CLOUDS HILL is open to further improvement, following a first career success in handicap company at Yarmouth last month. That was the Charlie Johnston-trained runner’s second attempt in a handicap. He made all that day and appears perfect for a repeat performance, at this speed-favoured track, despite a wider draw than ideal. With that in mind, we are possibly receiving a greater price than if drawn lower.

ICE MAX appears overpriced, as a winner in this grade (albeit a modest race for that class). The Dark Angel gelding scored in that race at Goodwood, which bodes well for a tilt at this downhill course, and a subsequent 5th of six at that southern venue last August can be forgiven (badly hampered). The front two in the market are clear on official ratings, but they need to prove themselves after lengthy absences, so the selection may be able to run into a placing at big odds.

A PIECE OF HEAVEN is an obvious contender, in this prestigious staying handicap, run over an extended 2m2f distance. The consistent Joseph O’Brien-trained eight–year-old finished 2nd in the Irish Cesarewitch, and was 3rd in Group Three company in 2024. His lightly-raced nature means he could be well treated from a handicap mark of 101, having had just five runs in handicaps.

Course winner, MIRACULOUS, looks primed to run a big race second-time-out, returning to this well-suited venue. His victory at Chester last season came from a 1lb higher mark, and he is expected to take a step forward from a 6th at Catterick last month. 

KINGSTONIAN is a thoroughly unexposed handicapper, hailing from a powerful Irish stable. The Joseph O’Brien-trained Study Of Man gelding is a 1m4f good ground maiden winner, who ran a fine 3rd on first handicap outing; he was beaten by a subsequent Grade One Hurdle scorer. The rise in distance appears a wise move, as a half-brother to a 2m3f hurdle winner, and he could attempt to make all of the running from a good low draw.  

I’m convinced SIOUXFONIC is a well-handicapped horse. The Wolverhampton maiden winner was a disappointing handicap debut 9th, but he can be excused one poor run, and he could find dramatic improvement in first-time cheekpieces. If you go back to that maiden success, he beat a now-rated 87 horse, and he was giving that rival 4lb. Based on that race, his current handicap mark of 80 could easily be exploited here, with his jockey already racking up two wins this month.

Each of our last FOUR Friday Evening Doubles have won ✅

The most recent head to head meeting between these sides produced six goals as both sides got on the scoresheet to contest a 3-3 draw. Both sides registered an xG in excess of 1.0 in that game (1.58-2.39), showing that although the overall goal count from that game was exaggerated, these sides both have the capability to find the back of the net in this Friday night Bundesliga clash.

Frankfurt have seen BTTS in each of their last five matches across all competitions, notably winning just one of these games against a Wolfsburg side battling relegation. Frankfurt have seen 65 goals across their 16 away matches in the Bundesliga this season (4.06 per game), showing how their recent run of goals is something that's been pretty consistent all season and isn't limited to just the final few weeks of the campaign. Frankfurt also have something to fight for, sitting just one point outside of the European spots in the Bundesliga with only two games remaining - both against sides above them in the table.

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Each of our last FOUR Friday Evening Doubles have won ✅

Everyone is talking about PSG following their impressive display over two legs to dispatch Bayern Munich, but the biggest story in French football this season could still be claimed by Lens who find themselves just six points behind Luis Enrique's side with only three games of the season remaining. They are obviously underdogs from here, but it's still been quite the achievement to keep pace with PSG given their obvious quality and superior wage bill.

Lens have to be perfect from here on in, and have been close to that at home this season - winning 13 of their 15 home matches, which is actually the best home record in the division. They've netted 34 goals across these games, conceding just 11 - which is also the best defensive record of any side at home in Ligue 1 this season. They beat Nantes 2-1 win when the sides met earlier in the campaign, and can take the opportunity to put some more pressure on PSG following their trip to Munich during the week.

Nantes have one of the weakest away records in Ligue 1 this season, winning only two of their 16 away matches - notably only scoring 11 goals across these games, which doesn't bode well when faced by the impressive rearguard of Lens when at home. Nantes have also only won just one of their last five games ahead of this clash, and don't really have anything to fight for.

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Oli McBurnie has scored more goals than any other Hull player this season, netting 17 in the regular season.

McBurnie netted a brace against Norwich on the final day of the season to secure Hull’s spot in the playoffs.

McBurnie is on penalties for Hull, and has netted five goals across his last five starts in the Championship. 

McBurnie scored against Millwall earlier in the campaign.

