A stoppage time goal away from a treble last week, Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79) returns with three more Premier League picks this weekend.
Norwich v Manchester United | Saturday 12:45 | BT Sport 1
Massive game this as both sides lock horns needing a win for entirely different purposes. The home side are sinking towards relegation (as big as 5/1 at the turn of the year) and desperately need something here. For the visitors there’s a Champions League qualifying spot to jump on before it disappears.
It’s not really looking good for Norwich. Two points behind Newcastle, one adrift of Sunderland. They need to overtake both to stay up and have just three games left. With both North East sides consistently picking up points the onus is on Norwich here.
Worryingly it’s over a month since they scored although their performance against Arsenal last week at the Emirates offered hope that they can bring something to the table.
With Newcastle up against Villa this weekend one would assume they’ll get to 36 points at least which means Norwich need to start moving from 31.
I did feel they may hold a little back last week to preserve their goal difference and that was the case when you consider they only lost by the odd goal but the Canaries simply have to be more aggressive here.
Norwich have scored in three of their last five home matches and simply must register here. Up against a side who’ve leaked in three of their four away games it’s definitely possible.
Manchester United have been far less impressive away from home this season and recorded just four road wins in 17 between mid-October and mid-March. Things have improved though.
Yes, Louis Van Gaal’s side have won three of their last four away games with Manchester City and West Ham amongst their victims. They’ve also been impressive in front of goal with scores recorded in 10 of their last 13 away games.
After originally going with Norwich +0.5 here I’ve decided to change my mind and back 2-3 goals at 21/20 with BetVictor. Summing up everything I’m caught between 1-1 and 2-1 Manchester United so I figure that this bet covers both these outcomes. It’s paid out in the last three Manchester United games.
Crystal Palace v Stoke | Saturday 15:00
More of a hunch this one but I’m keen to oppose Crystal Palace in the run up to their FA Cup Final date with Manchester United in two weeks time.
Alan Pardew’s side have been all about the FA Cup this year and have neglected their Premier League duties. You’ll be aware of the figures but it’s worth reiterating they’ve won just one of their last 19 matches in the league. Incredible!
Results have improved lately but they’ve still failed to score in three of their last four league games and have lost to Newcastle and drawn with Everton in the period.
Aston Villa were in a similar position last year after having qualified for the FA Cup Final and lost 6-1 to Southampton on the penultimate weekend of the season before losing at home to Burnley the following weekend. Things didn’t improve at Wembley either!
Stoke have also been in poor form recently with no win in five matches and I must say I’ve been a bit taken aback by that. Yes, I appreciate they are (yawn) on the beach but Mark Hughes sides tend to end the season well.
After getting destroyed by Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City they bounced back well last week and held in-form Sunderland at the Britannia.
Whilst I appreciate it’s hard to make a massive case for them here I just feel they can nick something with Palace continuing to slump in 2016. I’ll back Stoke to avoid defeat here at 6/7 with 888 Sport.
Leicester v Everton | Saturday 17:30 | Sky Sports 1
It’s not just Jamie Vardy who is having a party on Saturday night – the whole of Leicetser are! Yup, it’s coronation time at the King Power on Saturday as Leicester will receive the trophy in front of their proud fans.
There is a big question mark as to how they’ll play. There’s nothing to strive for now, not another three points to claim to inch closer to their target, the finish line has of course been passed.
But surely they’ll want to go out on a high here on what’s such a special occasion for the club? Imagine the indignity of losing? This team don’t seem that kind of outfit.
Jamie Vardy returns to the line up after his two game suspension and he’ll be desperate for goals in the Saturday night heat in front of the fans after missing out at Old Trafford.
The Foxes face an Everton side who are at an opposite polar to them when it comes to self-respect. The Toffees have had a disappointing season and go into this penultimate fixture replete with talent but stuck in the bottom half of the table with a manager who is the personification of a dead man walking.
This side have shown nothing this season to make me think they’re the kind of horrible bastards who will wreck Leicester’s big day. Them and their manager are just too nice.
And then of course there’s the price…Like I said, we don’t know how Leicester will react here but if you waggle 20/21 in my face I’m going to back it!
The Foxes come into this game 10 games unbeaten and with no loss in 14 at the King Power this Premier League season. At almost Evens I’ll back them.
TOPICS English Football Tips Football Premier League TipsBest Bets
Norwich v Manchester United – Exactly 2-3 Goals (21/20 BetVictor)
Crystal Palace v Stoke – Stoke +0.5 (6/7 888 Sport)
Leicetser v Everton – Leicetser to win (20/21 Betfred)
