We take a look at all four blockbuster fixtures taking place this Sunday in the English Premier League, offering insights as well as suggestions for each match.
First, let’s review the latest outright market odds for the EPL title race. Liverpool remain the dominant favourites at 1/4, followed by Arsenal in second place at 9/2. Manchester City and Nottingham Forest are joint third favourites at 25/1, while the rest of the field is priced at 50/1 or higher.
Click here for English Premier League Outright Betting
CRYSTAL PALACE v BRENTFORD – Click here to bet
Crystal Palace will host Brentford at Selhurst Park on Sunday in what promises to be an intriguing Premier League clash. Both sides are eager to secure valuable points as they look to strengthen their mid-table positions and build momentum for the remainder of the campaign.
The Eagles currently sit 12th in the Premier League standings, with 27 points from 22 matches (W6, D9, L7). In their most recent league outing, they secured an impressive 2-0 victory away at West Ham United, setting a new club record of seven unbeaten away games in the top flight. While their away form has been commendable, Palace’s struggles at home have hampered their overall progress this season.
At Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace has managed just two wins in 11 league matches (W2, D5, L4), accumulating only 11 points. With 10 goals scored and 17 conceded at home, their lack of dominance on their own turf has been a glaring issue. This poor home form will undoubtedly be a key concern for Oliver Glasner’s side as they look to translate their strong away performances into success on home soil.
Brentford, meanwhile, occupy 11th place in the Premier League with 28 points from 22 matches (W8, D4, L10). The Bees come into this encounter following a 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool, a match in which they conceded both goals in stoppage time. Despite this setback, Brentford has been a solid mid-table side under Thomas Frank, combining attacking intent with defensive organization. However, their struggles on the road remain a significant obstacle.
Away from home, Brentford has collected just five points from 10 matches (W1, D2, L7). While they’ve scored 11 goals on the road, their defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed, with 16 goals conceded. The Bees’ away form pales in comparison to their impressive home displays, winning just one of their last five away fixtures. Discipline and focus will be essential if they hope to secure a positive result at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
Head-to-Head
Earlier this season, Brentford achieved a 2-1 victory in their previous match against Crystal Palace, while last season, Crystal Palace emerged triumphant with a convincing 3-1 win at Selhurst Park in this matchup.
Betting
Crystal Palace 11/10
Draw 11/4
Brentford 12/5
Verdict
Given Crystal Palace’s struggles at home and Brentford’s inconsistent away form, this game should be evenly balanced. Both teams are likely to exercise an air of caution, leading to a more measured approach, which could result in a low-scoring draw.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Draw at 11/4
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR v LEICESTER CITY – Click here to bet
Tottenham Hotspur host Leicester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend in a crucial Premier League encounter. With both sides desperate to reverse their poor form and move away from the lower end of the table, this clash carries significant stakes.
Despite thriving in Europe, where they took a step closer to automatic qualification with a midweek 3-2 victory away at Hoffenheim, Spurs continue to struggle domestically. Currently sitting 15th in the Premier League standings with 24 points from 22 matches (W7, D3, L12), Ange Postecoglou’s side remains under mounting pressure. A 3-2 defeat to Everton last weekend extended their winless league run to six games (D2, L4). Defensive frailties have been a major issue, with Tottenham conceding 22 goals in the Premier League since the start of December—one of the leakiest defensive records in the league over this period.
At home, Tottenham’s form has been inconsistent, earning 14 points from 11 matches. While they’ve shown moments of attacking flair, scoring 26 goals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, their defensive vulnerabilities have been evident, conceding 21 goals on their own turf. With the pressure mounting, a stronger defensive performance will be crucial for Spurs in what feels like a must-win encounter for the hosts.
Leicester City’s struggles have been even more pronounced, as they languish in 19th place with 14 points from 22 matches (W3, D5, L14). New manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has faced a difficult start to life in the Premier League, with his side enduring a seven-game losing streak that has left them battling relegation. Their most recent outing, a 2-0 home defeat to Fulham, only added to their frustrations in what has been a torrid campaign.
Away from home, Leicester have managed just 5 points from 10 matches (W1, D2, L7). Defensive woes on the road have been a particular concern, with 27 goals conceded at an average of 2.7 per game. Despite their struggles, the Foxes will view this fixture as an opportunity to turn their fortunes around, knowing that Tottenham’s recent form has left much to be desired.
Head-to-Head
Earlier this season, both teams had to settle for a 1-1 draw at King Power Stadium, while Spurs walked away comfortable winners when these two last squared up in London in the 2022/23 season, winning 6-2 that day.
Betting
Tottenham Hotspur 5/10
Draw 4/1
Leicester City 9/2
Verdict
With both sides desperate for points, this match promises plenty of action at both ends. Tottenham’s marginally better home form, coupled with Leicester’s struggles on the road, certainly offers the hosts an edge in what could be a tense yet entertaining encounter.
