BPL Panel: Gunners to gun down Liverpool

Impress your mates with these epic football facts and stats on this weekend star match in the Barclays Premier League (BPL) – Arsenal v Liverpool!

Did you know that…?

Arsene Wenger’s side have kept four clean sheets and conceded just one goal in their last five BPL home games?

Liverpool v Arsenal has seen more hat-tricks than any other match in BPL history (5)?

There have been eight 90th minute goals and two 45th minute goals scored in the last 12 BPL meetings between Arsenal and Liverpool?

Liverpool have kept just one clean sheet in their last 18 Premier League matches against Arsenal?

The Gunners have won their last eight BPL games at the Emirates. The last time they were on a longer run was in November 2005 (13)?

Only Manchester United (7) have won away at Arsenal more often than Liverpool in BPL history (6)?

Arsenal have won just one of their last 11 BPL home games against the other current top five teams; Chelsea, Man City, Man United and Liverpool (W1 D7 L3)?

Impress your mates with your earnings from NairaBet aided by the views and predictions of our soccer analysts on this game and the nine other fixtures!

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ARSENAL V LIVERPOOL

Liverpool have won just one of their last 18 away games in all competitions against Arsenal (W1 D7 L10).The signs are ominous for the Reds, Aisha?

Aisha: The Gunners have been in fine form recently and are finishing the season strongly once again. Liverpool’s top-four aspirations suffered a massive blow with the 2-1 loss to Manchester United at Anfield. With Sturridge out injured and Skrtel and Gerrard suspended for Liverpool, I can only see one winner in this classic. Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool

Sunday: The two most in-form BPL clubs meet in the clash of the week. The Gunners sit pretty in 3rd after going on a mazy unbeaten run while Liverpool’s unbeaten run of 2015 was cut short last weekend. This game coming on the heels of the international break and slated for an early Saturday kick-off would affect both sets of players and I think a draw won’t be bad for either side in their quest for a top-four finish. 1-1

Kayode: After the defeat against Manchester United before the international break, Liverpool need to bounce back when they face Arsenal. But it won’t be easy for them as the Gunners are in imperious form at the moment. Arsene Wenger just got his 14th manager of the month award and I don’t see the Reds spoiling the party. 2-1

EVERTON V SOUTHAMPTON

Everton have failed to score in three of their last four BPL matches against Southampton. Sunday, will this ignoble record continue on Saturday?

Sunday: Everton, although not prolific at home or this season at all, have been picking up points of recent and they would find home comfort as succour this weekend against a rejuvenated Southampton. The Saints are still in the running for a top-four slot mathematically and they do not look like giving up yet. Everton, on the other hand, need the points to steer clear of relegation dogfight. Saido Mane and Lukaku would be the players to watch out for, but Grazianno Pelle could steal in after finally ending his goal drought in midweek during international duty. A score draw. 1-1

Aisha: It has not been a good season for Everton and it could get even worse going by their recent results. Southampton, on the other hand, have exceeded their expectations and could even qualify for Europe. This one is too close to call so I’ll settle for a 1-1 draw

Kayode: The Saints have replaced Everton this season as the surprise team battling to break into the top four, and should continue their good form at Goodison Park. I see them getting all three points. 0-1

LEICESTER CITY V WEST HAM UNITED

West Ham have kept just one clean sheet in their last 20 Premier League games on the road. Aisha, relegation battling Leicester shouldn’t pose too much threat, no?

Aisha: Leicester City are having a very bad time right now and may end up relegated. West Ham’s hopes of qualifying for Europe are fading, but they can revive that with a win. I fancy an away win here. 1-2

Sunday: Nigel Pearson’s Leicester City look ‎like they’d be going down but not without a fight. They’ve had two weeks of rest and ample time to plan towards this game. West Ham are not particularly impressive anymore and with a plethora of players in the treatment room, they have been hanging on in games. However, if the likes of Mark Noble, Diafrie Sakho, Ener Valencia and Song feature, the Hammers could hold on for a draw but I think Leicester’s two-week break would suit them better to a surprise win. 1-0

Kayode: Rock bottom Leicester are in desperate need of a win as West Ham come to visit. In fact, they need to win their remaining nine games to harbour any thought of surviving the drop! West Ham are not in an intimidating form at the moment so the Foxes have nothing to fear. 1-0

MANCHESTER UNITED V ASTON VILLA

Aston Villa have won just one of the last 38 BPL games against Manchester United (L27 D10 W1). Surely, this poor run will continue on Saturday, Sunday?

