Our football pundit previews the English Premier League week 19 action which kicks off on Friday 22 December 2017.
The English Premier League has reached its midpoint this season, and the race for the title looks like it’s all but sewn up by Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s men are cruising at the top, enjoying an 11-point lead over their closest rivals, Manchester United, who are sitting on 41 points. Hot on their trail are Chelsea with 38 points, closely followed by Liverpool at 34 points, just a whisker ahead of Arsenal.
The competition heats up as the cream of the crop face challenging fixtures this weekend. Arsenal will take on Liverpool at the Emirates this Friday night, setting the tone for an exciting round of matches. Saturday’s early kick-off sees Chelsea visiting a buzzing Everton side, while Tottenham Hotspur journey to Burnley for what promises to be a fiercely contested game. Meanwhile, Manchester United head over to Leicester City, and Manchester City will look to extend their dominance against Bournemouth – a team that recently suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat away to Liverpool.
Friday 22 December
14/10 Arsenal | Draw 26/10 | Liverpool 7/4
Liverpool are flying high with an unbeaten streak stretching across 12 matches in all competitions, claiming eight victories. The Reds have had the edge over Arsenal in recent times, including a 4-0 victory in their last encounter in August. Our tip? Back Liverpool to win and both teams to score at an exciting 3/1. Click here to read full match preview.
Saturday 23 December
Everton 9/2 | Draw 28/10 | Chelsea 6/10
Chelsea head to Goodison Park to face a formidable Everton squad who are currently unbeaten in their last six games, boasting five wins including a comprehensive 3-0 Europa League away victory. The Toffees have been a fortress at home, winning four out of their last matches.
Chelsea have been in scintillating form themselves, with back-to-back wins including a 3-1 away victory at Huddersfield and a narrow win over Southampton last Saturday. The Blues have a strong record against Everton, having claimed victory in their last four meetings while conceding just once. We expect the champions to snap Everton’s unbeaten run.
Brighton 15/10| Draw 21/10 | Watford 19/10
Brighton held a high-flying Burnley side to a goalless draw and will look to build on that against struggling Watford. The Seagulls have proved tough to beat on their turf, with only Manchester City and Liverpool managing to claim victory at the Amex Stadium this season. Watford, on the other hand, are in dire straits with no wins in their last five games, including a heavy 4-1 home loss to promoted Huddersfield. We’re backing Brighton for a Win/Draw Double Chance at 4/10.
Manchester City 1/10 | Draw 17/2 | Bournemouth 21/1
Manchester City look set to continue their remarkable run, having secured 16 consecutive wins including dominant performances against top teams. Bournemouth, recently hammered 4-0 by Liverpool at Vitality Stadium, are hovering just above the relegation zone and have suffered five home defeats this season. Back City to win by three or more goals at 7/10.
Southampton 6/10 | Draw 28/10 | Huddersfield 47/10
Southampton will be eager to bounce back after a close 1-0 loss to Chelsea that extended their winless streak to five matches. A victory here would level them on points with Huddersfield, who surprised many with a convincing 4-1 win against Watford but have struggled away from home. Our money is on Southampton to take the points at 11/20.
Stoke City 12/10 | Draw 43/20 | West Brom 5/2
Stoke have hit a rough patch, losing five of their last six and sitting perilously just above the relegation zone. Manager Mark Hughes is under pressure following a string of defeats, including a 3-0 loss to West Ham. West Brom, 19th on the table, have shown signs of improvement under Alan Pardew, managing to hold Liverpool to a rare clean sheet and putting up a fight against Manchester United. A draw at 43/20 looks like the smart play here.
West Ham 11/10 | Draw 23/10 | Newcastle 26/10
West Ham are in fine form under David Moyes, having gathered seven points out of nine, including a memorable 1-0 victory against Chelsea and a goalless draw with Arsenal. Newcastle have slumped to the relegation zone after four straight losses, including a defeat to Arsenal. The Hammers at home look a solid bet.
Swansea 2/1 | Draw 2/1 | Crystal Palace 15/10
Swansea remain anchored at the bottom after another defeat, this time a 3-1 loss at Everton. They are four points adrift of Stoke and their coach Paul Clement is facing a tough battle to turn things around. Crystal Palace, unbeaten in their last seven matches and fresh from a 3-0 victory at Leicester, offer great value on the away win. Get on it!
Burnley 57/10 | Draw 3/1 | Tottenham 5/10
Tottenham travel to Turf Moor to face sixth-placed Burnley, who are unbeaten in their last three games. Burnley recorded narrow wins at home to Watford and Stoke before a goalless draw with Brighton. Spurs recently suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat at Manchester City and are now without a win in their last five away games. This one should be tight, but backing Burnley on the Win/Draw Double Chance at 27/20 seems wise.
Leicester City 7/2 | Draw 26/10 | Manchester United 8/10
Leicester take on Manchester United at the King Power Stadium in the round’s final game. Despite a recent 3-0 home loss to Crystal Palace, Leicester were in good form prior, unbeaten in five with four wins. Manchester United, led by Jose Mourinho, have enjoyed success on the road recently and have a strong record against Leicester. The away win is our pick here.
TREBLE @ 6/1
Chelsea Win 6/10
West Ham Win 11/10
Man United Win 8/10
