The highlight games for the next set of EPL matches are MANCHESTER UNITED versus ASTON VILLA and ARSENAL versus CHELSEA. Our feature columnist, John Newsome previews these and all game week 34 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
In this Premier League Preview, there are a full set of 10 Game Week-34 fixtures that take place over Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Added to those are 3 Game Week-28 rearranged matches that take place on Wednesday and Thursday.
Enjoy!
Game Week-34
All of these Game Week-34 fixtures are the reverse of Game Week-15 which took place at the beginning of November 2022.
Saturday 29th
CRYSTAL PALACE v WEST HAM
12.30 in England
BT Sport
This is the first of just 3 Saturday fixtures in the Premier League this weekend.
There are 5 on Sunday, 1 on Monday and the final game on Tuesday.
Crystal Palace suffered their first loss under Roy Hodgson on Tuesday, succumbing to a defeat against Wolves by a 2-0 away night score.
After conceding an early goal, credited to the unlucky Joachim Andersen, after just 3 minutes of play, the Eagles Goalkeeper, Sam Johnstone dove in on Pedro Neto, reminiscent of Jason Statham in the movie called Mean Machine which also stars Vinnie Jones, conceding a very late penalty.
Once converted, the referee blew the final whistle bringing a halt to proceedings.
Crystal Palace should be safe with 5 games remaining, now sitting in 12th place with the same 37 points as Wolves.
Mrs H has been on the phone with the Palace hierarchy asking if Roy can get another year, as she was becoming fed up with him at home, always wanting to sponsor a Donkey (no, not Harry Maguire.)
You rascals!
David Moyes was annoyed with the referee (as is every Manager in the World when one’s team loses) after not being given a penalty late on against Liverpool on Wednesday.
Lucas Paqueta did score to give the home team an early lead at the London Stadium, however, Jurgen’s Reds quickly equalised to take both teams in level at the interval.
Jarrod Bowen then had a goal ruled out by the dreaded VAR, before Liverpool scored a 2nd that turned out to be the winner to inflict a defeat on West Ham by a 2-1 away day score.
In truth, the supposed penalty award that David was annoyed about would have been harsh but that’s football at the top level.
West Ham sit in 15th place with 34 points, from 32 games completed.
That is 5 points above the drop zone so all connected with the Bubbles will feel another 3 points are needed to stave off a relegation battle.
In the reverse Game Week-15 fixture at the London Stadium, Said Benrahme scored for West Ham after 20 minutes which was equalised by Wilfried Zaha to take both teams in level at the break.
When it appeared that both teams would share the points, Michael Olise scored the winner for Crystal Palace in the 94th minute allowing the Eagles to burst the Bubbles.
Betfred offer Crystal Palace at 13/8, the draw at 21/10 and 7/4 for West Ham to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 10/3 that Eberechi Eze Scores Anytime and 11/4 that Michail Antonio Scores Anytime.
Draw 1-1- Get 5/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
BRENTFORD v NOTTINGHAM FOREST
15.00 in England
Brentford got the win against the West London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, in the Frank v Frank encounter.
A Cezar Azpilicueta own goal and a Bryan Mbeumo strike gave Thomas Frank’s Bees the victory over Frank Lampard’s Blues by a 2-0 away night score, as predicted in this EveryTip column at the beginning of this week.
Whilst a brilliant performance from Brentford, it has to be put into context, as Chelsea are rubbish at the moment.
The Bees sit in 9th with 47 points from 33 fixtures completed and are currently the best team in West London, above both Fulham and Chelsea.
Nottingham Forest gained the most impressive result of the midweek fixtures, with the Tricky Trees inflicting a defeat on the Seagulls by a 3-1 scoreline.
Brighton actually took the lead in the 38th minute, after Brennan Johnson had seen his tame penalty saved.
Forest drew level just before the half-time whistle when a cross from Renan Lodi was deflected in by Brighton’s Pascal Gross.
