Football
Derek Bilton, ESPN.co.uk betting writer 4y

Leicester to deepen Manchester City misery?

We turned a slight profit in midweek courtesy of a 100/30 winner in the shape of Borussia Dortmund, but Liverpool's defeat against Atletico Madrid prevented a clean sweep. There's a full round of Premier League fixtures this weekend and we fancy Leicester City to avoid defeat in their crunch clash with Manchester City.

Running total: -£61.92

The Banker

How will Manchester City react after one of the most contentious weeks in the club's history? City have been hit with a two-year suspension from European competition by UEFA (subject to appeal) for breaching Financial Fair Play rules and question marks continue to surround the future of boss Pep Guardiola. Furthermore, the Premier League champions have all but surrendered their crown to Liverpool and they face Leicester on Saturday evening in a game that could go a long way towards deciding who finishes second.

City are 8/11 favourites here but that looks short when you consider they've dropped points in four of their eight away matches since November. It's worth remembering too that the Foxes have taken 27 points from 13 home matches so far and are notoriously tough to beat at the King Power stadium. And with Guardiola's men facing Real Madrid on Feb. 26, don't rule out the Spaniard resting a few star names this weekend with that trip to the Bernabeu in mind. You can get even money for Leicester to not lose the match and if Jamie Vardy finds his rhythm again that could be the play.

Selection: £5 on Leicester City or draw (Double Chance) at evens with bet365.

The First Goal Flutter

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has hit 17 goals in all competitions so far this season and that's not a bad return considering how Arsenal have struggled at times. The Gunners face Everton on Sunday and, despite the fact that the Toffees have lost only one of their nine league matches under Carlo Ancelotti, we like Aubameyang to score first at 3/1 in north London. The Gunners may have their swagger back after that 4-0 win over Newcastle and can edge a tight one at the Emirates.

Selection: £3 on Aubameyang to score first at 3/1 with bet365.

The Tasty Treble

Manchester United's 2-0 win over Chelsea should give them confidence and they look worthy 3/5 favourites to beat Watford. The Red Devils are clearly missing the brilliant Marcus Rashford but there are such high hopes for Mason Greenwood and he can help the Red Devils secure a crucial win on Sunday.

Elsewhere, Southampton (4/7) should be too good for Aston Villa at St Mary's. Villa have taken just eight points from 13 games on the road and look right up against it. Incidentally, Saints striker Shane Long has been directly involved in 10 goals in his last seven Premier League starts against Villa, scoring six and assisting four.

Finally, add in Sheffield United to beat Brighton at 10/11. The Blades have fourth place in their sights and are eyeing a third straight win. The treble pays a shade under 4/1 with bet365 and looks very solid.

Selection: £5 on the treble at 3.8/1 with bet365.

The Euro Wager

It's top against bottom in Serie A as SPAL host Juventus on Saturday and odds against the Bianconeri winning this by more than a goal certainly need attention. SPAL have lost seven of their 11 home games so far and could struggle here. Cristiano Ronaldo turned 35 the other week but the Portuguese legend is showing no signs of slowing down as his outrageous scoring streak continues apace. If he scores this weekend he will equal the joint record of Gabriel Batistuta and Fabio Quagliarella for scoring in 11 straight Serie A games. SPAL you have been warned!

Selection: £6 on Juventus (-1) to win at 21/20 with bet365.

The Wildcard Tip

Jose Mourinho returns to the club where he made his name in England this weekend as Tottenham face Chelsea. The Blues are odds on but look shaky, having lost five times at Stamford Bridge already this season. Mourinho is looking for his first Premier League win at home as a boss in the away dugout but the draw looks tempting and you can get 7/1 that it ends 1-1 in Saturday's early kick-off.

Selection: £1 on a 1-1 correct score at 7/1 with bet365.

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