A Look Ahead To The Games That Matter, and Brads Weekend Bets.

Two of Chelseas biggest challengers for third and fourth place, Arsenal and Newcastle, battle it out on Monday, while they play in one of only four Saturday 3 o’clock kick-offs, giving them the chance to put pressure on their fellow Londoners with a victory over Stoke City. Liverpool travel up to the Stadium of Light, and Spurs take on Everton in the late kick-off.

  

First we look at the weekends most important game… 

  

  

After 4 defeats in a row, Stoke are back in form, winning their last 2 games, although with just 14 points from their 13 away games, and Chelsea having 26 points from their 13 home games, I fully expect Chelsea to carry on where they left on against Bolton, and pick up a valuable 3 points in the battle for 4th place.

  

 With the possible inclusion of John Terry, I think Chelsea have what it takes to keep Stoke at bay, and also keep a clean sheet.

  

Chelsea to win to nil is 11/10

Juan Mata First Goalscorer is 11/2

  

Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Stoke
  
   

Sparked into life by a Carling Cup victory, Liverpool go up north in high spirits, but with no wins in 3 for either team, both will be looking to end that rot come Saturday.

  

 Sunderland are without Cattermole and Sessegnon, who provide the creative spark that is needed to knock Liverpool out of the race for the top 4.

  

 However, with just one loss at home this year, The Black Cats could definitely frustrate Liverpool, and I fancy them to get a draw, and it to be a very low scoring game.

  

Draw is 12/5

No Goal (Either Team not to score) is 4/5

  

Prediction: Sunderland 0-0 Liverpool
 
   

Despite league positions, Everton go into this game 6 unbeaten in the league, whilst Spurs have lost their last two, albeit to Arsenal and Man Utd.

  

 Do not be fooled that Spurs have had Over 3.5 goals in 5 of their last 6 games, as Everton keep it very tight and havent had 4 goals in a fixture since October.

  

However, Spurs need to get back to winning ways to secure their 3rd position, and I do fancy them to win, as their important midfield trio seems set to be back in the squad.

  

Spurs to win is 6/4

Draw/Tottenham is 5/1

  

Prediction: Everton 1-2 Tottenham

 

Arsenal and Newcastle played out a remarkable fixture last season, with 8 goals being scored as they shared the spoils. With Arsenal winning their last 4 games, and Newcastle not winning in 3, unfortunately I can see Arsenal taking all three points at the Emirates in the Monday kick-off, and fancy them to do it by a couple of goals.

  

Arsenal -1.5 (Win by 2 goals or more) is 13/10

Van Persie to Score 2 or more is 3/1

  

Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Newcastle

   

Feel free to leave your own opinions, and hopefully this weekend will see Chelsea gain on their rivals, and a step closer to securing Champions League Football.

  

All odds are from Bet365 and may be altered between now and kick-off.

  

By Bradley Smith

Follow @BrummieBrad