The visitors did have the best of the chances but Danilo broke through to score a 2nd for the home team.
Forest were then awarded another penalty and this time, Brennan was pushed to one side, with Morgan Gibbs-White stepping up and scoring.
The victory by a 3-1 scoreline, lifts the Tricky Trees out of the relegation zone up to 17th, with 30 points from 33 games completed.
Five more fixtures to try and stay in the Premier League for at least another season.
Both teams shared the points from a draw by a 2-2 score at the City Ground last November.
Bryan Mbeumo scored to cancel out an earlier Morgan Gibbs-White goal to take both teams in level at the break.
Yoane Wissa added a 2nd for Brentford before the Bees Defender Zanka, unfortunately, turned past his own Goalkeeper in the 96th minute to gift Forest a point.
Betfred offer Brentford at Odds On 8/13, the draw at 11/4 and 9/2 for Nottingham Forest to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 5/2 that Ivan Toney Scores First and 8/5 that Brentford Win To Nil.
Home Win 2-0- Get 13/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
BRIGHTON v WOLVES
15.00 in England
Brighton have had a bad few days, firstly suffering a defeat against Manchester United in the Semi-Final of the FA Cup following a penalty shootout, then a loss in the Premier League on Wednesday evening, this time against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground by a 3-1 score.
The young Argentinian Facundo Buonanotte scored the Seagulls goal on his full debut having featured a couple of times as a substitute.
That was really the only positive to take from a disappointing couple of games.
The Brighton Goalkeeper Jason Steele did save an early penalty, however, it only prevented a 4-1 scoreline instead of a 3-1.
Roberto De Zerbi’s men sit in 8th place with 49 points from 30 fixtures completed which means there are a couple or 3 games in hand over the other teams around, with the first one coming against Manchester United next week.
Brighton will want revenge against United but more importantly, will want to get back to winning ways.
Wolves gained a great victory on Tuesday, with Julen’s Gold and Blacks inflicting a defeat on Crystal Palace by a 2-0 scoreline.
The Eagle Defender Joachim Andersen turned past his own ‘keeper to gift Wolves the opener early in the game.
Almost 90 minutes later, Pedro Neto was attacked by the Palace Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, gaining a penalty that Ruben Neves converted to seal the victory.
Wolves sit in 13th place with 37 points, the same as Crystal Palace, both having completed 33 fixtures and both now should be safe for another season in the Promised Land.
At Molineux back in November, Brighton got the away day victory over Wolves by a 3-2 scoreline.
Adam Lallana opened the scoring for the Seagulls before Gonçalo Guedes and a Ruben Neves converted penalty put the home teams in front.
That wasn’t the end of the 1st-half action with Kaoru Mitoma equalising for Brighton in the 44th minute, then Wolves’ Nelson Semedo was sent off just before the interval, enabling the lad to put the kettle on for his mates.
The extra man advantage eventually paid off for Brighton with Pascal Gross scoring the winner in the 83rd minute, to give the Seagulls the victory over the Wolves.
Betfred offer Brighton at Odds On 1/2, the draw at 16/5 and 6/1 for Wolves to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 2/1 that Alexis Mac Allister Scores Anytime and 5/4 that Brighton Score in Both Halves.
Home Win 2-0- Get 6/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
Sunday 30th
BOURNEMOUTH v LEEDS UNITED
14.00 in England
Bournemouth entertain Leeds United at the Vitality following a brilliant victory against Southampton at St Mary’s on Thursday.
Before the game against the Saints, this matchup today could have been described as a relegation battle but due to the win last time out, Bournemouth jumped up to 14th with 36 points from 33 games played.
Marcus Tavernier with the solitary goal in the victory against Southampton by a 1-0 scoreline.
Gary O’Neil has worked miracles for the Cherries who should be safe now but would probably want a few more points to cement a place in the Premier League for another season.
‘Leeds, Leeds are falling apart again, Leeds, Leeds are falling apart again.’
Whilst some might argue with that, the fact remains that Javi Gracia’s Whites have not won a game of football in the last 4 fixtures.
After 3 straight defeats, Leeds United gained a point from a draw by a 1-1 score on Tuesday against Leicester at Elland Rd.
The ‘falling apart’ reference comes from the fact that the home team took the lead through a Luis Sinisterra goal after 20 minutes but couldn’t take advantage.
Leicester scored an equaliser in the 80th minute and despite Marc Roca and Patrick Bamford missing clear-cut chances, it was just a point for Leeds United and Leicester which probably doesn’t help either club.
Leeds sit in 16th place with the same 30 points as Nottingham Forest, from 33 games played, both now a point above the relegation zone.
The West Yorkshire puddings were straight into the local boozers in Beeston purchasing a pint of Skol and 6 straws, due to the cost of living crisis at the moment, meaning the girls and boys have to share.
Marching On Together (back to the Championship!)
In the Game Week-15 affair back in November, Leeds United gained the home victory over Bournemouth by a 4-3 score.
The goals going in as follows.
3’ Rodrigo- penalty (Leeds)
7’ Marcus Tavernier (Bournemouth)
19’ Philip Billing (Bournemouth)
Half-time Hotdog.
48’ Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth)
60’ Sam Greenwood (Leeds)
68’ Liam Cooper (Leeds)
84’ Crysencio Summerville (Leeds)
Full-time Sweet and Sour Chicken.
Betfred offer Bournemouth at 13/8, the draw at 12/5 and 8/5 for Leeds United to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 2/1 that Philip Billing Scores Anytime and 10/3 that Jack Harrison Scores Anytime.
Home Win 2-1- Get 17/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
FULHAM v MAN CITY
14.00 in England
Sky Sports
Fulham come into this tough fixture off the back of a defeat against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Tuesday.
A single Villa goal scored midway through the 1st-half was the difference between the two teams, giving the home team the victory by a 1-0 score.
Fulham sit in 10th place with 45 points, however, have only played 32 times, not the 33 some of the others have completed.
Pep’s High Flying Blues demolished Mikel’s Young Guns on Wednesday, the team that are currently at the summit of the Premier League and are still at the summit, even after the fixture at the Etihad.
A double from Kevin De Bruyne, a John Stones header and the obligatory Erling Haaland goal gave Man City the victory by a 4-1 scoreline, as predicted in this EveryTip column this week.
Arsenal had scored a consolation when the score was 3-0.
Man City were simply too good for Arsenal, in all departments and in truth, if it wasn’t for Aaron Ramsdale in the Gunners’ goal, City, especially Erling Haaland, could have scored 3 or 4 more.
Kevin De Bruyne was magnificent In dictating the speed and flow of proceedings and a special mention has to go to the Barnsley Stone, who has been sensational over the past few weeks.
Pep has developed John into almost the perfect player.
When Man City are out of possession, John retracts into a Back Four, once City inevitably win the ball back, Mr Stones glides into the Midfield, meaning City always have an extra man.
In theory, it is like playing with 12 men.
The Barnsley Stone was simply brilliant against Bayern Munich, then continued that display into the fixture against Arsenal.
If John remains fit and healthy, then Man City and for that matter, England, could potentially have an elite World Class player over the next three or four years.
John is 29 years old at the end of May, coincidentally on the day of the final set of Premier League fixtures, the 28th of May, which would mean that retaining the Title will be a great Birthday present for Johnny Boy.
Pep’s High Flying Blues remain in 2nd place behind Mikel’s Young Guns, now with 73 points, 2 adrift of Arsenal, however, more importantly, with 2 extra games to play, with 1 of those extra fixtures against West Ham next.
Added to that, the following game after the Hammers, is against Leeds United, with 2 quick fixtures at the Etihad for the Citizens to enjoy.
Ricky’s ball and chain won’t be too enamoured about that situation.
