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English Premier League betting: A top-four showdown kicks off the weekend

How will managers rotate their squads over the weekend?

That's a big question after most teams played a midweek fixture this week. Games were held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as Liverpool thrashed Everton in the Merseyside Derby and Manchester United got two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo in a 3-2 win over Arsenal.

Thursday's win for Man U was the last time Michael Carrick led the team. He left after the win as Ralf Rangnick is set to take charge and — attempt to, anyway — change the philosophy of a team that seemed to have no philosophy this season.

The weekend begins with a game between two of the four teams at the top of the standings. Here's a look at the odds via BetMGM. All games are Saturday unless noted.

West Ham vs. Chelsea (over/under 2.5 goals)

  • West Ham (+360)

  • Chelsea (-130)

  • Tie (+270)

The first game of the weekend is a battle of top four teams. Chelsea leads the league by a point over Man City while West Ham is solidly in fourth. Chelsea has been rock solid all year long with just one loss, but we wouldn’t be stunned by a West Ham win.

Newcastle vs. Burnley (2.5)

  • Newcastle (+125)

  • Burnley (+210)

  • Tie (+240)

Newcastle has seven points at the bottom of the table while Burnley is also in the relegation zone with 10. Burnley has just one win while Newcastle is looking for its first win of the season. What if we predict a tie?

Southampton vs. Brighton & Hove Albion (2.5)

  • Southampton (+145)

  • Brighton & Hove (+195)

  • Tie (+220)

Brighton’s form has dipped after a hot start. It hasn’t won in nine games and has dropped to ninth in the table. Southampton sits 15th and is favored despite losing to Norwich City already this season. Maybe the streak ends for Brighton & Hove.

Wolves vs. Liverpool (2.5)

  • Wolves (+625)

  • Liverpool (-250)

  • Tie (+375)

Wolves has crawled back into the top 10 after earning points in eight of its last nine matches. A draw here with Liverpool wouldn’t be too surprising, but it’s hard to not back the heavy favorites given their form.

Watford vs. Manchester City (3.5)

  • Watford (+1450)

  • Man City (-550)

  • Tie (+650)

City and the under.

Leeds vs. Brentford (2.5) [Sunday]

  • Leeds (-115)

  • Brentford (+300)

  • Tie (+270)

Brentford lost to Tottenham on Thursday and is now tied on 16 points with Crystal Palace and Aston Villa. Leeds is a point back in 15th, but beat Crystal Palace on Monday.

Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace (2.5) [Sunday]

  • Man United (-185)

  • Crystal Palace (+475)

  • Tie (+320)

Sunday’s game is the first with Ralf Rangnick in charge of Manchester United. Michael Carrick led the team on Thursday in a win over Arsenal. I guess the right play is a United win, but maybe hedge slightly on the tie.

Tottenham vs. Norwich City (2.5) [Sunday]

  • Tottenham (-250)

  • Norwich (+675)

  • Tie (+375)

Tottenham should easily take care of business.

Aston Villa vs. Leicester City (2.5) [Sunday]

  • Aston Villa (+135)

  • Leicester (+185)

  • Tie (+250)

This is the most even matchup on the board. Leicester hasn’t done well against the top of the standings but has scored points against everyone else. Leicester is the pick.

Everton vs. Arsenal (2.5) [Monday]

  • Everton (+240)

  • Arsenal (+105)

  • Tie (+250)

Arsenal at slightly better than even money feels like great value here. Everton is in a rut right now and hasn’t won in the EPL since beating Norwich in September.