WE'VE joined forced with renowned punter James Cantrill (@JimmyThePunt) to set-up and share our Colossus Predictor selections ahead of the weekend.
Colossus 1X2 – Pick 8 | 14th-16th May
Newcastle vs Man City
The weekend's Premier League action commences at St James’ Park as Newcastle welcome the recently crowned champions Manchester City.
By his high standards, Pep Guardiola’s side have stumbled in the league recently with defeats vs Manchester United, Leeds and Chelsea.
However, they have won their last three games against Newcastle by an aggregate scoreline of 9-0 and even though they have only beat the Magpies in one of their last four trips to the North East it is hard to see part of an away victory here.
Selection: Man City
Burnley vs Leeds
Saturday's top flight action begins at Turf Moor as Sean Dyche’s Burnley lockhorns with Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds. It would be interesting to have a pint with these two contrasting characters, both of which have done commendable jobs this campaign and despite their different styles we should see plenty of goals in the early KO.
The visitors have only lost one of their last eight Premier League matches and beat Burnley 1-0 in the reverse fixture. It is also worth noting that whilst neither manager will be happy to let standards slip, Leeds’ supremo may still be hopeful of a top half finish which is why I am going to side with them in this one.
Selection: Leeds
Southampton vs Fulham
Fulham’s 2-0 defeat at home to Burnbley on Monday concedes them to Championship football next campaign. However, with relegation confirmed and the fact that Scott Parker’s men are amidst a seven game unbeaten run in the EPL, I still fancy them to come away with something on Saturday.
The Saints have been the worst side in the league since the turn of the year as they have shipped 43 goals (most over that period) and amassed just 14 points (fewest in that period). There were positives from 3-1 victory over Palace in their last fixture and with that in mind I think it will be honours even.
Selection: Draw
Chelsea vs Leicester
Despite only gaining command in late January, Thomas Tuchel has steer Chelsea to two finals in his short tenure; the Champions League Final and FA Cup and it is the latter that takes place this weekend.
As a manager, Brenden Rodgers has only bested Chelsea on one of the 16 occasions he has faced them and I don’t fancy him to improve on this tally this weekend. Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal early this week was only the third game they have lost out of the 26 that Tuchel has overseen. Therefore, I fancy the Barvarian to get the job done at Wembley.
Selection: Chelsea
Brighton vs West Ham
Saturday’s EPL action concludes at the Amex with Brighton vs West Ham. Blighted by injury, on the cusp of European football, the Hammers have stumbled at the worst possible moment having lost three of their last four games. With Chelsea dropping points though victory here could move them to within three points of their London rivals with two games to play.
David Moyes is set to have Declan Rice back from a knee injury for this one which is a massive boost for the visitors and could ultimately prove to be the difference between one point and three.
Selection: West Ham
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa
Aston Villa head to Selhurst Park in Sunday’s early fixture to face Crystal Palace. Unsurprisingly, Dean Smith’s side have struggled for consistency in the absence of Jack Grealish best illustrated by the fact that they have lost five of their last ten EPL games.
However, the visitors have bested Palace the last two times these sides have locked horns scoring five in the process without reply. With Grealish expected to feature in some capacity on Thursday he could start in the Capital on Sunday, therefore, I am siding with Villa here.
Selection: Aston Villa
Tottenham vs Wolves
Tottenham’s 3-1 defeat to Leeds was interim manager Ryan Mason’s second loss in a three game long stint at the helm of the club. Whether or not a dubious offside decision against Harry Kane could have swung that game at Elland Road in their favour is irrelevant now as the defeat means Spurs now languish eight points of UCL qualification. Therefore, victory here will be absolutely crucial.
The away side has come away victorious in four of the last five league meetings between these two, however, more recently they only narrowly beat ten man Brighton, they were held to a draw by basement boys West Brom and were thumped by Burnley in their own back garden.
Selection: Tottenham
West Brom vs Liverpool
Big Sam snagged a point when these sides last met towards the end of last year, despite the fact that his side only generated less then half the xG of Liverpool and had five attempts compared to the hosts 17. However, I don’t think the Baggies will get anything from this game.
It is worth noting Liverpool’s form has been patchy at best all season long, however, Jugen Klopp’s side are unbeaten in their last five- although they face Man Utd tonight- which is why I fancy them to get the job down at the Hawthorns.
Selection: Liverpool
Join our Colossus syndicate this weekend
James has shared his views on all the matches ahead of the weekend's action and you can join our WLB-own syndicate with our friends at Colossus here for as little as £2.
Should the above syndicate pay-out on Saturday, contributors will share a terrific £10,000 prize pool.
New to Colossus? By entering our exclusive refer-a-friend code welovebettinguk you'll also be given a FreePlay after depositing and playing your first £10 into Colossus pools.
