PLENTY ON OFFER AT THE ETIHAD

In last week's article, I served up Aston Villa vs Manchester City ending in Over 2.5 goals and thanks to the woeful defending on show at Villa Park, it was a bet that came good before the half-time whistle had even blown.

While with Manchester City seemingly back in the goalscoring groove, it seems as if this bet might bring us more joy at the weekend. However, if this is to be the case, it may require them to once again carry it out single handed.

That's because, they play host to a rather goal shy Crystal Palace and although the Eagles start the weekend lying ninth in the Premier League table, they have primarily done so on a bedrock of tight defending.

Then again, that's not to say that City are not capable of putting teams to the sword and with the thought of revenge in their mind after last season's shock home defeat to Palace, don't be surprised if a hefty goal tally is racked up by the end of the afternoon.

Summary: Back over 2.5 total goals at 1.33

ALL SQUARE IN EAST ANGLIA

Going into this weekend, Norwich have failed to win any of their last nine Premier League matches and next up for them is the visit of a struggling Bournemouth side, who themselves have failed to win any of their last five.

With both teams now in the bottom three of the Premier League table, this has all the hallmarks of relegation ‘six-pointer' and the question that needs to be asked, is just who will come out of it on top?

To be honest, it could be a case where two teams lacking confidence end up cancelling each other and neither side has that extra bit of quality required, in order to earn themselves a much-needed victory.

Norwich will be licking their wounds after suffering a heavy defeat to Manchester United, while Bournemouth will be doing some soul searching after failing to turn up against a resurgent Watford last weekend.

The fact that both teams are desperate for points, suggests that this could be a rather nervy affair and therefore backing a draw at full time (2-2 if you want to add a score as well) might just be the most sensible outcome to back.

Summary: Back the draw at 3.60

GUNNERS STILL FIRE WITHOUT AUBAMEYANG

Arsenal may be struggling in mid-table at present and they do so with no Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang among their ranks for the next three games either. However, even with that image of doom and gloom, things might not be all that bad.

That's because the Gunners still have Alexandre Lacazette to call upon and with the French international ready to lead the line against Sheffield United on Saturday, he could cause the Blades several headaches.

Of course, one should not forget that the Blades are currently sitting rather pretty in the Premier League table at present and Chris Wilder brings his men to the capital, while lying four places higher than the North London outfit.

While although Arsenal lost at Bramall Lane earlier in the season, that was in the dying days of previous manager Unai Emery and although they are far from perfect, they have showed signs of improvement under new man Mikel Arteta and especially at home.

Therefore, with a new man at the controls and the want to overturn that defeat in Yorkshire, backing Arsenal to come out on top this weekend is a bet that might just provide a small amount of value.

Summary: Back Arsenal to win at 1.85

TOP FOUR-FOLD

Last week three of the four legs came in and if it was not for that pesky Southampton getting the better of Leicester, then this bet would have been a winner. However, undeterred by abject failure, I am once again backing the teams in the top four of the Premier League to come good.

Which means by putting Liverpool, Manchester City, Leicester and Chelsea all to win on your bet slip, it will return someone where in the region of 4.00 � roughly the same price as last weekend, but will we have better fortunes? We'll find out come the end of the weekend.