Only Jake Cooper (10) has picked up more cards for Millwall this season than Tristan Crama (9). Crama is a more appealing price to back for a card compared to Cooper (2.75-5.00).

Crama committed a foul in both of the head to head meetings between the sides this season, averaging 1.23 fouls committed per 90 across the season as a whole.

Crama’s main opponent here is likely to be Oli McBurnie who has won 39 fouls across his 32 starts in the Championship this season (1.61 per 90) and is good at holding up the ball.

Femi Azeez has been Millwall’s best player this season, netting 11 goals across his 33 starts in the Championship - including a brace on the final day of the season.

Azeez has had 90 shots in the Championship this term, seeing 29 of these efforts find the target (0.93 per 90). 

Azeez has netted three goals across his last five starts in the Championship, and had two shots when these sides last faced off.

Rob's Final Day Championship Acca won @ 4.0 ✅

McBurnie’s consistency in this market is absolutely remarkable. He’s averaged 1.18 SoT per 90 in the league, which is solid if not mindblowing; but he’s been excellent lately for those backing him.

He’s had a shot on target in nine of his last 10 outings, and he managed five in their final gam of the regular season at home to Norwich.

He’s the focal point of this Hull side, and their chances are crafted out with the aim of getting him on the end of it, whether that’s with his feet or utilising his serious aerial threat.

He’s also netted 18 times in all comps this season, including against Millwall.

In addition, a nice bonus is that he’s a penalty taker for The Tigers and took one at the weekend as he bagged a brace to seal Hull’s place in the play-offs.

Hull are the slight outsiders here, but they’ll create chances. They’re very consistent scorers.

Rob's Final Day Championship Acca won @ 4.0 ✅

Looks like a nice price for someone who’s been heavy on the fouls lately. Gelhardt has averaged 1.03 fouls per 90 this season. Often dropping in a bit deeper to play off McBurnie, it’s seen him have to engage more often than perhaps he has done in the past.

He’s committed a foul in each of his last four games, where his average has risen to a hefty 2.23 per 90 minutes. Gelhardt committed three fouls in the final day win over Norwich City.

Millwall don’t draw huge foul numbers in central areas, but between the two centre-halves and deep midfielders, you’re looking at around 2.30 fouls drawn per 90 minutes and I’d expect foul numbers in general to be on the up in a contest like this.

Gelhardt has committed two or more fouls in eleven matches this season, seven of them have been on home soil, perhaps the roar of the home crowd pushes him to over-exert.

Rob's Final Day Championship Acca won @ 4.0 ✅

There is risk in backing goals in a game like this, as it could be tight. I’m expecting a decent game though, and both sides have been consistent in this market throughout the season. The two league meetings also both finished 3-1, so the foundations are there for another entertaining match-up.

Hull games averaged 2.96 goals this season, the third highest in the Championship, only behind Southampton and Coventry.

That rose marginally to 3.00 at home, and in both home and away matches, Hull saw two ore more match goals in 78% of their games.

As for Millwall, they saw an average of 2.46 goals per game. Although a lower total, they actually saw 80% of their matches have two ore more match goals.

There’s a plethora of attacking talent on both sides to get this over the line. McBurnie, Gelhardt and Azeez have 42 goals between them.

Rob's Final Day Championship Accumulator won @ 4.0 ✅

This is, of course, a huge occasion between two sides who enjoy a battle. Millwall are particularly combative on their travels, where they’ve averaged 2.43 cards - a significant increase from the 1.48 they average at home. 

This shows a clearer focus on getting stuck in and being aggressive on the road, where they tend to have less of the game.

74% of Millwall’s away games have seen them receive at least two cards.

Hull are decent at drawing cards too. Again, their home vs away comparison is positive for this bet. They’ve drawn an average of 1.87 cards per game this season, which increases to 2.04 at home with 61% of visiting sides leaving with two or more cards.

Millwall have received two or more cards in eight of their last nine away matches and received four in their visit to Hull earlier in the campaign.

Enzo Fernandez has been pretty good for Chelsea this season, but like many Chelsea players, has let himself down with his attitude and general petulance - which can be seen through his card record this campaign.

Fernandez has picked up eight yellow cards in the Premier League for Chelsea this season, only his midfield partner in Moises Caicedo (10), has picked up more cautions than the Argentine, who is more likely to pick up a card in these high profile matches - with a few of his cards this season coming from dissent in Chelsea’s poor performances in the second half of the campaign.

Fernandez has already collected cautions against the likes of Manchester United, Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester City this season - showing how his tendency to lose control of his emotions is particularly strong in big games, fuelled further by the poor form Chelsea are displaying at the moment.

