EPL Match Preview: 12 – 15 March

Posted on March 10, 2016 | Posted by Clint Vojdinoski

Norwich City v Manchester City

Saturday March 12, 8.45pm, Carrow Road

Norwich remain deep in the relegation mire after a meek 1-0 loss at Swansea. A lack of attacking quality came to the fore again as the Canaries created very few openings with their forwards guilty of testing Swansea’s goal. The result extended Norwich’s winless run to nine matches.

Manchester City delivered a ruthless second half performance to thrash rock-bottom Aston Villa 4-0 and boost their faint Premier League title bid. Sergio Aguero scored twice, and missed a penalty, with Yaya Toure and Raheem Sterling getting a goal each to break Villa’s resistance and snap their three match losing streak in the top flight.

Prediction

Take City for the win as Norwich have kept only three clean sheets in the Premier League this season and will struggle to contain the league’s joint-best attack.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Manchester City

Over 2.5 Goals

Anytime Goalscorer – Sergio Aguero

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Stoke City v Southampton

Saturday March 12, 11pm, Britannia Stadium

Mame Biram Diouf’s late header secured Stoke a deserved 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. After falling behind late in the first half, Stoke were adventurous pushing for an equaliser as the game opened up in the second half, but Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made fine saves to deny Marko Arnautovic and Xherdan Shaqiri. Diouf’s 85th minute goal helped the Potters earn a first ever Premier League point on Chelsea’s home ground.

Virgil van Dijk also snatched a late equaliser, this time for 10-man Southampton as they denied Sunderland an important victory. After defender Jose Fonte was sent off for hauling down Fabio Borini when the Italian was through on goal, Jermain Defoe put Sunderland ahead. As time ticked past 90 minutes, Sunderland retreated further in defence, but Van Dijk still found space in the penalty box to fire in from 12 yards out.

Prediction

Stoke’s four match undefeated run has been built on a willingness to attack no matter the stature of their opponents. Southampton’s form has currently dipped with their manager Ronald Koeman admitting that the team lacks a little bit of confidence, especially as the goals have not been forthcoming. Have a look at Stoke for a home win which is keenly priced at $2.85.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Stoke City

Under 2.5 Goals

Anytime Goalscorer – Marko Arnautovic

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AFC Bournemouth v Swansea City

Saturday March 12, 11pm, Vitality Stadium

Bournemouth travelled to Newcastle and comprehensively defeated the Magpies 3-1. Newcastle defender Steven Taylor diverted the ball into his own net to give Bournemouth a 28th minute lead. Max Gradel played in Joshua King who empathically made it 2-0 before Ayoze Perez pulled a goal back, but Charlie Daniels drilled in a late third to give the Cherries a deserved win.

Swansea CIty’s second win a week helped them edge away from the relegation zone after a 1-0 triumph over Norwich City. On the hour, a squared pass from Leroy Fer set up Gylfi Sigurdsson who did the rest with a smart finish to move the Swans nine points clear of the relegation places.

Prediction

Swansea’s form has improved in 2016, having scored in nine of their 10 Premier League games so far but a fierce defensive effort is needed to keep out a Bournemouth side who play with a lot of movement.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Bournemouth

Over 2.5 Goals

Anytime Goalscorer – Benik Afobe

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Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur

Monday March 14, Midnight, Villa Park

Aston Villa are teetering on the edge of relegation after a second half collapse saw them go down 4-0 at Manchester City. Goalless at the break, Villa’s deep defensive approach was ripped apart just three minutes into the second half as Yaya Toure finished off a clinical City move. From there Sergio Aguero added a double and Raheem Sterling rounded off the win to ensure Villa are winless in 14 Premier League away games.

Tottenham passed up the chance to stay within two points of leaders Leicester City as they drew 2-2 against North London rivals Arsenal. Spurs pressed and dominated their opponents yet fell behind in the 39th minute through Aaron Ramsey. After Arsenal’s Francis Coquelin was sent off on 55 minutes, Spurs hit back with two quick goals from Toby Alderweireld and Harry’s Kane sublime curled effort after 62 minutes. But Arsenal refused to back down and equalised 14 minutes from time when Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris failed to get a sufficient hand to Sanchez’s shot.

Prediction

Aston Villa are dispirited and on their way to relegation. Spurs are overwhelming favourites and expect them to take the points at Villa Park.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Tottenham Hotspur

Over 2.5 Goals

Anytime Goalscorer – Harry Kane

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Leicester City v Newcastle United

Tuesday March 15, 4am, King Power Stadium

A stunning 20-yard goal from Riyad Mahrez has continued Leicester’s bid to become English football’s most unlikely champion. Hours after seeing fellow title rivals Tottenham and Arsenal share the points in the north London derby, Leicester beat Watford 1-0 away to extend their lead at the top to five points with just nine games remaining.

Newcastle’s Premier League survival hopes suffered another blow with a weak-willed home defeat by Bournemouth. After falling behind to Steven Taylor’s own goal in the first half, Newcastle lacked any stomach to fight back against an opponent who displayed superior urgency and movement. The 3-1 loss is now five defeats in the last six matches for Newcastle.

Prediction

Leicester are on the home stretch as they seek to win an incredible title, and if they maintain their intense, hard running game plan they will come away with the points. Newcastle are lacking leadership and the strength of personality to battle out of their precarious position.

Suggested Bets

Match Result – Leicester City

Over 2.5 Goals

Anytime Goalscorer – Riyad Mahrez

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