Julian Alvarez scored first back at the Etihad in November, with Andreas Pereira equalising to take both teams in level at the break.
Joao Cancelo was shown a straight Red Card before Andreas scored.
It did appear that the away team would hang on for a draw right up until the 95th minute when City were awarded a penalty.
Erling Haaland converted, which proved to be the winner, giving Pep’s High Flying Blues the victory over Marco’s Cottagers by a narrow 2-1 scoreline.
Betfred offer Fulham 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 6/1 that Riyad Mahrez Scores First and 7/4 that a Penalty is Awarded.
Away Win 0-3- Get 7/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
***Premier League Team of the Week***
GOALKEEPER- Neto- Bournemouth
RIGHT-BACK- John Stones- Man City
CENTRE-BACK- Tyrone Mings- Aston Villa
CENTRE-BACK- Luke Shaw- Manchester United
LEFT-BACK- Marcus Tavernier- Bournemouth
MIDFIELDER- James Maddison- Leicester
MIDFIELDER- Kevin De Bruyne- Man City
MIDFIELDER- Christian Eriksen- Manchester United
FORWARD- Callum Wilson- Newcastle
FORWARD- Erling Haaland- Man City
FORWARD- Jamie Vardy- Leicester
STAR MAN- John Stones- Man City
MANCHESTER UNITED v ASTON VILLA
14.00 in England
Manchester United made hard work of the game against Tottenham on Thursday.
After 1st-half goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford had given United a comfortable lead at the break, Tottenham rallied and were much better after the interval.
Spurs scored twice in the 2nd-half and missed a few chances with Erik’s Red Devils lucky to hold on for a draw from a 2-2 score.
The Archbishop was happy!
That leaves Manchester United in 4th place with 60 points from 31 games completed.
Six points more than today’s opponents.
Aston Villa continued their fine run of form with another victory on Tuesday, this time against Fulham by a 1-0 scoreline.
The Big Defender, Tyrone Mings with the solitary winning goal.
That’s 8 wins from the last 10 games, with the other 2 being drawn.
Twenty-six points from a possible 30, which is simply brilliant for Unai Emery’s Claret and Blues.
It puts Aston Villa at the Top of the Form table from those 10 fixtures and up to 5th in the overall standings with 54 points from 33 games completed, dropping Tottenham down to 7th, with Liverpool (6th) above Spurs on goal difference.
Respect to Mr Emery who was derided at the Emirates but has always been a Top Class Manager, now proving his worth at Villa Park.
Message to the Villains,
‘Get those Passports renewed, Cyprus, Israel or Scotland, here Villa come!’
If one remembers, Unai Emery had just taken charge of Aston Villa and masterminded a brilliant victory over Manchester United in the reverse fixture back in November.
Aston Villa scored all 3 of the 1st-half goals at Villa Park with Leon Bailey and Lucas Digne notching to give the home team a 2 goal advantage.
Jacob Ramsey then scored a 3rd, however, this was credited as an own-goal meaning United halved the deficit but still trailed at the break.
Jacob then scored in the right net just after the restart and with no further goals, Mr Emery got off to a great start with his Claret and Blues gaining the victory by a 3-1 score.
Four days later Manchester United inflicted a defeat on Aston Villa in the FA Cup at Old Trafford.
Due to this also being at OT, it could have a huge bearing on the result.
Betfred offer Manchester United at Odds On 8/11, the draw at 3/1 and 10/3 for Aston Villa to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 5/2 that Antony Scores Anytime and 6/4 that there are Over 3.5 Goals.
Home Win 3-1- Get 11/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
NEWCASTLE v SOUTHAMPTON
14.00 in England
Newcastle continued their fine form gaining a victory over Everton at Goodison Park on Thursday by a 4-1 scoreline.
Callum Wilson scored a goal in each half, with Joelinton and Jacob Murphy getting the others.
