So competitive is the EPL that there are no such things as walkover games. This weekend’s fixtures are especially tightly matched. How about the tense showdown between 2nd placed Arsenal and currently 4th ranked, City? Or the clash between 3rd on the table, Notts and Brighton? And the log-leaders, Liverpool v Bournemouth game should also be a thriller.

Match by match previews follow:

NOTTINGHAM FOREST 29 vs BRIGHTON 41: This is a tough game to call as Notts, practically the best side defensively for the past season and a half, are now showing signs of frailty. For their part, Brighton, whilst playing generally positive football, are not really creating significant goal scoring opportunities. I’m leaning towards the Seagulls but concede that any result is possible.  The draw is probably most likely so [2 the draw and 3, an away victory] is the compromise call.

NEWCASTLE 46 vs FULHAM 42: Given how closely matched the whole EPL 10 sequence is this weekend; we must take calculated gambles to keep the number of combinations down. The first “reasonable risk” is bankering 7/10 odds on, Newcastle even though they have a mere 4-point edge of Fulham. They are formidable at home and in good form.

IPSWICH 15 vs SOUTHAMPTON 19: This scrap amongst the two worst sides in the League could go either way. No point in trying to predict what might happen – we cover all bases [1 2 3].

BOURNEMOUTH 49 vs LIVERPOOL 60: Whilst Bournemouth are too good of a side to lie down in a crumbled heap, let’s follow the Keep it Simple, Stupid strategy (KISS) and banker the best team in the League to notch an away win. They are 6/10 odds on faves to prevail.

EVERTON 24 + vs LEICESTER 19: are experiencing a resurgence under manager Moyes so should not lose against the Foxes. A draw is a possibility but, again, in a calculated gamble, we plump for [1 a home win] in this game at odds of 8/10.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS 25 vs ASTON VILLA 38: The visitors have a potent attack and are getting good results. Now that Duran has left, Watkins has a point to prove that he can carry Villa even higher. With Wolves’ level falling off in recent weeks, the suggestion is to speculate on an away victory [3].

BRENTFORD 37 vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 49: Talk about a slump – Spurs, who promised so much with their attacking style, are effectively the second worst side in the EPL after Southampton since December. Brentford have Mbuemo as a direct threat cutting in from out wide to cause havoc in Spurs’’ fickle defense. The Goal Guru Index still gives it to Spurs by 12 points, but they are untrustworthy, and it may be sensible to cover all three outcomes [1 2 3] and watch the drama/mayhem unfold.

MANCHESTER UNITED 36 vs CRYSTAL PALACE 33: United are going nicely under Amorim, having found a way to win again. Crystal Palace are also hitting form so may be able to sneak a draw on the road [1 2].

ARSENAL 53 vs MANCHESTER CITY 58: Big game! But too close to hazard a guess as to the likely winner.

CHELSEA 47 vs WEST HAM 30: Jackson has a good goal scoring record against the Hammers. With Chelseas’ 17-point edge on the GGI and West Ham hampered by injury woes, a decision is taken to single the home side [1]. They are the shortest-priced favourites of the weekend, given a 70% chance of coming out on top.

Suggested permutation for the EPL 10 on the 1st February 2025:

2 3 X 1 X 1 2 3 X 3 X 1 X 3 X 1 2 3 X 1 2 X 1 2 3 X 1 = 108 combos. This “skinny, little” ticket can be taken for R10.80 at the minimum 10c unit.

Remember you can add more combinations to your ticket if you feel that other results are possible. Or change it to reflect your opinion based on the sides you love to support. And flexible betting enables you to spend either as much, or as little as you feel comfortable with investing.

Good luck – and enjoy some great soccer this weekend!