As we creep into the usually manic festive season, we have a rare full round of Premier League games this midweek. The games across Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday offer us plenty of potential betting opportunities.
Which Games Can We Concentrate On?
If we can use the process of elimination, we will. On this occasion there are several games it seems are a bit too close to call and aren’t worth spending too much time on from a wagering point of view.
On Tuesday, Ipswich v Crystal Palace is an example. Had the fixture been the other way around we could start from the basis of a potential home win, but this is not the case. Ipswich will fancy their chances here.
Man City are around 1/3 at home to Nottingham Forest on Wednesday having not won in 7 games. Their opponents are sixth having amassed 22 points from 13 games.
That leaves them only a point behind their hosts and that should never lead to these prices. Chelsea are also too short away from home, though they are flying in all fairness.
Leicester v West Ham is also tricky on Tuesday, while on Thursday Fulham v Brighton is a tough one to call and Bournemouth v Tottenham should be competitive also. That leaves us with four games, all taking place on Wednesday night.
There could be some mileage in Everton v Wolves, Newcastle v Liverpool, Aston Villa v Brentford and Arsenal v Man United. We’ve taken a deeper look at that quartet of matches.
Everton v Wolves
Wolves have been entertaining us this season, but the action takes place at both ends of the pitch. Conceding 32 goals in 13 games, they are wide open, and you’d be licking your lips if you were Everton. They haven’t been any great shakes themselves, however.
It’ll be a brave man who backs Wolves outright here. But looking at Everton’s form at home, they are there for the taking. Wolves have scored 13 goals in their last 6 away games against some good opposition, so that’s where to start.
Adding them to score and not to lose the game in a bet builder looks the way to go.
Selection: Draw or Wolves (double chance) and Over 1 Goal (Wolves)
Newcastle v Liverpool
Liverpool are absolutely flying, both domestically and in Europe. Their position at the top of the Premier League and Champions League tables sees them go into this vital away fixture as odds-on favourites, but that overestimates them.
Liverpool have gained 16 points from their away trips this season. Man United were in a bad place when they won there, while their 2-2 draw at Arsenal reads OK. In truth, you’d expect their other wins though at least they’ve been very consistent.
Newcastle have just 10 points from their home games, though they have beaten Arsenal and Tottenham, drawn with Man City and beaten Chelsea in the cup.
They will also feel that they are long, long overdue a win against Liverpool at St James’ Park having not managed the feat in 8 Premier League games stretching back nine years.
The law of averages dictates Eddie Howe’s men will get a result at some stage. It also dictates that Liverpool will fail at some point. We can’t back Newcastle outright for this, but their firepower means a similar bet to that in the Everton v Wolves game looks appropriate.
Selection: Newcastle or Draw (double chance) and Over 1 Goal (Newcastle)
Arsenal v Manchester United
It was probably to be expected that Man United’s form would pick up after their managerial change. In their last 5 games they have scored 13 goals and will no doubt head to Arsenal intent on attacking, but that could be a mistake.
Those recent games resulted in 4 home wins and an away draw. They have beaten PAOK, Leicester, Bodo/Glimt and Everton as well as drawing at Ipswich. That’s not terrific form when you dig into it.
After a slight wobble, Arsenal are showing their mettle now and have drawn at Chelsea, scored three against Forest and netted 10 times at Sporting and West Ham. They should be winning this.
Selection: Arsenal to win
Aston Villa v Brentford
Villa are just beginning to find it difficult managing a Premier League campaign and the Champions League. They find themselves down in 12th place with a negative goal difference, a point behind this week’s opponents.
The home side are without a win in four domestic home games. Brentford however are terrible away compared to their home form and, even having had a hard season to date, it would seem that they will find it difficult to keep Villa out.
If Villa score, especially in the first half, they will be tough to peg back.
Selection: Aston Villa to win
The bet, as a multi, should come to over 9/1 with most firms which looks a very fair price.