Everton did get a consolation when the score was 3-0.
Due to Manchester United only managing a draw against Tottenham, Newcastle are now clear in 3rd place with 62 points from 32 games played, 2 points ahead of United but the Magpies have played a game more than the Red Devils.
Tottenham and Aston Villa have 54 points, 8 adrift so in theory Newcastle need a couple of wins more to guarantee a Champions League place, however, it’s more than likely that one is in the bag already.
Southampton remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier League following another defeat, this time against Bournemouth at St Mary’s on Thursday by a 1-0 score.
The loss leaves the Saints with 24 points from 33 fixtures played, 6 away from safety, so relegation could be confirmed in the next two weeks.
Newcastle gained the away day victory over Southampton at St Mary’s.
Goals from Miguel Almiron, Chris Wood, Joe Willock and Bruno Guimaraes gave Eddie’s Magpies the points from a 4-1 scoreline.
Romain Perraud scored the Southampton consolation.
Betfred offer Newcastle at Odds On 4/11, the draw at 18/5 and 8/1 for Southampton to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 9/4 that Alexander Isak Scores First and 2/1 that there are Over 3.5 Goals.
Home Win 4-0- Get 12/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
LIVERPOOL v TOTTENHAM
16.30 in England
Sky Sports
Following 3 straight losses (2 Premier League and 1 Champions League), Liverpool are now unbeaten in 5, with the last 3 being wins, along with 2 draws.
That’s 11 points from a possible 15 which sees Jurgen’s Reds remain in 7th place in the table with 53 points from 32 games completed.
On Wednesday, Liverpool gained the 3rd victory in succession, this time against West Ham at the London Stadium by a 2-1 scoreline.
Coady Gakpo equalised an earlier West Ham goal to take both teams in level at the break.
Joel Matip then scored the winner, midway through the 2nd-half to continue the positive momentum.
Liverpool are back in action next Wednesday with another fixture at Anfield, the 2nd of 3 in a row, including this against Tottenham, on Wednesday against Fulham then next Saturday against Brentford.
It gives the Anfield Rappers something to do.
Tottenham were battered against Manchester United in the 1st-half on Thursday, conceding 2 goals to trail at the break.
The new Caretaker Manager Ryan Mason must have said something right in the dressing room at half-time as Spurs were a different animal in the 2nd-half, scoring twice through Pedro Porro and Son Heung-Min to snatch a draw from a 2-2 score.
That leaves Tottenham in 5th place with the same 54 points as Aston Villa but with a slightly superior goal difference, both having completed 33 games.
Liverpool gained a great away day victory over Tottenham back in November.
Mo Salah scored twice in the 1st-half before Harry Kane pulled a goal back early in the 2nd-half.
Unfortunately for the LilyWhites in attendance, Liverpool held on for the win by a 2-1 scoreline.
Betfred offer Liverpool at Odds On 8/15, the draw at 10/3 and 9/2 for Tottenham to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 7/2 that Mo Salah Scores First and 11/8 that Harry Kane Scores Anytime.
Home Win 3-1- Get 10/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
Monday 01st
LEICESTER v EVERTON
20.00 in England
Sky Sports
Leicester came from a goal behind on Tuesday against Leeds United at Elland Rd to snatch a draw from a 1-1 score.
The Sheffield Superstar, Jamie Vardy, who it’s fair to say is coming to the end of the King Power Rd, scored the equaliser after the Foxes had conceded an earlier Whites goal.
It’s been a debate as to whether the point was any good to either team, however, if one or both survive relegation by a point, then neither will complain too much.
Leicester drop into the relegation zone and sit in 17th place with 29 points from 33 fixtures completed.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United have a point more, so all to play for in the coming weeks.
Everton are in deep trouble, following another defeat on Thursday, this time against Newcastle at Goodison Park.
The Magpies scored 1 goal in the 1st-half and 3 after the break to gain the victory over the Toffees by a 4-1 scoreline.
