Weekend Football Betting Tips – 21st, 22nd, 23rd & 24th April 2017

We’ve got an action-packed weekend of football to get stuck into, as Emirates FA Cup and Premier League football takes centre stage. There’s also the small matter of one of world football’s biggest fixtures, as Real Madrid and Barcelona square off at the Bernabeu Stadium.

We’ll be previewing Manchester United’s visit to Burnley, and Liverpool v Crystal Palace in the Premier League. We’ll also be looking at the two FA Cup semi-finals, two big games from the Sky Bet Championship, as well as Sunday’s mouth-watering match from Spain.

  • Burnley v Manchester United – Manchester United to Win -1 (6/4 at BetVictor)
  • Liverpool v Crystal Palace – Liverpool to Win and Both Teams to Score (11/5 at Betfred)
  • Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur – Tottenham Hotspur to Win (17/10 at Ladbrokes)
  • Arsenal v Manchester City – Manchester City to Win to Nil (16/5 at BetVictor)
  • Norwich City v Brighton & Hove Albion – Brighton & Hove Albion to Win (9/5 at BetVictor)
  • Newcastle United v Preston North End – Newcastle United to Win -1 (27/20 at Coral)
  • Real Madrid v Barcelona – Draw and Both Teams to Score (7/2 at BetVictor)

Premier League

After Chelsea’s lead was cut to four points in Premier League table last weekend, we should be in for an enthralling title race between the Blues and Tottenham Hotspur, who meet at Wembley in an FA Cup semi-final this weekend. With those two, as well as Manchester City and Arsenal out of Premier League action, it’s up to the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United to make up some ground. United travel to Turf Moor, whilst the Reds host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Burnley v Manchester United – 23rd April

On Sunday, Manchester United will be hoping to pile the pressure on Manchester City and their fourth place, as the Red Devils travel to Turf Moor to face Sean Dyche’s Burnley.

Despite dropping down to 14th in the Premier League table, the Clarets have had a fine season back in England’s top flight. Their away form may be woeful, but Burnley have taken an outstanding 32 points at fortress Turf Moor.

However, United, who have won their last three away Premier League fixtures on the spin, will be looking for another three points on Sunday. In fact, we believe it will be another comfortable away win for Jose’s men, with BetVictor’s 6/4 for the away side to win with a -1 goal handicap standing out.

Manchester United to Win -1 – 6/4 at BetVictor

Liverpool v Crystal Palace – 23rd April

Also on Sunday, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool host Sam Allardyce’s Crystal Palace at Anfield. With the Reds still having work to do to seal a UEFA Champions League spot, they will be on the lookout for a home victory in this one.

However, the Eagles head to Merseyside in terrific form, having won five of their last seven Premier League matches, which includes victories over Chelsea and Arsenal. Palace also won this fixture 2-1 last season.

Nevertheless, Liverpool look to have kicked into gear in recent weeks, and with Man City in FA Cup action, they have the chance to go five points clear of the Citizens in the table. The standout bet in this one is a home win and both teams to score, which is available at 11/5 with Betfred.

Liverpool to Win and Both Teams to Score – 11/5 at Betfred

FA Cup

Four of the Premier League’s top six are in Emirates FA Cup action this weekend, with Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Manchester City all vying to reach this year’s FA Cup final. Chelsea and Spurs get the semis underway at Wembley on Saturday, with the Gunners v City match taking place the following day. Which two teams will make it through this weekend?

Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur – 22nd April

With Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur embroiled in a thrilling Premier League title race, which one of these massive London clubs can reach the FA Cup final at the other one’s expense on Saturday?

Tottenham may have won eight matches on the bounce, but Chelsea are the slight favourites with the bookies. The Blues head to Wembley having lost two of their last four Premier League fixtures. We should be in for an exciting cup clash between England’s two top dogs this weekend.

