Tennis Picks 2021 (April 23rd)

Another day and some more poor moments within matches have just swung things against my Tennis Picks which continues to frustrate more than disappoint.

Even Pablo Carreno Busta did his best to lose a match he was dominating, or at least fail to cover the handicap, but thankfully that was not the case.

Regardless I am really disappointed with my results in the first two months of the season and it is a far cry from the profitable seasons I have enjoyed in recent years. Some adjustments have to be made by me, but I also have to believe that the breaks are going to eventually start going my way especially if players keep dominating in all statistical areas bar the scoreboard.

Ultimately it is the scoreboard that is most significant and, no matter how things shake up, the results have not been good enough as far as I am concerned. I wrote in the last post that I would take the rest of the month off if the Thursday results were not good enough and that is where I stand after another 2-3 where players continue to miss their own break point chances but can't prevent opponent's from taking the few opportunities that come their way.

It was during the Stefanos Tsitsipas win over Alex De Minaur that this decision was made- he has been in such hot form, but to only win three return points in the first five games and then wait until he couldn't cover before going into overdrive and dominating the match was the final straw for me.

The second you start believing the negative feelings around any selection then it is best to just stick a pin in things for now. I will get back to it when the Madrid Masters comes around in early May and that will be the big run towards the French Open during which time I will be demanding nothing but good results and no excuses from myself.

Before then I will have my second NFL Mock Draft with the real Draft taking place next Thursday, while I will also have the Weekend Fantasy thoughts out for the Premier League with the deadline set for Friday afternoon.

And before you know it we will be into the third Masters event of the season.

Tennis Picks 2021 (April 22nd)

There are always some difficult moments during the long Tour and that goes for players and those of us trying to make the right Tennis Picks.

I'm just having one of those trying times.

I have added at least two names to some of the others that are already on my list that have to be avoided at all costs- you can't really trust them to perform when you back them, but they will be unplayable the day you dare to oppose them (hi Kei Nishikori).

And no matter who I pick, it is never easy for them... At the moment the amount of break points and set points being missed or players serving for the match and then faltering massively that has been going on is laughable. If I pick an underdog though, they seem to a train-wreck that won't even think about competing.

I won't lie, it is nothing but frustrating when things like this happen and the worst thing part is you would prefer the train-wreck Pick rather than the one that is almost conspired against by the Tennis Gods.

I mean if your selection gets battered you put it down to one of those days- but what do you say when someone has a set and a break lead, fails to serve it out, misses match points and decides to lose six of seven games... Worst still, they will then win five in a row to win the match and miss the cover by one game (hi Filip Krajinovic).

Too often this has happened since the latter week of the Miami Masters and it has proved to be costly.

But how many times can it keep happening? I think Thursday will be a key day for me at least until the Madrid Masters.

If there are more of these types of weird things happening, I think I am going to take a short break and just hit the reset button. Over the last couple of days it has felt most of the big points have gone against my selections and that really is bad luck, because you can't keep picking players to get into a position where they are one point from crossing the line and falling short each time, just through sheer luck it won't keep happening.

BUT I am also not willing to have a bad run hurt me over and over- I regularly take those breaks between events to just settle things back to zero and then go again (just as I am writing this Diego Sebastian Schwartzman has lost the set 6-3 despite losing THREE more points- again that is almost statistically impossible seeing as you need two points more to win a single game). However, it is that kind of nonsense I refuse to accept as being a sign of a bad pick rather than a horrific turn of luck.

In saying that I have had some bad Picks too, but those are compounded by the others and I do need to be better.

Stefanos Tsitsipas - 5.5 games v Alex De Minuar: It has not been the most productive of seasons for Alex De Minaur up to this point and he is going to be entering what has regularly become a difficult portion of the Tour for him. The Australian did win a ATP Title early on in 2021, but he is just 4-7 since then and the win in the Second Round here snapped a poor run that the Australian had been on.

I have to say that he has not really enjoyed much fortune with some close losses before another narrow defeat in Monte Carlo last week, while Alex De Minaur will be going up against a player in confident form and one that has played some of his best tennis on the clay courts throughout his career.

Stefanos Tsitsipas missed a couple of opportunities for Titles already in 2021, but he is finally on the board with a Masters success in Monte Carlo. While Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will go into the French Open as the favourites, the Greek star may have overtaken Dominic Thiem as the player most likely to be successful if the top two clay courters do falter.

He isn't just winning matches at the moment, but Tsitsipas is blowing through opponents and it was more of the same in his Second Round win over a solid clay courter in Juame Munar. This opponent is not as comfortable on the red dirt and you do have to say that Stefanos Tsitsipas is deserving of his spot as a big favourite, even if the handicap mark is one that can be hard to surpass if playing a B or C level performance.

We just haven't seen any of those in short time back on the clay after reaching the French Open Semi Final last year and Stefanos Tsitsipas is arguably playing much better now. The serve has always been a big weapon for Tsitsipas, but he is most impressing with his bullying on the return and following that up by putting opponent's under significant pressure which has led to breaks in 47% of return games played since the start of the Monte Carlo Masters.

Stefanos Tsitsipas isn't just building his numbers against cannon fodder as half of his six wins on the clay have been against top 30 Ranked opponents.

Alex De Minaur is a player I respect, but he is just 2-7 on the clay courts since 2019 and his service numbers in particular have made for disappointing reading in those matches. In that time the Australian has won just 55% of his service points played and that has led to a hold of serve in less than 65% of his service games on the clay, numbers that a player like Stefanos Tsitsipas will feel he can exploit.