Dwight McNeil with the Everton consolation.
That leaves Everton in 19th place, with 28 points from 33 games played.
Leicester have a point more and occupy the final relegation spot.
This really is the proverbial 6-pointer as the winner more than likely, will jump out of the drop zone.
Youri Tielemans and Harvey Barnes scored the goals at Goodison Park to give Brendan Rodgers Foxes the victory over Frank Lampard’s Everton by a 2-0 away day score.
Betfred offer Leicester at 11/10, the draw at 23/10 and 13/5 for Everton to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 11/5 that Jamie Vardy Scores Anytime and slight Odds On 8/11 that there are Under 2.5 Goals.
Home Win 2-0- Get 17/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
Tuesday 02nd
ARSENAL v CHELSEA
20.00 in England
Sky Sports
Arsenal suffered a defeat against Man City on Wednesday, with Pep’s Blues gaining the victory over Mikel’s Red and Whites by a 4-1 scoreline.
Rob Holding scored a consolation goal late on in proceedings at the Etihad but in truth, Arsenal were simply second-best over the 90 minutes.
What that means is Mikel’s Young Guns remain at the Top of the Table with 75 points but have handed the advantage over to Pep’s High Flying Blues, who are 2 points adrift but have 2 games in hand.
It’s always assumed that it’s better to have the points on the board than games in hand, however, like most assumptions there are always exceptions and on this occasion, it’s assumed Man City’s 2 games in hand are better than Arsenals points on the board.
Arsenal’s remaining fixtures are against Chelsea, Brighton and Wolves at the Emirates and Newcastle and Nottingham Forest away from home.
Man City’s remaining are West Ham, Leeds United and Chelsea at the Etihad and Fulham, Everton, Brighton and Brentford on their travels.
Finishing 2nd in the table is still a positive and the Gooners should be proud of their Young Guns.
Chelsea are just in free fall at the moment, suffering yet another loss on Wednesday, this time against Brentford at Stamford Bridge by a 2-0 scoreline.
That is 5 defeats in a row since Frank Lampard returned, with 3 of those losses being in the Premier League.
The Chelsea faithful just want this season over, with Mauricio Pochettino supposedly waiting to come in as Manager, however, there isn’t any concrete evidence of this so is Mauricio just keeping out of the way until the summer or are there problems still with his appointment?
That’s for the future, for now, Chelsea are 11th in the table with 39 points from 32 played.
A single goal by the Defender Gabriel midway through the 2nd-half gave Arsenal the victory over Chelsea back in November at Stamford Bridge.
Betfred offer Arsenal at Odds On 7/10, the draw at 3/1 and 18/5 for Chelsea to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 3/1 that Gabriel Jesus Scores First and 9/5 that Arsenal Win To Nil.
Home Win 3-0- Get 12/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
Game Week-28
These 3 midweek rearranged fixtures are the reverse of Game Week-1 from August 2022.
Wednesday 03rd
LIVERPOOL v FULHAM
20.00 in England
Liverpool quickly return to action against Fulham at Anfield following Sunday’s fixture against Tottenham.
Next Saturday, Brentford come to Anfield meaning 3 home games in succession for the Anfield Rappers.
It will give the Scousers an excuse to miss the King’s Coronation.
Fulham and the Cottage faithful head the long-distance NorthWest to Merseyside following Sunday’s fixture against the Champions Elect, Man City.
Whatever happens in the next fixtures, Fulham will finally stop the Yo-Yo scenario of Relegation and Promotion experienced in the previous 5 seasons.
At Craven Cottage for the opening fixture of the season, if one remembers, both shared the points from a draw by a 2-2 score.
The Archbishop was happy!
Aleksandar Mitrovic scored first to give Fulham a lead at the break.
Darwin Nunez equalised for Liverpool midway through the 2nd-half, which at the time, everyone assumed would just see Jurgen’s Reds push on for a victory.
