The midweek Premier League fixtures include some intriguing encounters, as Manchester United look to make it four wins on the bounce by slaying Stoke City.
Meanwhile, after Swansea City stuttered last time out, they face a key clash with QPR, and Newcastle United travel to battle Burnley.
Manchester United v Stoke As Stoke straddle the border between the West Midlands and northwest, their duels with the Red Devils always have something of a fiery local rivalry feel to them.
Despite a poor start to the season, United have managed to claw their way back into the top four, and it will be a big ask for the Potters to knock them off their perch on home turf.
Louis van Gaal’s men are odds-on favourites at 2/5 for victory, and are aiming to make it four wins in a row after downing Hull City last time out.
Robin van Persie was back on target against the Tigers, so is available at 7/2 to close the scoring with another sublime finish.
Strike partner and skipper Wayne Rooney will be in no mood to play second fiddle as he chases Sir Bobby Charlton’s club record, and is 10/3 to fire home first after netting two in as many matches. Between them, the Red Devils’ striking duo have put seven past the visitors in their last five clashes.
The Potters do know how to make it tough for teams, however and, after falling to an arguably undeserved defeat against Liverpool last time out, will be keen to make amends.
Stoke have a decent record of 21 league triumphs against the Red Devils and did manage to defeat the home team last term. This makes United legend Mark Hughes a cheeky 10/3 to help his side draw, or 15/2 to steal a surprise scalp.
Swansea v QPR The Swans are still odds-on favourites at 3/4 for a home victory, despite only winning one of their previous five fixtures.
Garry Monk’s men have an excellent recent record at the Liberty Stadium, having been defeated just once on home soil this season.
Swansea did, in fact, do the double over QPR the last time these two teams were both in the top tier, smashing an impressive nine past them in the process.
Frontman Wilfried Bony has netted twice in his last two outings, making him an excellent 11/4 to draw first blood against Harry Redknapp’s Hoops.
For all of their woes this term, QPR have shown spirit that may yet see them survive the trap door, and after stealing points from Leicester City and Manchester City recently, are 11/4 to split spoils with the Swans.
Charlie Austin is still Redknapp’s main forward threat, and is 6/4 to grab a goal anytime after bagging five in his last five.
Burnley v Newcastle The Clarets hold a surprising head-to-head record over the Magpies, with 41 league triumphs to Newcastle’s 37. Burnley have, however, not battled the northeast giants since 1983, but are 23/10 to hold their visitor’s to a draw at Turf Moor in the present day.
Sean Dyche’s side are in fine fettle having lifted themselves from the Premier League basement floor after securing two wins and a draw and their last three outings.
Despite this, Alan Pardew’s men should still have too much fire power for their hosts. Whilst the Magpies saw their sensational six-game winning streak stall recently against West Ham, they still boast the superb striking talents of Ayoze Perez (7/4 to net anytime) and Papisse Cisse (6/4).