There will be an additional reason for that confidence as Stefanos Tsitsipas has won six of the seven professional matches played between these two players. In those matches, the majority which have been played on surfaces that Alex De Minaur would favour, Tsitsipas has won 42% of return points played compared with De Minaur's 31% mark and there has been a considerable edge in holds of serve off the back of that.

They did play a competitive match Down Under in the ATP Cup, but that was on a hard court and was still won by Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-5 a couple of months ago. On a surface that favours the Greek significantly more than Alex De Minaur, I do expect that gap to be slightly bigger at the end of this Third Round match.

Pablo Carreno Busta - 4.5 games v Bernabe Zapata Miralles: After dominating the first set, Bernabe Zapata Miralles may feel he was robbed of the biggest win of his career by Fabio Fognini's outburst that saw the fiery Italian Disqualified in the Second Round. He has never beaten a top 50 Ranked player on the clay courts and the 24 year old will be taking aim at that in the Third Round when taking on a compatriot in Barcelona.

This is a tough looking match for Bernabe Zapata Miralles as he gets set to take on Pablo Carreno Busta who has already won an ATP Title on the clay courts this season. It will perhaps surprise some to hear that I don't think the clay courts are Carreno Busta's best surface having had decent success playing on the hard courts, but the Spaniard is comfortable on the red dirt and his performances over the last couple of weeks have been encouraging.

He only needed a little over an hour to crush Jordan Thompson in the Second Round and Pablo Carreno Busta has produced some solid numbers in his limited time on the clay courts this season. Pablo Carreno Busta didn't play badly on the clay last season either and he has been a solid, if unspectacular, performer on the surface.

The level shown is certainly one that is going to test Bernabe Zapata Miralles, although the Qualifier has a number of wins under his belt that will mean he is confident. I also think the return game has to be respected in this match and Zapata Miralles will know that his opponent is one that can offer up chances on his own serve when he is not at his best, although Pablo Carreno Busta will also believe he can pressure someone who has won less than 60% of service points played on this surface in 2021.

That has largely come in matches against players Ranked outside the top 100 too and his numbers are dented when facing those players inside that number in the World Rankings. Bernabe Zepata Miralles might find the pressure produced from the other side of the net very difficult to deal with and if Pablo Carreno Busta is able to serve as well as he has been in his short time back on the clay he should have a real edge against his younger opponent.

I do think one of the sets will be quite competitive, but Carreno Busta should be able to create the majority of the break point chances and eventually wear down this opponent.

John Millman - 1.5 games v Taro Daniel: Neither of these two players has had a lot of success on the clay courts, but it is a good opportunity to earn a Quarter Final spot and put some vital World Ranking points in the bag. Both John Millman and Taro Daniel are likely to be very happy with the draw after solid First Round wins.

Both victories came in straight sets for these two players, but John Millman made arguably lighter work with his opponent than Taro Daniel. However, the latter is a Lucky Loser so Daniel will feel pretty comfortable in the conditions and also that he has nothing to lose having been beaten once already in Belgrade.

Even then it is hard to make much of a case for Taro Daniel who has long struggled on the clay courts and who has lost all three matches played against top 100 Ranked opponents on this surface in 2021. Taro Daniel has struggled to protect his serve in those three defeats and that has put pressure on his return game, one that Daniel has not been able to handle as the Japanese player has been beaten pretty routinely.

He has held just 71% of service games played on the hard courts in 2021, but that number dips to 54% when only considering matches against top 100 Ranked opponents.

John Millman may not be one of the elite clay courters in the world, but he is a top 100 Ranked player and I think the Australian will also lean on his past successes against Taro Daniel to give him some confidence. The veteran is a fairly steady player overall and John Millman has similar numbers as Taro Daniel both behind serve and return, although four of his five clay court matches have come against top 100 Ranked opponents compared with three of ten for Taro Daniel.

That has to be factored into the numbers, while Millman has a 3-1 lead over Daniel in the head to head. None of those matches have been on the clay courts, but John Millman has had a significant edge in the returning numbers and has created more break points than Taro Daniel in all four matches.

I expect that to be the case again in this Second Round match and I do think John Millman can get past Taro Daniel. His lack of feeling for the clay courts may make this closer than some of their previous matches have been, but I think John Millman should have the majority of chances and in general has been the better clay courter of the two and I expect that to show up by the time it is all said and done.

MY PICKS: Stefanos Tsitsipas - 5.5 Games @ 2.10 Paddy Power (2 Units)

Pablo Carreno Busta - 4.5 Games @ 1.72 Bet365 (2 Units)

John Millman - 1.5 Games @ 1.91 Bet Fred (2 Units)

Aslan Karatsev - 3.5 Games @ 1.83 Bet365 (2 Units)

Elina Svitolina - 3.5 Games @ 1.80 Bet365 (2 Units)

Weekly Update: 8-13, - 11.52 Units (42 Units Staked, - 27.43% Yield)

Tennis Picks 2021 (April 21st)

I honestly don't know where the first two days of this week have gone and my time has largely been dominated by other aspects rather than having the time to put down full thoughts on the Tennis that has been played so far this week.

I will be disappointed if I don't get back on top things by Thursday, but for now I will add my selections from the day's play below.

