PREVIEW: Is the Premier League still just a three-horse race? EPL week 16

Miracles happen, the softly whispered wish of a child’s heart is heard. Fred scores for Manchester United and Steven Gerrard attempts to cause another Liverpool slip-up!

It’s all happening this weekend – don’t be left behind.

Friday 10 December

Brentford 21/20 | Draw 24/10 | Watford 51/20 (22:00)

Claudio Ranieri will welcome the rest bite his side will now enjoy. Watford’s loss to City was the fifth straight game against top eight teams in the league. Of course, this is the Premier League, and no game is an easy one…but these are the sorts of games his side must attack should they wish to stay up!

Brentford have been brilliant and unrelenting in everything they do. Playing at home will give them an extra teaspoon or so of confidence, and I’m not comfortable going against them. A simple over 2.5 goals, at a simple 9/10, is good enough for me.

Saturday 11 December

Manchester City 1/6 | Draw 6/1 | Wolves 15/1 (14:30)

Wolves would have felt hard done by in their game against Liverpool. They defended with numbers, but more impressively, they played with a bit of aggression and lack of unnecessary respect for their opponents.

City have been sublime, no matter who plays in front of goal for them. 1/6 isn’t worth the time of day though, so I’d suggest considering the ‘totals home team’ market. Back over 1.5 goals at 2/7 (yes, I’m aware of the ever so slight price improvement) and add it to the multiples.

Chelsea 3/10 | Draw 44/10 | Leeds 15/2 (17:00)

I’m going to go against Chelsea here. Yes, they remain my pick to win the league. However, I’m not sure they have been their level best lately, whilst Leeds look to be getting the bit between their teeth again.

The return of Patrick Bamford will inevitably lift their attacking threat, but the key might be in their unapologetic hammer-like approach to whoever they play. Chelsea shouldn’t want to play a quick and frantic game…but I think they might be drawn into one here. Back the away side on the win/draw double chance at 7/4.

Liverpool 1/4 | Draw 54/10 | Aston Villa 9/1 (17:00)

This should be a rather special encounter. The return of Stevie-G to Anfield in the Premier League should make for an enthralling display of everything we love about football.

Villa have been playing incredibly attractive and confident football, and at the risk of sounding silly…I wouldn’t be all that surprised to see them get something from this game. The only question mark I have is whether Villa can cope with a raucous Anfield atmosphere.

Nevertheless, I think Liverpool win.

Arsenal 6/10 | Draw 3/1 | Southampton 4/1 (17:00)

Arsenal were horrendous on Monday night. They sort of just limped through the fixture at Goodison – and but for some unlucky favour with the offside line, it could have been worse.

I didn’t understand Mikel Arteta’s team selection, but ultimately Arsenal just didn’t get into the game and had to pay the ultimate price.

Southampton are in the same situation though, their inability to finish off games has cost them so far this season. I think the Saints are a little less potent away from home but causing problems for their host is within their grasp. Back the draw.

Norwich 5/1 | Draw 7/2 | Manchester United 9/20 (19:30)

United were glorious on Sunday. Given the fact that Ralph Rangnick had less than a full session with the squad makes it that much better! There was a belief in the way those players performed…they wanted the ball back and looked as though they might have run through a brick wall to get it.

Fred might not be everyone’s favourite; I must admit I am guilty of getting increasingly frustrated with him. But Diogo Dalot said it best, Fred embodies everything United is. This will be a real test for them, but I’m going to have a real punt on them here – assuming my wife gives the go-ahead of course…

Sunday 12 December

Burnley 51/20 | Draw 26/10 | West Ham 1/1 (16:00)

Well, how about that performance by West Ham? They simply took their chance against an uncharacteristically flatfooted Chelsea side. David Moyes has done a superb job, but I remain resolute in my evaluation that he is a manager best suited for teams like West Ham…I don’t think he gets the time or achieves the same level of success at a bigger club.

Burnley won’t be a push-over though. Playing at home they are finally doing what they are one of the best at doing. Suffocating sides, playing with unrivaled physicality, creating an uncomfortable environment and punishing sides at set-plays.

Do not get lustful of the even money on offer about the away win, I think under 2.5 goals is a safer bet. Get on at 8/10.

Leicester City 6/10 | Draw 33/10 | Newcastle United 4/1 (16:00)

I can’t take Leicester seriously at the moment. They have massive defensive issues and there isn’t anything you see on the pitch which suggests it’s getting dealt with in training.

Newcastle is in the same boat though. The Magpies have faced the most shots in the league now (234) whilst Leicester haven’t kept a clean sheet for 14 games. Both teams to score is a banker for everything. We can stop there – take the bet. You can currently get as much as 6/10.

Brighton 39/20 | Draw 43/20 | Tottenham 29/20 (16:00)

I’ve been impressed by Spurs under Conte. It’s clear that the Italian is not all that phased by anything outside of his side’s league performances…but can you really blame him?

The London side are slipping under the radar, but I think that suits them. They coasted both Brentford and Norwich, the former being a rather tricky side to negotiate. Brighton haven’t been at their best. The Seagulls are still without a win from their last 11 games and I doubt that changes here. Back the visitors to continue building momentum in the Christmas period.

Crystal Palace 13/10 | Draw 22/10 | Everton 9/4 (18:30)

Rafa Benitez has probably bought himself some time, and possibly some favour with the Goodison faithful. Now before we get into the niceties…this is modern football, even the greats must earn their way each week!

Palace have been outstanding in that they stick to their structure and every player understands that. They went to United and for large parts made it very difficult for a team who was playing with a supposed new lease on life.

I don’t think they’ll be a simple place to visit, and I think it’s worth backing them on the win/draw double chance to close out the weekend.

TREBLE @ 4/1
Brentford vs Watford: Over 2.5 9/10
Manchester United Win 9/20
Burnley vs West Ham: Under 2.5 19/20