Premier League Gameweek 15 Preview

Another round of Premier League fixtures take place this weekend, with league leaders Liverpool getting the action under way when they head across Stanley Park to take on city rivals Everton for the last Merseyside derby at Goodison.

Newcastle equalised late in a 3-3 thriller against Liverpool at St James’ Park on Wednesday night, but the Reds remain well clear at the top of the table, with a seven-point cushion on the chasing pack.

Manchester City visit Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon, while Manchester United host Nottingham Forest in the Saturday tea-time fixture. Arsenal go to Fulham on Sunday and in-form Chelsea travel to Tottenham for a London derby later in the day.

Tip 1: Chelsea to beat Tottenham

Chelsea are in rampant form and will approach their trip to Tottenham in confident mood. Enzo Maresca’s tactics have translated to positive results much quicker than many Chelsea players and fans expected, meaning a title challenge is a realistic possibility.

The Blues boast such a vast squad, so any rotation does not weaken the side too much, and Maresca is able to keep his players fresh and firing. They crushed Southampton 5-1 at St Mary’s Stadium on Wednesday and will feel another three points can be taken from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday. The 13-10 Chelsea appears a bargain.

Tottenham are at an immediate disadvantage, as they had to travel to Bournemouth for a Thursday-night fixture, kicking off 24 hours and 45 minutes after Chelsea did at Southampton. 

Chelsea are fresher and in much better form, so Cole Palmer and his colleagues can dominate Spurs. Blues fans used to call Tottenham’s old ground Three Point Lane; such was the regularity of the Chelsea victories there.

Tip 2: Manchester United to score three or more goals

Manchester United have scored 20 goals in their last seven home games, building some confidence going forward at Old Trafford, and Nottingham Forest will probably struggle to repel the Red Devils on Saturday evening.

Ruben Amorim has got a good tune out of his players in his two home games as United manager and Forest have been looking vulnerable at the back in recent weeks. The Tricky Trees made a bright start to the season, but they have suffered 3-0 thrashings in their last two away games and should be quickly chopped down to size in Manchester.

Manchester United can be backed at 9/4 to score three or more goals against Forest, which seems a bargain given how leaky the visitors have become.

Tip 3: Everton and Liverpool to both receive a red card

Unless Everton and Liverpool draw each other at some stage in the FA Cup from round four onwards, Saturday’s fixture will be the last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, and the atmosphere should be fierce from the off. The Toffeemen will be desperate to sign off from their famous stadium with a victory.

Everton move to a new home at Bramley-Moore Dock next season. Aggressive boss Sean Dyche will demand a high-intensity approach to tackling Liverpool, who are fuming about dropping points at St James’ Park on Wednesday night.

With the stakes so high – and both sets of supporters demanding full commitment from their team – the chances of both Everton and Liverpool suffering a red card in the match appear underrated at 50/1. Of course, a red card for each side could result from just one incident.