MY PICKS: Ashleigh Barty - 5.5 Games @ 1.80 Bet Fred (2 Units)

Petra Kvitova - 2.5 Games @ 1.91 Bet Fred (2 Units)

Nikola Milojevic + 4.5 Games @ 1.87 Bet Victor (2 Units)

Albert Ramos - 4.5 Games @ 1.83 Bet365 (2 Units)

Lorenzo Musetti @ 2.00 Paddy Power (2 Units)

Jaume Munar + 4.5 Games @ 1.91 Bet Fred (2 Units)

Cristian Garin - 2.5 Games @ 1.83 Bet Victor (2 Units)

Diego Sebastian Schwartzman - 4.5 Games @ 2.10 Bet Fred (2 Units)

Tennis Picks 2021 (April 20th)

I did say I would have a fuller post for the Tennis Picks on Tuesday, but I had a busier day than expected on Monday and once again I will just have to place my selections here on what is a day filled with Tennis matches from the four tournaments being played.

Monday was a little frustrating, but I will have a longer post on Wednesday and will update the totals for the season and the week in that thread.

MY PICKS: Holger Rune + 3.5 Games @ 2.00 Paddy Power (2 Units)

Carlos Alcarez Garfia - 2.5 Games @ 1.72 Bet Fred (2 Units)

David Goffin - 3.5 Games @ 1.72 Bet365 (2 Units)

Roberto Bautista Agut - 5.5 Games @ 2.00 Bet Fred (2 Units)

Karen Khachanov - 3.5 Games @ 1.80 Bet Fred (2 Units)

Federico Delbonis - 4.5 Games @ 1.95 Bet Victor (2 Units)

Laslo Djere - 4.5 Games @ 2.00 Bet Victor (2 Units)

Petra Kvitova - 4.5 Games @ 2.10 Paddy Power (2 Units)

Laura Siegemund - 3.5 Games @ 1.91 Bet Fred (2 Units)

Tennis Picks 2021 (April 19th)

The four new tournaments that are set to be played on the clay courts this week have some very big names attached to them and I do think we will see better tennis as the players get used to playing on this surface.

I will have a fuller post for the Tuesday Tennis Picks, but time has not really been on my side on Sunday.

For now you can see my selections to open the week below.

MY PICKS: Pablo Andujar - 3.5 Games @ 2.00 Paddy Power (2 Units)

Kei Nishikori - 4.5 Games @ 2.00 Paddy Power (2 Units)

Nikola Milojevic - 1.5 Games @ 1.80 Bet365 (2 Units)

Filip Krajinovic - 3.5 Games @ 1.83 Bet365 (2 Units)

Boxing Picks 2021- Demetrius Andrade vs Liam Williams (April 17th)

It was another really strong weekend of Boxing last time out and the 147 pound Division will feel they have got a couple of new stars ready to make a much bigger impact than they have already.

Jaron Ennis feels like a genuine World contender and has stepped up again without breaking a sweat, while Conor Benn will be looking for a big name to make a statement against having become the quickest Boxer to get rid of Samuel Vargas who has been in with some of the top names in and around the Division.

Both will be tough to match up next and I am looking forward to seeing both back out there, while Joe Smith Jr did just enough to edge past Maxim Vlasov in what was a really close Light Heavyweight World Title bout. Some may have thought about a rematch, but I think the American will be looking for Unification fights going forward with the main aim being the contest with Artur Beterbiev.

There is plenty more to come this weekend and the weeks and months ahead with some top Boxing nights already lined up.

This week it is the turn of Liam Williams to represent Britain in a big fight Stateside as he looks to become a Middleweight World Champion and he certainly sounds confident against an unbeaten Title holder. A good decision looks to have been made to have that starting in the afternoon/early evening in Florida which means the fans in the UK can watch the fight at a decent time rather than the early hours of Sunday morning and I am looking forward to settling for what could be a really good Championship bout.

Arthur Biyarslanov vs Israel Mercado

Two unbeaten Lightweight fighters meet on the undercard in Florida and I think this Eight Rounder could be a very good one.

There are some high hopes for 25 year old Canadian Arthur Biyarslanov who has won all seven professional bouts having decided to move on from the amateur scene when the Tokyo Olympics were postponed for a year. Six of the seven wins have come inside the distance and only opponent has gotten out of the Third Round (although he was also the one that heard the final bell).

Now Biyarslanov continues his development by taking on American Israel Mercado who has won all nine previous bouts- the first seven came inside the distance, but Mercado has used the cards to beat his last two opponents. Both of those were unbeaten at the time of the bout and Israel Mercado has also done the full Eight Rounds which may see the American look to push Arthur Biyarslanov further than he has been as a professional and test the gas tank.

Even then this feels a step up for Mercado and I do think Arthur Biyarslanov is further along in his development and can show his superior skills before finishing this fight.

No one should dispute the experiences that Israel Mercado has having been an amateur too and fighting Teofimo Lopez in the unpaid ranks, but Arthur Biyarslanov can win what may develop into something like a firefight.

I think Israel Mercado will have his moments, but Matchroom have some high hopes for Arthur Biyarslanov and I think he will be looking to make a statement on a big card. After some back and forth, I think Biyarslanov will work into a position to land some punishing shots to close the show before the final bell.

Mahammadrasul Majidov vs Andrey Fedosov

At 34 years old there isn't a lot of time for Mahammadrasul Majidov to really build his record in the pro ranks if he is going to fight for a World Heavyweight Title.

He has plenty of experience which has to be respected, but Majidov can't afford to stick around and has to look at Joe Joyce as the best approach to his career if he is going to get into a top position as soon as possible and while still something close to his prime.

Three wins have come via stoppage, but this is another step up for Majidov as he takes on Andrey Fedosov who has had thirty-four professional fights and has won seven in a row. While not an elite gatekeeper, Fedosov has shown he can challenge those who are not ready for the next step on the ladder towards the top of the Division and in those seven straight wins he has beaten three Boxers who have suffered just a sole defeat on their record.

