting Liverpool who have plenty of attacking threats of their own.

In recent games Burnley have struggled defensively and could be without Nick Pope again which is a huge blow for them.

I do think Burnley will cause problems for Liverpool, but the visitors are creating plenty of chances and a little more composure could lead to a comfortable win on the day. Liverpool have won 1-3 and 0-3 in their last couple of visits to Turf Moor and I think they are likely going to match those margins in this fixture as they look to move into the top four before the final fixture to be played this Sunday.

West Brom v West Ham United Pick: There might not be much for West Brom to play for, but they showed their desire in the narrow defeat to Liverpool on Sunday. The big question has to be how much that fixture has taken out of the players, although any sense of fatigue can only be replaced by the adrenaline boost the fans should be able to give the squad on Wednesday.

Returning fans is huge for clubs and players and I do think West Brom will be able to cause some problems for West Ham United. At home they have been creating chances, although defensively it has been hard work for The Baggies and Sam Allardyce has not been able to make them much tougher at the back.

The manager will be looking to get one over one of his former employers though and I think he will pick a West Brom team that will look to make life tough for a West Ham United team who need the points.

That need does bring a pressure of its own and West Ham United have struggled just as it looked like they might surprisingly push for one of the Champions League places on offer in the Premier League. They have won just 1 of their last 5 Premier League games and West Ham United have lost 3 of those which makes it difficult to pick them to win at odds on.

I imagine those prices are based on West Ham United 'needing' to win, but this is a squad that has just struggled in recent weeks. They are still favourites to earn a place in Europe, but West Ham United are under pressure to pick up a result before hosting Southampton in front of their fans this weekend.

West Ham United did play well at Brighton and create the better chances, but they are vulnerable at the back and they could be exposed by their hosts if getting desperate.

This has the makings of a tense game and I think both teams will have their chances with the first goal likely to be very important. Either way I would be surprised if West Brom capitulate in their final home game and with the fans behind them and I think they can at least push West Ham United all the way.

MY PICKS: Manchester United - 1.25 Asian Handicap

Southampton-Leeds United Over 3.5 Goals

Manchester City - 1 Asian Handicap

Chelsea-Leicester City Under 2.5 Goals

Everton

Newcastle United

Tottenham Hotspur - 1 Asian Handicap

Crystal Palace + 1 Asian Handicap

Liverpool - 1.75 Asian Handicap

West Brom + 1 Asian Handicap

Fantasy Football GameWeek 37

I had to take a hit in GameWeek 36 with the four teams blanking on FA Cup Final Weekend, but even then I ended up with only nine players producing minutes.

To pick up 47 points (- 8 for hits) was a decent enough return, but the injury sustained by Diogo Jota has ruled him out of the season so it really was a poor transfer decision.

Unsurprisingly Jota is going to be replaced by me this week and I am targeting Raphinha from Leeds United as the replacement- I mentioned last week that Leeds United had three relatively good looking fixtures to play and the 0-4 win at Burnley on Saturday suggests Marcelo Bielsa has his team ready to produce a big finish.

Raphinha has only recently returned from an injury which may mean minutes being managed over the last week, but I would be surprised if he does not start both remaining games. Bringing him in also means I can likely make solid changes for the final GameWeek of the season and produce a strong eleven to conclude this Fantasy season, especially as I get to leave some money in the bank ahead of GameWeek 38.

I will put up my GameWeek 37 team on Twitter at around 5:30pm, but remember the deadline is an hour earlier on Tuesday.

Weekend Football Picks and Fantasy Football 2020 (July 18-22)

The FA Cup Semi Final matches are to be played on Saturday and Sunday this week, but the Premier League is also entering its penultimate round of the season as GW37 begins on Saturday afternoon.

The four teams involved in the Semi Final have had their League matches pushed back to Tuesday and Wednesday and then the final games of the 2019/20 season will be played at the same time on Sunday. There is still plenty to play for at both the top and bottom of the table, but the tight window to fit in all the football needed to complete the season does mean that there is more thinking time for players to analyse what kind of results they need to achieve their ambitions for the campaign.

I am not sure that is helping or hindering, but teams are responding to the pressure in a better way than I may have imagined. That also goes for the Championship where Leeds United are a point away from securing their place back in the Premier League after a long absence and both West Brom and Brentford are still fighting to join them.


This week the top four race in the Premier League will see Leicester City try and set the standard for the results when they play on the same day Manchester United face Chelsea in the FA Cup Semi Final. A win for Leicester City will mean a draw on the final day is likely to be enough to earn a Champions League spot, but they face Tottenham Hotspur who are desperately trying to earn their spot in the Europa League.

Later this week Manchester United and Chelsea have big Premier League games to try and put themselves in commanding spots for the top four places too and there is a feeling the Cup Semi Final may give the winning team the momentum and the losing team in a poor spot going into the final week of the Premier League season.


Down the bottom both Bournemouth and Aston Villa may look at their remaining fixture list and believe the 'great escape' is still on. They've both earned big points over the last week and in their final home games they will be chasing wins that will put some serious pressure on the loser of the big West Ham United versus Watford game which is played on Friday night.

Watford need the win more on that evening with Manchester City and Arsenal to round out the season and that would also potentially leave a huge West Ham United versus Aston Villa clash to come on the final day of the season.


Things will definitely be a lot, lot clearer by the time this penultimate round of fixtures are completed- it is also a big round for those chasing points in the Fantasy Football game and I will have more thoughts on that below.

Before that you can read my thoughts on the upcoming Premier League games and the two FA Cup Semi Final matches below.


Arsenal v Manchester City Pick: Mikel Arteta has some inside knowledge of Manchester City, but passing that on to players that are clearly not as good as those that Pep Guardiola can call upon doesn't mean an awful lot.

Arteta's Arsenal team did start brightly when these teams met last month, but Manchester City ended up warming up to the task and were comfortable 3-0 winners at the Etihad Stadium. They were aided massively that day by David Luiz who made a mistake to allow Raheem Sterling in for the opener and was then sent off while giving away a penalty early in the second half.

Since the opening two games of the resumption, Arsenal have won 5 of 7 games in all competitions. However you do have to worry about the amount of chances they have given up in the last couple of games and I am not going to read too much into a very fortunate win over a Liverpool team that have seemingly come off the boil since winning the title.

The Gunners can't rely on that this weekend when facing Manchester City who have rested some key players and have been creating chances for fun. They were not at their best in the 2-1 win over Bournemouth on Wednesday, but Manchester City should have the confidence of Aymeric Laporte back in the team, while a fully rested Kevin De Bruyne is a real threat to Arsenal.

Kevin De Bruyne has already scored three times against Arsenal this season and I do think Manchester City are going to have large periods of control in this one.

Arsenal have been clinical in front of goal and have players who can produce the stunning finish, but defensively there are holes. They are going to need Manchester City to be as wasteful in front of goal as Liverpool were to have any chance, but I think that is a long shot.

