EPL Matchday 30 betting preview, Part 1: Saints go marching in
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We enjoyed an excellent return to the Premier League pitch on Wednesday, nailing both the draw at Villa Park and the under at the Etihad.
With those matches behind us, we're officially into Matchday 30, which is spread out over four days from Friday to Monday.
Let's start with picks for Friday and Saturday's matches, with odds courtesy of theScore Bet.
Southampton (+120) at Norwich City (+220), Draw (+250)
Saddled with the crippling prospect of relegation, Norwich City enter these final nine matches with their backs against the wall. The Canaries find themselves bottom of the table, seven points from safety, which makes this about the worst possible time for a selection headache.
Manager Daniel Farke was dealt a significant blow as center-backs Grant Hanley and Christoph Zimmermann, as well as right-back Sam Byram, will be unavailable for this match. It's a defensive nightmare, as it will take time for Norwich's patchwork defense to find a rhythm.
We've seen attacks struggle while returning from the break, but this is a huge advantage for a Southampton unit that boasts plenty of offensive talent and depth. Good managers help clubs hit their stride quicker, and Ralph Hasenhuttl is exactly that. Saints are in a pinch of relegation trouble but should pull themselves out of it rather quickly, starting with a win at Carrow Road on Friday.
Pick: Southampton (+120)
Manchester United (+150) at Tottenham (+175), Draw (+235)
Arguably the highlight of Matchday 30, Manchester United resume their push for a top-four finish when they visit Tottenham in north London. Spurs have their sights set on the top four as well, but with an extra four points to make up (seven in total), time is not on their side.
Losing this match would effectively end Spurs' Champions League hopes, so expect urgency. They received a massive boost in attack, as manager Jose Mourinho confirmed striker Harry Kane is finally fit to start alongside Heung-Min Son, who is also returning to the side, while crucial midfielder Moussa Sissoko will be welcomed back to the midfield.
United have a slightly larger margin for error given that they are just three points back of Chelsea. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will know the importance of making a positive start, and leaving north London with a point would certainly fall under that category.
Pick: Draw (+235)
Leicester City (+115) at Watford (+225), Draw (+250)
The top four beckons for Brendan Rodgers and Leicester City, who have an eight-point cushion over fifth place as they look to secure a return to the Champions League. Watford, meanwhile, are feeling the pressure with nine matches left to play. The Hornets sit 17th, only ahead of Bournemouth in the relegation zone thanks to a superior goal difference.
Nigel Pearson has enjoyed a strong start to life as Watford manager, losing just five of 15 matches since being appointed in December. The Hornets have won four of six at Vicarage Road over that span, including impressive victories over Manchester United, Liverpool, and Wolves.
Watford will be desperate to make a fast start in hopes of surviving the drop. Leicester have lost each of their last three visits to Vicarage Road, winning just two of their last 10 league matches there. With a bit less pressure on the Foxes, they'll find it difficult to match the Hornets' intensity and will be forced to leave Watford with a point, which should suit both clubs.
Pick: Draw (+250)
Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.