Weekend bets – goals galore as Manchester United visit Swansea and Arsenal to take the spoils at Crystal Palace

By Liam Smith

Liam takes a look through this weekend’s fixtures and gives you his top tips on a selection of games from the Premier League, Championship, and Leagues One and Two.

Swansea v Manchester United – over 2.5 goals

Manchester United currently sit third in the Premier League, while Swansea are trailing them by 13 points in ninth position. United have not been brilliant this season but under Louis van Gaal, they have found a way around winning games without playing particularly well. The visitors are hoping to secure a Champions League spot but Swans just want to climb back up the league. United strikers Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie and Swansea stars Bafetimbi Gomis and Nelson Oliveira will have their sights set on scoring, so be assured there will be more than 2.5 goals.

Best odds – 19/20 (Bet 365).

Crystal Palace v Arsenal – 3-1 away win for Arsenal

Arsenal sport one of the most fearsome attacks in the Premier League this season, while Crystal Palace feature one of the leakiest defences. After an impressive 2-0 FA Cup win over Middlesbrough, gaffer Arsene Wenger will hope to keep the momentum going with more goals at Palace. Since Alan Pardew’s men were dumped out of the cup following a substandard display against Liverpool, I’m tipping Gunners to add to their goal difference this weekend.

Best odds – 15/1 (Bet Victor). £15 for every £1 you put on.

Brentford v Bournemouth – Yann Kermorgant goalscorer

Bournemouth have been the surprise package of the Championship and look like real contenders for promotion to the Premier League this season. Cherries hitman Yann Kermorgant has come close to promotion once before when he missed a penalty in the play-offs semi-final second leg for Leicester in 2010 and will be looking to redeem himself this time around. Eddie Howe’s side want to continue their great form to maintain their position at the top of the table. Brentford will try their best to keep out the Bournemouth attack but it seems they may be slightly too hot to handle right now.

Best Odds – 18/4 (Bet Victor).

Colchester v Bristol City – draw

Colchester have hit a little bit of form in recent weeks and come into this game following a good 1-0 victory over Oldham in League One. The hosts are in the danger zone but are showing signs they can escape. Although Bristol’s team with strikers Matt Smith and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is significantly better, I believe Colchester can get a hard-earned point here. Bristol are coming into the game following a 3-1 loss to Sheffield United and might struggle to bounce back.

Best Odds – 13/5 (Bet 365)

Tranmere v Shrewsbury – Shrewsbury to win by 2 goals.

Shrewsbury have managed some impressive scorelines this term, including a 5-0 thumping of Bury earlier on in the season. In contrast to their rivals, Tranmere can’t find a way up the League Two table – they are struggling to score goals and win points. The table toppers will be looking to star man James Collins again to rattle in the goals.

Best odds – 9/1 (BetVictor). You will receive £9 for every £1 you put on.

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