Manchester City have beaten Arsenal 7 times in a row and I simply can't see that run ending here. All of those wins have come by two or more goal margins including a 3-0 win in the League Cup Final in 2018 and I do think the defending FA Cup Winners will have too much on the day.

I have to respect the fact that Arsenal have managed to stay in games where they have been put under intense pressure, but this Manchester City have been blowing past teams when they get the wind in their sails. I would worry for Arsenal if they concede first and I will back Manchester City to win by two or more goals in the first of the FA Cup Semi Finals to be played this weekend.


Manchester United v Chelsea Pick: The second Semi Final in the FA Cup this weekend looks to be a very competitive affair, although you can understand the reasons Manchester United are favourites to win this one.

They have beaten Chelsea in all 3 meetings in 2019/20 and Manchester United have found goals fairly easy to come by in those wins. They are also unbeaten in 6 against Chelsea since losing to them in the FA Cup Final at the end of the 2017/18 season, while Manchester United are unbeaten in 19 in all competitions and their last 12 away from Old Trafford.

Chelsea have been in anything but poor form having won 8 of their last 10 in all competitions, but they have lost 2 of their last 3 away from Stamford Bridge. A bigger worry is the amount of goals conceded in those games (8) and if the recovery time between games was the same for both clubs I would really like Manchester United to win this one.

I still give the favourites the edge, but I don't think it should be underestimated the advantage Chelsea potentially have with the way the schedule has worked out.

The Blues played at home on Tuesday, but Manchester United have had to travel down to London on Thursday and then return to Manchester before making another long journey down to the capital on Sunday. This comes at the end of a week when Manchester United also played on Monday night and there have been one or two signs of fatigue in a squad that has been heavily relying on their starting eleven.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can't really freshen up the team in the way he would like without weakening the starting eleven, but he will be confident his attacking players are performing well enough to expose Chelsea's soft underbelly.

However, it has to be noted that Chelsea are playing well going forward themselves and they managed to give some key players a bit of rest in their 1-0 win over Norwich City.

Neither manager is likely to play a cautious style and I do think the amount of football being played over the last month will have an affect in this one. The key for Manchester United is to get on the front foot early and make Chelsea open up, while Frank Lampard may want to ride out the early storm with the expectation that his team will likely have more in the legs the longer this game goes.

You can't ignore how well Manchester United have seemingly matched up with Chelsea this season, although the results have perhaps been a little harsh on the West London club. 10 of the last 16 FA Cup Semi Finals have ended with at least three goals shared out and both Manchester United and Chelsea have produced plenty of positive attacking football over the last month coupled with some iffy performances at the back to believe this could be the latest Semi Final to trend in the goals direction.

I still give Manchester United a narrow lean, but the scheduling alarms me and instead I will back goals to be the outcome of the second Semi Final.


Norwich City v Burnley Pick: It has been a hard month for Norwich City who have shown very little fight to avoid the drop.

This isn't down to a lack of effort, but Norwich City have simply been short of quality at either ends of the pitch at this level. They don't create enough chances and they don't defend well enough and ultimately that is not a recipe that will enable a team to avoid relegation.

Norwich City have lost all 4 Premier League games played here since the three month break and they have not scored in any of those. There haven't been a lot of chances for them, although they are facing a Burnley team who have been giving up some big opportunities without being punished.

Confidence is flowing in the away dressing room as they have battled through difficult moments to find big results. Burnley are unbeaten in 3 away Premier League games and have kept 2 clean sheets in that time so the feeling is that they will be a little too good for Norwich City in this one too.

Burnley have recently won at Crystal Palace and West Ham United and in the last three seasons they do have a 3-4-2 record away from home against those clubs that have been relegated. This season they have won at three of the five clubs that are sitting immediately above Norwich City and been unbeaten in the other League games.

The squad is stretched by injury, but I still think there is enough quality from set pieces that could give Burnley the edge here. I would expect Norwich City to put in a huge effort to end their losing run in the League in their final home game, but they have simply not been up to task of late and Burnley securing a narrow win looks the most likely outcome of this one.


Bournemouth v Southampton Pick: There is plenty more on the line for Bournemouth compared with Southampton in this South Coast derby, but the home team are going to get anything but an easy ride.

Despite having little to play for, Southampton have been playing with verve and attacking intent and that has helped produce a 5 game unbeaten run. They are also unbeaten in 4 away from St Mary's and have played their best football away from their own Stadium, while Southampton look to be creating chances for fun at the moment.

An injury hit Bournemouth defence is going to struggle to contain them if Southampton are anything near the standards they set in draws at Everton and Manchester United. With Danny Ings still hoping to chase down the Golden Boot I do think Southampton are going to provide plenty of threat here.

However, Southampton are far from watertight at the back and that has to be encouragement for Bournemouth who likely need two wins from their remaining two Premier League games if they are going to avoid the drop.

Eddie Howe will feel there is every chance Bournemouth can do that having seen his team impress against Leicester City and Manchester City over the last eight days. The team look to have suddenly have been given a huge shot of confidence and Bournemouth are producing the kind of attacking threat which had seemingly disappeared down the stretch.

A bit of good fortune helped on their way to the win over Leicester City last weekend, but that has encouraged the players and I do think Bournemouth will get forward and attack this game.

Everything is pointing to goals even though the South Coast derby at the Vitality Stadium has tended to be tighter affairs than the fixture played at St Mary's. Earlier this season four goals were shared out when these teams met at Southampton which means the last 3 at St Mary's have ended with three or more goals shared out, but the last 2 here have finished up with low-scoring draws being the outcome.

The situation should make this an open game and both teams have been creating plenty of chances to believe we will see goals here.


Tottenham Hotspur v Leicester City Pick: This is a huge game for both Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City who are both aiming for European competition next season. At least Leicester City are secured of playing in the Europa League, but Brendan Rodgers and his team are hoping for a Champions League berth, while Tottenham Hotspur are desperate to at least be playing in the Europa League.

Both teams had impressive wins during the week against Newcastle United and Sheffield United respectively, but I think both Jose Mourinho and Brendan Rodgers know this will be a much more difficult outing for their teams.

Chances may not be flowing in this fixture, but I do have to give the edge to Tottenham Hotspur who are playing at home.

Tottenham Hotspur have won their last 3 games here and deservedly so and now host a Leicester City who have lost 4 of their last 7 away games in all competitions and failed to win any of those. The absence of James Maddison is a real blow for Leicester City, although Jamie Vardy will be confident his pace can hurt an ageing Tottenham Hotspur back line.

Ultimately Leicester City have not been creating a lot of chances away from home of late and if you take away the nine goals scored at Southampton you would note they have only scored 22 goals in 17 away games.

In recent matches this is a team struggling to create good chances in the final third and Tottenham Hotspur have defended well enough at home to believe they can at least contain their visitors.