That wasn’t the case when Aleksandar converted a penalty and in truth, although Mo Salah equalised once again for Liverpool, Fulham were unlucky not to take all 3-points.
Betfred offer Liverpool at Odds On 1/3, the draw at 4/1 and 15/2 for Fulham to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 3/1 that Luis Diaz Scores Anytime and 6/5 that there are Over 3.5 Goals.
Home Win 3-1- Get 9/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
MAN CITY v WEST HAM
20.00 in England
Sky Sports
Man City come into this fixture against West Ham following Sunday’s trip to Craven Cottage and depending on the results of Game Week-34, could be at the summit of the Premier League or will definitely be at the Top of the Table if a victory is achieved tonight.
West Ham played first on Saturday so will have an extra day to recover for this tough trip to the Etihad.
This EveryTip column can only offer one bit of information to the Hammers faithful,
‘Good luck, Bubbles!’
Man City opened their season account with an away day victory over West Ham at the London Stadium.
Erling Haaland scored both goals, the first a penalty, in the victory by a 2-0 scoreline that kick-started the Norwegian/Leeds lads’ phenomenal goal-scoring achievement this season.
Betfred offer Man City at Odds On 2/9, the draw at 11/2 and 11/1 for West Ham to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 2/1 that Erling Haaland Scores Two Plus Goals and Evens 1/1 that Man City Win To Nil.
Home Win 5-0- Get 18/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
Thursday 04th
BRIGHTON v MANCHESTER UNITED
20.00 in England
Sky Sports
Both come face to face with each other, just 11 days after the Semi-Final of the FA Cup where Manchester United progressed following a penalty shootout.
It’s fair to say, Brighton weren’t at their best at Wembley and should put up a better performance tonight.
Brighton face Wolves at the Amex before the visit of Manchester United, who themselves face Aston Villa at Old Trafford, however, the Seagulls do play a day earlier than the Red Devils, so could be fresher for this rearranged fixture.
At Old Trafford in the opening game of the season, Graham Potter’s Seagulls inflicted a devastating defeat over Erik Ten Hag’s Red Devils by a 2-1 away day scoreline.
Pascal Gross scored 2 quick-fire goals in the 1st-half before the unfortunate Alexis Mac Allister was credited with an own goal to gift United a consolation.
Brighton had inflicted a crushing defeat on Manchester United by a 4-0 scoreline, almost 12 months ago to the day (7th of May 2022) in the 2021/22 campaign, whilst still under the guidance of Ralph Rangnick.
Betfred offer Manchester United at 7/5, the draw at 7/5 and 14/5 for Brighton to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 7/5 that Marcus Rashford Scores Anytime and 23/10 that Danny Welbeck Scores Anytime.
Draw 2-2- Get 10/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
Monday 13th April 1998
Game Week-34
NEWCASTLE v BARNSLEY
St James Park
15.00 in England
On the Easter Bank Holiday Monday in April 1998, the Red and White Army set off North to St James Park to take on a Newcastle team that had only 2 points more and were fighting a relegation battle themselves.
The winner would be out of the drop zone and the loser facing an uphill battle to stay in the Premier League.
John Newsome went on the official club supporters coach, armed with a couple of Tuna and Sweetcorn sandwiches, a packet of Salt and Vinegar crisps and the doctored bottle of Coca-Cola, with Mr Smirnoff in attendance, plus a Chocolate Egg, that was bought for the new Youth but who was too young to eat it.
‘It’s all yours, Daddy!’
On arriving at St James Park, it was obligatory to find the nearest pub to have a few bottles of the old Newcastle Broon Ale, when in Rome so to speak.
The Toon Army are a congenial bunch of girls and boys so there wasn’t any fear of trouble before or after the game, regardless of the result, however, as a football fan visiting the opposition, one always has to keep one’s wits about them.
Especially considering the precarious situation of both teams before this fixture.