However, Andrey Fedosov has not fought in two and a half years and I do wonder if that ring rustiness is going to show up for a Boxer who has lost just three times and only been stopped once. Even that came on cuts rather than a KO/TKO against Bryant Jennings and the American is the biggest name on the record that Fedosov has faced.

I expect he will challenge Mahammadrasul Majidov who has not needed to hear the bell for the Fifth Round in any of his wins, but who has not ripped through opponents as quickly as a relative novice professional would have. That may be partly down to the level of competition that Majidov has been thrown in with already and I do think this going to be a test for him despite the strong amateur pedigree.

I certainly don't think Andrey Fedosov is going to lie down, but the lack of time in the ring may leave the Russian vulnerable. If Mahammadrasul Majidov can quickly get into rhythm, I do think he will have too much for Fedosov and is likely to finish this opponent off the quickest out of anyone the Russian has faced in his career.

We may still be waiting to hear the bell for the Fifth Round in a Majidov pro fight by the end of this Heavyweight contest.

Carlos Gongora vs Christopher Pearson

The upset win over Ali Akhmedov back in December helped Carlos Gongora maintain his unbeaten record and also saw the Super Middleweight IBO World Champion earn a promotional deal with Matchroom.

This is a tough Division headed up by Canelo Alvarez, but the rest of the World Titles look to be tied up in the weeks and months ahead so it is up to Carlos Gongora to begin to position himself for those big fights in 2022. Not many will be looking to take on an unbeaten southpaw off their own back and so Gongora has joined a solid promotional team who can build his profile through the remainder of the year after a big win.

In saying all that, Gongora has not exactly mixed it with a lot of top names and so there is work for him to do to show that he should be pushed ahead to take on some of the elite in the Super Middleweight Division.

I think that is what he is set to do on the undercard in Florida as the chief support to the main event- Carlos Gongora has been paired up with Christopher Pearson who has not had a bout since winning a WBC Latino Middleweight Title in May 2019 and that inactivity is a real concern, not to mention the fact that this is at 168 not the 160 limit.

The American has an amateur pedigree, but his pro record is underwhelming and I think the long lay off does nothing for him. Another southpaw, Christopher Pearson could be a little awkward, but you would imagine that Carlos Gongora is being set to produce some fireworks on this undercard so he can move into a position to call out some of the top names in and around his Division.

Activity and a power edge look to be Gongora and he can end this Championship bout at some point before we hear the bell for the Seventh.

Demetrius Andrade vs Liam Williams

A Boxing career is not a long one and you do have to take the opportunities you get when they come up, but Demetrius Andrade has perhaps not benefited from the fact that he has an awkward style and one that has rarely seen him pushed by an opponent.

That means the American has yet to really have the kind of eye-catching win that a fighter of his quality should have had.

Looking through the Andrade resume and you would likely say his best wins have been Vanes Martirosyan, Jack Culcay and Maciej Sulecki, but none of those opponents would have fans clamouring for Demetrius Andrade to be involved in some bigger fights. He has been unfortunate having missed the chance to fight Billy Joe Saunders for the indiscretions of the latter rather than Andrade's own fault, but it is hard to imagine the other 160 pound Champions really looking in his direction.

Demetrius Andrade has a chance to at least get people sitting up and taking notice when he takes on Liam Williams who has been motoring ever since he moved up to Middleweight. The Welsh fighter has two losses on his resume to Liam Smith and you do have to wonder if this is going to be a step too far again, but the performances at 160 pounds have been highly encouraging and he has momentum.

Liam Williams has stopped seven straight opponents since losing the rematch to Liam Smith and only one of those opponents have managed to reach the second half of the scheduled Rounds. The win over Atlantez Fox was vastly more impressive than Demetrius Andrade's over the common opponent and Williams will be confident knowing that the Champion has felt the canvas a couple of times before.

However, I think the longer, taller Demetrius Andrade has the skills to at least counter his opponent effectively, although he is going to have to ride out some stormy moments. I simply don't think Liam Williams knows how to slow down and he will bring it all night, but Demetrius Andrade should be able to pick him off and start to break down the forward charging opponent over the distance.

In saying that, I can't help feel that Liam Williams will make this a fight rather than a chess match and taking chances could see him become vulnerable the longer it goes on. It is his best chance of winning too though and I do think Williams is going to have his moments against someone who may not be prepared for the willingness of the Welshman to take one to land one through this contest and it could be a really fun Championship fight.

Showing some vulnerability may not hurt Demetrius Andrade in the long-term in a winning effort, and I think he will be hurt at some points. However, I think he will also hurt Williams and the final bell and judges may not be required in a good looking World Title fight.

Danny Dignum vs Andrey Sirotkin

The WBO European Middleweight Title is on the line when Danny Dignum takes on Andrey Sirotkin in Bolton and these two have a single loss between them, that coming for the latter in a tough defeat to John Ryder.

The winner will be looking upwards at bigger and better opportunities, but this is anything but an easy fight to call.

Danny Dignum is the unbeaten Champion and the stoppage wins over Conrad Cummings and Alfredo Meli have to be respected- Cummings had twice been the distance with Luke Keeler who ended up having a World Title bid come up short, while Meli had been unbeaten before being stopped too.

However, Andrey Sirotkin is another step up from those wins and his performance against John Ryder shows what the Russian is capable of at a good level. Andrey Sirotkin has posted four wins in a row since that defeat in his last visit to England and I do think he will be testing Dignum.

It could be a really good, fun fight on Saturday evening, but I think Danny Dignum is awkward and he also should have a touch more power than Sirotkin which may prove to be the difference on the night.

