The highlight games for this weekend’s action are TOTTENHAM versus BRIGHTON and LIVERPOOL versus ARSENAL. Our feature columnist, John Newsome previews these and all game week 30 matches with his unique and insightful commentary. You can view all previous analysis from John’s regular column here: English Premier League Predictions For Saturday.
Please note all prices quoted below were correct at the time of publication
Game Week-30
Saturday 08th
All these fixtures are the reverse of Game Week-10 which took place in October 2022.
MANCHESTER UNITED v EVERTON
12.30 in England
BT Sport
Manchester United are quickly back in action following Wednesday night’s victory against Brentford at Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford scored the solitary winning goal in the 1st-half to give Manchester United the win by a 1-0 scoreline.
Erik Ten Hag dropped Wout Weghorst and replaced the Dutchman with Jadon Sancho with that being the only change to the starting eleven who suffered a defeat against Newcastle last Sunday.
The victory lifts United back into the Champions League places, up to 4th with 53 points, the same as Newcastle but with an inferior goal difference.
Both are now 3 points ahead of Tottenham in 5th and have played a game less (28) than Spurs (29).
Both United’s will think that a Champions League place is theirs to lose.
Manchester United take on Seville on Thursday at Old Trafford, in the 1st-leg of the Europa League Quarter-Final, thus one of the reasons for this early kick-off.
Everton gained a brilliant point against Tottenham on Monday Night Football, with a superb Michael Keane goal, reminiscent of Vincent Kompany’s strike for Man City against Leicester back in 2019, earning the point from a draw by a 1-1 score.
In this EveryTip column last week, it was pointed out that Sean Dyche does prefer Michael to Conor Coady, however, John Newsome did state that Conor was better.
Mr Keane no doubt read that and thought,
‘I will show John ‘EveryTip’ Newsome!’
With Michael scoring the superb equaliser in the 90th minute.
However, despite scoring the goal, Michael Keane did have a nightmare moment, diving in on Cristian Romero to gift Tottenham a penalty, which gave the away team the lead.
Abdoulaye Doucoure had a moment of madness by sticking his hand into Harry Kane’s face and subsequently being shown a straight Red Card.
This prompted a lot of criticism towards Harry but despite the England Captain going down easier than the Titanic, Abdoulaye, or for that matter, anyone shouldn’t put a hand in someone’s face.
If one did that in normal everyday circumstances, the receiver wouldn’t be happy.
Tottenham themselves had a man sent off, with Lucas Moura going in high on the man of the moment, Michael Keane, just before MK’s superb strike to gain a valuable point.
Everton sit in 16th place, with the same 27 points as Bournemouth (who occupy the final relegation spot), Nottingham Forest, who have all completed 29 fixtures and West Ham, who have a game in hand over the others around them.
At Goodison Park back in October 2022, Erik Ten Hag’s Red Devils got the better of Frank Lampard’s Toffees, with United gaining the away night victory over Everton by a 2-1 scoreline.
Alex Iwobi scored first for Everton but goals from Antony and Cristiano Ronaldo, all going into the net before the half-time whistle, gave Manchester United the points.
The goal turned out to be CR7’s 700th of a glamorous career.
United did inflict a defeat on Everton in the 3rd-Round of this season’s FA Cup by a 3-1 score.
Betfred offer Manchester United at Odds On 4/9, the draw at 10/3 and 6/1 for Everton to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 13/8 that Bruno Fernandes Scores Anytime and 11/8 that Manchester United Win To Nil.
Home Win 2-0- Get 6/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
ASTON VILLA v NOTTINGHAM FOREST
15.00 in England
Aston Villa gained a brilliant away night victory over Leicester on Tuesday.
Ollie Watkins scored the opener which was equalled by Harvey Barnes to take both teams in level at the interval.
The Foxes were then reduced to 10 men, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall receiving 2 quick fire Yellow Cards and the subsequent Red to beat his mates into the shower.
Villa eventually took advantage of the extra player and scored the winner in the 87th minute.