Dominik Szoboszlai has been Liverpool’s best player this season, something that he showed with his brilliant goal against United last week, as Liverpool fell to a 3-2 defeat against their rivals last time out. That strike took Szoboszlai’s goal tally to six for the season, equalling his goal output in the Premier League from last campaign.

This campaign overall has been Szoboszlai’s best scoring season in a Liverpool shirt, with the Hungarian netting 13 goals across all competitions - bettering his tallies of seven and eight in the last two seasons. He’s also notably picked up more yellow cards than any other Liverpool player this term (eight), with one of those cautions coming in Liverpool’s 2-1 loss to Chelsea earlier in the season. 

Joao Pedro has been one of the few decent players for Chelsea in 2026, he’s progressed up the scoring charts despite playing for a side that are struggling for goals without his presence. He’s also very strong when it comes to winning fouls, this is a part of his game that has improved as the season has unfolded and can come to the fore again here. 

Joao Pedro was fouled once when the sides met earlier in the campaign, and has won an impressive 51 fouls across his 29 starts in the Premier League this season (1.84 per 90). I’m particularly interested in his battles against Ibrahima Konate as his main opponent, but also Alexis Mac Allister, who will be tasked with dealing with Joao Pedro when he drops into those deeper pockets of the pitch. 

Joao Pedro is probably the only Chelsea player that has enjoyed a positive 2026 so far, with the forward netting 15 goals in the Premier League this season - the majority of which have come since the turn of the year. 

This record is particularly impressive as none of Joao Pedro’s goals have come from the penalty spot, I didn’t think he would be capable of being a striker that could get you 20 goals in a season, but he’s proved me wrong and is Chelsea’s biggest threat in front of goal, with the likes of Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho all misfiring. 

Joao Pedro has taken 68 shots in the Premier League this season (2.45 per 90), seeing 28 of those efforts find the target (1.01 per 90). He scored a brilliant overhead kick against Nottingham Forest last time out, showing that he is still playing with confidence, which can’t really be said for the majority of the squad. 

I come back to this angle almost every week - it’s remained around this price point all season, despite Gravenberch maintaining a very consistent fouls won record across the campaign. He was fouled once when Liverpool visited Stamford Bridge earlier in the season, and will face off against a combative midfield trio of Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo here.

Caicedo is as short as 1.13 to commit a foul, and his midfield partner Lavia, is only slightly ahead at 1.2. Gravenberch wins fouls due to his brilliant ability in tight spaces; he can create space with a single turn and quickly get Liverpool on the attack.

Gravenberch has won 39 fouls across his 31 Premier League starts this season (1.27 per 90) and should attract attention from Chelsea’s midfield when trying to turn defence into attack for Liverpool - one of his best skills as a midfielder for the Reds.

Robert Sanchez picked up a nasty injury in Chelsea’s embarrassing 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest last time out after colliding with Morgan Gibbs-White, so we can expect Filip Jorgensen to step into the Chelsea net here, which will be real encouragement for a Liverpool side who managed to draw three saves from Senne Lammens last time out.

Liverpool don’t have the full complement of their star attacking players, but any team in the Premier League is capable of causing this petulant and deflated Chelsea side problems. Arne Slot’s side are averaging 4.50 shots on target per game in the Premier League this term, which isn’t a strong record compared to the numbers they posted last season, but it’s enough to draw a few saves from Jorgensen, who will sit behind a nervy Chelsea backline.

Jorgensen has only started two games in the Premier League this season, which tells you a bit about how he is seen at Chelsea, and has been forced into making six saves across those matches (1.88 per 90). I think Liverpool will be encouraged by Chelsea having to go with their second-string keeper, potentially leading to the home side taking on more speculative efforts, which Jorgensen can handle even if his overall level isn’t suitable for a club like Chelsea. 

There haven’t been many strengths for Chelsea in the Premier League this season, but like the rest of the division, they have leaned more towards set pieces and corners, in particular, as a route to goal. 

Much has been made of Chelsea’s recent poor record in front of goal, a duck that was only broken by Joao Pedro’s brilliant overhead kick against Forest last time out, but they’re still creating chances and winning corners despite being unable to get on the scoresheet in five of their last six Premier League matches.

Chelsea racked up seven corners in their 2-1 win over Liverpool earlier in the season, and are averaging 5.41 corners per game across their 17 away matches in the Premier League this term. Anfield is also not the fortress it once was under Slot this term, Liverpool are conceding 5.12 corners per game at home and have looked pretty vulnerable from those situations.