Jose Mourinho's tactics can be difficult to watch at times, but Tottenham Hotspur have created decent chances in their last 3 home games. They have won all 3 and the win at Newcastle United will have continued the good feeling around the club who can put the pressure on those around them by winning on Sunday.

Tottenham Hotspur have won their last 2 home games against Leicester City and they might have a narrow edge in this one. I just think Spurs are creating the better chances of the two teams of late and having home advantage may be enough to secure a narrow win here.


Brighton v Newcastle United Pick: There isn't as much on the line in this fixture as the thinking may have been back in August, but both Brighton and Newcastle United have performed well enough to earn their spot in the Premier League.

Brighton are not mathematically safe just yet, but they have a vasty superior goal difference to Aston Villa and Bournemouth and it would be a stunning turn of events that would send them down now.

That should give the players some freedom and Graham Potter has refused to change the style with his team looking to get forward and play enterprising football. It has been effective at bringing more entertainment for the fans, but Brighton have not been as strong defensively as they were under Chris Hughton.

However, the attacking style will work well against a Newcastle United team who have achieved all they can and who have looked shaky at the back in the last couple of weeks. Injuries have been piling up and Steve Bruce may already be thinking about the improvements he will need to make for the squad to perhaps push on next season.

At least his team have still looked a threat going forward and they will likely find some spaces to exploit too in a game that could be more entertaining than most would believe. Newcastle United have scored goals aplenty since the restart (at least when they are not facing Manchester City) and they do have players who can make a big difference for them.

Both teams should find a way to hit the net so the attacking players could be interesting 'cheaper' choices for those playing the Fantasy game. I honestly would not be surprised if we see at least three goals produced with a 2-1 scoreline either way looking the most likely outcome of the fixture.


Sheffield United v Everton Pick: It might have been a disappointing 2-0 defeat at the King Power Stadium for Sheffield United, but Chris Wilder and the squad know it is not one that has ended their chances of playing European Football for the first time. They have to respond on Monday when they host Everton, but there is every chance they can do that when you consider some of the levels produced by Carlo Ancelotti's men over the last couple of weeks.

Reaching acceptable standards is the minimum Chris Wilder accepts at Sheffield United and I do expect a reaction from his team to their defeat at Leicester City.

The Blades will work hard and they might have too much intensity for Everton, especially at home. Sheffield United had won 3 of their previous 4 Premier League games before the loss to Leicester City, while they have won 4 home League games in succession and have looked very good in doing that.

I expect Sheffield United will have the better of the chances in this one and their visitors have just had a few issues at the back which have been exposed since their win over Leicester City. Everton have been conceding far too many chances and I do think the home team can expose those problems.

To make matters tougher for Everton, they have lost some consistency going forward and breaking down Sheffield United has been a tough task for many this season. The side have lost 4 of their last 5 away Premier League games and Everton have not scored in their last 2 on their travels.

The one concern for Sheffield United is that they have not always been clinical in the final third- the first goal will be huge in this fixture, but I do think Chris Wilder will have his team coming out with a lot more intensity than Everton and that can see them control the fixture and produce a big win.

All signs are pointing towards the home team being the more likely winner, although the last few games in any Premier League season can produce some surprising results. The pressure is on Sheffield United to win the game if they want to earn a place in the Europa League, but I think Chris Wilder will have them ready to produce.


Wolves v Crystal Palace Pick: Roy Hodgson will not want his Crystal Palace team to end the season with eight straight Premier League losses, but injuries are piling up at the back and this is a team who do not score a lot of goals to make up for that.

In their last 6 defeats, Crystal Palace have conceded at least twice in 5 of those. Their last 3 away defeats have all come by two or more goal margins at Liverpool, Leicester City and Aston Villa and the squad is stretched.

This should be the kind of game that Wolves take advantage of, although it does have to be said that Nuno Espirito Santo's team can be one that works hard and doesn't really blow teams away. They dropped two points last week at Burnley, but Wolves have had time to prepare for this fixture and they have won 4 of their last 6 at home.

The 3-0 win over Everton was helped by goals either side of half time, but Wolves will be confident they can create chances against a Crystal Palace team who have struggled at the back. Crystal Palace have been giving up some big chances through the last month and away from home they have really been struggling which can be exposed by Wolves.

The home team will have to bare their teeth and make sure they don't allow Crystal Palace to hang around when they can become very dangerous with nothing to lose.

I do believe Wolves can do that though with Raul Jimenez back amongst the goals and Crystal Palace slumping towards the end of the season. Wolves have kept clean sheets in 6 of their last 7 at home in all competitions and they have largely been able to contain their opponents.

Now they face a Crystal Palace team who have failed to score in 5 of their last 6 Premier League games including in each of the last 3 away from home. You can never discount the likes of Wilfried Zaha or Andros Townsend doing something special to change that, but Wolves have largely defended very well and I think they are more likely to win this game with a clean sheet to boot.


Watford v Manchester City Pick: After winning the domestic treble last season, Manchester City are 'only' going to win one of the three trophies they compete for in England this time around. It is a hugely disappointing season, but Pep Guardiola will be reminding his players that there is still the huge prize of the Champions League on offer.

The defeat to Arsenal in the FA Cup Semi Final is a huge blow for Manchester City and the final two Premier League games is a chance to earn some momentum before the Champions League resumes. They didn't play badly against Arsenal, but the attacking play was largely predictable and defensively Manchester City continue to offer out chances to opponents.

Away from home they have really begun to struggle with 4 losses in their last 6 games played away from the Etihad Stadium.

However no one can take anything for granted against Manchester City who have been creating plenty of chances and who thumped Brighton 0-5 at the Amex Stadium in their last away Premier League game.

Watford know all about the kind of devastating attacking football Manchester City can play having lost 4 of the last 7 against them by five or more goal margins. Even hosting the game at Vicarage Road hasn't helped much with 4 losses in a row to Manchester City and those coming by a 2-15 margin.

The home team have won back to back games here, but they were behind to both Norwich City and Newcastle United and recovering from a goal down against Manchester City is a completely different kettle of fish. Nigel Pearson will also have been disgusted to see the level produced in Watford's 3-1 loss at West Ham United on Friday evening and will know that it simply is not going to be good enough against a team as powerful as Manchester City.

Nigel Pearson may get a break if Manchester City make big changes to the starting eleven, but I expect a strong team to be selected as Pep Guardiola looks for a big response to the Cup defeat. They should be able to expose the issues Watford have had at the back, although the home team could play their part with the pace they have in the final third and with Troy Deeney up front.

Even then it is a big ask for Watford to contain Manchester City and I think they will be too good on the day. They have responded to their last 4 defeats by winning the next game by at least two goals and I would expect the visitors to be a little more clinical in the final third which can set them on the way to a comfortable win here.


[UPDATE] Since writing this preview the surprising news out of Vicarage Road was that Nigel Pearson was being sacked with two games left. It is very difficult to know how the players will respond over the last week of the season, while most fans and neutrals will feel the decision is very harsh on Pearson.