Bertrand Traore with a superb goal to give Aston Villa all the points from a 2-1 score.
With Liverpool and Chelsea cancelling each other out, Unai’s Claret and Blues jump up to 7th, with 44 points from 29 fixtures completed.
The Villains are asking,
‘Steven Gerrard, who?’
Nottingham Forest suffered another defeat on Tuesday, this time against Leeds United at Elland Rd by a 2-1 score.
Orel Mangala scored after 12 minutes to give Forest a lead but Orel’s goal was quickly cancelled out by the home team 8 minutes later.
Leeds then scored what proved to be the winner in the 45th minute to gain the victory over Nottingham Forest by a 2-1 scoreline.
That’s the Tricky Trees 5th defeat out of the last 8 fixtures with the others being drawn, giving Nottingham Forest 3 points from a possible 24.
In anyone’s book, that’s relegation form and although Forest sit just outside of the drop zone, Steve Cooper’s Tricky Trees have the same 27 points as the Cherries who occupy the final relegation place.
Everton and West Ham also have 27 points so it is tight still but just looking at the results, it appears Nottingham Forest are the ones struggling to gain a victory with 9 games remaining.
These two Midlanders played out a draw in Game Week-10 at the City Ground, with goals from Emmanuel Dennis and Ashley Young before the half-time cup of tea giving both a point from a 1-1 scoreline.
Betfred offer Aston Villa at Odds On 8/13, the draw at 3/1 and 4/1 for Nottingham Forest to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 11/4 that Ollie Watkins Scores First and 8/5 that Aston Villa Score in Both Halves.
Home Win 3-0- Get 11/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
BRENTFORD v NEWCASTLE
15.00 in England
Both these played in midweek with both having mixed fortunes.
Brentford suffered a defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford by a narrow 1-0 scoreline, which Thomas Frank just needs to put to bed.
The Bees do struggle against United in Manchester, however, it’s a different story in London.
Brentford remain in 9th place with the same 43 points as Liverpool having played a game more (29) than Jurgen’s Reds (28).
Newcastle hammered West Ham on Wednesday, with Eddie Howe’s Magpies getting the victory over David Moyes Boys by a 5-1 scoreline.
First-half goals from Callum Wilson and Joelinton gave Newcastle a lead at the break.
A quick note regarding Joelinton’s goal, the linesman put his flag up for offside after the Brazilian had scored, however, the dreaded VAR, who do get a lot of stick, none least from this EveryTip column, correctly identified that Joelinton was onside and the linesman had made an error.
The linesman, Scott Ledger, by the way, lives in the same village as John Newsome.
West Ham had pulled a goal back and looked set for a fight in the 2nd half, however, within 21 seconds of the restart, Callum scored his 2nd and the Magpies 3rd.
Alexander Isak added a 4th before Joelinton scored his 2nd and Newcastle’s 5th to inflict the devastating defeat that could possibly cost David Moyes his job.
Newcastle sit in 3rd place with the same 53 points as Manchester United but with a superior goal difference.
A Champions League place is theirs for the taking with the closest chasers Tottenham being 3 points adrift, have played a game more than the Magpies, with both having to face each other in a couple of weeks.
Toon Army!
Newcastle smashed Brentford back in October at St James Park, with Eddie’s Magpies gaining the victory over Thomas’s Bees by a 5-1 score.
Bruno Guimaraes and Jacob Murphy scored for the home team to give Newcastle a comfortable lead at the break.
After the interval, Ivan Toney converted a penalty which would have given the lad some personal satisfaction despite the defeat, with IT having been on the books at Newcastle.
It proved to be just a consolation with Bruno adding his 2nd and the Magpies’ 3rd soon after.
Miguel Almiron scored a 4th before the unfortunate Ethan Pinnock turned past his own goalkeeper to give Newcastle the convincing home victory.
This fixture in London should be a bit tighter.
Betfred offer Brentford at 12/5, the draw at 5/2 and 11/10 for Newcastle to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 10/3 that Ivan Toney Scores First and Evens 1/1 that Alexander Isak Scores Anytime.
