Premier League Picks: Arsenal Visit Old Trafford, La Liga Special

A couple of games have been rescheduled due to the League Cup final, but there’s still plenty to get stuck into in this week’s Premier League picks.

Manchester United vs. Arsenal

After the week that each team has had one can expect a let down at Old Trafford this Sunday.

Louis Van Gaal had to prep his depleted side for two cup games all while packing his things for Jose Mourinho’s eventual arrival.

Arsenal gave Barcelona their best possible shot, but still wound up conceding the type of goal that has made Gunners fans pull their hair out over the last decade.

There has only been 20 goals scored in Manchester United’s 12 home games in the Premier League this campaign, and while both sides want the win it’s hard for me to see either side having the energy to run up and down the pitch.

This will be nip and tuck and may wind up a glorified training exercise.

Pick: Under 2.5 goals (-165)

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Southampton vs. Chelsea

Southampton have not allowed a goal in 7 straight Premier League games.

I expect Chelsea to bring that to an end this weekend, as Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa are starting to look like the strike force that won Chelsea the title last season.

Southampton will provide the Chelsea back line plenty to deal with as well. This will be a great game for the neutral to take in. I’m seeing a score draw.

Pick: Draw (+225)

Leicester vs. Norwich

Both these teams have had a nice mini vacation having last played two weekends ago.

It’s pretty easy to see how this one will play out. The Canaries, who are trying to just stay up, will sit deep, welcome Leicester pressure and try to keep them out.

It’s a wise plan seeing as how they’ve lost 9 of 13 away games in the league this season. But I just don’t see this feel good Foxes story ending just yet.

A well rested Leicester can handle this one.

Pick: Leicester -1 (Even)

Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid

This will be Zinedine Zidane’s first Madrid Derby as the Galacticos manager. Diego Simeone has carved out a niche in this particular fixture.

Not including Real’s 4-1 extra time triumph in the 2014 Champions League final, they have only won once in eleven tries versus their local rivals.

But Atletico, while being superb defensively, have hit a dry patch and are not scoring.

They won’t make it easy for them but I see CR7 and co. squeaking this one out.

Pick: Real Madrid (-120)

Next: Chelsea FC-Antonio Conte Rumours Enter The Next Stage: Positive Talks

Last column: 4-1 (+1.55 units)

2016 record: 7-6 (+1.55 units)