The weekend is highlighted by the tussle at the Bridge between Chelsea and Tottenham, but there is certainly plenty of value on offer along the way.
Friday 21 January
11/10 Watford | Draw 24/10 | Norwich 5/2 (22:00)
Norwich will come into this game with a bit more bounce after their win against Everton, Dean Smith’s men hadn’t come close to scoring – let alone winning – a game since the turn of the year, but Everton had been shambolic.
I wouldn’t read too much into that though, and please don’t be put off by the price, back the home win confidently.
Saturday 22 January
33/20 Everton | 23/10 | Aston Villa 33/20 (14:30)
I must be honest; I agree with the bookmakers on this one. Everton have been horrendous and dismissing Rafa Benitez was probably the best outcome for all parties concerned.
Villa have been impressive, and I think the addition of Phillipe Coutinho is a game changer for Steven Gerrard’s men. Everton will be up for it, playing at home with something to prove…but I think the away side claim all three.
Get on Aston Villa + BTTS at a tasty 44/10.
2/1 Brentford | 2/1 | Wolves 31/20 (17:00)
How impressive have Wolves been since the turn of the year? Bruno Lage has shown consistent quality as well as tactical brilliance in guiding his side right back into the European picture.
Wolves always seems as though they are a micro-community on their own in the league, but their togetherness on the field is clear to see and the trust the boss has in his players comes through clearly.
Speaking of ‘micro-communities’ the Brentford Community Stadium will no doubt be rocking on Saturday evening. I think it’s a tough game for Wolves, I would almost go Wolves on the Win/Draw Double Chance – but the odds don’t justify it. Instead let’s go Under 2.5 goals at 5/10.
19/20 Leeds | 26/10 | Newcastle 51/20 (17:00)
This is a tricky game to call. Newcastle have shown signs that they can be a difficult team to beat on their day, but I don’t think they have yet found the fluidity so accustomed to an Eddie Howe side.
Leeds (at least in my opinion) came away with a shock win over West Ham at the London Stadium. Marcelo Bielsa’s side have struggled to find form, but to their credit remain there and thereabout.
Neither side seem to be able to keep a clean sheet from their last five in all competition, and whilst I think this will end as a draw, back both to score at 6/10.
9/10 Manchester United | 26/10 | West Ham 28/10 (17:00)
I’d be lying if I didn’t find myself looking at these prices a couple times over. I can’t understand how Manchester United are trading at 9/10 – it’s the largest extent possible of someone having a laugh!
I think it’s time United fans the world over accept that Manchester United is not a team currently capable of competing for honours in this league…or in Europe…should they not drastically change the way in which they approach football games.
I have no doubt that the quality available at Old Trafford will inevitably win the odd game, but there are deep-seated issues which need addressing. Ignoring them will only continue to frustrate. On the bright side though, everyone who has ever looked to postulate the idea that ‘team/hard-work beats talent when talent isn’t working’ have found themselves the ultimate example.
Back West Ham at 28/10.
8/1 Southampton | 48/10 | Manchester City 2/7 (19:30)
Southampton would have been another – and I say ‘another’ tentatively – candidate to possibly shock Manchester City. The only issue is their defensive vulnerability. They are a side who will look to attack, they get into dangerous positions in the final third and put pressure on their oppositions defence consistently. This is evident by the facts like being in the top five for most corners won in the league.
City look unplayable though, I don’t think there is anything more I need to say. So, in the interest of keeping this league alive, I’m not going to back City but rather both teams scoring and over 2.5 goals at 12/10.
Sunday 23 January
42/10 Crystal Palace | 31/10 | Liverpool 6/10 (16:00)
I was a little disappointed by Palace at Brighton. They are usually quite a direct and positive side, but at the Amex they seemed almost flat. Liverpool, on the other hand, were their unrelenting selves.
A lot has been made about their attacking stars currently at AFCON, but their depth proved its worth as they duly smacked Brentford. I think 6/10 about the away win is incredible value – even if they usually slip-up at Selhurst.
14/10 Leicester City | 23/10 | Brighton 39/20 (16:00)
Leicester won’t have it all their own way here. Brighton will look to take the game to the Foxes and try and get a stranglehold early on, so don’t be dissuaded because the Seagulls are away from home.
I can’t criticize Brendan Rodgers’ side’s ability, but their inconsistency is detrimental to their success – and yet we find ourselves saying this every year. Over 2.5 goals is the tip, get on at 19/20.
4/10 Arsenal | 36/10 | Burnley 58/10 (16:00)
I fancy Brunley a lot more against sides that finish below them. In the last three seasons the Clarets have lost just three times against sides who had finished in the bottom five as an example…games like this one, against better teams, are a little more difficult for them.
Arsenal have begun to show some real quality and rest-assured they are coming into this game well rested. Back the home side at an acceptable 4/10.
Chelsea 7/10 | Draw 28/10 | Tottenham 37/10 (18:30)
Click here for the featured game
TREBLE @ 11/1
Aston Villa + BTTS 44/10
Arsenal 4/10
Liverpool 6/10