Draw 2-2- Get 14/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
FULHAM v WEST HAM
15.00 in England
Fulham come into this London Derby off the back of a defeat against Bournemouth at the Vitality last Saturday.
Andreas Pereira did score first to give the Cottagers a lead at the break.
However, it was the home team that came out stronger, scoring twice in the 2nd-half to inflict the defeat on Fulham by a 2-1 score.
That is actually 4 straight defeats for Marco Silva’s team, 3 in the Premier League and 1 in the FA Cup.
Aleksandar Mitrovic missed the fixture against the Cherries due to the Red Card received against Manchester United and has now had his fate confirmed, with the officials dishing out an 8-game ban to the Serbian.
That means Big Mit will not be available until the final 3 fixtures of the campaign, those being against Southampton, Crystal Palace and ironically Manchester United.
One wonders if Chris Kavanagh will be the referee for that final game.
David Moyes is now under increased pressure following the devastating defeat against Newcastle at the London Stadium on Wednesday.
When the away team had scored 2, Kurt Zouma headed a goal back to leave the Hammers trailing at the break by a single goal.
David Moyes must have gotten into his boys in the dressing room and stated that ‘the Hammers were back in it’.
Within 21 seconds of the restart, a defensive mistake led to a 3rd goal for the Magpies that resulted in a capitulation by the home team.
Most of the Bubbles had left before the 4th and 5th went in, with the defeat leaving West Ham in 15th on the same 27 points as Everton, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth.
The slight advantage the Hammers have is the others have played a game more (29) than West Ham (28).
At the moment, Mr Moyes is still the Manager of West Ham but the position is a precarious one.
The Hammers take on Gent on Thursday in the 1st-leg of the Europa Conference League Quarter-Final, so the hierarchy at the London Stadium might just allow David to continue to hopefully progress in that particular competition.
Remember Bubbles it’s Gent, not Genk!
It was West Ham that gained the victory over Fulham back in the Game Week-10 affair.
Andreas Pereira scored 1st for the Cottagers before a converted Jarrod Bowen penalty took both teams in level at the break.
Gianluca Scamacca and Michail Antonio scored for the Hammers in the 2nd-half to give West Ham the London bragging rights over Fulham by a 3-1 score.
Betfred offer Fulham at 7/4, the draw at 9/4 and 13/8 for West Ham to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 10/3 that Willian Scores Anytime and 16/5 that Fulham Score in Both Halves.
Home Win 2-1- Get 17/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
LEICESTER v BOURNEMOUTH
15.00 in England
Following the sacking of Brendan Rodgers, the Foxes were hoping for an upturn in fortunes against Aston Villa at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday night in the fixture against fellow Midlanders Aston Villa.
After falling a goal behind, Harvey Barnes scored a brilliant equaliser which should have seen the home team push on.
However, 2 quick Yellow Cards given to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall made Leicester’s task of gaining a victory difficult and then the inevitable happened with Villa scoring a winner late on to inflict the defeat on the Foxes by a 2-1 scoreline.
That’s the 2nd defeat in succession and the 6th out of 7 Premier League games for Leicester, leaving the Foxes in 19th place with 25 points from 29 completed.
Although in the relegation zone, it is tight at the bottom so a couple of wins can lift any team away from danger.
The Sheffield Superstar Jamie Vardy made his first start in the Premier League since a run-out against Brighton back in January.
Unfortunately for everyone concerned, Father Time is catching up with Jimmy V but the lad deserves tremendous credit for his exceptional career over the years, coming to the Premier League the unconventional way of not being at an Academy.
Bournemouth themselves suffered a defeat in the rearranged midweek fixture against Brighton on Tuesday.
After gaining a victory against Fulham last weekend, the Cherries were dropped back into the relegation zone, following the loss against the Seagulls by a 2-0 scoreline.
Bournemouth sit in the final relegation place with 27 points from 29 played.
As mentioned, all of Nottingham Forest, Everton and West Ham have 27 points also.
A victory today could easily see one of these two jump out of the drop zone.