It was Easter Monday though, so one or two had bobbed to the Church the previous day and asked for a few favours from the Big Fella Upstairs.
It’s not known if Geordie was understood upstairs but Yorkshire is for definite.
After a few liveners, it was into the stadium, in trepidation for what lay ahead.
Most of the Red and White Army had prayed for a victory and a nice Pie at half-time.
Kenny Dalglish chose the following Magpies starting eleven.
Newcastle-
Shay Given, Nikolas Dabizas, Philippe Albert, Stuart Pearce, Warren Barton, Robert Lee, David Batty, Keith Gillespie, Gary Speed, Andreas Andersson and Alan Shearer.
Substitutes-
Temuri Ketsbaia for Keith Gillespie 57th Minute
Steve Watson for Andreas Andersson 76th Minute
Danny Wilson sent out this set of Superstars.
Barnsley-
David Watson, Nicky Eaden, Arjan De Zeeuw, Scott Jones, Adie Moses, Ales Krizan, Martin Bullock, Jovo Bosancic, Neil Redfearn, Jan Age Fjortoft and Ashley Ward.
Substitutes-
Eric Tinkler for Ales Krizan 46th Minute
John Hendrie for Jan Age Fjortoft 52nd Minute
Clint Marcelle for Martin Bullock 87th Minute
It is amazing to think that the Newcastle players on show, such as Stuart Pearce, Keith Gillespie, David Batty, the legend that is Gary Speed and of course Alan Shearer to name just a few, were struggling at the wrong end of the Table.
Just before the half-time whistle and whether he above had adhered to the requests of the Pies being acceptable, Gary Speed picked the ball up on the halfway line and went past Nicky Eaden as if the ex-Co-op Trolly lad was still collecting the Trollies.
Once past Mr Eaden, Gary whipped in a great cross with that sublime left foot of his, which found Alan Shearer who hit a beautiful shot past David Watson that looked like a certain goal.
Unfortunately, for Mr Shearer, the ball struck the crossbar and rebounded back to Andreas Andersson, who headed home to give Newcastle a lead at the break.
That made the Meat and Potato Pie taste less enjoyable than it would have done had the goal not gone in.
Never mind, there were 45 minutes yet to grab an equaliser.
Within 5 minutes of the restart, Jan Age Fjortoft tapped home from 1 yard to put Barnsley back on level terms.
When it did appear that the Super Reds would hold on for a valuable point, that man Alan Shearer scored one of his 260 Premier League goals but more importantly for the Toon Army, the winner in the 86th minute.
St James Park went berserk and although it meant another defeat for Barnsley, it was a kind of pleasure to be in attendance that Easter Bank Holiday Monday.
The defeat against Newcastle by a 2-1 away day score, meant the Super Reds were left in 19th place with 34 points from 34 played, basically a point a game.
On returning back to Barnsley, this EveryTip contributor stayed in the boozer for a couple of hours drowning the sorrow of another away day defeat but there wasn’t a night in Japanese Whispers, it was a rendezvous with a Chinese (meal not lady) and then bed, ready for graft the next day.
Which one has to say, wasn’t that appealing!
Those were NOT the days!
15-Newcastle 39 pts (minus-8 goals)
16-Everton 38 pts (minus-9 goals)
17-Tottenham 36 pts (minus-18 goals)
18-Bolton 34 pts (minus-22 goals)
19-Barnsley 34 pts (minus-40 goals)
20-Crystal Palace 26 pts (minus-31 goals)
Home Win 2-1
Not much has happened in the Pub League since the weekend, however, the loveable OzScot predicted an Arsenal/Rangers Double (Arsenal to defeat Man City and Rangers to defeat Celtic in the Cup Semi-Final on Sunday.
Leg 1 of that Double has already lost and so will leg 2.
More next time on the Scottish Premier League.
Related Reading
Best betting site for accumulators
Bet365 review
Best cash-out betting sites
Best low or no minimum deposit betting sites