Ultimately Watford have usually made the right choices when it comes to changing direction with their manager, but this is going to be a tight finish. There was clearly some real disappointment in the performance at at West Ham United and Watford may need help to survive the drop considering which two opponents they have left.

We may see a big reaction from the home team with a new voice to listen to, but even now I would be surprised if Manchester City don't dominate the game and prove too strong when all is said and done.


Aston Villa v Arsenal Pick: This is not an easy game to get a read on, but it looks like being one that is arguably more important for Aston Villa than Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta's men are desperate to return to European competition, but results have gone against them over the last two weeks and they may effectively be out of contention by the time this fixture kicks off. That would mean the focus is on the FA Cup and it is not out of the question that Arteta will rotate his first eleven who have put in a huge effort to see off Liverpool and Manchester City in back to back games.

Those are impressive wins at any time of the season, but Arsenal have not been dominant and perhaps been fortunate to have won both games. In terms of chances they have been dominated, but Arsenal do have clinical attacking players who have to be respected.

They are players who can cause a host of problems for Aston Villa, although I do think Dean Smith's team have defended much better this side of the three month break. 4 points from the last 6 available has given Aston Villa a shot in the arm in their fight against relegation and this is a team who have been creating chances and perhaps deserved more points than they have earned.

A part of the problem is that Aston Villa do not have a striker who can be relied upon to score the chances that do come their way, but I think they have players who can give Arsenal something to think about.

If Arsenal are perhaps just a little fatigued from the efforts put into the last two games, Aston Villa can take advantage here. They should be rested having last played on Thursday and Aston Villa have created chances against opponents at Villa Park while getting ready to face an Arsenal team who have looked vulnerable at the back despite the positive results earned.

Arsenal did win 3 away games in a row before the defeat at Tottenham Hotspur and they are a team who have world class talents in the final third that don't need too many good looks to score goals. That is a concern for Aston Villa, but I think the home team have been playing well down the stretch and can at least earn a point which should give themselves every chance of avoiding the drop as we enter the final weekend of the 2019/20 season.


Manchester United v West Ham United Pick: There were a couple of changes made to the Manchester United team to try and freshen things up, but tactically Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looked to have got things wrong in their FA Cup Semi Final defeat to Chelsea on Sunday.

A change in system simply removed some of the attacking intent we have seen from Manchester United in recent weeks, but the defeat will be put to the back of the fans' minds if they can win this fixture. A win would put Manchester United in command of a top four place with a single game left to play and a big win would really put the side in a very strong spot ahead of the final game at Leicester City.

The first port of call for Manchester United will be making sure they win the game though and not to worry about the margin of victory. At Old Trafford Manchester United have scored plenty of goals in recent weeks and that has to be encouraging for the players as they look to bounce back from a poor performance.

David De Gea will be hoping to be given a chance to redeem himself after being to blame for the first two Chelsea goals on Sunday, but the attacking players should all be restored to the starting eleven. That is important for Manchester United who have to take the game to a West Ham United team whose back to back wins might have kept them in the Premier League.

The Premier League status could be officially confirmed without West Ham United needing to kick another ball if Aston Villa fail to beat Arsenal, but regardless David Moyes looks to have guided the team out of trouble.

In recent games West Ham United have looked menacing going forward, but there are still holes defensively which should be exposed by Manchester United. The Hammers may have nothing to lose, but that may also mean a slight drop in intensity and they are a team who do allow teams to build up some steam and create important chances against them.

Manchester United have won 3 in a row at home against West Ham United and I think they will be grateful for having this game on Wednesday. There have been one or two signs of some fatigue as the run of games might have taken a toll on what has been a small squad that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to trust, but I do think there is enough in the final third for Manchester United to win this game well.

I think it is fair to believe West Ham United will cause some problems with their own talented threat in the final third, but ultimately I think Manchester United bounce back from the defeat on Sunday. The home team might have too many goals for West Ham United and I think Manchester United win by at least two goals.


Liverpool v Chelsea Pick: There has been a slight drop in intensity in the Liverpool team since they won the Premier League title, but I do think some of the results have been a little harsh on them. They have dominated both Burnley and Arsenal in their last two League games, but a combination of poor finishing and strong goalkeeping has restricted the amount of goals Liverpool have been able to score.

To make matters worse, Liverpool have not defended very well with mistakes being punished at the back.

However, Jurgen Klopp has to believe his team are still playing at a good enough level to win a game like this one. He will be looking for his players to produce a performance fitting of a day on which Liverpool will pick up the top flight League trophy for the first time in thirty years and the players are well rested compared with Chelsea.

Liverpool last played a week ago and Chelsea just had a tough FA Cup Semi Final to complete on Sunday, although the win will have given Frank Lampard's team a spring in their step.

With Leicester City crushed just down the road at Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea are now one win from securing their Champions League spot for the 2020/21 season. Frank Lampard would love to ease the tension on the final day by winning this fixture, and Chelsea have long had a decent record at Anfield before being beaten here last season.

Chelsea do produce an attacking threat away from home which will have to be respected, but they have been struggling defensively and that has to encourage Liverpool here.

The first goal feels like it would be very important on the day and I do think Liverpool are playing better than their results suggest. They are creating chances and I would expect the home team to do that against this vulnerable Chelsea defence, while the occasion should be one that Liverpool enjoy with their trophy presentation coming at the end of the fixture.

It should be a decent game, but I think Liverpool will have the edge and can end their 2019/20 season at Anfield in a manner fitting the rest of the campaign.

MY PICKS: Manchester City - 1.5 Asian Handicap
Manchester United-Chelsea Over 2.5 Goals
Burnley - 0.25 Asian Handicap
Bournemouth-Southampton Over 2.5 Goals
Tottenham Hotspur - 0.25 Asian Handicap
Brighton-Newcastle United Over 2.5 Goals
Sheffield United - 0.25 Asian Handicap
Wolves Win to Nil
Manchester City - 1.5 Asian Handicap
Aston Villa + 0.5 Asian Handicap
Manchester United - 1.5 Asian Handicap
Liverpool - 0.25 Asian Handicap

Fantasy Football GameWeek 37+

Every week I make a transfer I do look back and wonder if it was the right decision and the two made last week have turned out to be the correct choices.

Raul Jimenez did indeed get on the scoresheet as I was concerned about, but Roberto Firmino continues to be well off the pace. Replacing both with Danny Ings and Gabriel Jesus turned out to be good moves as both scored and combined for 15 points, while Captaining Anthony Martial continues to give me good returns.

It was another decent enough week for the Fantasy team selected, although I did miss out on Manchester United's clean sheet at Crystal Palace which hurt. I can't complain too much though and I have a team that looks capable going into GW37+ and knowing I have the Free Hit Chip to come in the final week of the season.

I already have some ideas as to who I am going to target in the final GW, but that will come in the next post.

My one transfer in GW37+ will be used and one of the two players I am likely to drop are either Michail Antonio or Christian Pulisic despite both being in good form.

It will mean losing out on some money if I want to bring them back for GW38+, but I am not overly concerned about that and those are two high priced investments played at Old Trafford and Anfield respectively. Instead I am looking to make sure I upgrade the spot with some names already in the reckoning.

Jack Grealish intrigued me in a home game against Arsenal who will have played a big Cup game on Saturday while Aston Villa were resting. He has looked threatening in recent games and is close to breaking his run without a goal, while Arsenal might already be out of Europa League contention if results have gone against them.

Another young Englishman who could pay off is Phil Foden, although I am a touch concerned that the majority of his recent minutes have come in home games. He hasn't made a big impact in the last two of those compared with the early games out of the restart, so instead an additional Manchester City threat could come from David Silva.

The veteran Spaniard has started three of the last four Premier League games, but second guessing Pep Guardiola is hard enough from his press conferences the day before matches, let alone after a FA Cup Semi Final ahead of which the deadline for GW37+ has already closed.

Looking at my thoughts for the weekend games, David Brooks could provide a telling difference- as well as Southampton have been playing, they are vulnerable at the back and you would have to think Bournemouth are going to be forced into going all out for the win regardless of the result on Friday between West Ham United and Watford. Brooks scored against Manchester City as a substitute and has to be given a start here, although the better option from that team could be Junior Stanislas who is a potential penalty taker if Josh King is not on the pitch.

Junior Stanislas has looked a more consistent attacking threat in the minutes he has been getting for Bournemouth and might be a decent option in the hope the game with Southampton develops into the attacking one expected on paper.

Another game which has the potential for an attacking fixture is the Brighton versus Newcastle United fixture on Monday evening- both look to be safe and neither have defended well, while offering a decent threat in the final third.

I have Dwight Gayle starting this week with that in mind, but Leandro Trossard could be a major threat for the home team in that one.

As you can see, I am targeting these mid-range midfielders because I don't have the funds to go big, but I do think those all have chances of decent returns and certainly more than I expect from Pulisic or Antonio. If I don't pick David Silva, I can keep Christian Pulisic in the squad and have him down as my first sub against a Liverpool team who have not looked completely focused in their last few Premier League games.

It will mean a strong looking eleven on paper and once again I will stick with the Manchester United options in the Captaincy and Vice-Captaincy positions. The risk is that they play the Cup Semi Final first, but it would be a huge disappointment if both Anthony Martial and Bruno Fernandes are missing on Wednesday.

The importance of the top four race should mean both start if they are to play any part in the fixture against a West Ham United team who might have secured Premier League Football before the game kicks off. David Moyes' team have been looking a little better defensively, but this is a very good Manchester United attack being faced and Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Newcastle United have all managed at least two goals against The Hammers.

Manchester United have scored at least twice in their last 6 Premier League games since the draw at Tottenham Hotspur and their attacking options look much more secure as starters than the Manchester City players selected, even though they love demolishing Watford.

My starting eleven for GW37+ is likely to be this one:

Alisson (Liverpool v Chelsea)

Harry Maguire (Manchester United v West Ham United)

Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool v Chelsea)

Willy Boly (Wolves v Crystal Palace)

Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City v Watford)

Anthony Martial (Manchester United v West Ham United)
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United v West Ham United)
*Midfielder- lean is towards Bournemouth, but there is time until the deadline and I will have that final choice up on Twitter*

Dwight Gayle (Newcastle United v Brighton)

Danny Ings (Southampton v Bournemouth)

Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City v Watford)

Bench: Emiliano Martinez, Christian Pulisic, James Justin, Federico Fernandez

Weekend Football Picks 2019 (May 3-6)

The Premier League fixtures may be split across four days in the penultimate weekend of the 2018/19 season, but the Fantasy Deadline has been pushed forward to Friday evening for a third week in a row.

We are beginning to get some separation as far as the final positions are concerned and this could be the weekend when both the Premier League title race and the relegation battle come to a close. I would be surprised if the former was to happen, at least from a mathematical point of view, but the latter is more realistic with Cardiff City needing to beat Crystal Palace to stay alive going into the final weekend, and even then a Brighton win at Arsenal would be enough to confirm the bottom three places.

The top four could also be locked up if Arsenal and Manchester United fail to win and both Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea earn the points they need, while Wolves can move into a very strong position to secure 7th place and a possible route into the Europa League.

It is all to play for in the Fantasy Football Leagues up and down the country as we hit GW37. Last week I found some solid differentials with the likes of Jamie Vardy scoring twice as well as Naby Keita and Youri Tielemens getting on the scoreboard in home wins for Liverpool and Leicester City.

Once again I will be searching out players owned by 15% or fewer of teams in the FPL Game that could make the difference in your individual Leagues. Next season I will have a slightly different look to the way I approach my Fantasy Football section of these threads, but for now you can read the section below where I am highlighting the players I have mentioned.


Everton v Burnley Pick: The final home game of the season for Everton should help produce one more big effort from a team who might not be wanting to see the season come to a close. It has to be said that Everton have been in fine form under Marco Silva in recent weeks and they are still chasing down a 7th place finish which may come with a European berth.

The side can put some pressure on their rivals for that place by winning on Friday night in front of the television cameras, but they can't underestimate Burnley who have been having a strong finish to the season.

Burnley have seemingly been very clinical in front of goal, while some last ditch defending has helped them preserve points they perhaps didn't completely deserve to pick up. Even in the defeat to Manchester City last Sunday, Burnley put bodies on the line and goal line clearances helped them to stay competitive.

It is possible they can play with more freedom with safety assured, but Burnley should be highly motivated to show they are stronger at the back having conceded five in the home loss to Everton earlier this season. They are facing Everton at a tough time, but Burnley can play their part here having scored at least twice in 5 of their last 6 away games in the Premier League.

However I think Everton are playing with the confidence at home where they can edge out the win in this fixture. They have been creating plenty of chances in recent home games and the performances here against top six opponents suggests they can have too much for Burnley even if the latter are able to help play their part in the fixture.

Backing Everton to win a game where two or more goals are shared out is the selection from this live television fixture on Friday evening.

Fantasy Star: Gylfi Sigurdsson- everything good comes from the midfielder who is always likely to provide a goal or an assist.

Alternative: Chris Wood- Burnley will persist with a two man forward line and Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes can be very dangerous.


Bournemouth v Tottenham Hotspur Pick: The first of the live televised Saturday games from the Premier League comes from the south coast as Bournemouth prepare to host a Tottenham Hotspur team who have proven to be far too good for them no matter where they have played one another.

Tottenham Hotspur hammered Bournemouth at Wembley Stadium earlier this season and this is just the latest of some one-sided wins for the London club.

However there is the additional factor of the Champions League Semi Final Second Leg in Amsterdam coming up this week which has to be given some weight. Tottenham Hotspur are still needing one more win to confirm their place in the top four, but they would likely settle for a point here which would mean a single point more would suffice and I am anticipating Mauricio Pochettino will make some changes to his first team to keep things fresh for Wednesday.