At the Vitality back in October 2022, Patson Daka scored the opener for the away team to give Leicester a lead at the interval.
Second-half goals from Philip Billing and Ryan Christie gave Bournemouth the victory by a 2-1 scoreline.
Betfred offer Leicester at slight Odds On 4/5, the draw at 11/4 and 16/5 for Bournemouth to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 13/8 that Jamie Vardy Scores Anytime and 11/4 that Philip Billing Scores Anytime.
Home Win 2-1- Get 7/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
***Premier League Team of the Week***
GOALKEEPER- Nick Pope- Newcastle
RIGHT-BACK- Reece James-Chelsea
CENTRE-BACK- Ethan Pinnock- Brentford
CENTRE-BACK- Michael Keane- Everton
LEFT-BACK- Dan Burn- Newcastle
MIDFIELDER- Bruno Guimaraes- Newcastle
MIDFIELDER- N’Golo Kante- Chelsea
MIDFIELDER- Marcel Sabitzer- Manchester United
FORWARD- Ollie Watkins- Aston Villa
FORWARD- Jack Harrison- Leeds United
FORWARD- Callum Wilson- Newcastle
STAR MAN- Callum Wilson- Newcastle
TOTTENHAM v BRIGHTON
15.00 in England
Tottenham played out a draw against Everton on Monday Night Football with both sharing the points at Goodison Park from a 1-1 scoreline.
Harry Kane had an eventful evening, firstly being involved in an altercation with Abdoulaye Doucoure that resulted in the Everton player being sent off for appearing to slap Harry.
It’s fair to say, HK made a meal of the incident and went down holding the face as if Tyson Fury had dropped a right-hander.
There were comments such as,
‘Embarrassing, Harry’s kids will have hit him harder added with a few expletives involving the word Cockney!’
However, despite the dramatic nature of Mr Kane, Andoulaye can’t be shoving his hands in anyone’s face, whatever force is behind the action.
Tottenham were then awarded a penalty when Everton’s Michael Keane kicked Cristian Romero on the ankle in the area.
Obviously, Michael was a little jealous of Cristian’s World Cup Winners Medal.
Harry must have taken 100s of penalties against Jordan Pickford when both were on England duty so it was no surprise when Mr Kane converted to give the away team a lead.
Lucas Moura came on in the 82nd minute and lasted just 6, before lunging in on Micheal Keane which produced another straight Red Card.
There wasn’t any need for VAR and no complaints from Lucas.
With time running out, that man Mr Keane scored a superb equaliser to give both teams a share of the points.
Antonio Conte did have a rant following the draw against Southampton where Tottenham were in control of the game, leading by 3 goals to 1 but then allowed the Saints to gain a point.
Although Antonio has gone, Tottenham did exactly the same against Everton, going in front, then retreating against a team with 10 men, to ultimately turn a victory into another draw.
Maybe Mr Conte was right about his Spurs boys.
Tottenham drop down to 5th place, with 50 points, now below Manchester United and Newcastle.
Brighton come into this fixture at the Chas and Dave Memorial Stadium off the back of a victory against Bournemouth on Tuesday.
Goals from Evan Ferguson and Julio Enciso gave Roberto De Zerbi’s men the win by a 2-0 scoreline, as predicted in this EveryTip column the other day.
Brighton are unbeaten in the last 7 games in all competitions having 3 victories and 2 draws in the Premier League and 2 FA Cup wins setting up a Semi-Final against Manchester United at Wembley on the 23rd of April.
The Seagulls currently sit in 6th place with 46 points from 27 games played.
Four adrift of today’s hosts but having played 2 fixtures less than Tottenham.
At the Amex back in October, a single Harry Kane goal midway through the 1st-half gave Tottenham the away-day victory over Brighton by a 1-0 score and Antonio Conte the Italian bragging rights over his fellow countryman Roberto De Zerbi.
Betfred offer Tottenham at 6/4, the draw at 5/2 and 13/8 for Brighton to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 11/4 that Harry Kane Scores First and 12/5 that Alexis Mac Allister Scores Anytime.
