The games keep rolling in as we head into week 15 of the English Premier League. For all the teams this will be their 3rd game within 10-11 days, so it’ll be interesting to see how they backup as well as what rotations take place to keep the squads a fresh as possible. Either way we’re sure to see some interesting results this weekend.
**Odds from Sportsbet as at 6th December
Newcastle ($6.5) versus Chelsea ($1.55), Draw ($4)
Newcastle host Chelsea first up with Chelsea looking to continue their unbeaten run coming off a solid 3-0 win over Tottenham during the week. Newcastle on the other hand will be looking to add some points having taken just the 1 from their past two games against West Ham and Burnley. It’s two games they could have done with more from given they have Chelsea here and Arsenal to follow. Regardless though they can certainly head into this one with low expectations against the top side in the league which could certainly put Chelsea on the back foot if they come out hard early. Chelsea were held at Sunderland and although they ended up 3-0 winners over Spurs, they did get a few frights early that could have changed the outcome. If Newcastle can convert early then the result could be anything here. Chelsea will also be without Matic having picked up his fifth yellow against Tottenham and although it’s not ideal, they should be able to cover for him well enough. I think this will be a close game but I can see Chelsea sneaking it by the end of 90 minutes.
Predicted score: Chelsea 2-1
Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals at $1.86 (90%)
Next Best: Exactly 2 or 3 goals at $1.99
Hull ($2.4) versus West Brom ($3), Draw ($3.3)
Hull have endured a pretty tough run of results recently and will be looking to turn that around here against West Brom. They’ve taken just the 1 point from their past 5 games but that 1 point from their draw against Everton during the week was a crucial point in the lead up to this one. Taking points off Everton away is always a good result as they are a pretty strong side at home so I think that will give them great confidence at home here. For the Baggies it’s also been a tough run of results losing their last 4 games and I’m not that confident that they can improve on that here. This will still be a fiercely fought game but I’m expecting Hull to come out on top here.
Predicted score: Hull 1-0
Best Bet: Hull to win either half at $1.74 (80%)
Next Best: Under 2.5 goals at $1.63
Liverpool ($1.5) versus Sunderland ($6), Draw ($4.5)
Liverpool take on Sunderland at home this weekend and having won their last 2 games they may just be starting to build some confidence and form. They are still desperately missing Sturridge up front and they need to get more out of Lambert with all the scoring responsibilities resting in midfield. For Sunderland this weekend it continues a run of tough fixtures having played Chelsea and Manchester City in their last 2 games of which they did manage to secure a point at home to Chelsea. Their 4-1 loss to Man City though wouldn’t have done their confidence much good. In saying that, I’m still not overly convinced with Liverpool and whilst I do think they can win here, I wouldn’t be surprised if Sunderland got something out of this game so approach this with some caution.
Predicted score: Liverpool 2-1
Best Bet: Both teams to score – Yes at $1.83 (85%)
Next Best: Over 2.5 goals at $1.78
QPR ($2.05) versus Burnley ($3.6), Draw ($3.5)
We have 19th taking on 18th here with QPR hosting Burnley in what should be a highly contested game with both sides in desperate need of points. Things are looking good here for QPR mainly due to their strong home form recently having claimed 7 points from 9. They beat Aston Villa, had a draw with Manchester City, and beat Leicester in their last home game. Burnley too would be relatively optimistic here given they won their last away game against Stoke and are in fact unbeaten in their last 4 games both home and away. It’s been their best run of the season and a trip to QPR could be another opportunity to grab a point. I do think though that QPR have the edge given their strong home form and whilst they may not win or win convincingly, I cannot see them losing to Burnley.
Predicted score: QPR 2-1
Best Bet: QPR to win at $2.05 (75%)
Next Best: QPR Draw not at $1.42
Stoke ($3.8) versus Arsenal ($2), Draw ($3.5)
The Gunner’s head to Stoke this weekend looking to build on their 3 game winning streak in all competitions. It hasn’t been an overly convincing streak though with their last 2 games tight wins with 1-0 results over West Brom and Southampton. They had a multitude of chances against Southampton with 9 shots on target but it took until the 89th minute to get the winner through Sanchez. For Sanchez it was his 9th goal of the season and I suspect he’ll again be the main man this weekend if they are going to break down Stoke here. Stoke have been struggling for points lately losing their last 3 games and also only claiming 1 point in their last 3 home games. I do think though that this will be a pretty interesting fixture and one that could see the points shared. Stoke are a side that have the ability to surprise and whilst they may not get a win, I think they can get a draw. History is on their side as well with Arsenal claiming just the 1 win at the Britannia in their last 5 visits. For me this will be another low scoring contest and one that should only see 1 or 2 goals at most.
