Newcastle vs Aston Villa
Newcastle welcome Aston Villa in what promises to be an exciting, end-to-end encounter with plenty of goal-scoring potential. Newcastle are set to bring back Joelinton, who returns from a one-match suspension, which likely shifts Anthony Gordon into a direct matchup with Matty Cash on Villa’s left flank.
Gordon has been one of Newcastle’s most fouled players this season, drawing 38 fouls in 16 appearances—an average of over two fouls per game. The only exception was against Brentford, where he played just 31 minutes. He’s been fouled twice or more in 10 of his 16 games, highlighting his ability to frustrate defenders with his pace and trickery.
Matty Cash, known for his attacking intent, often pushes high up the pitch, which could leave him exposed defensively and resorting to fouls when tracking back. Cash has committed 12 fouls in 11 games this season, and in a matchup against Newcastle last season, he made five fouls in one game. While he didn’t commit a foul in the reverse fixture, Gordon’s current form makes him a likely target for fouls, especially in transitions.
This dynamic sets up an intriguing battle between Gordon and Cash, with plenty of potential for fouls in this matchup.
- Best Bet: Matty Cash to make 2+ fouls at 2.5 with Paddy Power
Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham
Tottenham travel to Nottingham Forest as underdogs, with Spurs struggling for form and facing a defensive injury crisis. Dejan Kulusevski is likely to be a key outlet for Tottenham in this matchup.
Forest, on the other hand, are expected to sit deep and look to counter-attack against Spurs. Their midfield trio of Elliot Anderson, Ryan Yates, and Morgan Gibbs-White are known for their physicality and won’t hesitate to break up opposition attacks, often resorting to tactical fouls to halt progress. Kulusevski has been fouled 25 times in his 17 appearances this season, including at least twice in each of his last three matches. He has been fouled two or more times in seven of those games, and given Forest’s defensive style, this trend is likely to continue.
If Forest continue with a back three, it will likely result in Neco Williams being in a direct matchup against Kulusevski, with Anderson providing additional cover. This matchup could see Kulusevski draw several fouls as he attempts to exploit Forest’s defensive setup.
- Best Bet: Dejan Kulusevski to be fouled 2+ times at 2.5 with Skybet
Arsenal vs Ipswich Town
Kalvin Phillips is set to return to the midfield in place of the suspended Sam Morsy. Phillips will partner alongside Jens Cajuste, taking up the holding role. Having spent time on the treatment table earlier this season, Phillips struggled to break back into the Ipswich midfield due to the strong form of his teammates. Now that he’s back in the lineup, he’ll be eager to make an impression and solidify his place.
Phillips has shown a tendency to commit fouls, racking up 16 fouls in just seven matches. He’s committed at least two fouls in six of those seven starts, making him a consistent disruptor in midfield. Against Arsenal’s dynamic midfield trio of Odegaard, Partey, and Havertz, Phillips will likely drop deeper to provide additional support to the fullbacks as they face the pace and trickery of Trossard and Martinelli on the wings.
Given his role and the matchup, Phillips looks like a strong candidate to commit at least two fouls. Backing him to do so at 1.79 odds with Unibet offers solid value.
- Best Bet: Phillips to make 2+ fouls at 1.79 with Unibet
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