Liverpool were beaten 3-2 by Manchester United last time out at Old Trafford, which was a painful result in the circumstances, but their record at Anfield this season has been considerably better than when they play away. Arne Slot's men have won seven of their last 10 matches on home turf, including a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace in their last home outing. 

Chelsea head to Merseyside this weekend as one of the most out-of-form sides in the Premier League. The Blues were dealt another damning defeat last weekend, as a rotated Nottingham Forest side came away from Stamford Bridge with all three points after winning 3-1. Chelsea have now lost eight of their last 10 matches across all competitions.

This selection has landed in each of the last two head-to-head meetings between Liverpool and Chelsea when they have played at Anfield. 

Championship play-off first legs can occasionally be tight and cagey affairs, but this is a clash between two sides who have been in excellent form recently, and they will want to get off to a strong start. 

Southampton have been one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Championship, and they are unbeaten in any of their last 19 league matches. The Saints scored 82 goals in their 46 league matches - only table-toppers Coventry scored more, which shows the threat they can pose going forward. Tonda Eckert's men are unlikely to sit back and play for a draw at the Riverside Stadium.

Middlesbrough’s form hasn’t been as strong, but they ended the campaign on a high. They drew 2-2 against Wrexham after thrashing Watford 5-1 on home turf. With 72 goals scored from their 46 league games, Middlesbrough aren’t a side to underestimate in the final third.

The La Liga relegation battle is really getting interesting as we approach the final four matches of the campaign, and this clash between Elche and Alaves could have significant consequences. There are currently just three points separating 12th and 18th in the standings, and it’s Alaves who currently occupy 18th, putting them on track to play in the second division next season.

That precarious position has forced them to play with a bit more attacking intent in recent weeks, and BTTS has landed in each of their last eight consecutive matches. They have seen a total of 36 goals in that stretch, averaging an eye-catching 4.5 goals per game, and Alaves were beaten 4-2 by Athletic Club last time out. 

Elche aren’t under as much pressure, mostly because they have won three of their last four matches in the league. BTTS has landed in three of those, and goals are a target again here. 

The final Champions League qualification spot is still up for grabs as we head into the penultimate Bundesliga weekend, with Leverkusen, Stuttgart and Hoffenheim all locked together on 58 points. Hoffenheim sit at the bottom of that trio on goal difference, which means they will have to push for a convincing win this weekend.

The hosts will have to play with real urgency and intent at the PreZero Arena, as they have done in recent weeks. Hoffenheim have seen 19 goals in their last five games alone, with BTTS landing in each of those fixtures.

Werder Bremen currently sit six points above the bottom three, meaning one more positive result guarantees their survival. BTTS has also landed in each of the last five matches for the visitors, making this a clash between two progressive sides who cannot afford to take their foot off the gas. 

Perhaps the most important matchup in the Bundesliga this weekend is between Stuttgart and Leverkusen - the two teams still fighting for 4th place. Both sides have scored 66 goals from their 32 league games this season, but Leverkusen have conceded three less, and that is currently the difference - Stuttgart are on track to play in the Europa League next season. If they can secure all three points at the MHP Arena this weekend, that would be huge for them. 

It finished 4-1 to Stuttgart when the sides last met in January, and all four of their goals were scored in the first half. Leverkusen prevailed in the reverse fixture, and it was another high-scoring encounter, which finished 4-3. Head-to-head meetings between the sides have been entertaining over the years, and there have been at least four goals in five of the last six.

I’ve used my goal sheet to put together a 22/1 BTTS & No Draw Accumulator. I love these bets, we’ve gone so close in recent weeks with each of the last two seeing 3/4 selections landing.

Click the link here to find out what my goal sheet has picked out for this Saturday 👇

My last two Saturday Accas have won ✅

Each of the last two head to head meetings between these sides has seen BTTS, the most recent game finished 4-1 to Stuttgart with both sides posting an xG in excess of 1.0 (1.96-2.60).

Stuttgart have seen BTTS in each of their last four matches in the Bundesliga, drawing their last two games against Werder Bremen and Hoffenheim.

Leverkusen have seen BTTS in each of their last two matches, winning both of these games. They’ve seen 54 goals across their 16 away matches in the Bundesliga this season (3.3 per game). 

My last two Saturday Accas have won ✅

Hoffenheim have seen 3+ goals in each of their last five matches, most recently seeing six goals in a 3-3 draw against Stuttgart.