Predicted score: Draw 1-1
Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals at $1.77 (80%)
Next Best: Half-Time Draw at $2
Tottenham ($1.61) versus Crystal Palace ($5.5), Draw ($4)
Another London derby for Tottenham as they prepare for Crystal Palace this weekend at home. It’s been an interesting last few games for Tottenham with a win over Everton and a heavy loss on paper to Chelsea. The positive though, regardless of the results, has been improved performances on the pitch that sees them heading in the right direction. They still have some work to do but they are getting there. Soldado was dropped to the bench for the Chelsea game having scored against Everton but he should be back in the starting line-up here given that it was more important for Tottenham to play a 5 man midfield than a 4 man against Chelsea. Palace are coming off a loss at home to Villa during the week and they will certainly be looking to bounce back, but I think this is one for Tottenham. A win over Everton and some positives to take out of the Chelsea game will keep them fairly confident as they start to turn the corner under Pochettino.
Predicted score: Tottenham 2-1
Best Bet: Tottenham to win at $1.61 (80%)
Next Best: Exactly 2 or 3 goals at $2.02
Manchester City ($1.5) versus Everton ($6.5), Draw ($4.33)
Everton head to Man City this weekend as they look to turnaround some poor results in their past couple of games losing to Tottenham and sharing the spoils with Hull during the week. City on the other hand have been building in form winning their last 4 in all competitions whilst also knocking in 12 goals. Aguero is in some fine form too having scored 5 of these 12 and will again be pivotal here against Everton. Everton have generally always played well against City as well despite City winning both games last season. Previous to this Everton had won 2, drawn 1, and lost 1. It’s clear to me though that City are the form side and will be looking for nothing but the 3 points. Everton will certainly have their chances here but the form of Aguero should get City over the line.
Predicted score: Manchester City 2-1
Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals at $1.47 (90%)
Next Best: Aguero to score anytime at $1.67
West Ham ($2.37) versus Swansea ($3.1), Draw ($3.3)
The first of the Sunday fixtures sees West Ham hosting Swansea. West Ham have continued their good form winning their last 2 games with wins over Newcastle and West Brom. They take on Swansea here who themselves have been very good this season which should make for a great contest here. Swansea beat QPR in their last match which although wasn’t against a strong opponent, will build momentum all the same. I think they have a good shot of taking something out of this game as well despite having lost their past 2 visits to West Ham. The form of Bony and Sigurdsson this season will again be the key for them and will likely see them get a draw here.
Predicted score: Draw 1-1
Best Bet: Both teams to score – Yes at $1.72 (75%)
Next Best: Under 2.5 goals at $1.77
Aston Villa ($2.3) versus Leicester ($3.2), Draw ($3.3)
The final game for Sunday sees Villa hosting Leicester in what looks like a game that’s Villa’s to lose. Leicester continue to struggle to obtain points claiming just 2 in their past 9 games. Villa will be growing in confidence too having claimed their first win since September by beating Palace away during the week. That game also saw the return of Benteke from suspension which I think will be a catalyst for them to get some good results now. Fittingly his goal was the winner as well so I’d expect him to get something out of this game here as well. Defensively they’ve improved as well, conceding just the 2 goals in their past 5 games and are in fact undefeated with 4 draws and 1 win. Leicester will no doubt show some fight, but I’m expecting a Villa win here.
Predicted score: Aston Villa 2-0
Best Bet: Aston Villa to win at $2.3 (75%)
Next Best: Benteke to score anytime at $2.5
Southampton ($2.8) versus Manchester United ($2.5), Draw ($3.4)
The final game of week 15 sees Southampton taking on an in form Manchester United in what should be a pretty hotly contested game. United have won their past 4 games and starting to look like a top 4 side having had a pretty tough run of it earlier on in the season. For Southampton though, things aren’t looking so rosy having lost their last 2 games with just 1 point from their last 3 so they’ll be pretty eager to get something out of this one. In the end though I think this is really one for Manchester United to lose. Southampton have struggled to get anything out of the games against the big sides and this could well be another game that follows that trend. They’ve also failed to score in their last 2 games which suggests to me that they are a little easier to breakdown against quality opposition. With Rooney and RVP looking in pretty good from I’d suggest that may happen again.
Predicted score: Manchester United 2-1
Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals at $1.88 (80%)
Next Best: Both teams to score – Yes at $1.67
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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