Opta Stats: Liverpool to ruffle Rafa on Anfield return

20Apr 2013

England - Premier League

Using some of Opta's all-knowing stats, Christian Crowther pulls out four bets to go with the forthcoming Premier League action...

Fulham v Arsenal (Saturday, 15:00)

Fulham have only kept one clean sheet in their last 12 home games in the Premier League

Fulham were largely the architects of their own downfall after missing chances and letting in some sloppy goals against Chelsea in midweek - David Luiz's thunderbolt excluded. The Cottagers have done well against Arsenal recently too, drawing three and winning one of the last four league meetings. That defeat against Chelsea was only the second time in 10 games at Craven Cottage that Martin Jol's team had failed to register, while Arsenal's blank against Everton was their first in nine games across all competitions.

Recommended Bet: Back both teams to score @ 1.69

Sunderland v Everton (Saturday, 15:00)

In the last three Premier League meetings between these two sides, both of Sunderland's goals have come in the first half and all seven of Everton's have been scored after half-time

What a difference one result can make in football. The prickly process of Paolo Di Canio's integration has been fully vanquished on Wearside after that trouncing of Newcastle at St James' Park. Despite holding a woeful record against visiting Everton - they've garnered just four points from the last 16 available against the Toffees - the galvanising effect of that win on Tyneside will have the Stadium of Light jumping come Saturday. Di Canio's side have opened the scoring in his first two games in charge.

Liverpool v Chelsea (Sunday, 16:00, Sky Sports 1)

Liverpool have won four and lost none of their last five Premier League meetings with Chelsea

After nearly five months of enduring boos from his own fans wherever he goes, Rafa will at last be treated to a hero's reception at Anfield on Sunday. However, nostalgia will not be on Brendan Rodgers' mind after two successive stalemates in the league, when his side really should have come away with at least four points from those matches. On the Irishman's side is Chelsea's terrible recent league record at Anfield; they've lost four of their last six visits and failed to score in three of those.

Best Bet: Back Liverpool to beat Chelsea @ 2.18

Manchester United v Aston Villa (Monday, 20:00, Sky Sports 1)

Manchester United have recovered a league-high 28 points from losing positions this season; three of which came against Aston Villa in their previous meeting this season

Unless Tottenham do Man United a huge favour by beating Man City a day previous, the wait for their Premier League coronation will continue, even if they secure all three points against Aston Villa. The points seem likely to be United's as the Villans hold a grim record at Old Trafford, their win in 2009 sandwiched among nine defeats. However, they twice took the lead at Villa Park in the reverse fixture and Paul Lambert's side have also notched first in their last three league outings, while the hosts have fallen behind twice in their last three.

Recommended Bet: Back Man United to win from behind @ 8.6