Werder Bremen have seen 3+ goals in four of their last five matches, and have conceded 28 goals across their 16 away games in the Bundesliga.

Hoffenheim are seeing 3.43 goals per game at home in the Bundesliga this season, and are in a three way battle for a spot in the Champions League next season alongside Leverkusen and Stuttgart - all three sides sit on 58 points. 

My last two Saturday Accas have won ✅

Only Brighton (85) and Tottenham (90) have picked up more yellow cards in the Premier League this season than Bournemouth (81 - 2.31 per game).

Bournemouth committed 16 fouls and picked up three yellow cards on their last trip to Craven Cottage, with that game ending 2-2.

Bournemouth have picked up 2+ cards in each of their last two Premier League away games, and are in direct battle with Fulham for a spot in Europe next season. 

My last two Saturday Accas have won ✅

Hearts have avoided defeat against Motherwell in each of the last four head to head meetings between the sides, all taking place since January 2025.

Hearts have avoided defeat in each of their last five matches, including registering wins over Rangers and their opponents here.

Motherwell have only managed to win one of their last five matches, losing three of these games - including a 1-0 defeat to Falkirk last time out. 

Aberdeen have shown clear signs of improvement in recent weeks and look well placed to continue on an upward curve when they host Dundee United on Saturday. New Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson has steadied the ship, steering his side away from relegation trouble with two wins and one draw across their last three matches. Notably, both victories came at home, with Aberdeen getting the better of Hibernian and Kilmarnock in their last two outings at Pittodrie.

As such, the Dons look well placed to pick up another positive result when they face Dundee United this weekend. Jim Goodwin’s side were soundly beaten 3-0 away at relegation-threatened Kilmarnock last week. That latest defeat means Dundee United have won just three of their 17 Scottish Premiership away games this season, coming away empty-handed from three of their last four matches on the road.

With all that in mind, I'm going to back an improving Aberdeen outfit on the Double Chance on Saturday afternoon.

I think Livingston can score at least once away at Dundee on Saturday afternoon. While the Lions’ relegation back to the Scottish Championship was confirmed last weekend, they have certainly not gone down without a fight. In fact, Marvin Bartley’s side have lost just two of their last nine top-flight fixtures, the most recent of which saw them twice come from behind to earn a 2-2 draw at home to Aberdeen.

That means Livingston have scored exactly two goals in each of their last four league games, a run which includes a 2-0 away win at St Mirren, as well as a 2-2 draw against league leaders Hearts. With their fate already sealed, the Lions could well play with even more freedom when they come up against Dundee this weekend.

Steven Pressley’s hosts did keep a clean sheet last weekend, but that came against the most shot-shy side in the division in St Mirren. What’s more, the Dark Blues have failed to keep the back door shut in each of their previous three meetings with Livingston this season, conceding 2+ goals in each of those encounters.

I’m keen to back Kilmarnock to score at least once away at St Mirren in what is a huge game at the foot of the Scottish Premiership table on Saturday afternoon. Neil McCann’s visitors will come into this clash in high spirits after brilliantly dismantling Dundee United in a 3-0 victory last weekend. More importantly, that result lifted Kilmarnock out of the relegation play-off spot and moved them above St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership table.

While Killie have struggled on their travels this season, they have still found the net in three of their last five away matches, scoring against Rangers, Dundee United and Falkirk across that run.

As for St Mirren, they come into this crunch clash on the back of three successive Scottish Premiership defeats, including a 2-0 home loss to rock-bottom Livingston. Further encouragement for siding with this selection comes from the fact that the Saints shipped four goals when they last faced relegation rivals Kilmarnock earlier in the campaign.

Falkirk’s game with Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday has taken on added significance following last weekend’s results. With 5th place potentially enough to secure European football next season, this has suddenly become a key fixture for both sides, with just two points separating them in the table. That should lend itself to an entertaining contest, with both teams to score looking worthy of support.

Falkirk’s 1-0 win over Motherwell last weekend bucked their recent BTTS trend, as both teams to score would have been the correct call in each of the Bairns’ previous six league matches before that narrow victory.  It is also worth noting that Falkirk have already hosted Hibs twice in the Scottish Premiership this season, with those encounters finishing 2-2 and 4-1 respectively.

As for Hibs, they arrive off the back of consecutive 2-1 defeats at home to Hearts and Celtic. The case for siding with both teams to score is further strengthened by the fact that 5 of the capital club’s last eight away matches have seen both sides find the net.

