We are all done and dusted as far as FIFA breaks are concerned for the rest of the year, with the toughest league, the English Premiership, returning to action this weekend. Manchester City lead the way and are already into double figures in terms of wins on the board. Liverpool, who are the only side that could leapfrog the champions this weekend, are a mere two points behind and will hope to stay within touching distance when they travel to Watford this Saturday. But, the clash of the weekend is slightly below the top two, with Tottenham hosting Chelsea at Wembley Stadium in Saturday’s big showdown. Without further ado, let’s get straight into the action!
Saturday 24 November
West Ham 19/2
Draw 52/10
Manchester City 1/4
(17:00)
West Ham will be hoping to continue their surge up the table when they host an in-form Manchester City side. The Hammers are on a three-game unbeaten run and will feel they have a trick up their sleeve, having been coached by the former City mentor, Manuel Pellegrini. Pep Guardiola’s men have been rampant this campaign and look certain to lift back-to-back titles. They’ve scored 36 goals so far, have conceded just five, and have won 10 of their 12 games played. Although, City have been on fire – West Ham are more than capable of claiming an upset. Back the Away Clean Sheet (No) market at 7/10.
Everton 9/20
Draw 36/10
Cardiff 6/1
(17:00)
Everton will relish their chance of facing Cardiff, a fixture they are well-fancied to come out on top in. Before the international break, the hosts snatched a point at Chelsea in a game they looked really impressive in. Cardiff managed to grind out a 2-1 win over Brighton in their last encounter, but that was after the Seagulls had a player sent off. Cardiff are yet to win away from their home turf this season and have scored just two goals on the road – the worst in the division. Back the Toffees to make it four Premier League wins in a row at Goodison Park.
Brighton 2/1
Draw 43/20
Leicester City 15/10
(17:00)
Chris Hughton will be hoping his Brighton side can turn things around and end their run of two straight defeats when they welcome Leicester City to the Amex Stadium. The Foxes seem to have turned the corner in recent weeks, but perhaps the break came at the best possible time, after the club had just lost their owner. They’re unbeaten in three matches, conceding just once in that run. Picking a winner here will be really tough, so I suggest you play it safe and take Under 2.5 Goals at 6/10.
Fulham 16/10
Draw 49/20
Southampton 17/10
(17:00)
Claudio Ranieri’s reign as Fulham boss kicks off with a stern test at home to Southampton. After a torrid start in the top flight, the Cottagers decided to sack Slavisa Jokanovic, in hope that the boss who brought that famous success with Leicester City yesteryear, can restore pride within the London club. The Saints are winless in eight games, but sit outside the bottom three, due to their superior goal difference. Fulham have been disappointing this term, but not terrible. Although they’re bottom placed, they’ve played two home games less than the other two teams in the relegation zone. Back Ranieri to kick-start his tenure off with a win at 16/10.
Watford 47/10
Draw 34/10
Liverpool 11/20
(17:00)
Watford hope to upset the applecart when they do battle with title-chasing Liverpool at Vicarage Road this Saturday. The Hornets have been in impressive form since the start of the season and sit seventh with 20 points – the same as Bournemouth and Manchester United. Liverpool are two points off the top of the table, but haven’t been impressive in their performances, although, their willingness to grind out results has seen them push Manchester City all the way. They do, however, have a crucial UEFA Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain in midweek to worry about, which could give Watford some hope. Javi Gracia’s men have won four of their six matches on home soil, and as crazy as it may seem, I’m backing them on the Win/Draw Double Chance here at 14/10.
Manchester United 4/10
Draw 36/10
Crystal Palace 13/2
(17:00)
After picking up in form, Manchester United were battered and bruised by their bitter rivals, Manchester City, in their crosstown derby that took place before the international break. Prior to that match, United had beaten Juventus in Turin, Bournemouth and Everton, while also drawing away to Chelsea. Crystal Palace are without a win in seven league games, losing five of their last six. They’ve been in shocking form, but could sneak a goal in, only due to United’s shocking defence, not because they’ve been superb in attack. Back United to Win & Both Teams to Score at a valuable 2/1.
Tottenham 17/10
Darw 5/2
Chelsea 31/20
(19:30)
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Sunday 25 November
Bournemouth 49/20
Draw 28/10
Arsenal 1/1
(15:30)
The international break came at a wonderful time for all those involved at Bournemouth, with the Cherries losing their last two league encounters, to Man United and Newcastle United respectively. Arsenal went into the FIFA break on a 16-match unbeaten streak, although the Gunners did look a bit jaded with all the jam-packed fixtures that came their way. Callum Wilson has looked sharp so far, notching up six goals to his name, while also scoring on his debut for England. That said, the partnership of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette has also looked devastating, with 12 goals coming between them. My money is on the Away Double Chance & Both Teams to Score at 9/10.
Wolves 9/20
Draw 31/10
Huddersfield 7/1
(18:00)
Wolves ended their run of three straight losses when they were unfortunately denied a win at Arsenal, settling for a draw after what was one of their best performances of the season. Huddersfield are many pundits and experts’ favourites to go down, and their away form has done nothing to prove their doubters wrong. The Terriers are yet to win on the road this term and have scored just four times. Wolves are a banker here, but for more value, I suggest you back them on the Win to Nil market at 19/20.
Monday 26 November
Burnley 18/10
Draw 21/10
Newcastle 17/10
(22:00)
Burnley have been dreadful in recent weeks, failing to win in their last five matches. Their defence has also let them down this campaign, shipping in 25 goals – only Fulham have conceded more (31). Newcastle United moved up three places in the table after claiming their second consecutive victory in the league. Away from home, Rafa Benitez’s men are yet to register a victory, drawing three of their five matches. Back these sides to cancel each other out here.
TREBLE @ 7/1
Everton Win 9/20
Man United Win & BTTS 2/1
Wolves Win to Nil 19/20
Written by Jesse Nagel