This one really could go either way. However, Mauricio Pochettino’s boys are the in-form side, and at the tempting price of 17/10 (Ladbrokes) for the win, we’re backing the Lilywhites on Saturday.

Tottenham Hotspur to Win – 17/10 at Ladbrokes

Arsenal v Manchester City – 23rd April

The other semi-final also promises to be a mouth-watering matchup, as Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City meet Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal on Sunday. Just a few weeks ago, the pair played out an entertaining 2-2 draw – more of the same on Sunday?

The Gunners secured a much-needed 2-1 win at Middlesbrough on Monday night, but a top four spot still looks unlikely, especially as Liverpool, Man City and Man United also won. As for City, they made a real statement in their 3-0 thrashing of Southampton at St Mary’s.

Like the other semi, this one is very hard to call. However, the Citizens seem in better shape going into this weekend’s showdown. Pep’s troops to win to nil is priced at 16/5 at BetVictor.

Manchester City to Win to Nil – 16/5 at BetVictor

Championship

After Brighton & Hove Albion’s promotion to the Premier League was confirmed on Monday, Chris Hughton’s men will now be looking to claim the Sky Bet Championship title. Before this weekend’s fixtures, the Seagulls are seven points above Newcastle United. Victory at Carrow Road on Friday night would seal the Championship title for Brighton. However, if they slip up, Newcastle will be waiting in the wings on Monday evening, when they host Preston North End.

Norwich City v Brighton & Hove Albion – 21st April

On Friday evening, the Premier League’s new boys Brighton & Hove Albion travel to Carrow Road to take on Alan Irvine’s Norwich City. Victory for the Seagulls will see them go up as Championship champions.

Albion have without doubt been the league’s most consistent team this term, fully deserving their place in next year’s PL. As for the Canaries, despite an up and down campaign this term, they will be hoping to be back better than ever next season.

After sealing promotion, we’re backing Hughton’s boys to secure the title on Friday. BetVictor are offering 9/5 for Brighton to come out on top at Carrow Road in this one.

Brighton & Hove Albion to Win – 9/5 at BetVictor

Newcastle United v Preston North End – 24th April

On Monday evening, Rafael Benitez’s Newcastle United go head-to-head with Simon Grayson’s Preston North End. The Magpies may be the clear favourites, but the Lilywhites won’t make it an easy ride.

If Huddersfield Town beat Fulham on Saturday, they will go within four points of Newcastle. Therefore, Benitez’s boys can’t afford any more slip ups this season. As for Preston, they have enjoyed a fine campaign, even though they have run out of steam in the latter stages.

Although Grayson’s North End are capable of causing Newcastle one or two problems, we can see the hosts sealing a big three points on Monday. We like the look of Coral’s 27/20 for United to win with a -1 goal handicap.

Newcastle United to Win -1 – 27/20 at Coral

La Liga

Spanish football comes to a standstill this Sunday, as giants Real Madrid and Barcelona square off at the Bernabeu Stadium for one of most intriguing El Clasico derbies in recent times. Zinedine Zidane’s men currently top the pile in La Liga, with Luis Enrique’s Barca three points behind in second. Which one of these Spanish heavyweights will come out on top on Sunday?

Real Madrid v Barcelona – 23rd April

Saving the best for last, Barcelona travel to Spain’s capital this Sunday knowing that defeat could all but hand the title to their rivals Real Madrid. Victory for Los Blancos would take them six clear with a game in hand, but defeat would blow the title race wide open again.

As always in games between these two, the bookies are having a tough time splitting them. However, being the home side, Zinedine Zidane’s boys are the slight favourites. Nonetheless, it’s always hard to back against the mighty Barca, especially when they have it all to play for.

With that said, a draw would not be a bad result for Real. We feel there’s a good chance the pair will cancel each other out, with BetVictor’s 7/2 for the draw and both teams to score looking a tasty bet.

Draw and Both Teams to Score – 7/2 at BetVictor