I’m also keen to back over 2.5 goals in Fulham’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon. Over 2.5 goals has landed in 6 of Fulham’s last 8 Premier League home matches, while each of Bournemouth’s last 5 league games has featured at least 3 goals.

4 of Brighton's last 5 Premier League matches have produced over 2.5 goals, including each of their previous 3. The Seagulls' clash with Newcastle last weekend featured over 3.5 goals, as did their recent 2-2 draw away at Tottenham.

They will be coming up against an already-relegated Wolves team that have seen over 2.5 goals in each of their last three Premier League away matches.

Both teams have scored in 6 of Falkirk’s last 7 Scottish Premiership matches, and the same is also true of 5 of Hibs’ last 8 league games away from home. The two previous meetings between the sides this season at the Falkirk Stadium finished 2-2 and 4-1 respectively.

14 of Dundee’s 17 Scottish Premiership matches this season have produced over 1.5 goals, including each of their previous 2 home meetings with Livingston, which finished 3-2 and 2-2 respectively.

As for Livingston, 14 of their last 15 league matches have featured over 1.5 goals, and with their relegation now confirmed, they should be able to play with plenty of freedom this weekend.

Both teams have scored in 5 of Motherwell’s last 7 Scottish Premiership matches, including a 3-1 defeat away at Hearts last month. Meanwhile, BTTS would have been the correct call in each of title-chasing Hearts’ last 4 league matches. It should also be noted that the two sides were involved in a 3-3 draw earlier in the season. 

I’m moving into La Liga for the next selection, where I’m backing both teams to score when Real Sociedad take on Real Betis. Both teams have found the net in 26 of Real Sociedad’s 34 league matches this season, including 13 of their 17 home fixtures.

As for Real Betis, there have been goals at both ends in 13 of their 17 La Liga away games this term.

Erling Haaland has been in outstanding form in recent weeks, and he found the back of the net against Everton last time out.

That was his 25th Premier League goal of the season, but the Norwegian international cannot afford to take his foot off the gas - his side are still working to close the gap on Arsenal, but Haaland also only has a three-goal lead on Igor Thiago in the race for the Golden Boot. 

However, Haaland has hit a rich vein of form at the perfect time. He has scored in each of his last three straight league matches, and even bagged a hat-trick against Liverpool in the FA Cup. The 25-year-old has been unstoppable at the Etihad this season, and he has scored in 14 of his 21 starts in front of a home crowd.

He was absent against Brentford in the EFL Cup matchup, but scored the only goal of the game in the league meeting.

Jeremy Doku rescued a point for Man City in the 97th minute against Everton last time out, which just about keeps them in the Premier League title race as we approach the final few games. That result ended a six-game winning streak for Pep Guardiola’s men, who will hope to get back on track this weekend. 

Brentford secured 3-0 win against Brentford last time out, which ended a seven-game winless run across all competitions. The Bees have stuttered in recent weeks, but they are still seventh in the standings, one point behind Bournemouth. However, this upcoming matchup against Man City promises to be a tough one, as Keith Andrews’ side have lost twice against them this term. 

It finished 2-0 to City when these sides met in the EFL Cup quarter-finals in December. Brentford were barely able to lay a glove on the hosts in that match - they managed just three shots worth 0.18 xG. 

It was one-way traffic at the Etihad in that game, and City registered a total of five corners. In the reverse fixture in the league at the Gtech, City also secured a 1-0 win, but they only managed two corners.

However, it is worth noting that they took the lead in the ninth minute, and the context around this tie means they will have to be front-footed for the entire 90 minutes, as goal difference could play a big role in who lifts the title. 

City have seen a massive increase in corners recently, with at least eight corners in each of their last five straight matches. That includes nine corners against Everton last time out. They also racked up 11 corners in their prior league match against Burnley, and eight against league leaders Arsenal before that.

Academy graduate Nico O'Reilly has been one of the surprise packages for City this season, and the 21-year-old established himself as a key starter in the big games.

He landed this selection when these sides met in the EFL Cup, as his one shot from distance hit the target. O’Reilly strikes the ball cleanly and does tend to let fly from distance, which could be useful if Brentford tend to sit deep. 

The Englishman is also a massive aerial threat from set-pieces, standing at 6'4. City have been effective at getting to the byline in recent weeks to generate corners, which means O’Reilly should be invited forward on several occasions.

He has scored some massive goals this season already, including a brace against Arsenal in the EFL Cup final, and Pep Guardiola will once again be reliant on the youngster this weekend.