The talk all week since the Manchester Derby last week has been about how robotic modern players have become. The phrase ‘overcoached’ has been used a lot, particularly by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville. It certainly wasn’t the most entertaining of derbies and is a valid point of discussion.
While that will continue until the summer, it is time for another PL acca.
Nottingham Forest vs 
Everton
Details: Saturday, April 12th, 3.00 pm, City Ground
Forest had a slight setback last weekend, falling to defeat at Villa Park. It was the first half that did the damage, going 2-0 behind early and although they fought back well, pulling a goal back and hitting the bar late on, they left themselves too much to do. They still remain in an excellent position in the table, sitting in third place and 4 points above fourth placed Chelsea. They have the perfect opportunity to bounce back this week at home against an Everton side with nothing to play for.
I say Everton have got nothing to play for, but the players will certainly be aiming to impress David Moyes between now and the end of the season to be in his plans for next year. One player who surely will be is Jordan Pickford, who produced an outstanding save to preserve a point at home to Arsenal last week.
I think forest will bounce back quickly and see off Everton in front of a raucous home crowd.
Forest to win @ 11/10
Liverpool vs 
West Ham
Details: Sunday, April 13th, 2.00 pm, Anfield
A slip up last week for the champions in waiting, as they fell to a 3-2 defeat at Fulham. This is far from panic stations, they are still going to win the league and this has still been a fantastic first season for Arne Slot in the dugout. Maybe tiredness has crept in lately which has seen them exit the Champions League and lose the League Cup final to Newcastle. It is now really just a countdown to when they will officially be crowned as Premier League winners, and win this weekend will move them a step closer.
Graham Potter is still in the learning phase of his West Ham tenure, and you feel it will be a big summer for the Hammers as Potter will want to bring in his own players. They were leading at home to Bournemouth last week before being pegged back and they have been inconsistent under the former Chelsea manager so far. It feels harsh to judge him until he has his own window, though.
I think Liverpool will respond well to their blip last week.
Liverpool to win @ 30/100
Newcastle vs 
Man Utd
Details: Sunday, April 13th, 4.30 pm, St. James’ Park
There has been no after the lord mayor’s show for Newcastle since their League Cup triumph. They continue to march on and chase down a Champions League place. They were far too strong for Leicester on Monday night, sweeping them aside with ease. They didn’t even need superstar striker Alexander Isak to score in the 3-0 win. It feels like the Geordies have really picked up momentum at the right time, and a cup win and Champions League qualification would be some season for Eddie Howe and his men.
No such success for Manchester United, although there have been small signs over recent weeks that Ruben Amorim might be starting to build something at Old Trafford. The Europa League remains there best chance at salvaging something from this season, and that would see them qualify for the Champions League. The Portuguese really needs the summer window to bring in players that fit his 352 system, next year will be the time to judge him.
I think Newcastle will be too strong for Man Utd and continue their momentum.
Newcastle to win @ 8/11
PL Acca
I have gone for three home wins this week, maybe more of a ‘safe’ acca than other weeks but there is no such thing as safe in the Premier League. Teams will start to get nervy as points mean even more at this stage of the season.
If you want to work out the payout for your own acca, you can use our free accumulator odds calculator.