Draw 2-2- Get 11/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
WOLVES v CHELSEA
15.00 in England
Wolves had the midweek off and come into this game fresh off the back of a draw against Nottingham Forest last Saturday.
Daniel Podence scored to cancel out an earlier Nottingham Forest goal to give both the Midlanders a point from a 1-1 draw.
That did stop a 2 game losing streak and leaves the Gold and Blacks in 14th place with 28 points from 29 games completed.
Chelsea gained a point from a dull bore draw against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, with both teams failing to find the back of the net resulting in a stalemate by a 0-0 scoreline.
In the first game post-Graham Potter, the Caretaker gaffer, Bruno Saltor didn’t do much to change the fortunes of the Blues, however, Liverpool were so poor, that Chelsea will feel annoyed that a victory wasn’t achieved.
That is the 4th game in succession between the Blues and the Reds that has resulted in a goalless draw.
Post-Graham Potter Chelsea sit in 11th place with 39 points from 29 games played.
The Blues take on Real Madrid at the Bernabeu following this weekend’s fixture, in the 1st-leg of the Quarter-Final of the Champions League.
Good luck Chelsea!
***********BREAKING NEWS ***********
Frank Lampard comes back to Stamford Bridge as the Caretaker/Caretaker Manager of Chelsea.
No, it is not April the 1st, Chelsea are once again going to be called Frank Lampard’s Chelsea.
Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic and Armando Broja scored the goals for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, to give the home team the victory over Wolves by a 3-0 scoreline.
Both come into this fixture at Molineux under the guidance of different Managers.
At Stamford Bridge back in October, Graham Potter was in charge of Chelsea with Steve Davis (not the Snooker player) taking temporary charge of Wolves.
It’s now Frank Lampard at the Blues helm with Julen Lopetegui boss of the Gold and Blacks.
Betfred offer Wolves at 3/1, the draw at 12/5 and slight Odds On 19/20 for Chelsea to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 13/8 that Kai Havertz Scores Anytime and 2/1 that Chelsea Win To Nil.
Away Win 0-2- Get 8/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
SOUTHAMPTON v MAN CITY
17.30 in England
Sky Sports
Both had the midweek off so should be fresh for this early Saturday evening fixture at St Mary’s.
Southampton suffered a defeat against West Ham on Sunday by a 1-0 scoreline.
The fixture at the London Stadium didn’t produce much in the way of excitement and leaves the Saints at the foot of the Premier League table with 23 points from 29 completed.
If a surprise victory is achieved today, Southampton will still be in the relegation zone.
Man City come into this game at St Mary’s after inflicting a defeat on Liverpool at the Etihad last time out.
Despite Erling Haaland not being fit enough to be included in the squad and then going a goal behind after 17 minutes, City were much the better team on the whole.
Julian Alvarez equalised Liverpool’s early strike to take both teams in level at the break.
Pep Guardiola then got into his Blue Stars and whatever was said in the dressing room, bore fruit with Kevin De Bruyne scoring within seconds of the restart.
Both Julian’s and Kevin’s goals were the result of brilliant teamwork.
Ilkay Gundogan and the excellent Jack Grealish, who was superb throughout, both scored to round off a stunning performance, giving Man City the victory over Liverpool by a 4-1 scoreline.
John Newsome did predict a 3-1 scoreline, so it’s hoped a few pressed the ‘Cash Out’ button before Jack scored and earned a few quid to buy the kids some Easter Eggs.
The victory did reduce the difference between Arsenal and Man City to 5 points, however, the 8-point gap was reinstated following the Gunners’ victory later in the day.
Man City remain in 2nd place, with 64 points from 28 fixtures played, which is a game less than Arsenal but as is always stated, it is assumed better to have the points on the board than games in hand.
If Man City win the extra game plus get a victory between the two leaders when the two meet on the 26th of April, City will still trail by 2 points, so are looking for a bit of help from other teams to try and retain the Premier League title.
There is a long way to go and no doubt there will be a few twists and turns yet before the end of May 2023.