Sunday: Man United look reborn and all credit to coach Louis van Gaal. The players fully understand their role nowadays following the switch back to a four-man defence. Michael Carrick’s influence is also evident and Wayne Rooney is scoring up front. Although Aston Villa have won two in three, they do not seem capable of stopping the United train which is gathering steam for the top-four battle. However, United should be wary of Christian Benteke – the big Belgian loves playing against the top teams. 3-1

Aisha: A couple of weeks ago, it looked like Manchester United will miss out of Europe altogether this season. But the Red Devils have impressively turned their fortunes around and are looking good to qualify for the Champions League. I think Aston Villa will be contented with a mid-table finish this term and I don’t expect much from them against United at Old Trafford. 3-1

Kayode: Manchester United should continue their fine form when they face Aston Villa at OT. Form guide and statistics give them the edge and I don’t expect them to do otherwise. 2-0

SWANSEA CITY V HULL CITY

Swansea City have not lost back-to-back BPL home games since January 2014. Aisha, do you see Hull hauling stones at that record?

Aisha: Hull City showed remarkable persistence in coming back from two-nil down against Chelsea last time out although they eventually lost the tie 3-2. Swansea are having a decent season and will boost their chances of qualifying for Europe with a win in this game. I think they can do it. 2-1 my final score!

Sunday: I was surprised to ‎watch Swansea deal with Aston Villa’s direct style and steal a win at their backyard and it would have pleased manager Gary Monk. The Welsh side are a formidable side at home and would deal pretty well with Hull City who play a similar direct style. The hope for Hull City in this fixture is that record-signing Abel Hernandez looked like a player reborn in their 3-2 loss to Chelsea and could trouble Swansea if he features. The Welsh side to continue a good season with another win. 2-1

Kayode: It’s hard to see how Hull can come through a tricky trip to Swansea and keep their distance from the relegation zone. The Welsh side are quite formidable at home. Steve Bruce side gave a good account of themselves against table topping Chelsea, like Aisha said, but I don’t see a repeat of that happening here. 2-0

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WEST BROM V QUEENS PARK RANGERS

Queens Park Rangers have lost 17 of their last 19 BPL away matches (W1 D1 L17). A bad record that will continue at the Hawthorns, Sunday?

Sunday: As is the usual, Tony Pulis knows how to dig out wins while QPR’s hobby is losing away from home. West Brom’s home is a fortress against teams in the bottom half and the trend is about to continue with QPR continuously being pushed towards relegation. 2-0

Aisha: QPR require monumental efforts not to get relegated this season. However, their form away from home has been abysmal. West Brom are decent at home and I guess they will win 2-1

Kayode: QPR need a win against West Brom to get within touching distance of the BPL safety zone. It looks difficult on paper considering their poor form on the road. They could salvage a point, though. 1-1

CHELSEA V STOKE CITY

The Potters have failed to score in six of the last seven BPL games against Chelsea. Another clean sheet for your Blues?

Aisha: League leaders Chelsea have surprisingly struggled in their last couple of games as we approach the end of the season. However, I think they got a big morale boost with the 3-2 win over Hull despite letting a two-goal advantage slip. I guess Stoke will be satisfied with a mid-table finish and should not pose much of a problem to Chelsea. Besides, the Blues have made Stamford Bride a bit of a fortress this season. 2-0

Sunday: Jose Mourinho’s men have not played to their best in recent weeks – especially after winning the Carling Cup – and the two weeks break would have been a welcome one for Chelsea. The manager would look to spring off the blocks this week and Stoke City are the victim. Mark Hughes’ Stoke side are notorious for their away form which has dwindled a bit, but they are still a dangerous side. Chelsea to improve but will scrape through a win in this tie. 2-1

Kayode: Chelsea can take a closer step to the BPL title with victory over Stoke at the Bridge. The Blues have 16 clean sheets in their last 22 BPL home fixtures, and they have proven themselves to have a masterful grasp on how to silence Stoke. Mark Hughes’ side has not found the net in their previous seven trips to the home of the league leaders, firing seven blanks in eight against Jose Mourinho’s men at all venues. They will fire blanks yet again. 3-0

BURNLEY V TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

This will be the fourth meeting between these two sides this season after Spurs won their home league fixture and also won at home in the replay after a draw at Turf Moor in the FA Cup. Aisha, who wins this time around?

