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Martin Laurence’s Friday Pick 8 Preview

Martin’s Pick 8 Syndicate is shooting for £10,000 – join him here

Middlesbrough v Leeds – 1 / X

Friday night’s game in the Championship is a big one, as while Leeds are down in 11th, they aren’t the lowest placed side still harbouring play-off ambitions, so tight are the standings from Sheffield United in sixth to Norwich in 14th (eight points). Boro are certainly right in the thick of it, though they have struggled for consistency all season. With just two points from their last five matches on the road, however, the visitors would do well to leave the Riverside with more than one here.

Monaco v Bordeaux – 1 / X

While Monaco have regained the spot as PSG’s closest rival in what has been a ding-dong battle between themselves Marseille and Lyon they still aren’t the side of last season. Throw in a suspension to Kamil Glik and injuries to Falcao and Keita Balde and Bordeaux will fancy themselves to come away with at least a point. While they are without a win in two the visitors have overcome a mid-season slump and are a dangerous opponent once more, so this could well end in a share of the spoils.

Burnley v Everton – 1 / X

Southampton’s last minute equaliser last weekend ensured Burnley are now 11 league games without a win, and they will be desperate to end that streak with those below them gaining ground – albeit incredibly slowly. Everton are one of those sides hoping to claim that seventh spot that the Clarets occupy and could go level on points with Sean Dyche’s side with a win but their away record is dismal, winning just one of 14 all season, and this should be the game that Burnley finally snap out of their winless run.

Southampton v Stoke – 1 / X

One of just two sides with fewer points on the road than the Toffees, Paul Lambert’s Stoke travel to Southampton in what is a huge game in the relegation battle for both sides. I’d expect a very nervy affair as a result and while a draw wouldn’t suit either, that seems a likely outcome. Saints are aiming to end a run of seven home games without a win and are the more likely of the two sides to secure all three points on Saturday.

Martin Laurence's Friday Pick 8

Watford v West Brom – 1

A matter of weeks ago this game had the potential to be decisive for both sides. However, with two wins in their last three Watford are all but safe while a run of four consecutive defeats has likely condemned the Baggies to the drop. Alan Pardew’s charges didn’t have the fight in them to beat Huddersfield at home last weekend and look down and out. Defeat here and all hope will undoubtedly be lost. I, however, would suggest it as already, while the hosts are now looking up again rather than down.

Leicester v Bournemouth – 1

Knowing that seventh place could yet secure a passage into the Europa League, both of these sides have a shot at it, but it’s the Foxes that are better placed and could cut off one of their rivals this weekend with a win. After a strong start under Claude Puel Leicester have stumbled badly in recent weeks, certainly not helped by the unwanted saga with Riyad Mahrez over the past month. If they can move on from that they have the tools to be the best of the rest outside of the top six and home advantage should be enough to see them through this one.

RB Leipzig v Dortmund – X / 2

It’s all gone a little pear-shaped for RB Leipzig in the league of late, with just three wins from their last 11 matches, while Dortmund have picked up after a dismal spell ahead of the winter break. Peter Stoger has hardly worked wonders but has at least made BVB hard to beat, avoiding such and eventuality in nine Bundesliga games, and the arrival of Michy Batshuayi – albeit paving the way for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s departure – has given them a new lease of life to an extent. Meanwhile, the return of captain Marco Reus has been a big plus, while Naby Keita may be sidelined once more for the hosts, which could swing this one in the away side’s favour.

Napoli v Roma – 1

If anyone felt that Napoli might struggle to keep their levels of performance quite so high once Juventus began to turn the screw they have well and truly been silenced. The Partenopei have answered back to The Old Lady’s run of 34 points from their last 36 by winning ten on the spin, playing some sensational football in the process. It’s a style and mentality that Roma simply can’t stack up to at present, with their last win of real note in the league coming in the capital city derby way back in November. Since then they have won just five league games, all coming against sides currently in the bottom half.

Martin’s Pick 8 Syndicate is shooting for £10,000 – join him here

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