Those changes may still lead to a win, but Bournemouth should be ready to compete after fighting back for a 3-3 draw at Southampton last weekend. The home team have goals in the side and they should cause problems for Spurs despite being defensively vulnerable themselves.

The expected changes do make Tottenham Hotspur look a short price here and I was slightly tempted to recommend Bournemouth to upset them. Spurs have lost 7 of their last 8 away games and that includes the last 4 in a row and with the game against Ajax offering a distraction I do think they look short at odds on.

A draw wouldn't be a bad result for Tottenham Hotspur with Everton to come on the final day at home, but I think the recommendation has to be Bournemouth with the start on the Asian Handicap.

Fantasy Star: Callum Wilson- three goals and three assists in his last three games for Bournemouth who could be facing a distracted Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday lunchtime.

Alternative: Hueng-Min Son- must be chomping at the bit having been suspended for the Champions League Semi Final First Leg during the week. Scored twice against Bournemouth earlier this season.


West Ham United v Leicester City Pick: Neither team has anything to really play for with two games left of the Premier League season, but I think that could help these teams produce a fun game for the fans at the London Stadium.

Both Manuel Pellegrini and Ralph Hasenhuttl have been keen to see their teams getting on the front foot and creating chances and games between West Ham United and Southampton have tended to produce plenty of goalmouth action.

The teams have been creating enough chances to think they can be amongst the goals in this fixture and neither has shown a lot of defensive strength in recent games. West Ham United have conceded at least twice in 3 in a row at the London Stadium and Southampton have both scored and conceded in 3 of their last 4 away from home.

In five of the last six seasons these two teams have played each other we have seen one of the fixtures produce at least four goals and that looks a big price in this one. I would be surprised if we see less than three goals and then it is the belief of the two managers to continue to play attacking football that may help produce at least one more goal on the day.

We would need to see a little more composure in front of goal from both teams, but the chances being created is encouraging and backing at least four goals to be shared out between the teams is the selection.

Fantasy Star: Michail Antonio- two goals in two games and should have chances against this Southampton defence to extend that.

Alternative: Shane Long- been in fine scoring form for someone who had a long run without scoring a goal. Got another last week, can add to that here.


Wolves v Fulham Pick: All credit has to be given to Scott Parker for guiding Fulham to three Premier League wins in a row and they are likely going to be results that mean he will be given the permanent job as manager as Fulham look to bounce back immediately from relegation.

It is going to be a tough season back in the Championship, but Fulham will be returning to that Division with some momentum picked up from wins in the last few weeks of the Premier League season.

Fortune has perhaps favoured Fulham who have been giving up chances and I think it will be difficult to contain a Wolves team looking like they are going to finish 7th in the Premier League. That is a big achievement for the club and potentially returning to European competition will only give the fans more to look forward to in the 2019/20 season, although Wolves would have to negotiate the tricky Europa League Qualifiers if they do get into that competition.

Wolves can take a big step to 7th place by winning this fixture and they have been very strong against Fulham at home. Recent performance at Molineux will only give Wolves more confidence and they create plenty of chances and usually score plenty of goals here.

Fulham's run of clean sheets have been surprising, especially with the underlying statistics suggesting they have been fortunate to earn those. I think some of that luck runs out this weekend and Wolves should have enough to break them down and earn a win on the day.

I will back Wolves to do that in a fixture featuring two or more goals with their recent home wins coming in games when Wolves have scored at least twice. Before the 0-1 win at Bournemouth, Fulham had conceded at least twice in 7 away games in a row at this level and were also beaten 2-0 here last season.

Fantasy Star: Diogo Jota- two goals in two games and Fulham's run of clean sheets have not come through strong defensive performances, but more down to the misfortune of attackers facing them.

Alternative: Matt Doherty- clean sheet potential and seems to be in and around the goals from his wing back position.


Cardiff City v Crystal Palace Pick: There isn't a lot of motivation that can be pointed out for Crystal Palace in this fixture and I do think that is the main reason that they are such an underdog in this one.

Cardiff City's motivation is much easier to understand as they have to win if they are going to realistically extend their stay in the Premier League. Even a draw is not good enough for the home team so they have to come forward and people looking at this game will make an obvious case for why they can win this game with that motivation behind them.

However I think it is a very difficult spot for The Bluebirds on Saturday as they are taking on a Crystal Palace team who have been much stronger away from home. That is down to the fact they can expose teams on the counter attack when they are committing men going forward and I do think that could be the situation in this live televised fixture.

At some stage Cardiff City will likely have to take risks against a Crystal Palace team who have been pretty sound defensively despite injuries in the backline. Those risks should see the visitors have some big gaps to exploit the longer this match goes and I think they can be backed on the Asian Handicap which is essentially a 'Draw No Bet' selection this week.

Neil Warnock's men have worked hard, but they have lost 8 of their last 10 Premier League games and that includes losing 4 of their last 5 at the Cardiff City Stadium. Crystal Palace being that much stronger away from home makes them the reasonable choice to back here with the draw returning the stake, especially as Crystal Palace have won 5 of their last 7 away from home in all competitions.

Fantasy Star: Aaron Wan-Bissaka- he has committed his future to Crystal Palace and has been a revelation from right back. Can get forward and cause problems, also every chance of a clean sheet.

Alternative: Wilfried Zaha- another who has been linked with a move away, I would expect Zaha to have some big gaps to exploit if Cardiff City are in a position where they need to chase this game.


Newcastle United v Liverpool Pick: This game was originally scheduled to be played on Sunday, but has been moved forward because of Liverpool's Champions League Semi Final Second Leg against Barcelona which is played on Tuesday. The changes to the schedule has also shifted Manchester City's Premier League game to a Monday evening so Liverpool have the chance to play their penultimate League game before the defending Champions kick off as opposed to after as originally put together.

At this moment of time the only thing Liverpool can do is win their remaining two League games and hope Manchester City falter, but destiny is not in their own hands.

There is also some pressure on Jurgen Klopp to get his players to refocus after the 3-0 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League First Leg. The scoreline might have been harsh on Liverpool who missed some glorious chances in the Nou Camp, but they can't let that result linger in their minds as they prepare for a difficult game in Newcastle United.

This is a ground on which Liverpool have struggled in recent years and the home fans would love to play spoiler as they look to persuade the board to back Rafael Benitez to remain as manager of Newcastle United. Rafael Benitez is a former Liverpool manager who is beloved at Anfield for helping secure a fifth European Cup, but he is not someone who will want his team to hand out favours to their visitors.

However it is a much tougher task for Newcastle United without Miguel Almiron and the likely absence of Ayoze Perez. That will remove big threats for The Magpies in this late Saturday evening kick off, but I expect the home team to be sound defensively for the most part and they will make life difficult for Liverpool.

