Premier League underdogs: Three games that could provide a shock this weekend

Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images Share full articleThe Premier League never fails to produce unexpected results, as illustrated by the fact no team besides Arsenal is currently on a winning run of more than two games in a row. There is still plenty to be decided at the top and bottom of the table, meaning there are stakes to every fixture in the English top division this weekend. Any surprise result could have a big bearing on the final outcome of the season. The Athletic runs through three underdogs who could upset the odds in the Premier League this weekend. Gtech Community Stadium, Saturday April 11, 3pm UK time In an unexpected turn of events, Saturday’s clash between Brentford and Everton could have a big bearing on the race to qualify for Europe. The two teams might even be in Champions League contention. Brentford and Everton are together on 46 points, just three points outside the top five, with the hosts slight favourites to claim victory on Saturday. However, the Bees’ recent form far from suggests this is a guarantee. Indeed, Keith Andrews’ side have failed to win any of their last four league matches in front of their own supporters while Everton have won four of their last six games away from home. Beto could be a threat as Everton’s attacking focal point. The Portuguese striker bagged a brace and an assist in his last performance against Chelsea and is expected to lead the line against Brentford. The Toffees finished up before the international break with a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal, but their form before then had seen David Moyes’ team register three wins in four. There is value in backing the visitors to collect three points in West London this weekend. Anfield, Saturday April 11, 5.30pm UK time Liverpool are struggling. Wednesday’s comprehensive 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League means Arne Slot’s side have lost their last three games in a row and many are pointing the finger at the Dutch coach. Whether or not Slot is to blame, the Anfield outfit are badly out of form, which could present an opportunity to Fulham, who have already taken points off Liverpool this season in a thrilling 2-2 draw back in early January. Slot could be tempted to rest some of his best players ahead of next week’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against PSG while Fulham have had three weeks to rest up since their last outing. Tactically, Fulham’s quick transition style of play could expose Liverpool who have conceded eight goals in their last three games. The Cottagers should have opportunities to find the back of the net at the very least. Of course, Liverpool’s superior individual quality could shine through, but Fulham have already proven they can give Slot’s struggling side problems this season. Selhurst Park, Sunday April 12, 2pm UK time Crystal Palace enter Sunday’s home match against Newcastle United on the back of a momentous 3-0 win over Fiorentina in the quarter-finals of the Conference League, putting the Eagles on the brink of the competition’s final four. Oliver Glasner could be tempted to rest some of his best players for next week’s second leg in Florence, which could boost Newcastle’s chances of registering a rare away victory in the league this season. Nonetheless, Palace are unbeaten in their last five matches at Selhurst Park while the Magpies will travel to London this weekend having suffered back-to-back defeats to Barcelona and Sunderland before the international break. There have been over 2.5 goals scored in seven of Newcastle’s last eight league games, suggesting Eddie Howe’s side are struggling to control matches at the moment. On top of this, the Eagles haven’t lost any of their previous three home games against Newcastle in the Premier League. They could prepare for next week’s trip to Italy by seeing off the visitors from the North East on Sunday. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms