It’s a huge weekend of fixtures in the Premier League, spread across 3 days and each day has implications for different sections of the table. Starting on Saturday, it’s all about the battle to stay in the Premier League and avoid the dreaded drop to the Championship.
Both Newcastle United and Sunderland kick-off at 3pm, with Norwich playing later at 5:30pm and things could not be tighter at the foot of the table. Newcastle welcome FA Cup finalists, Crystal Palace to St. James’ Park, in what has to been seen as the perfect opportunity for them to pick up a crucial 3 points. Rafa Benitez’ team are undefeated in their last three games and have picked up a point against both Manchester City and Liverpool in their most recent fixtures. Crystal Palace on the other hand, seem to be focusing all their attention on the FA Cup, as they have own just 1 of their last 18 matches in the Premier League. They have also failed to win an away match in the Premier League since December. Newcastle are available at Evens with BetVictor to win this match and with only one clean-sheet in their last ten, Newcastle are a tempting 16/5 to win, with both teams to score, at Coral.
Also kicking off at 3pm are Sunderland, who make the trip to the Britannia Stadium to play Stoke. Similarly to Newcastle, this match presents a chance for Sunderland, as Stoke seem to have taken their eye off the ball in recent weeks. Stoke have conceded 4 goals in each of their last 3 games and have won just 1 of their last 7 Premier League games. In the meantime, Sunderland have lost just once in their last 7 league matches, which was at the hands of table toppers, Leicester City. Despite scoring 3 at Norwich recently, it’s unlikely Sunderland will have the firepower to put 4 past Stoke, who will be determined to keep a clean sheet after recent results. Sunderland have drawn 3 of their last 5 away league games and the draw is on offer at 12/5 with BetVictor. The 1-1 draw, which has occurred in 2 of the last 3 of Sunderland’s away matches, is available at 6/1, also with BetVictor.
With Newcastle and Sunderland having games they believe they can get something from, the pressure could really be on Norwich, come the late kick-off. The 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Sunderland was a devastating blow and the Canaries have been left to stew over that result for two weeks. Although Arsenal have not been in great form themselves, a trip to the Emirates Stadium will not be welcome, after conceding 3 goals at home to Sunderland. Furthermore, Arsenal have been heavily criticised in recent weeks and could come out at full throttle for this game. If Arsene Wenger’s team turn it on, Norwich could be in trouble. Arsenal have scored an average of 2 goals per game over their last 5 Premier League home fixtures and they are 13/2 with Bet365, to win this one 2-0. Factor in the statistic that Norwich have scored just 2 goals in their last 8 away Premier League games and this seems even more likely. Alexis Sanchez has got 5 goals in his last 5 Premier League games for Arsenal and he is 15/4 with Bet365, to open the scoring in this game.
This Saturday, seems like it could be a big opportunity for Newcastle and Sunderland to pick up points and leave Norwich with plenty of work to do, if they want to be in the Premier League again next season.
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