Newcastle United have won 6 of their last 7 Premier League games at St James' Park which includes coming from behind to beat Manchester City. They are facing a Liverpool team who have scored plenty of away goals before the defeat in Barcelona, but I expect some tiredness to be on display after the tough fixture on a wide open pitch.

Will it be enough for Liverpool to drop points? I am not sure about that, but Newcastle United should be defensively sound enough to keep this competitive and backing the home team on the Asian Handicap is the call which will return a winner as long as they are not beaten by two or more goals.

Fantasy Star: Mohamed Salah- had a huge miss which would have made it 3-1 at the Nou Camp on Wednesday, but might be the key to unlocking what is expected to be a solid Newcastle United defensive shape.

Alternative: Jordan Henderson- it might take an unusual source to break down Newcastle United and Henderson should take over from Naby Keita in the forward thinking midfield role.


Chelsea v Watford Pick: Playing Europa League Football on a Thursday and then having to compete in the Premier League has long proven to be a tricky test for clubs in England, but Chelsea have to find the right balance if they are going to achieve their goals for the season.

The main one was to return to the Champions League and Chelsea are very much in control of 4th place in the Premier League table with a 2 point lead over their nearest rivals and with two games left to play. At this moment you would say Chelsea will need to win both games if they are going to finish in the top four, and then they can concentrate on trying to win the Europa League as they go into their Semi Final Second Leg as favourites to see of Eintracht Frankfurt.

A big concern going into this Premier League fixture has to be the fact that Chelsea have not won any of their last 6 games following a Europa League game. They put in a lot of effort into the 1-1 draw in Germany on Thursday and they are playing a Watford team who have had a week to prepare for this fixture.

It is only Watford's relatively poor form which is leading me to doubt the visitors. The defeat last weekend at home to Wolves means Watford are almost certainly not going to be able to finish 7th in the Premier League table, while they have lost 2 of 4 Premier League games since earning their spot in the FA Cup Final.

Troy Deeney being back will be a boost for the squad as he is someone who will inspire a big performance from Watford and I do think they can make use of the fact that there will be some tired legs and minds in the Chelsea camp. I am not sure Watford have enough to earn a positive result here, but they have shown they can score goals against the top six clubs and backing both teams to score looks to be the play.

The last 5 between Chelsea and Watford have seen that outcome, while The Hornets have scored at least twice in their last 3 visits to Stamford Bridge. Keeping Chelsea out won't be easy with Watford's recent performances in mind, but backing both teams to score looks to be an angle that can produce a winner on the day.

Fantasy Star: Eden Hazard- whenever Chelsea play it is the Belgian you think is going to be key. Didn't start on Thursday so should be ready to make an impact.

Alternative: Troy Deeney- has been missing through suspension and will be looking to make an impact on his own. Watford have scored plenty of goals in recent visits to Stamford Bridge.


Huddersfield Town v Manchester United Pick: Defeats to Everton and Manchester City without scoring a goal and then a mistake from David De Gea in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea has left Manchester United in a very difficult position to make the top four of the Premier League and return to the Champions League.

Only 4th place in realistic for Manchester United, but they are going to need to win both remaining League games by wide margins and hope Chelsea are beaten heavily in at least one of their remaining two League games. The side will also need Arsenal to fail to win both of their remaining two games or at least lose one of those and I think the majority of Manchester United fans will accept it is back to Europa League Football next season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer won't want his team to go into the summer with a negative mindset despite the rumours of the changes that are going to be made in the squad. The players have seemingly gone back to the same mentality as when they were failing to perform under Jose Mourinho, but Manchester United could not really ask for a better opponent than a Huddersfield Town missing influential Aaron Mooy and who have been struggling under Jan Siewert.

Huddersfield Town have lost 8 in a row in the Premier League and that includes losing their last 3 at the John Smith's Stadium. The Terriers have conceded at least twice in each of those home defeats and only a late goal against Watford prevented Huddersfield Town from being beaten by two or more goal margins in each of those 3 defeats too.

In 3 of the last 4 Premier League games Huddersfield Town have conceded at least four times and I think even an underperforming Manchester United team can win here. Both Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford could be missing, but Manchester United still have some very strong attacking players who should be able to produce a decent level against an opponent like the one in front of them.

Last season Manchester United did earn revenge over Huddersfield Town by beating them 0-2 in the FA Cup after a 2-1 defeat in the Premier League. I expect a scoreline more in line with the FA Cup tie considering the form of Huddersfield Town.

It is not easy to trust Manchester United at the moment, especially off 5 straight away defeats in all competitions, but they have played with more effort in the last two matches. That should be enough to see off Huddersfield Town who have been conceding goals for fun and I will look for Manchester United to win by a couple of goals at least on the day.

Fantasy Star: Marcus Rashford- is suffering with an injury, but has been training so would be a surprise if he didn't start. With Romelu Lukaku injured, Rashford could be the key to breaking down this Huddersfield Town team.

Alternative: Paul Pogba- on penalty duties and facing an overmatched opponent.


Arsenal v Brighton Pick: It took a lot of effort and determination for Arsenal to come from behind and beat Valencia 3-1 in the Europa League Semi Final First Leg on Thursday, but Unai Emery knows his team can't give up their chase of a top four finish in the Premier League just yet.

Unlike Chelsea in recent weeks, Arsenal have generally played pretty well coming out of their Europa League ties even if they were beaten in that situation 2-3 by Crystal Palace here last month. Prior to that, Arsenal had won 4 straight Premier League games following a Europa League game and that includes 3 wins in a row at the Emirates Stadium where they have been scoring plenty of goals.

The win over Valencia made it 10 straight home games in which Arsenal have scored at least twice, although Brighton are going to offer some resistance if their recent performances are anything to go by. Brighton earned a draw at Wolves and were undone by a late Christian Eriksen goal when going down to a 1-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, although I do wonder if the players will mentally relax having moved 4 points clear of Brighton last weekend.

It will certainly be a possibility if Cardiff City have not beaten Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon in what would effectively be a result that keeps Brighton in the Premier League for another season. If that has happened there is every chance that the Brighton players just relax a little bit which could give Arsenal the edge to win this fixture with a little more ease than the likes of Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur have found in recent games.

Arsenal were pretty comfortable winners over Brighton here last season and they have been strong at home with the Crystal Palace result being an exception to the rule. Defensively they have been vulnerable to set pieces and so Brighton may have their chances, but I think Arsenal will have a bit too much for them and keep their hopes of a top four finish alive going into the final day next Sunday.

Fantasy Star: Alexandre Lacazette- rotation is a concern, but the Frenchman might get another start to add to the two goals he scored against Valencia.

Alternative: Henrikh Mkhitaryan- has not really thrived at Arsenal like he would have wanted, but has the skills to perhaps be a key to unlocking what is likely to be two banks of four in front of Mat Ryan.


Manchester City v Leicester City Pick: With Liverpool kicking off forty-eight hours before Manchester City are due to play this weekend, there could be more tension on the defending Champions as they look to retain the top flight English title for the first time in their history. A Liverpool win would mean Manchester City are needing to match the results of their title rivals to stay ahead of them, but any other result could see Manchester City effectively win the title on Monday evening.

