Player to score – Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd v Southampton)
Bruno Fernandes responded to the criticism faced after the 7-0 demolition at Anfield by scoring and driving Manchester United to an important 4-1 win over Real Betis in the Europa League. The Portuguese midfielder has found the back of the net five times in the Premier League this season and is providing consistent goal threat.
Southampton will likely sit deep at Old Trafford on Sunday, meaning Fernandes will be required to break through with shots from outside the penalty area. United have scored over 1.5 goals in each of their last six home matches in all competitions, so there’s a good chance Fernandes will notch again.
Under 1.5 total goals – Tottenham v Nottingham Forest
The last two weeks have been difficult for Tottenham Hotspur. First, Antonio Conte’s team crashed out of the FA Cup to Sheffield United. Then they lost 1-0 to Wolves and followed that up by being eliminated from the Champions League by AC Milan as they failed to score over 180 minutes of two legs.
Spurs have drawn a blank in each of their last three matches with Harry Kane and Son Heung-min isolated and ineffective in the attacking third. On the other side of this weekend’s fixture, Nottingham Forest have scored the fewest away goals (three) of any team in the Premier League this season.
Match to be a draw – West Ham v Aston Villa
West Ham enter Sunday’s match on the back of an encouraging 2-0 win over AEK Larnaca in the Europa Conference League, but Aston Villa will present a tougher test. Indeed, Unai Emery’s team have won their last two league matches (against Everton and Crystal Palace), keeping back-to-back clean sheets in the process.
The Hammers have won each of their last five matches against Villa in all competitions, but both teams are currently in similar form. Despite their relegation struggles, West Ham have lost just five of 12 home fixtures in the Premier League this season. A draw appears to be on the cards this weekend.
Both teams to score – RB Leipzig v Monchengladbach
RB Leipzig have kept a clean sheet in just one of their last five matches in all competitions with Marco Rose’s team renowned for their habit of being involved in entertaining, goals-heavy affairs. Indeed, there have been over 2.5 total goals in each of RB Leipzig’s last four Bundesliga matches.
Borussia Monchengladbach have drawn a blank three times in their last five matches. However, the tactical match-up of this weekend’s match should suit them in that they will have space to exploit in moments of quick transition. What’s more, there has never been a goalless draw in 13 meetings between these two teams.
GRAHAM’S BET BUILDER
Arsenal maintained their pace in the Premier League title race by fighting back from 2-0 down to beat Bournemouth 3-2 last weekend. The omens are good ahead of Sunday’s fixture – the Gunners have scored 11 goals in their last three visits to Craven Cottage and so will be confident of another win.
However, Arsenal have also conceded nine goals in their last six games. Fulham are flying high in the Premier League table and have lost just three times at home this season. Mikel Arteta’s team are favourites, but the Cottagers will surely put up a strong challenge.
A tight London derby then, full of goals, with the Gunners prevailing? Perhaps. Check out graham’s bet builder, which could leave you painting the town red! £10 potentially returns £37!
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