This is a loaded Division domestically, let alone going further to the World stage, but Danny Dignum can begin to think about the likes of Denzil Bentley and Felix Cash if he can win this one. Those two fight next week and Dignum could target the winner, although he will want to impress against a solid fighter like Andrey Sirotkin.

I think it will be a back and forth early, but Dignum has shown his power can last through the Rounds and even in a Ten Rounder he might find the punches to end this one inside the distance. The stoppage over Alfredo Meli came late after Danny Dignum put the pressure on in the second half of the contest and a small interest in him doing the same against a solid opponent like Andrey Sirotkin is the call.

This will be arguably one of the more fun fights of the evening's action across the UK and United States.

MY PICKS: Arthur Biyarslanov to Win by KO/TKO/Disqualification @ 2.50 Bet365 (2 Units)

Mahammadrasul Majidov to Win Between 1-4 @ 1.80 Sky Bet (2 Units)

Carlos Gongora to Win Between 1-6 @ 2.30 Paddy Power (2 Units)

Demetrius Andrade-Liam Williams Fight to Go Distance- NO @ 2.10 Sky Bet (2 Units)

Danny Dignum to Win Between 6-10 @ 8.00 Sky Bet (1 Unit)

Regis Prograis to Win Between 1-5 @ 1.91 Sky Bet (2 Units)

Tony Harrison to Win by KO/TKO/Disqualification @ 1.83 Bet Fred (2 Units)

Boxing 2021: 12-24, - 9.66 Units (70 Units Staked, - 13.80% Yield)

Weekend Football Picks and Fantasy Football 2021 (April 16-22)

We are down to the final seven games for most Premier League teams, but a few of them have additional Cup commitments which have to be managed around those League games.

This weekend the FA Cup Semi Finals are set to be played on Saturday and Sunday, but the congested season means the Premier League games that have been postponed so those can be played have only been pushed into the midweek. That has an implication for Fantasy Premier League players too with GameWeek 32 being played from Friday through to Thursday next week and then GameWeek 33 beginning next Friday.

I will have a few thoughts on what was a difficult personal GameWeek 31 and my feelings for GameWeek 32 below, but first I will put down my analysis of how I feel the Premier League fixtures will go across the next six days.

I will add my opinion regarding the fixtures that have been postponed from this weekend and set to be played on Tuesday through Thursday after the deadline for GameWeek 32 has passed as far as the Fantasy Football game is concerned.

Everton v Tottenham Hotspur Pick: It hasn't been that long since both Everton and Tottenham Hotspur would have had genuine ambitions of finishing in the top four of the Premier League table. However, neither team has been consistent enough over the last several weeks to keep up with the sides above them in the table and this is almost a 'loser goes home' kind of contest.

Those are normally reserved for the PlayOff Series in American sports, but you do have to think the losing team here will be struggling for a European place let alone pushing towards the top four. Everton are 8th and Tottenham Hotspur are 7th in the Premier League table and there is already a considerable gap between both and the six teams above them.

The situation should mean this is an attacking game of football considering the draw does very little for either, while the other factor is that neither Everton nor Tottenham Hotspur can really have a lot of faith in their defensive strength to hold onto a narrow lead if they get into that position.

Everton are also being hurt by a huge injury list and they have a number of key players that are hoping the few days between Monday and Friday is enough for them to be passed fit for selection. The most notable is Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and it does make it feel like this is a fixture that a relatively healthier Tottenham Hotspur can take advantage of.

They are not easy to trust on current form though having blown leads in back to back Premier League games against Newcastle United and Manchester United. In saying that, Tottenham Hotspur have the attacking players that can cause plenty of problems for Everton even if there is a feeling they are defensively extremely vulnerable.

I can't imagine it will be as high-scoring as the FA Cup tie these two played in back in February, but I can see another game with at least three goals shared out. 3 of the last 4 at Goodison Park between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur have ended up that way and I don't think this is a fixture in which either team can afford to sit back and hope things work out for them.

My lean is that Tottenham Hotspur will find a way to secure the win, but it could be a fun fixture for the neutral to watch. With the defensive problems that have been evident for both teams, I think it would be a surprise if there are not at least three goals shared out between two outsiders for the top four places.

Newcastle United v West Ham United Pick: If you go back seven days this would have been a huge fixture for both Newcastle United and West Ham United, but after results last time out it now begins to feel like a fixture where there is a lot more on the line for the visitors.

A Newcastle United win and a Fulham defeat last weekend means the home team are now 6 points clear of the bottom three, while just 2 points separates Leicester City in 3rd and Chelsea in 5th place with West Ham United sandwiched between those two clubs.

The early kick off on Saturday afternoon could be a good game to watch for the neutral though and that is largely down to the performances of the two teams in the last couple of weeks. Both Newcastle United and West Ham United have been scoring goals for fun, but they have also displayed a huge amount of defensive vulnerability and that should mean an attacking fixture is in the offing.

Games between these two clubs have tended to be high-scoring ones and 6 of the last 8 overall have ended with at least three goals shared out. The last 4 at St James' Park have all ended that way too and Newcastle United and West Ham United head into this weekend having conceded at least two goals in 3 straight Premier League games either side of the international break.

Add in the fact that both have scored at least twice in both games since the March internationals and chances have tended to be created at a good clip and you do have to expect this fixture to be an exciting one. Neither team has looked capable of keeping a clean sheet and injuries are not exactly going to help on that front and this feels like another Premier League game that should produce goals.

16 of the 20 Premier League games played since the final international break of the 2020/21 season have ended with at least three goals shared out and I think this one will follow that short-term trend. An early goal will really kick the fixture off and the recent performances of the two teams suggest goals are the most likely outcome of the fixture.

