With just two English Premier League matches lined up for Sunday, we analyse both fixtures, offering key insights and a recommended best bet for each game.
First, let’s take a look at the outright title race market. Liverpool remain firm favourites at 3/10, with Arsenal still in contention at 11/4. Defending champions Manchester City, however, have drifted to a distant 90/1, while the rest of the field is priced at 250/1 or higher.
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NEWCASTLE UNITED v NOTTINGHAM FOREST – Click here to bet
Despite last weekend’s heavy 4-0 defeat away to Manchester City, Newcastle United remain in the hunt for European qualification. Eddie Howe’s side currently sits in 7th place with 41 points from 25 matches, just three points off the top four. The Magpies know they need to build momentum, especially with a Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on the horizon next month. However, they cannot afford to lose focus in the league, making Sunday’s fixture an important opportunity to return to winning ways.
Newcastle’s home form at St James’ Park has not been as dominant as expected, with the Magpies collecting 20 points from 12 matches (W6, D2, L4). They have struggled for consistency in front of their home crowd, but given Nottingham Forest’s recent struggles, this could be an ideal chance to strengthen their push for Europe.
Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, have defied expectations all season. Sitting in 3rd place with 47 points, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side has stunned many with their performances in a highly competitive league. However, concerns are growing about whether they can maintain their form as the season enters its final stretch. A disappointing 2-1 defeat away to Fulham last weekend marked their second loss in three league matches, and they will need to bounce back quickly to keep pace with the top teams.
Goals have been a recurring theme in this fixture, with an impressive 16 goals scored across their last four Premier League meetings. Neither side has kept a clean sheet in those encounters, hinting at another high-scoring affair. Adding an extra layer of intrigue to this matchup is Chris Wood, who will face his former club. The New Zealander has been in excellent form for Forest and will be eager to make his mark at a stadium he once called home.
Head-to-Head
Last five league meetings: Newcastle United W4, Nottingham Forest W1
This fixture has consistently delivered goals, with both teams scoring in each of their last four league meetings.
Earlier this season, Newcastle claimed a convincing 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Betting
Newcastle United 5/6
Draw 3/1
Nottingham Forest 16/5
Verdict
With both sides posing an attacking threat and recent encounters producing plenty of goals, this promises to be an entertaining contest. Newcastle will be eager to bounce back from last weekend’s setback, and with home advantage, they should have the edge. However, Nottingham Forest have shown resilience all season and remain a threat on the counter. Given the trends, backing goals in this fixture seems the best approach.
Suggested Bet: Totals And Both Teams To Score – Over 2.5 And Yes at 19/20
MANCHESTER CITY v LIVERPOOL – Click here to bet
Still reeling from their early Champions League exit after a 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in midweek, Manchester City must quickly refocus as they prepare to welcome Premier League leaders Liverpool to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening. Despite sitting in 4th place with 44 points from 25 matches, City remain in contention for European qualification next season, and a victory here would significantly boost their prospects.
Pep Guardiola’s men returned to winning ways domestically last weekend with a commanding 4-0 victory over Newcastle United, marking their third consecutive league win. The Citizens have been formidable at home, securing five wins in their last six matches in all competitions at the Etihad. With 11 goals scored in their last three league fixtures on home soil, City will look to capitalize on their attacking momentum against a Liverpool side desperate to maintain their lead at the top.
Liverpool’s 2-2 draw away to Aston Villa in midweek saw them drop two valuable points in their title pursuit. While they still hold an eight-point advantage over Arsenal, the Gunners have a game in hand that could narrow the gap to just five points. With a tricky trip to last season’s champions looming, Arne Slot’s men must be at their best to avoid losing ground in the title race.
The Reds remain unbeaten on their travels this season, boasting the best away record in the league with 32 points from 14 matches. However, defensive frailties have been exposed in recent weeks, with Liverpool failing to keep a clean sheet in their last three league outings. Given City’s prolific home form, this fixture has all the ingredients for an entertaining, high-scoring affair.
Head-to-Head
Last five league meetings: Manchester City W1, Draws 2, Liverpool W2
The Etihad Stadium has been a venue for goals whenever these two heavyweights collide. Four of the last five meetings at this ground in all competitions have produced four or more goals, with last season’s 1-1 draw the only exception.
Earlier this season, Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture.
Betting
Manchester City 18/10
Draw 29/10
Liverpool 27/20
Verdict
With both teams desperate for a result, expect a fast-paced, attacking contest. City’s firepower at home could prove decisive, but Liverpool’s resilience on the road cannot be overlooked. Given the history of high-scoring encounters at the Etihad, goals should be on the cards once again.
Suggested Bet: Totals – Over 3.5 Goals at 21/20
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
