We round out week 14 with 4 games on Thursday morning and there are a few cracking matchups. The headline matches consist of Arsenal taking on Southampton whilst Chelsea take on Tottenham. With Southampton getting a loss at the weekend to Manchester City whilst Chelsea were held at Sunderland, there’s sure to be some pretty determined football teams chasing 3 points to get back on track.
**Odds from Sportsbet as at 2nd December
Arsenal ($1.75) versus Southampton ($4.75), Draw ($3.75)
The Gunner’s sit 6th on the table after some indifferent form which sees them hold a record of 2 wins, 2 losses, and a draw in their last 5 games in all competitions. They did however manage a tight win over West Brom at the weekend and will be looking to build on that against one of the form sides of the completion in Southampton. They must however continue to manage their extensive injury list which would no doubt be worrying Wenger a little. Southampton likewise had a blow with the injury to Schneiderlin who’s been in excellent form this season and for me that could be the turning point in the lead up to this game. Southampton have been in great form but they kind of capitulated against Manchester City at 1-0 down and a 1 man advantage to lose 3-0. I also think they struggle a little against the sides with a little more quality. Arsenal’s injury list is worrying but they have enough quality to get a win here.
Predicted score: Arsenal 2-0
Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals at $1.87 (70%)
Next Best: Arsenal to win either half at $1.4
Chelsea ($1.4) versus Tottenham ($9), Draw ($4.5)
Another big game here with Chelsea hosting Tottenham in a London derby that looks set to produce some goals even in the absence of Diego Costa due to suspension. The good news despite the absence of Costa though is that Chelsea have no fresh injury concerns and should have the luxury of a pretty fresh squad. They’ll need it to in order to bounce back from their nil all draw at Sunderland on the weekend which was certainly not the Chelsea we’ve become accustomed to in the first 13 games. They still hold a fair lead on the rest of the competition so it’s not too major a setback. For Tottenham they are starting to perform after 6 wins from their last 7 games in all competitions. Their performances haven’t been all that convincing, but their win at the weekend over Everton was perhaps their best of the season and was a sign things could be starting to sink in under Pochettino. They will however need to be at their defensive best considering they’ve conceded in 5 of their last 6 games and even though there is no Diego Costa, there is still a host of world class talent at Chelsea. This could be a really interesting result as Tottenham could come out and surprise or they could fall back into their usual selves. Either way it’d be a brave person to go against Chelsea here at home.
Predicted score: Chelsea 3-1
Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals at $1.68 in a derby looks a good bet (90%)
Next Best: Both teams to score – Yes at $1.91
Everton ($1.53) versus Hull ($7), Draw ($4)
Everton take on Hull during the week with both sides looking for points after some tough results on the weekend. Hull in particular will be getting a little desperate considering they’ve lost their last 4 games and facing Everton away here will be no easy task. Everton had been in some pretty good form before their loss at Tottenham, undefeated in their 8 games prior in all competitions. Considering that form and the fact they didn’t all that bad against Tottenham, I think it’s too hard to see Hull winning or getting a draw here.
Predicted score: Everton 2-0
Best Bet: Everton to win at $1.53 (80%)
Next Best: Under 2.5 goals at $1.97
Sunderland ($7.5) versus Manchester City ($1.5), Draw ($4)
The last game of week 14’s mid-week fixtures sees Manchester City head to Sunderland as they look to see if they can crack the defence that kept Chelsea scoreless on the weekend. It’s certainly not beyond Sunderland to perform like that did against Chelsea during the course of a season, but to back it up here would be something quite remarkable really. City had a really good win away at Southampton on the weekend and especially so considering they still pumped out a 3-0 win despite losing a man when they were just 1 goal ahead. Those are the sort of performances that can really get a side going and there’s no better time to do so heading into the Christmas period. For me I’m not reading too much into Sunderland’s impressive display against Chelsea and I can see City coming here and getting exactly what they need – 3 goals and 3 points.
Predicted score: Manchester City 3-0
Best Bet: Exactly 2 or 3 goals at $2.01 (85%)
Next Best: Manchester City to win at $1.5
Please Note:
All of the above are the opinions of the author and are not recommendations or advice. The author may not be taking every bet listed above. Bet at your own risk.
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