Premier League Weekend Betting Preview
The highlight match from round 18 of the Premier League undoubtedly pits league leaders Manchester City against top-four chasers Tottenham Hotspurs. For an extended preview of that match alone, view our previous post. The home side are on an incredible 14-game winning run in the league, dispatching closest rivals Manchester United last weekend with relative ease. They look capable of beating anyone this season, with all of their star players performing to a high-standard. That’s actually the difference between themselves and their weekend opponents Spurs.
The north Londoners were one of the outstanding performers last campaign, but the likes of Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli havw failed to reach the high standards expected of them. Last season, Mauricio Pochettino’s side took four points off Pep Guardiola’s men, somehow stealing a point at the Etihad despite being outplayed across the pitch. Whilst they’ve excelled in the Champions League this term, taking four points off European champions Real Madrid, they’ve lost to United, Chelsea and Arsenal in the league. They struggle against other top four teams away from home, and coupling that with City’s impressive form, it’s going to be a tough game for the away side. Nevertheless, whilst backing a winner is still too close too call, we can almost guarantee goals. Back over 2.5 goals at 4/9 with William Hill.
The weekend’s early game sees Leicester City host relegation battlers Crystal Palace. The Londoners got a vital midweek win over in-form Watford; a massive morale boost before this clash. Their performances have greatly improved under Roy Hodgson, and this is the type of match that they could get more points out of. The Foxes can struggle for motivation sometimes, and that could be fatal against a team riding a positive wave. Back Palace to turn their midweek optimism into three points at 3/1 with Betfred.
Sunday’s matches sees top four hopefuls United and Liverpool swapping midweek opponents. United travel to West Brom whilst the Reds take on Bournemouth. These are two matches that would work great on an accie, with the Reds and the Red Devils highly likely to take all three points. The Baggies look void of confidence, and their record at home is strikingly poor; they’ve won just one of their eight home matches this season. The Reds meanwhile lost 4-3 on last season’s visit to the Vitality Stadium in one of the standout matches of the entire campaign. Nevertheless, given the form of Klopp’s attacking players (league top scorer Mo Salaha deserves a special mention) and the space which normally opens up when these two teams meet, the Reds should outscore their opponents this time. Last season’s head-to-heads produced 11 goals, so back a Reds win and over 2.5 goals at evens with Paddy Power.
Of the three o’clock kick offs, a fanciful bet could be on Arsenal to beat Newcastle by one goal at 13/5 with Paddy Power. It’s happened on five of the last seven head-to-heads, with the Magpies traditionally upping their game against the top sides. With Arsenal struggling to a draw last weekend against Southampton, but picking up lots of points at home this season, a close home win looks a decent option.
Stoke City versus West Ham is an intriguing one, with the home side returning to play in front of their own fans after being confronted by them on leaving Wembley last weekend. There’s a negative undercurrent at the club, and the players might not get the support they’d hope for at the weekend at the Britannia. The fans will likely be quick to get on their backs; something which the Hammers could take advantage of, especially after their morale-boosting win over champions Chelsea last weekend. Back the Hammers to get another vital three points, and pile the pressure on Potters’ boss Mark Hughes at 12/5 with 21Bet.
The Blues take on Southampton at the Bridge, and they’ll have to be wary of a Saints team that got a draw with the Gunners. Antonio Conte’s side strolled to a win against Huddersfield mid-week, and they’re actually on an eight-game unbeaten run against the south-coast side. Nonetheless, a draw at 4/1 with bwin is a tempting bet. The Terriers meanwhile looked hapless in attack against the Blues, and some of that early season optimism is starting to wear off. They travel to one the season’s surprise packages in Watford. Neither side is known for their attacking exploits, and with the Hornets main outlet Richarlison nursing a groin injury, this is likely to be a low-scoring affair. Back under 1.5 goals at 9/4 with Ladbrokes.
The final match to mention involves another of the season’s surprises: Burnley. The Clarets are exceeding all expectations by competing with the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal for the European spots. Whilst it’s unlikely they’ll have the stamina to sustain such form, Sean Dyche deserves massive credit for the work he’s done at the club. They travel to the Amex where draws have been in abundance this season. However, the Clarets’ motivation to stay with the big boys means that the Seagull’s sturdy resolve could be broken. Back an away win at 2/1 with BetBright.
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