Wolves v Sheffield United Pick: There isn't much on the line for Wolves and Sheffield United and it can be difficult for managers to keep players focused when that becomes the case.

I do think both sets of players do have something to prove in their remaining seven Premier League games to make sure they are still relevant next season when changes are expected at both Wolves and Sheffield United.

A lack of goals has really hurt Wolves this season and ever since Raul Jimenez went down with a serious injury, while the same can be said for Sheffield United who simply have displayed a lack of quality. Poor signings have not helped and the departure of Chris Wilder has not really sparked anything from the players either as Sheffield United have lost 5 in a row overall and 6 away games in succession.

It is very difficult to trust Wolves to win any game of football at odds on, but they have been creating chances in recent home games. Losing Pedro Neto is another blow for this team, but even without their talented creative force you do have to believe Wolves will have just enough to edge past a Sheffield United team who have been porous defensively.

The most likely outcome looks to be a narrow home win for Wolves- I do think Sheffield United will try and make life difficult, but they have not been good enough at the back and teams are creating a lot of good chances against them which is likely going to be the case again this weekend as Wolves earn the three points on the night.

Arsenal v Fulham Pick: There should still be plenty of motivation in the home dressing room after Arsenal made it through to the Europa League Semi Final and Mikel Arteta is trying to get his team to put a consistent run together.

Playing European Football is important for the development of the young players and there is still a hope that a strong end to this season will be good enough for Arsenal to at least be able to do that. Of course winning the Europa League would be a huge boost as it would mean a return to the Champions League, but Arsenal can't really afford to place all their eggs in one basket and have to keep the momentum of the last week behind them.

The Gunners have scored seven goals in back to back games over the last seven days, but the home form has been a little erratic. Arsenal have not won any of their last 3 at the Emirates Stadium, but that won't have Mikel Arteta drop his standards and he will be keen for his team to secure two more wins before they head to Villarreal in the Europa League Semi Final First Leg.

Returning from Prague to play this Sunday game is not an easy spot for Arsenal, but they have won 3 of their last 4 Premier League games after a Europa League tie. Ironically the one exception was after a Europa League tie played at the Emirates Stadium and the 3 wins have come when travelling back from mainland Europe, so there really are no excuses that the manager will offer for his team if they don't win this game.

Arsenal have been really good going forward in their last 3 games in all competitions and have backed that up with good looking defensive performances. The consecutive clean sheets will build confidence and there is plenty of pressure on their visitors after results last weekend.

Those results have left Fulham in 18th place in the Premier League table as they were beaten for a fourth Premier League game in a row. A win for Newcastle United means Fulham are now 6 points from safety with six Premier League games left to play and Scott Parker will have to pick a side that will eventually have to take risks.

It is hard to imagine that will be enough for Fulham to find the points they need to avoid relegation especially as they have continued to struggle for goals. While they have improved defensively from the early weeks of the season, Fulham are still guilty of too many mistakes and that has seen them punished.

This club have never won at Arsenal and I do think it is going to be difficult for Fulham to change that this weekend. They have had a week to prepare, but you do have to wonder if the confidence of the squad has been destroyed by the results of last weekend which means they could also be vulnerable to an Arsenal team looking to keep the wins coming.

I expect Fulham to be plenty motivated as they search for the points, but the quality has been lacking and Arsenal can hurt them on the counter attack if the visitors have to take risks. Returning from European action to play a team who have had a week off is not easy, but Arsenal have managed to produce a number of wins in that situation already this calendar year and can do the same here.

Manchester United v Burnley Pick: A 2-0 win in Spain had put Manchester United in command of their Europa League Quarter Final and the early goal on Thursday night made the Second Leg a comfortable evening at Old Trafford for the players. It has given Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the chance to rest some of his squad who have been stretched by this congested season and having no travel should mean no excuses for Manchester United when returning to Premier League action on Sunday.

They are almost certainly going to earn a top four spot in the Premier League, but the manager would love to see his team try and put some late pressure on Manchester City. There are 11 points between these rivals, but a win for Manchester United would mean they are back to single digits behind their rivals and with 18 points still to play for.

It is very unlikely that Manchester United could win the title now, but winning games is also important to maintain the momentum that has been earned since the March internationals were completed. Manchester United have won 4 in a row in all competitions since then and that includes back to back wins at Old Trafford against Brighton and Granada.

Manchester United have won 4 of their last 5 Premier League games here, but they won't be taking anything for granted when facing Burnley. In recent years Manchester United have played well at Turf Moor, but amazingly they have not led against Burnley at Old Trafford since February 2015 and they have met them 4 times here following that 3-1 victory.

3 of those had ended in draws before Burnley won here last season- in fact Burnley have led 0-2 in each of their last 3 games at Old Trafford but the first 2 saw Manchester United rally late for draws and they were not able to do that in their 0-2 defeat to Burnley in January 2020.

Burnley have led 0-2 in their last 2 away Premier League games at Everton and Southampton, but the last of those ended up with a 3-2 win for The Saints. With their recent history at Old Trafford, Burnley have to be respected here despite their current position in the League table and they have also won half of their last 6 away Premier League games.

However, this is a team that has given up some big chances in recent games and the potential absence of Nick Pope could make it more difficult for Burnley to earn a result against an in-form Manchester United team. They may cause some problems from set pieces and getting the ball into the box from wide areas, but containing Manchester United won't be easy.

The home team have been creating chances in recent games and have attacking threats who should be feeling good about themselves. The poor record against Burnley in recent fixtures at Old Trafford has to be one that Manchester United want to change and I think they will be too good in the final third for their visitors as the home team win and cover the Asian Handicap mark.

