Four matches on Saturday afternoon will have a big impact on the Premier League table, with Arsenal looking to keep their title challenge on track.
The Gunners can be used in a four-fold, which concludes when Nottingham Forest host Everton in the Saturday tea-time fixture.
Recommended four-fold: Brentford v Luton draw, Arsenal to beat Wolves, Burnley v Sheffield United BTTS, Everton to win at Nottingham Forest
- Brentford v Luton draw
- Arsenal to beat Wolves
- Burnley v Sheffield United BTTS
- Everton to win at Nottingham Forest
Brentford vs Luton
Everton's 10-point deduction has galvanised their Premier League relegation rivals and Luton Town can continue their recent revival by taking a point from their trip to Brentford.
Luton took a point off Liverpool at Kenilworth Road at the start of November, then were narrowly defeated at Old Trafford by Manchester United in another brave performance. A 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace last time out has sent optimism coursing through the veins of the Luton players and suddenly survival hopes are sky-high.
Luton are outside the relegation zone and a draw at Brentford would be considered another stepping stone in their bid to retain their Premier League status. The Hatters will almost certainly pack their defence as usual, stringing five defenders across the park, keeping the game as tight as possible.
Brentford's direct approach may come unstuck against Luton, who have the tools to repel the Bees, and goals could be at a premium in this contest. Set-pieces look set to be crucial in this 90 minutes, with some aerial battles likely to determine the outcome of the game.
Luton average less than three shots on target per game in the Premier League this season, so the Brentford goalkeeper will not be expecting a busy afternoon. The big question ahead of this Gtech Community Stadium dust-up is whether Brentford can create many openings.
They drew a blank at home to Arsenal last time out, having been defeated 3-0 at Liverpool prior to that. A low-scoring draw seems on the cards on Saturday.
Arsenal vs Wolves
Arsenal head into the weekend atop the Premier League table and Gunners fans are again dreaming of their team ending their title drought.
The Londoners lost a title duel with Manchester City last season and Mikel Arteta's side carry a fierce determination to go one better in the year to come. A gutsy 1-0 victory at Brentford last time out bodes well for the weeks ahead.
Arsenal know that a home fixture with Wolves is almost a must-win mission if they are to overcome the mighty Citizens over the course of a 38-game season, so expect Arteta to instruct his troops to attack from the off.
Arsenal romped to a 6-0 Wednesday-night Champions League victory over Lens to send confidence flooding through the Emirates Stadium ahead of the Wolves visit. The Gunners have won their last five home games in all competitions, including a crucial victory over Manchester City.
Wolves have lost their way lately, losing to Sheffield United and Fulham – two miserable results which would come back to haunt the Midlanders if they got sucked into a relegation dogfight.
Wolves have conceded eight goals in their last four games and Arsenal will be licking their lips about attacking such a leaky side. The Gunners will rightly appear on many a football coupon this weekend.
Burnley vs Sheffield United
Burnley fans have been tearing their hair out at Turf Moor this season as they have had to watch their team lose all seven of their Premier League home games.
Clarets supporters have been able to cheer only five goals at home this term, while seeing 20 goals go into their own net. It has made for miserable viewing and manager Vincent Kompany is under great pressure.
Home to Sheffield United is one of the most appealing fixtures Burnley can get at this crucial juncture, but whether the home side can keep a clean sheet against the Blades is open to question. Punters should probably be angling towards a bet on both teams to score.
Sheffield United have started scoring some goals, enjoying four in their last three games, beating Wolves and taking a point off Brighton. Burnley have scored against Arsenal and West Ham in their last two fixtures.
Burnley need to go for the three points against Sheffield United – and the visitors will also feel a point is not enough given their circumstances – so expect a positive approach from both sides.
Nottingham Forest vs Everton
Everton fans went through the wringer at Goodison Park on Sunday – watching their team lose 3-0 to Manchester United – but the scoreline flattered the Red Devils. The Toffees could be set to bounce back with three points at the City Ground.
Everton looked the more dangerous side against United before Alejandro Garnacho conjured one of the greatest finishes in Premier League history to give United a lead. The home side missed numerous chances to level that match, then a penalty was given to the visitors to kill the game.
It is important for punters assessing the Nottingham Forest versus Everton game to remember that the away side have been deducted 10 points in the Premier League. Had they not suffered that fate, the Merseysiders would be only two points off the top half of the table.
Everton have won three of their last four away games, beating Brentford, West Ham and Crystal Palace, and Sean Dyche will feel his team can bolster that impressive recent road record by seeing off Nottingham Forest.
While Dyche is in favour with the Everton fans – and could be set to get a new contract at Goodison soon – pressure is mounting on Forest chief Steve Cooper, who has presided over a dismal stretch. The Tricky Trees have won just one of their last nine games, leaking goals and getting sucked into the relegation dogfight themselves.