Man City face Bayern Munich at the Etihad after this trip to the South Coast, in the 1st-leg of the Champions League Quarter-Final.
Joao Cancelo and Phil Foden scored the 1st-half goals at the Etihad back in October, with Riyad Mahrez and Erling Haaland adding 3 and 4 after the break to give Man City the comfortable victory over Southampton by a 4-0 scoreline.
If one remembers, somehow (somehow!) Nathan Jones inspired his Sorry Set of Saints to a victory over Pep’s Low Flying Blues in the Carabao Cup in January.
As Chris ‘Kammy’ Kamara would say, Unbelievable Jeff!
Betfred offer Southampton at 10/1, the draw at 5/1 and Odds On 1/4 for Man City to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 11/5 that Erling Haaland Scores Two Plus Goals and 6/4 that there are Over 3.5 Goals.
Away Win 0-4- Get 11/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
Sunday 09th
LEEDS UNITED v CRYSTAL PALACE
14.00 in England
‘Leeds, Leeds are falling apart again, Leeds, Leeds are falling apart again.’
Whilst most will think,
‘Why are Leeds falling apart this week following a midweek victory against Nottingham Forest at Elland Rd?’
Well, two reasons,
1-the win was only against Forest who are rubbish and B-it’s just funny!
Jack Harrison and Luis Sinisterra notched after the away team had taken the lead, with all 3 goals being scored before the half-time whistle.
Leeds United hung on for the valuable victory by a 2-1 scoreline, which lifts the Whites up to 13th place with 29 points, a point less than today’s opponents, both having completed 29 fixtures.
The West Yorkshire puddings were all out after the game against Forest, finding a local boozer to purchase pints of Skol and Mad Dog 20/20, plus plenty of straws to go around.
Marching On Together.
Roy Hodgson worked his magic on Crystal Palace against Leicester last time out, with the Eagles gaining a victory over the Foxes by a 2-1 scoreline.
After a goalless 1st-half, Leicester scored to take the lead, however, then gifted Palace an equaliser via an Own Goal.
With time up on the clock Jean-Philippe Mateta scored a very late winner to send the Eagle Ultra berserk and give Roy an opening-game victory.
The win stopped a 4-game losing streak giving Crystal Palace 30 points from 29 games played, as mentioned, a point more than today’s hosts, leaving Palace in 12th place.
The winner will end the weekend higher in the Premier League table.
Whilst not wanting to pour cold water on the victory, it was only against Leicester who are rubbish at the moment and who subsequently sacked Brendan Rodgers after the game.
It was Patrick Vieira versus Jesse Marsch at Selhurst Park back in October, with Patrick’s Palace getting the victory over Jesse’s Whites by a 2-1 score.
Alphabet Man Patrick Struijk opened the scoring for the away team with Odsonne Edouard quickly equalising to take both teams in level at the break.
Eberechi Eze scored what turned out to be the winner midway through the 2nd-half to give Crystal Palace the points.
Both Managers are now at the Job Centre with Roy Hodgson taking on Javi Gracia, coincidentally both having spells as Manager of Watford over the last few years.
Betfred offer Leeds United at 11/10, the draw at 12/5 and 5/2 for Crystal Palace to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 4/1 that Jack Harrison Scores Anytime and slight Odds On 4/6 that there are Under 2.5 Goals.
Draw 1-1- Get 11/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
LIVERPOOL v ARSENAL
16.30 in England
Liverpool’s away form continued on Tuesday, with Jurgen’s Reds unable to get a victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Despite not playing particularly well and not registering an away win, it wasn’t a defeat either with both the Reds and the Blues sharing the points from a draw by a 0-0 score.
There were a few changes made to the starting lineup by Mr Klopp, with Virgil Van Dyke missing through illness and Mo Salah dropped to the bench.
The point gained leaves, Liverpool, in 8th place with 43, now below Aston Villa but have played a game less (28) than Villa (29).
Brentford also have 43 points from 28 fixtures completed.
