English Football Tips: Turf at the top for Liverpool

BURNLEY, Leicester and Brighton – three teams standing in the way of Man City's title defence.

Liverpool will be desperately hoping their rivals slip up and maybe Brendan Rodgers can win the Anfield men the title after going so close when in charge.

But after showing their mettle to take care of Spurs and Man United I don't see anyone stopping City now.

Nine points should be a given and while Burnley away could be a banana skin the fact is Sean Dyche's men are safe and less likely to get embroiled in a battle.

Burnley have won one, drawn one and lost one at home to City in the past three seasons while twice being hammered 5-0 at the Etihad this season.

Pep Guardiola's men are no bigger than 2-13 at betfair to win at Turf Moor and 1-4 at bet365 to defend their crown with Liverpool 18-5 at bet365.

Dyche's side have battled clear of the drop with 10 points from 12 and 12 goals in six – including two at Stamford Bridge in midweek – so they could be on target here.

Both teams to score pays 11-8 at boylesports while City and both to score is 2-1 with the Irish firm.

It looks between Brighton and Cardiff for the third relegation place with Huddersfield and Fulham down.

Cardiff will fancy their chances of picking up the points at Craven Cottage even though their hosts have beaten Everton and Bournemouth since their fate was sealed.

The Welsh will see this a must-win and are 2-1 with BetVictor and again I like both to score. The past four meetings in London have brought up this market and it pays 8-13 at William Hill.

Brighton haven't scored in seven games and face another defeat at home to Newcastle who are 13-5 at betfair and 9-2 with BetVictor to win to nil.

Southampton can seal safety by beating south-coast rivals Bournemouth whose only away wins were at Brighton and Huddersfield.

Saints are unbeaten against Bournemouth at St Mary's and are a best 20-21 favourites at Betfred.

Rodgers faces his first top-six test as Arsenal visit Leicester tomorrow and I can see a shock here.

The Gunners, who face a Europa League semi-final on Thursday, were poor at Wolves in midweek and the Foxes could spring a surprise at 9-5 with Betfred.

There's no signs of improvement from Man United although they fought harder against Man City in midweek than in losing 4-0 to Everton last Sunday.

The run of tough games for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues with Chelsea at home and if it wasn't for the Blues' Europa League I'd be on them at 8-5 with McBookie.

If they a play a full-strength side take them but if not Chelsea draw no bet could be the shout.

Late game in the Championship is Norwich at home to Blackburn with the Canaries needing a point to seal promotion but wanting all three in the title race.

I'm on Norwich at 2-5 with McBookie and earlier Sheffield United can take the race to the final day with a win against relegated Ipswich. It's close to a banker as you can get and even the Blades -1 is just 4-7 at bet365.

Biggest game is Leeds v Aston Villa tomorrow and I'm on the away side who have won 11 in a row. Villa are as big as 16-5 at Betfred so can try Villa draw no bet at 41-20 with Marathonbet.

It's Derby, Middlesbrough or Bristol City for the final play-off spot with City entertaining the Rams today. City could edge this and I fancy both to score here.

Boro should take full advantage of the situation by beating reading at 13-20 with bet365.

In League One the big game is Sunderland v Portsmouth with both needing a win to keep alive automatic promotion hopes. Tough to pick a winner but there should be goals.

Second-placed Barnsley look best bets at home to Blackpool while leaders Luton face a tricky test at Burton and again I like both to score.

Recommended Bets

• Burnley v Man City btts (11-8, boylesports)
• Cardiff (2-1, BetVictor)
• Newcastle (13-5, betfair)
• Southampton (20-21, Betfred)
• Norwich/Sheffield Utd -1 (Evens, McBookie)
• Aston Villa draw no bet (41-20, Marathonbet)

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