Norwich v Aston Villa 3.00pm
Aston Villa’s 6-1 mauling of Sunderland on Monday night has put them on the brink of Premiership survival. Christian Benteke’s hat-trick confirmed his status as one of the hottest properties in the league and questions are already being asked as to whether or not Villa can afford to keep him this summer. After such an emphatic victory, their supporters will need reminding that it was only three points and there is still work to be done.
Norwich are not yet safe themselves are not an easy side to beat at Carrow Road. They have only been beaten three times at home this season and conceded only 18 goals so Villa cannot expect to simply roll over them. A draw would probably suit both sides and that could be the value bet on Saturday.
Draw 12-5 William Hill
Tottenham v Southampton (3.00pm)
Spurs were lucky to escape with a point at Wigan last weekend, courtesy of an own goal and a complete gift to Gareth Bale via some ridiculous defending. Bale was on his way back from injury in that game and should strip a lot fitter for the visit of former club Southampton. The Saints put up their worst performance for some time in slumping to a 3-0 home defeat by West Brom and look ideal opponents for Spurs as they chase a Champions League spot. With Chelsea at Manchester United this weekend and then playing host to Tottenham, that qualifying places are still very much up for grabs. I don’t expect Tottenham to let this opportunity slip and they are worth including in doubles and trebles at odds of 1-2. I also expect goals and Bet365 offer 11-8 against more than three.
Tottenham 1-2 Ladbrokes
More than 3 goals 11-8 Bet365
West Brom v Wigan (3.00pm)
We are so used to Wigan producing a Houdini-like escape that it is slightly surprising to see them still languishing in the bottom three. The 6-1 win for Villa on Monday has really piled the pressure on the Latics to start producing the goods and it is now or never for Martinez’s men. West Brom comfortably beat Southampton last week with Romelu Lukaku looking particularly sharp up front. Arguably they do not have that much to play for whereas Wigan will be scrapping for their lives. I think West Brom have enough fire power to force Wigan to settle for a point here, a result that will see them edge closer to the drop.
Draw 12-5 Ladbrokes
QPR v Arsenal (5.30pm)
With QPR now relegated, this looks like a nailed on three-points for the Gunners as they chase down a Champions League spot. Rangers looked a broken side as they struggled to a draw with Reading last week and it will be difficult for Redknapp to gather his troops for the visit of Arsenal. Although they are not well placed with Chelsea or Spurs, those two teams meet on Wednesday and Chelsea have a much stiffer run in. A convincing win for Arsene Wenger’s men could see them in pole position by Sunday night.
Arsenal 4-9 Ladbrokes
More than 3 goals 6-4 Bet365