Arsenal have not won against Liverpool at Anfield in over 20 years but head up to Merseyside as Premier League leaders for this Easter Sunday clash as they look to end their winless run and gain all 3 Chocolate Eggs on offer.
Having had over a week’s rest, Mikel’s Young Guns should be fresher but playing against Liverpool at Anfield will, as always, be a tough ask.
Arsenal remain at the summit of the Premier League following an emphatic victory against Leeds United last Saturday by a 4-1 scoreline.
The 2nd, 4-1 in succession following the victory over Crystal Palace by the same score before the International Break.
A Gabriel Jesus converted penalty gave the Gunners a lead at the break against the Whites.
Soon after the restart, the ex-Leeds player Ben White then scored against his old mates who Ben had helped to gain promotion back in the 2019/2020 campaign.
Mr Jesus added a 3rd, with Granit Xhaka rounding off the scoring late on.
Leeds had scored a consolation goal before Granit notched.
The victory against the Whites reinstated the 8-point gap at the summit between Arsenal and Man City.
No doubt Mr Guardiola will be sitting at home watching the 55-inch telly, wearing a Liverpool shirt with Sterling on the back that he’s nicked from Raheem, hoping the Scousers can do the Mancs a favour.
The Europa League campaign is over for Arsenal so the adage,
‘Concentrating on the League’,
really does come to the fore.
At the Emirates for the Game Week-10 encounter, Arsenal gained a narrow victory over Liverpool by a 3-2 score.
Gabriel Martinelli scored the opener which was equalised by Darwin Nunez before Bukayo Saka scored to give Arsenal a lead at the break.
Roberto Firmino was introduced as a substitute for Luis Diaz just before the interval and repaid the faith shown by Jurgen Klopp to score an equaliser just after the restart.
Liverpool then conceded a penalty that Bukayo Saka coolly converted and with no further goals, Arsenal gained the points.
Betfred offer Liverpool at 7/4, the draw at 13/5 and 7/5 for Arsenal to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 9/2 that Mo Salah Scores First and 9/4 that Bukayo Saka Scores Anytime.
Draw 1-1- Get 13/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
Game Week-30
Saturday, 14th March 1998.
BARNSLEY v SOUTHAMPTON
Oakwell
15.00 in England
The Saints turned up to Oakwell in the Spring Sunshine of March 1998, hoping to gain another victory against the Tykes following the fixture at the Dell back in November 1997.
Southampton had hammered Barnsley just after Bonfire Night inflicting a defeat on the Yorkshire outfit by a 4-1 scoreline.
The South Coast club had been up to Barnsley back in October of 1997 for a League Cup game that finished in favour of the Saints by a 2-1 score.
This time the Super Reds were hoping to reverse the fortunes from the 2 earlier defeats and the Red and White Army were out in force.
It was the usual pre-Match routine for this EveryTip contributor which resulted in a bus into Town and the usual pub to have a few beers to settle the nerves.
Following a few refreshments, it was a stroll up to Oakwell which is around a mile from Barnsley Town Centre.
Sometimes there was a diversion into the local market to call at Sailor Sids for a bag of spice.
Now most reading will assume that the Barnsley Boys and Girls were getting a bag of Turmeric, Cumin or Curry Powder for the match but actually from whenever John Newsome can remember, the old folk of Barnsley referred to sweets as ‘spice’
Yorkshire Mixtures or Wine Gums, Midget Gems or Chocolate Eclairs or basically anything from Haribo.
Spice!
Ones old Grandparents would often ask the youngsters growing up in the 1970s on a visit to the famous Barnsley Market,
‘Does tha want some spice young un?’
So having purchased a Quarter of Wine Gums for the afternoon’s entertainment it was up the hill to Oakwell.
If one remembers, it was a nice sunny afternoon but still a bit fresh, however, the Barnsley shirt was worn without a coat.
Danny Wilson sent out the following legends,
Barnsley-
David Watson, Nicky Eaden, Darren Barnard, Chris Morgan, Adie Moses, Scott Jones, Martin Bullock, Neil Redfearn, Darren Sheridan, Jan Age Fjortoft and Ashley Ward.