Suggested Bet: Result and Both Teams to Score, Tottenham Hotspur and Yes at 14/10
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ASTON VILLA v WEST HAM – Click here to bet
Aston Villa and West Ham will face off in an intriguing Premier League clash at Villa Park this Sunday. Both teams will be keen to secure maximum points for very different reasons, with Aston Villa aiming to solidify their mid-table position, while West Ham looks to escape the bottom half of the standings.
Aston Villa returns to Premier League action following a disappointing 1-0 loss away to Monaco in the Champions League midweek, a result that leaves them in 9th place in the overall standings, just outside automatic qualification. Domestically, however, they showcased great resilience last weekend with an impressive 2-2 draw against Arsenal, coming from behind to earn a valuable point against a strong Gunners outfit. Currently sitting in 8th place with 36 points from 22 matches (W10, D6, L6), Villa will be eager to bounce back and maintain their push for European football next season. Anything less than a top five finish will undoubtedly be seen as an underachievement for Unai Emery’s ambitious side.
Villa Park has been a fortress for the Villains this season. Aston Villa have earned 22 points from 11 home matches (W6, D4, L1), scoring 23 goals and conceding just 10. They’ve won four of their last five league games at home, picking up 13 points from a possible 15 during that stretch (W4, D1), which will undoubtedly give them a psychological edge heading into this match.
West Ham, on the other hand, are in urgent need of a morale-boosting result following their 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend. The Hammers currently sit 14th in the standings with 26 points from 22 matches (W7, D5, L10). After a solid start to the season, their form has faltered in recent months, with just one positive result from their last four league matches. Defensive fragility and inconsistency in attack appear to be the key issues affecting the Hammers at present, problems newly appointed manager Graham Potter will be desperate to address if they are to improve their current standing.
West Ham’s performances on the road have been inconsistent this campaign. The Hammers have earned 12 points from 10 away matches (W3, D3, L4), scoring 11 goals but conceding 17. After suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat in their most recent away game against Manchester City, Villa Park will undoubtedly pose another tough challenge for their travel-weary squad.
Head-to-Head
Aston Villa are unbeaten in their last five encounters with West Ham (W3, D2), having secured a 2-1 win earlier this season in the reverse encounter, Villa won this fixture 4-1 at Villa Park last campaign.
Betting
Aston Villa 11/20
Draw 7/2
West Ham 5/1
Verdict
Aston Villa’s home form and attacking quality should give them the edge over a struggling West Ham side. While the Hammers are capable of springing a surprise, especially with Graham Potter at the helm, it seems unlikely given their recent struggles on the road.
Suggested Bet: Result and Totals, Aston Villa and Over 1.5 at 8/10
FULHAM v MANCHESTER UNITED – Click here to bet
Fulham and Manchester United will go head-to-head this Sunday evening at Craven Cottage in what promises to be an exciting Premier League clash. Both teams are looking for a vital win as they strive for better positions in the table, with Fulham aiming to maintain their solid mid-table status and Manchester United hoping to revive some much needed form.
Fulham are enjoying a strong season under Marco Silva, currently sitting 10th in the Premier League with 33 points from 22 matches (W8, D9, L5). The Cottagers have been competitive in nearly every match and have shown resilience, especially in their 2-0 victory over Leicester City last weekend. Having lost just one league match in their last ten appearances, they will certainly feel well-equipped to deal with what Manchester United can offer, particularly given United’s below-par performances, especially over the festive period and into this month.
At Craven Cottage, Fulham have been difficult to break down, securing 26 points from their 11 home games this season. Their form at home has been a key factor in their mid-table positioning, with only one loss in their last six home matches. They have scored 22 goals and conceded 12 at home, making them a tough opponent on their own turf.
It is well documented that Manchester United have underperformed this season, particularly on the domestic front, where they currently sit 13th in the Premier League with 26 points from 22 matches (W7, D5, L10). The Red Devils will, however, enter Sunday’s clash on a winning note, having beaten Rangers 2-1 in Europe on Thursday evening. With inconsistencies and team balance remaining ongoing issues, last week’s 3-1 defeat at home to Brighton came as no surprise, given the lack of cohesion that Ruben Amorim’s side is showing in the EPL at present. This weekend will certainly be a tough test for them, especially considering how competitive Fulham have been throughout the season, making Sunday evening’s match one of the more intriguing fixtures to close out the weekend.
United’s away form has been a major concern this season. The Red Devils have earned just 10 points from their 10 away games, scoring 10 goals while conceding 12. Their struggles on the road are evident, with just one league victory in their last eight away matches and no clean sheets in their last six. This will undoubtedly give Fulham confidence, as they are sure to relish the competitive edge they bring to every match.
Head-to-Head
Manchester United secured all three points earlier this season with a 1-0 win at Old Trafford, while last season United replicated the same result in this fixture at Craven Cottage.
Betting
Fulham 27/20
Draw 5/2
Manchester United 21/10
Verdict
With both teams struggling defensively—Manchester United failing to keep a clean sheet in their last six away games and Fulham managing just one at home all season—I quite like the look of both teams to score here. While Fulham may be the favourites heading into Sunday’s game, it’s not enough for me to side with the hosts.
Suggested Bet: Both Teams to Score, Yes at 7/10
Click here for all the weekend’s English Football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