Leeds United v Liverpool Pick: The playing surface at Elland Road is far from the best in the Premier League and there is going to be changes made between this season and the next, but it should not be one that prevents Leeds United and Liverpool producing a game filled with goals on Monday Night Football.

These two teams still have some real ambitions to fulfil in the 2020/21 season and this is a big game for both clubs, while both teams are in decent form. Leeds United and Liverpool have both won 3 Premier League games in a row, but it should be noted that the underlying statistics suggest the visitors are playing at a consistently higher level in those games than Leeds United.

All credit has to be given to Leeds United for their wins over Fulham, Sheffield United and Manchester City, but they were a touch fortunate in 2 of those victories. On another day they would have been beaten comfortably at Manchester City last weekend having punished their hosts with their limited attacks, but Leeds United do play an attacking brand of football which will challenge this makeshift Liverpool defence.

There is no denying that Liverpool are missing some key players in their backline, but they have still been able to produce better than some would have expected. The centre half pairing are not being chopped and changed as much and there is an understanding developing, even if the young defenders are not able to completely erase defensive mistakes.

It wouldn't be a massive surprise to anyone if Leeds United were to score in this fixture, but they could be without Raphinha and that is a big blow for the home team. Defensively they are without Liam Cooper and I do think this Liverpool team are looking like they are not too far away from their best in the final third.

The visitors have been creating good chances and the fixture list remaining looks like one that will give them every chance of finishing in the top four of the Premier League. This is one of the more difficult games left on their list, but Liverpool are good enough to out-score Leeds United and I think they are likely to pick up a win in a fixture that sees at least two goals shared out.

Chelsea v Brighton Pick: European Football has been rocked by the news that twelve clubs have decided they are going to push forward with a 'Super League' and six of those clubs are playing in the English Premier League.

Emotions are high at the moment and my personal thoughts would involve a lot of expletives- I am a Manchester United fan, but I would chuck them, along with the other five, out of the top Division and let them rot in their mess.

The Premier League will be able to get past the loss of clubs who have long lost their soul, and it is going to be interesting to see how players will react going forward.

For now the focus for Thomas Tuchel and his Chelsea players is to make sure they take advantage of the West Ham United defeat on Saturday. This means Chelsea are in control of a top four place and a return to the Champions League (if UEFA allows them to compete next season) and Tuchel will be looking for his team to take some momentum into the big game at the London Stadium coming up.

A win over Manchester City in the FA Cup Semi Final was impressive, but Chelsea will likely make some changes for this fixture. Even then they have shown quality at both ends of the field that makes Chelsea favourites to beat a Brighton team who play attractive football, but who will give up opportunities for their opponents.

I do think Brighton can cause problems for Chelsea with their approach and if the players in the home camp have been distracted even slightly after the revelations of the last forty-eight hours then this could be a potential upset.

However, I think Tuchel is a manager who will find a way to keep the group focused on what they can control and that is this football match. The stunning loss to West Brom has really been an outlier as to the levels being produced by Chelsea and I think they have bounced back effectively from that.

This won't be easy against a rested opponent, especially as Chelsea have had two tough games since Brighton last played, but the top four race is back on. While I would love to see all of the six clubs that have signed up to this awful Super League proposal suffer massively, I think Chelsea will prove to be too good for Brighton and secure a victory behind another stingy defensive performance.

Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton Pick: The new European Super League has some of the big names in European history attached to it, but it is laughable that a club like Tottenham Hotspur are a part of that- if that isn't proof of a money grab then I don't know what is!

Only twice have Tottenham Hotspur been English Champions and the last of those came in 1961 so you can easily put them in amongst the top twenty European clubs(!) Personally I think they are joke and any little respect for this club has vanished.

I have to take a neutral approach to this Premier League fixture though and my pick as to how it will end.

The Sacking of Jose Mourinho would have been headline news a couple of days ago, but this is just another big headline on a day when European Football has descended into a civil war. Tottenham Hotspur's poor run has been cited as the reason for the decision, although it has surprisingly been made just days before the club are looking for their first trophy since 2008 (what an elite club hey?!)

Ryan Mason will take over until the end of the season and Spurs are still in a position where they can challenge for a top four place in the Premier League, although whether they are allowed to take part in the Champions League is another discussion to be had. Anything less than a win would likely be the end of those ambitions on sporting merit, but Tottenham Hotspur could be relaxed and able to play their best game if the players were indeed fed up with Mourinho.

Harry Kane could be out, but the likes of Dele Alli and Gareth Bale may have something to prove and Tottenham Hotspur could take advantage of the disappointment that Southampton may be feeling after losing their FA Cup Semi Final against Leicester City. Southampton didn't play badly and were a touch unfortunate, but they have lost 7 of their last 8 away Premier League games and continue to concede too many goals.

Southampton will be dangerous when getting forward against a Tottenham Hotspur defence which has to be short of confidence. However, their own defence is likely to be tested and I think the home team will likely win a game that features at least two goals on the night.

Aston Villa v Manchester City Pick: The defeat in the FA Cup Semi Final will have hurt, but talk of the Quadruple will no longer be a distraction to Manchester City who may not have too many more chances to become proper European Champions.

Pep Guardiola will also want to put any lingering doubts about winning the Premier League to bed as soon as possible as they hold an 8 point lead over rivals Manchester United with six League games to play. A win on Wednesday will put them well on the way and Manchester City should be focused despite the League Cup Final to be played on Sunday.