Substitutes-
Andy Liddell for Ashley Ward 37th Minute
Georgi Hristov for Andy Liddell 68th Minute
Eric Tinkler for Scott Jones 82nd Minute
The Southampton Manager David Jones sent out this set of Saints,
Southampton-
Paul Jones, Jason Dodd, Francis Benali, Claus Lundekvam, Ken Monkou, John Beresford, Matt Oakley, Kevin Richardson, Matt Le Tissier, David Hirst and Egil Ostenstad.
Substitutes-
Andy Williams for Kevin Richardson 58th Minute
If one peruses the Southampton team, there were some real legends on show.
Francis Benali, Ken Monkou to name but two, plus ex-Barnsley Boys John Beresford and David Hirst as well as Kevin Richardson who came to Oakwell for a few years later.
Added to those is the legendary Matt Le Tissier, whom it was a pleasure just to see in the flesh after watching the Saint score some stunners on Sky Sports.
Matthew had played for Southampton against Barnsley at Oakwell in the League Cup earlier in the season.
In the Yorkshire Sunshine, Ashley Ward opened the scoring to give Barnsley an early lead.
Egil Ostenstad equalised soon after before Scott Jones, who was the hero from the Manchester United FA Cup victory, got his head onto a Darren Sheridan corner to make it 2-1.
Matt Le Tissier equalised again for the Saints scoring a rare header.
Two goals apiece with 4 minutes of the 1st-half remaining.
That wasn’t the end of the goals before the break though, with Jan Age Fjortoft adding a 3rd for Barnsley to give the Super Reds a lead at the interval.
Barnsley were then awarded a penalty early after the restart, which could have been considered soft but the Red and White Army weren’t bothered, soft or not, it was a chance to take a 2-goal advantage.
Neil Redfearn rarely missed a penalty and didn’t disappoint in converting the spot-kick.
Matt Le Tissier added his 2nd of the game and the Saints 3rd with 20 minutes still remaining but with no further goals, Barnsley held on for a famous victory by a 4-3 scoreline.
That was the Reds’ 3rd victory in a row, following back-to-back wins against Wimbledon and Aston Villa.
If one looks at the table below, Barnsley had 31 points from 30 fixtures, however, only achieved a further 4 from a victory and a draw in the remaining 8 games, finishing the one and only campaign in the Promised Land with 35 points.
Not that this means much but in the 2 seasons, 1999/2000 and 2000/01, 35 points would have been enough to stay in the Premier League.
That is the fine margin in Top Flight football.
15-Wimbledon 35 pts (minus-2 goals)
16-Everton 33 pts (minus-8 goals)
17-Tottenham 31 pts (minus-18 goals)
18-Barnsley 31 pts (minus-37 goals)
19-Bolton 27 pts (minus-20 goals)
20-Crystal Palace 26 pts (minus-25 goals)
Home Win 4-3
Braveheart and the Lad will be staying up late on Saturday evening in Melbourne when their beloved idols, Glasgow Rangers take on the arch-rivals Celtic at the home of the Green and White Hoops.
The kick-off is at 12.30 in Scotland and 21.30 in Ozland, which is way past the OzScots’ bedtime.
There are 9 points separating the Glasgow pair, with 8 fixtures remaining, meaning if Rangers do lose against Celtic, Ange Postecoglou and his Bhoys will have one hand on the Pub Trophy.
It would mean that Celtic have to suffer 4 defeats in the remaining 7 fixtures, which simply will not happen.
The loveable OzScot will be dressed as Mel Gibson (in his Pyjamas) and be running around the streets of Mount Martha if the Teddy Bears gain the victory.
That said and Kylie won’t like this, in truth if Rangers do win on Saturday (they won’t!) it will still be a Runners-Up Medal for the Blue Half of Glasgow.
‘He’s spinning around, move out of the way!’
Related Reading
Best betting site for accumulators
Bet365 review
Best cash-out betting sites
Best low or no minimum deposit betting sites