Sports

The Scout: EPL Week 27

Sheffield United vs Southampton

There are signs of life at Sheffield United (20th) who won just their fourth game of the season midweek at home to Aston Villa. Meanwhile things are increasingly grim for Southampton (14th) who have now gone nine games without a win.

Sheffield United’s 1-0 win showed real character, with the Blades going ahead at the 30th minute and then a man down from the 57th minute. Manager Chris Wilder has his team playing solid defense, conceding just three times in their last three games (which includes Liverpool).

Danny Ings is a shadow of his former-self since returning from injury and Southampton’s attacking formation is completely out of sync. The Saints have scored just twice in their last four matches, going goalless in their last two.

All four victories for Sheffield United this season have come at home and I think they’re presented with a great opportunity to bring up number five here.

Suggested Bet: Sheffield United (Match Result) @ $3.60*


Tottenham vs Crystal Palace

Tottenham (8th) got back on the winners list with a 4-0 demolition job of Burnley last weekend, leaving them just six points out of 4th spot on the league table.

It was an exciting formation change from Jose Mourinho, who seemingly released the shackles, installing Harry Kane as the lone striker, with Gareth Bale, Lucas Moura and Heung-Min Son nestled in behind.

Although Burnley are no world-beaters, this adjustment reaped immediate benefits for Tottenham who looked back to their early-season best. Harry Kane was among the goals, giving him 14 for the season, three behind Mo Salah who leads the league.

Crystal Palace (13th) haven’t scored in their last two games, and with them posing little threat of their own, Harry Kane presents as a good bet to open proceedings in this one.

Suggested Bet: Harry Kane First Goalscorer @ $3.40*


West Ham vs Leeds

West Ham (4th) suffered their first loss in five matches going down 2-1 to  league leaders Manchester City, while Leeds (11th) are in a slump, losing three of their last four.

The Hammers (clearly) are right in the mix for a Champions League birth, but they cannot afford many more mistakes, with the three teams below them (including Chelsea and Liverpool) within a game of overtaking them.

Jesse Lingard is giving West Ham more avenues to goal, already notching up three goals and two assists for his new club. A player of Lingard’s talent was what this squad needed to legitimise their attack, and it showed out last week against City, pushing them all the way in what was a gritty defeat.

Leeds have been one of the most inconsistent teams all season. Their tallies of 44 goals conceded and 43 scored are among the highest in the league for both categories. Ultimately I think those defensive lapses cost them again here.

Suggested Bet: West Ham (Match Result) @ $2*

*Odds correct as at 9pm, 4th March 2021.

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