More changes than expected were made for the FA Cup Semi Final and the manager has made it clear that he will be rotating his squad to maximise their ability to perform. Pep Guardiola got it wrong on Saturday, but he won't mind as long as his team performs as they should and there should be a reaction from them on Wednesday.

They will head to what should be a motivated Aston Villa squad who will be amongst a number of Premier League clubs sickened by the European Super League proposals that the 'Big Six' have joined up. It closes the shop to the elite for clubs like Aston Villa who ironically have one more European Cup in their trophy cabinet than Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur combined.

Aston Villa are well rested, but the team are struggling for form and losing Jack Grealish is a real blow to their chances. A strong team will be selected, but even a Manchester City team with changes should be too good on the night as long as their own players are focused on the football to be played rather than the fallout from the European Super League announcement.

I expect the players to be able to do that and I think Manchester City likely win by a couple of goals here as Tottenham Hotspur did last month.

Leicester City v West Brom Pick: This feels like a bigger game for Leicester City than West Brom when these two meet in the Premier League on Thursday and that is largely because the latter's survival hopes have been dented by Newcastle United's upturn in form.

West Brom may have won back to back Premier League games, but they are still 9 points behind Burnley in 17th place and there are just seven League games left to be played.

The pressure is on them, but you can double that for Leicester City who are still clinging onto a top four spot in the Premier League after an inconsistent run. They faltered badly down the stretch last season and Brendan Rodgers was hoping those experiences would just strengthen the resolve of his squad this time around, but the pressure has been put on Leicester City by West Ham United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

The latter two teams play on Monday and Tuesday and if both win then Leicester City will really have to deal with the memories of last season. They simply cannot afford to drop points in a fixture like this one and I do think Leicester City are playing well enough to edge to the points, especially with James Maddison back and likely to play a part in this one.

West Brom have looked good of late, but this is a team who have long struggled and I don't think they can be fully trusted. They may cause some problems for Leicester City, but West Brom have continued to struggle defensively and that is where the home team can edge to the points.

It is a Midlands derby so there may be some factors that are hard to judge, while Leicester City have a miserable home record against West Brom down the years. However, this Leicester City team are off a confidence boosting FA Cup Semi Final win and I think they can be backed to edge to the points in a big Premier League game.

MY PICKS: Everton-Tottenham Hotspur Over 2.5 Goals

Newcastle United-West Ham United Over 2.5 Goals

Wolves & Under 3.5 Goals

Arsenal

Manchester United - 1.25 Asian Handicap

Liverpool & Over 1.5 Goals

Chelsea - 0.75 Asian Handicap

Tottenham Hotspur & Over 1.5 Goals

Manchester City - 1.25 Asian Handicap

Leicester City - 0.75 Asian Handicap

Fantasy Football GameWeek 32

A poor decision...

Bringing in Marcos Alonso turned out not to be the correct transfer after the Spaniard was left out of Chelsea's win at Crystal Palace and it was not only compounded by the other option, Trent Alexander-Arnold, banging in a winner for Liverpool against Aston Villa.

No, what hurt the most was removing Stuart Dallas for Alonso after the Leeds United defender not only scored once, but twice in the win at Manchester City.

Remarkable, but that has been my feeling for much of the 2020/21 Premier League season with the congested nature seemingly meaning you can't really plan for events as much as you may feel you can.

Stuart Dallas has done virtually nothing for weeks and that was despite his Leeds United team facing two of the bottom three teams, but not for the first time the returns have come in fixtures where you may not feel the player is likely to have a big impact. Lucas Digne, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Luke Shaw and Diogo Jota have all hurt me in those situations at various times over the last two months too, but it is just the way things have gone in general in 2020/21.

The suggestions are that the Premier League are very close to ratifying the change to the end of the season which is going to see the current GameWeek 35 moved back a few days and a new GameWeek 37 beginning in the midweek before the final weekend of the season. That was originally looking like being a free week in which any games left that need to be scheduled would be played, but the changes are likely to be made so every team has at least one home game in front of limited fans in the 2020/21 season.

For the Fantasy game the impact is that we do have at least one more really big Double GameWeek coming up and that is expected in GameWeek 35 as those teams involved in the FA Cup Final will have their Premier League game pushed forward a few days. There are at least two fixtures that are expected to be slotted into that GameWeek 35 to make a double for four clubs, while that number could increase to eight clubs depending on how the FA Cup Semi Finals go this weekend.

That decision by the Premier League should be confirmed before the end of next week and makes the Wild Card I want to play before GameWeek 33 a little easier to manage, although for now the focus has to be on GameWeek 32.

Only Tottenham Hotspur are on a Double GameWeek this week and the decision on a Captain is obviously going to be backing one of those players.

I am chasing a higher spot and that means I want to go with the differential- I imagine most will pick Harry Kane, but I am thinking of bringing Heung-Min Son and potentially even Triple Captaining him this week.

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin ruled out by Carlo Ancelotti, I can bring in Kelechi Iheanacho and upgrade Ilkay Gundogan for the South Korean, although it would mean taking a hit. My original plan had me moving Raheem Sterling for Son as my sole transfer this week, but there is some doubts about whether Ruben Dias, Gundogan and Marcos Alonso and whether they will start this week which means I can't afford to have a weak bench having only had ten starters last week.

This is my thinking so far, and I am unlikely to reach the deadline with plans to be out of the house on Friday afternoon (the beer gardens are finally open and I've spent far too long at home).

Activating the Wild Card in GameWeek 33 is still the most likely plan considering the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are playing a blank, but I need to have a good think about how I want to manage my resources down the stretch. It has been a hard season, but there is still time for a very strong finish and at least have some confidence to take into Euro 2020 Dream Team and FPL play in the 2021/22 season.