Whilst the title has pretty much been decided, there’s still plenty of interesting football to be had, particularly with some shock results in week 26. Chelsea have now dropped to 4th after stuttering to a 4-1 loss to Watford last time out to make it 2 straight. It certainly makes things interesting this weekend with Tottenham in striking distance just 1 point behind. If Chelsea suffer a 3rd shock on the trot and Spurs beat their arch rivals then the merry go round for top 4 places will get into full swing. So whilst the title looks long gone, the battle for top 4 is well and truly on.
Week 27 Best Bet: Everton to win either half at $1.64 against Crystal Palace
Week 27 Best Value Bet: Huddersfield vs Bournemouth Draw at $3.2
Week 27 Head to Head Multi Bet: Everton Win ($2.25), Manchester City Win ($1.2), Manchester United Win ($1.62), Liverpool Win ($1.72) = $7.52
**Odds from Sportsbet.com.au as of 8th February
Headline Fixtures
Tottenham vs Arsenal
This North London derby is shaping up very nicely with Spurs in some pretty decent form with a full squad to pick from now that they are injury free. Arsenal have been down the past few months but there’s a sense of renewed energy about them, particularly after their 5-1 win over Everton. The signings of Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan who hit the ground running chipping in a goal and 3 assists respectively. It’s a combination that has played together before and suit the Arsenal playing style perfectly. There is however still question marks over their defence having not strengthened enough in the last 2 transfer windows and an away trip to their rivals will be difficult to say the least. Spurs are undefeated in their last 12 matches at Wembley and have started to make it a difficult place for visitors. Alderweireld could make his league return this weekend which would be a welcome boost particularly with the offensive reinforcements that Arsenal now possess. This should be a very close contest and you can largely throw out Arsenal’s run of form given this is a derby. In saying that, Tottenham are the side to beat here and Arsenal need to convince defensively if they’re to get anything from this which also means keeping a fresh Harry Kane quiet having not played in the FA Cup mid-week.
Predicted Result: Tottenham 2-1
Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals at $1.5
Best Value Bet: Tottenham to win & BTTS at $3.25
Chelsea vs West Brom
It’s all starting to go wrong at Chelsea after a shock home loss to Bournemouth followed up by another shock with a 4-1 away loss to Watford. The Watford match may have a blown out score-line thanks to a red card but truth is that Watford looked the hungrier and more positive of the two sides. Chelsea now face an interesting test with the visit of West Brom. The Baggies have lost their last 2 but they’ve had some close encounters with Chelsea in recent seasons. Their 2 most recent visits to Stamford bridge were a 1-0 loss and a 2-2 draw and seeing the trouble that Chelsea are in, they could pose a threat this weekend. The persistent rumours of Conte and Chelsea parting ways will be a constant distraction too and that will etch it’s way into the mind of the players. In the end this one comes down to who wants it more. Chelsea don’t look overly motivated right now whilst the Baggies are fighting for survival and strange things can happen when you have your backs against the wall.
Predicted Result: Draw 2-2
Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals at $1.71
Best Value Bet: BTTS – Yes at $2
Remaining Fixtures
West Ham vs Watford
The Hammers have lost just once in their last 6 at home and they should bounce back after their 3-1 loss away at Brighton. Watford were very good against Chelsea but they’re also a side that has been playing better at home than away. At home they’ll come at you but on the road they tend to take precautions and that will play into West Ham’s hands. Watford have take just 1 point in their last 6 away matches.
Predicted Result: West Ham 2-1
Best Bet: West Ham to win either half at $1.71
Best Value Bet: Half-Time/Full-Time – Draw/West Ham at $5.5
Swansea vs Burnley
Swansea are bouncing back well as they look to stay out of the relegation zone. They’ve now won 3 and draw 2 of their last 6 matches which puts them in a solid position ahead of hosting Burnley. Burnley don’t give much away though even on the road having lost just 3 times. There’s something about Swansea’s resurgence though and it looks like they still have some momentum to get a result here.
Predicted Result: Swansea 1-0
Best Bet: Swansea to win either half at $1.8
Best Value Bet: Swansea to win at $2.5
Stoke vs Brighton
This is a difficult one to pick because Brighton could very well buck their away form by avoiding a 9th loss. Stoke though have been reasonable at home losing just 5 times. Brighton will be competitive but it’s difficult to see them maintaining their home win over West Ham last week because Stoke are coming off an away loss and should bounce back for a home win here. Defensively they’ve been pretty good too lately, conceding twice in their last 4 at home.
Predicted Result: Stoke 2-0
Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals at $1.55
Best Value Bet: Stoke -1 Handicap at $4.5
Everton vs Crystal Palace
Everton will need to bounce back quickly after being well done over by Arsenal 5-1 last time out. They should do though and particularly against a weakened Palace side after losing Zaha to injury. That’s a big loss and might leave them a little flat this weekend as Everton should respond to their last performance.
Predicted Result: Everton 2-1
Best Bet: Everton to win either half at $1.64
Best Value Bet: Everton to win at $2.25
Manchester City vs Leicester
The Manchester City train will continue to roll on here and unfortunately for Leicester it doesn’t look like they’ll be able to do much about it. Man City have yet to lose a game at home and have scored a mammoth 45 goals in the process. Leicester have been serviceable on the road and their pace on the counter will produce some opportunities, but by that stage this one will likely be too far gone.
Predicted Result: Manchester City 4-1
Best Bet: Manchester City -2 handicap at $2.63
Best Value Bet: Manchester City to score 4 or more goals at $3.35
Huddersfield vs Bournemouth
Huddersfield are now on a 5 game losing streak ahead of hosting a Bournemouth side in good form. The Cherries are undefeated in their last 7 winning their last 2. There’s going to be a point where Huddersfield turn things around but a win looks a step too far this weekend.
Predicted Result: Draw 2-2
Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals at $2.21
Best Value Bet: Draw at $3.2
Newcastle vs Manchester United
It’s a bit of a surprise that Newcastle currently have the worst home record in the league but they have managed 3 straight draws at home in their last 3. Defensively is where Newcastle will give themselves a chance here but they may just find Manchester United a little too tough to break down defensively.
Predicted Result: Manchester United 2-0
Best Bet: Manchester United to win at $1.62
Best Value Bet: Under 2.5 goals at $1.78
Southampton vs Liverpool
The Saints had a great away win last time out over West Brom to make it just 1 loss in their last 6. The problem they have this weekend is keeping a very attacking Liverpool side quiet. They have had some interesting matches with Southampton though in recent seasons that leaves it 2 wins for Southampton, 1 for Liverpool and 2 draws in all competitions. This season does feel different though and we could see a repeat of the last time these two played when Liverpool won 3-0.
Predicted Result: Liverpool 3-0
Best Bet: Liverpool to win at $1.72
Best Value Bet: Liverpool to win both halves at $5
