As each week goes by there seems to be more and more importance riding on each game. We have lined up an exciting finish in each of the four professional divisions in England and we have picked out a treble of games where we can see both teams scoring. Check it out…
Fulham v Newcastle United – 3.00pm Saturday
Both teams to score odds – 4/6 with BetVictor
Fulham seem doomed to be playing their football in the Championship next season as their campaign went from bad to worse last weekend when they lost 3-1 to Cardiff in Wales. A defeat for either side would have been a nail in their respective coffins and it was Fulham who failed in their big test.
Newcastle are in a position of nothing really. What I mean is, a European place is too far away and relegation is not a concern. This sort of predicament can get teams playing without fear and pressure which may be more bad news for Fulham.
Fulham have not won in nine matches now and have lost 20 of their 29 league games this season. A place in the Championship next year seems inevitable with their dreadful record. If the Cottagers are to hold on to any hope they need a victory here and probably six wins from their last nine in total. At home they have failed to score just once all season which was against Southampton in a 3-0 rout. It is now or never and even though the London club will probably lose as usual, I fully expect Felix Magath’s outfit to score.
The home side have the worst defence in the Premier League and the likes of Loic Remy and Hatem Ben Arfa will be rubbing their hands at the chance of more goals to add to their tallies as Newcastle make the trip to Craven Cottage. The Toon will take plenty of confidence in the fact Fulham have conceded in each of their last 14 league games and are quite simply dreadful at the back. Alan Pardew will be serving the start of his stadium ban, but it won’t affect his side’s chances in front of goal- as it seems impossible not to find the net against this hapless Fulham outfit.
Manchester United v Liverpool – 1.30pm Sunday –
Both teams to score odds – 4/7 with BetVictor
It is a weekend of derby games in the Premier League as not only do Spurs and Arsenal meet in North London but in the North West of the country, we have the fierce rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool congregating at Old Trafford to thrash it out for bragging rights, as well as important points which will contribute significantly to how both teams seasons finish.
David Moyes has plenty of issues which have been well documented throughout the season, but no problem will be larger than the one he will face if his Manchester United side fall at the hands of Liverpool. The fans may finally make their mind up on their manager if the unthinkable occurs and Moyes will be preparing meticulously to deliver a positive result in what could be his most important game of the season so far. I would back United to deliver when the pressure is on and despite a disastrous season you cannot doubt the quality they have with the likes of Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata on show. I can see a score draw.
Liverpool in contrast have been one of the success stories of the season- playing plenty of exciting football and have been outscoring sides more often than not. Confidence is higher than ever at present as they challenge for a Champions League spot, with four wins in a row and no defeat in their last nine games. 18 games on the trot the Reds have found the back of the net and it is no surprise when they have goal scorers in Daniel Sturridge, Luis Suarez, Raheem Sterling and Steven Gerrard. Lethal. Everything is pointing to goals, and we certainly know Pool can provide them in abundance.
Carlisle United v Stevenage Borough -3.00pm Saturday
Both teams to score odds – 4/5 with BetVictor
It is ever so tightly poised at the bottom of League One with just nine points separating 16th and 24th. It is even more desperate for the teams in and around the drop zone with four teams having to get relegated come the end of the season and no side has yet to be cut adrift. Just outside those four places lie Carlisle and Stevenage who meet today at Brunton Park in a proverbial six pointer.
It is absolutely vital for Carlisle to pick up three points in this tie, with such few games left to play at home. The Blues have gone four games without a win though and need to get points on the board or this run of form will see them relegated. An important point was gained two weeks ago in their last game at Brunton Park, where they held league leaders Brentford to a draw, but this week more than a point will be demanded. The last time these two met in the reverse fixture, the Cumbrians won 3-1 and last year at home, Carlisle won 2-1. Based on these recent meetings, it is looking good for the home side with a one point advantage in 19th.
Stevenage are on much better form than their rivals having been unbeaten for five games, which also included three wins. Four of those matches ended with both teams scoring too which makes good reading for our selection. Boro’ will take confidence in Carlisle’s leaky defence who have conceded in 78% of their games at Brunton Park. The Stripes were bottom of the league a short time ago and have managed to go on a great run, I cannot see them faltering to find the back of the net here in such a big tie.
