English Premier League 11th and 12th February
The title race is looking more and more like a two-horse race between the two Manchester clubs. City edged 2 points clear of United following last weekend’s fixtures. There were no signs of apprehension from City in last week’s comprehensive 3-0 win over Fulham and they now travel to Aston Villa on Sunday. United somehow managed to salvage a point in a 3-3 thriller against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday having been 3-0 down shortly after the interval. They were given a lifeline by two penalty awards, the second of which was highly controversial. They took the opportunity gifted to them and came away with far more than their performance deserved. They now welcome archrivals Liverpool to Old Trafford needing a victory to keep the pressure on City. Liverpool dumped United out of the FA Cup recently and, with that game still fresh in the memory, look certain to provide a stiff test.
Liverpool shared a goalless draw with third-placed Tottenham on Monday night and could do with a win to put them right in the hunt for the fourth Champions League spot. Newcastle’s impressive recent run has put them within one point of fourth-placed Chelsea and they now face Spurs. Chelsea face an equally difficult game at Everton whilst Sunderland host Arsenal. Martin O’Neill has turned Sunderland’s season around and they now sit in eighth place in the table. Arsenal humiliated Blackburn 7-1 last weekend but will expect much tougher opposition from the rejuvenated Black Cats.
Saturday 11th February; Manchester United v Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers v Queens Park Rangers, Bolton Wanderers v Wigan Athletic, Everton v Chelsea, Fulham v Stoke City, Sunderland v Arsenal, Swansea City v Norwich City, Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United
Sunday 12th February; Wolverhampton Wanderers v West Bromwich Albion, Aston Villa v Manchester City
Luxbet make Manchester United favourites at $1.82 to beat Liverpool ($3.50) with the draw paying $4.25. City are offered at $1.67 to retain their lead at the top of the Premiership with a win against Aston Villa ($5.00) with the draw offered at $3.65. Chelsea are $2.25 to take 3 points at Everton ($3.20) with the draw paying $3.20.