It is hard to know what kind of atmosphere we are going to see at the Etihad Stadium until after the Liverpool match at St James' Park has come to a conclusion- a win for Liverpool could mean there is some tension here as there was when Manchester City beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 a couple of weeks ago, but any other result and I think the fans and the players could be bouncing into the fixture.

Either way I don't think it is too difficult to know how Brendan Rodgers is going to ask his Leicester City team to approach things. During his time with Celtic Rodgers showed an ambition to get this teams to attack even when they were playing in Champions League and Europa League fixtures against superior teams and I think the former Liverpool manager is going to ask his Leicester City players to do the same here.

Brendan Rodgers would have noted the success Tottenham Hotspur had on the counter attack in both the Premier League and Champions League visits to the Etihad Stadium a couple of weeks ago. His Leicester City players are very much of the mould to play that style and look to expose any holes left behind by Manchester City and this is a team who have regularly found a way to score goals against the defending Champions.

Both games this season have seen both teams hitting the net, while that has also been the case in 7 of the last 8 between them overall. The last 3 at the Etihad Stadium has seen the same happen including in both games managed by Pep Guardiola, although in each of those Manchester City have had enough to see off Leicester City.

I think that could be the case again here despite the improved defensive performances Manchester City have put together. This Leicester City will look to get after their hosts and they have scored against each of the other members of the top six away from home this season.

Ultimately I still think Manchester City will do enough to win the game and backing them to win a fixture in which both teams score is the recommendation.

Fantasy Star: Sergio Aguero- scored the winner at Turf Moor and should have spaces to get into behind the Leicester City defence.

Alternative: Jamie Vardy- counter attack will be the key for Leicester City and I do think they can cause some problems led by Vardy.

Fantasy Football

I am looking for those players that are not owned in the large majority of teams so won't be recommending anyone who has more than a 15% ownership.

With that in mind this is not a section in which I will be picking the likes of Sergio Aguero, Mohamed Salah and Eden Hazard, but instead those players who I feel can have a big performance in GW37 and perhaps make the difference in your individual teams.

Goalkeeper 5 Million and Above

If you already own one of these high priced Goalkeepers I would hold onto them. There are better options at the lower values than here and that should mean a chance to use your funds elsewhere.

Goalkeeper 4.9 Million and Below

Bernd Leno (Arsenal- 4.9 Million, Owned by 4%): He is the League Goalkeeper for Arsenal who have kept four clean sheets in their last seven here. Facing a Brighton team who have been lacking goals.

Vicente Guaita (Crystal Palace- 4.3 Million, Owned by 2.3%): Three clean sheets in the last six Premier League games for Crystal Palace. Will be under pressure from Cardiff City chasing a win, but Crystal Palace are capable of another clean sheet if they defend the set pieces effectively.

Defender 5.1 Million and Above

Patrick van Aanholt (Crystal Palace- 5.5 Million, Owned by 5.6%): An attacking full back who could help spring any counter attacks that develop for Crystal Palace.

Shkodran Mustafi (Arsenal- 5.4 Million, Owned by 1.4%): Could be a potential rotation concern, but the injury to Laurent Koscielny reduces those worries. Every chance of another clean sheet at the Emirates Stadium this weekend.

Lucas Digne (Everton- 5.4 Million, Owned by 9.6%): Everton have four clean sheets in a row and Lucas Digne is a potential assist maker as well as a danger from set pieces.

Defender 5 Million and Below

Luke Shaw (Manchester United- 5 Million, Owned by 6.8%): Manchester United have been poor at both ends of the field, but you can't ask for much more than facing Huddersfield Town to change that.

Willy Boly (Wolves- 4.7 Million, Owned by 6.4%): A home game with Fulham and a threat from set pieces.

Midfielder 7.1 Million and Above

Leroy Sane (Manchester City- 9.3 Million, Owned by 7.2%): It is a risk considering he has not been a starter, but I think he will be involved and he is facing a Leicester City team that will look to come forward. That could mean spaces for the winger to exploit.

Mesut Ozil (Arsenal- 7.9 Million, Owned by 2.5%): Has tended to be picked for home games of late and can be the inspiration for any victory Arsenal have over Brighton.

Gylfi Sigurdsson (Everton- 7.4 Million, Owned by 8.1%): Has been huge for Everton in recent weeks, especially at home, and can keep that going against Burnley on Friday evening.

Midfielder 7 Million and Below

Michail Antonio (West Ham United- 6.8 Million, Owned by 1.1%): Two goals in two games and facing a Southampton defence that has been anything but watertight.

Diogo Jota (Wolves- 6.3 Million, Owned by 9.4%): Should have chances against a Fulham team who have been giving up plenty without being punished. Diogo Jota has scored two in two for Wolves too.

Nathan Redmond (Southampton- 5.4 Million, Owned by 5%): 'Only' earned an assist in the 3-3 draw with Bournemouth, but Nathan Redmond continues to get into strong positions for Southampton.

Forward 6.4 Million and Above

Alexandre Lacazette (Arsenal- 9.4 Million, Owned by 11.5%): A rotation risk, but the Frenchman scored twice on Thursday and may be asked to add to his tally before being given some rest.

Gonzalo Higuain (Chelsea- 9 Million, Owned by 1.5%): Should be starting after Olivier Giroud got the call on Thursday. Scored all three of his Chelsea goals at Stamford Bridge, including in the last League game against Burnley.

Forward 6.3 Million and Below

Ayoze Perez (Newcastle United- 6.2 Million, Owned by 2.4%): Scored in each of his last three Newcastle United starts. Looks like he will be fit to play against a Liverpool team that got the run around by Barcelona during the week.

Shane Long (Southampton- 4.7 Million, Owned by 3.8%): Been scoring goals for fun and should have more chances against West Ham United.

Vincent Jansson (Tottenham Hotspur- 4.5 Million, Owned by 0.1%): A real risky call considering he has played 26 minutes in the last couple of years for Spurs. However he may get the chance to lead the line between Champions League Semi Final ties with Ajax and facing a Bournemouth team who have conceded a shedload to Tottenham Hotspur in the last three years.

MY PICKS: Everton to Win & Over 1.5 Goals @ 2.00 Bet Fred
Bournemouth + 0.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.05 Bet Victor
West Ham United-Leicester City Over 3.5 Goals @ 2.60 Betfair Sportsbook
Wolves to Win & Over 1.5 Goals @ 1.83 Bet Fred
Crystal Palace 0 Asian Handicap @ 2.05 Bet Victor
Newcastle United + 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.85 Bet365
Chelsea-Watford Both Teams to Score @ 1.85 Betway
Manchester United - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.00 Bet Victor
Arsenal - 1.25 Asian Handicap @ 2.00 Bet Victor
Manchester City to Win and Both Teams to Score @ 2.40 Betway