Aisha: Burnley have been relegation candidates all through the season and it’s hard to see them getting anything from this game. Tottenham Hotspur have faltered along the way, but they have the quality to win this and push further for European qualification. 1-2

Sunday: Burnley perform better against the top teams and their determination is visible in every game. However, Tottenham have learned their lesson after the Old Trafford debacle, and they are prolific against the relegation teams. Harry Kane Day again? 1-2

Kayode: It’s hard to see Spurs losing this game but then, stranger things have happened in football. With the form of Harry Kane though, I doubt if this game won’t go according to script. 1-3

SUNDERLAND V NEWCASTLE UNITED

The Black Cats have won four successive league derbies against Newcastle United for the first time in their history. Sunday, will it be five time lucky for Sunderland?

Sunday: The game the North East has been waiting for. Sunderland are in deep relegation battle – just where we Geordies would like to see them every season – while Newcastle are sitting duck in mid-table. Owner Mike Ashley recently declared profits from last season, but this is a game they cannot afford to lose a situation interim manager John Carver understands. New Sunderland interim manager Dick Advocaat needs schooling about this kind of fixture and his side should help him with a share of the spoils. 1-1

Aisha: Sunderland are hovering dangerously above the relegation zone and a couple of poor results could see them in big trouble. Newcastle are not entirely safe but don’t have as much worries. I believe Sunderland will want this more and should get the win. 2-1

Kayode: A score draw is written all over this game, but Sunderland could nick it. They need the win to ease their relegation worries and I think they will get it. 2-1

CRYSTAL PALACE V MANCHESTER CITY

Crystal Palace have won just two of their last eight BPL home matches (W2 D2 L4). Sunday, the champions should compound their woes, right?

Sunday: Alan Pardew’s Palace are in a rich vein of form while City are gradually returning to form. They are still on the hunt for the BPL crown and could be undone by Yannick Bolasie and Zaha’s trickery if their full backs are pushed into their own half. City can, however, count on Bony and Aguero while they hope that captain Vincent Kompany’s form improves soonest. 1-3 

Aisha: A couple of weeks ago, I would have predicted this as an easy win for Manchester City. But Alan Pardew has turned Crystal Palace’s season around and made them a side difficult to beat particularly at home. Champions Manchester City have not been too impressive in recent weeks and risk being overtaken in second spot by Arsenal. I think they will slip once again and manage a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.

Kayode: The champions have improved of late, but they have a lot on their hands here. I see this Monday Night football match ending in a draw. 2-2

Join us next week for another interesting edition of BPL Preview.

Bye for now!

WEEK 29 PREDICTIONS 

MATCH	KAYODE	AISHA	SUNDAY	RESULT
Man City v West Brom	3-0	3-1	2-0	3-0
Aston Villa v Swansea	2-1	2-1	2-1	0-1
Newcastle v Arsenal	2-0	1-2	1-3	1-2
Southampton v Burnley	2-0	1-0	2-0	2-0
Stoke City v Crystal Palace	0-0	1-1	2-1	1-2
Tottenham v Leicester City	2-1	2-1	3-0	4-3
West Ham v Sunderland	1-1	1-1	2-1	1-0
Liverpool v Man United	0-1	2-1	1-2	1-2
Hull City v Chelsea	0-2	1-2	0-2	2-3
QPR v Everton	1-0	2-2	1-1	1-2

PUNDITS LEAGUE TABLE

PUNDIT	WK 29 CORRECT RESULT (1PT)	WK 29 SCORE (2PTS)	WK 29 TOTAL POINTS	CUMMULATIVE POINTS
Sunday Omeike	7	4	11	181
Aisha Falode	5	2	7	162
Kayode Tijani	5	4	9	148