With a quarter of the Premier League already gone by, a few things have taken us by surprise. For starters, Tottenham Hotspur currently lead the standings despite the interference of UEFA Europa League football and the fact that they’ve already played three of their ‘Big Six’ rivals. Their local rivals, Arsenal, on the other hand, seem to be struggling after a bright start, dwelling in 14th spot. Manchester City and United bridged the gap on Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool after the title-chasing trio all failed to win on the weekend. With the first games of December set for this weekend, we’re fast-approaching the business end of the league, while the crazy festive period begins to kick in soon.
Friday 4 December
Aston Villa 8/10
Draw 28/10
Newcastle United 33/10
(22:00)
Aston Villa get the new week of football underway when they host Newcastle United this Friday night. Dean Smith’s side will surely be feeling hard done by after Ollie Watkins’ goal was chalked off on Monday night by fine margins as Villa lost 2-1 at West Ham. Newcastle United returned to winning ways as Callum Wilson and Joelinton netted late for Steve Bruce’s charges as the Magpies claimed an emphatic 2-0 victory at Crystal Palace. Despite losing on Monday night, Villa impressed me more from the two sides, and with home advantage, I fancy the Villans to walk away with maximum points.
Saturday 5 December
Burnley 3/1
Draw 5/2
Everton 19/20
(14:30)
Worrying times lie ahead for Burnley after Manchester City exposed so many of their cracks this past weekend, ousting Sean Dyche’s men 5-0. It was always going to be an even tougher game than it initially was when Nick Pope was ruled out due to a head injury. It remains to be seen whether the English shot-stopper will miss this tie as well, but they’ll certainly need him to keep the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison at bay. In fact, the pair haven’t been much of a threat for Everton in the past couple of games, losing four of their last five ties in the league. Perhaps Under 2.5 Goals seem likely at 8/10.
Manchester City 1/8
Draw 17/2
Fulham 20/1
(17:00)
Manchester City were back to their rampant selves, smashing five goals past Burnley, while also keeping yet another clean sheet, which took them six points off the top of the table with a game in hand. Realistically, Pep Guardiola’s side are still in the thick of things, despite being ruled out by many pundits at this early stage. Riyad Mahrez bagged a hat-trick in City’s last tie, which highlighted Manchester City’s strength in depth once again. Fulham have been unlucky in recent weeks, but finally got the result they deserved, beating Leicester City 2-1 away from home on Monday night. That result was exactly what Scott Parker needed ahead of a trip to the Etihad Stadium. Sadly, I still fancy Man City to Score In Both Halves here at 5/10.
West Ham United 26/10
Draw 51/20
Manchester United 21/20
(19:30)
West Ham United looked a different side with Michail Antonio back in the team. Even though the English powerhouse didn’t score in the Hammers’ 2-1 victory on Monday night, he posed a massive threat to Aston Villa, and will surely do the same to Manchester United’s Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof. The Red Devils have won all four of their away games this term, netting 13 times – the most on the road this season – with their most recent victory away from home coming against Southampton last weekend, where they had to claw their way back from 2-0 down to win 3-2. Edinson Cavani and Bruno Fernandes looked a menacing threat up front, and with Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood as well, United will be confident of making it five wins in a row away from Old Trafford. Personally, I see West Ham taking some points off them, my money is on the draw here.
Chelsea 11/20
Draw 33/10
Leeds United 9/2
(22:00)
The old, long-standing bitter rivalry between Chelsea and Leeds United will finally be renewed this weekend as the Blues gear up to host Marcelo Bielsa’s charges. Chelsea stretched their unbeaten run to eight matches, but will be somewhat disappointed with their last encounter, with their home draw against Tottenham proving to be more valuable for Jose Mourinho’s team. Still, Frank Lampard’s side are still two points off the top of the table and will fancy their chances against a Leeds team, who tend to give the opposition chances. Leeds have caused problems for many of the big teams already this season and have shown that they cannot be written off cheaply. They’ll also have Patrick Bamford in their ranks, who will have the chance to hurt his former employers, who didn’t give him a fair chance at this level. For safety measures, I’ll back Chelsea to Win or Draw & Both Teams to Score at 17/20, just because I know Leeds are capable of anything on their day.
Sunday 6 December
West Brom 7/4
Draw 43/20
Crystal Palace 17/10
(14:00)
West Brom moved out of the relegation zone with a much-needed 1-0 victory over Sheffield United last weekend. That was the Baggies’ first win on home soil this season and Slaven Bilic will be looking to make it back-to-back victories at the Hawthorns against a Crystal Palace side who have lost their last two league encounters. They could, however, welcome back Wilfried Zaha who missed the past couple of games due to a positive COVID-19 test. With him in the team, they’re a completely different side. In terms of picking a winner here, I can’t separate these two – back the draw at 43/20.
Sheffield United 29/10
Draw 49/20
Leicester City 1/1
(16:15)
Sheffield United remained at the foot of the log standings after losing 1-0 at fellow basement dwellers, West Brom. That result meant that the Blades are now the only team in the division yet to win a game this season. Leicester City lost on home soil for the third time in five matches on Monday night, going down to Fulham at the King Power Stadium. On the road, the Foxes have won four of their opening five encounters and will fancy their chances of getting the job done. At even money, I’ll be backing the visitors here.
Tottenham 19/20
Draw 51/20
Arsenal 28/10
(18:30)
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Liverpool 5/10
Draw 7/2
Wolves 11/2
(21:15)
In one of the biggest games of the weekend, Wolves travel to Merseyside to face the champions, Liverpool, at Anfield. Nuno Espirito Santo’s men have gone about their business quietly, sitting just four points above the top of the table after their impressive 2-1 win at Arsenal. Liverpool have won all five of their home matches, but have still looked shaky at times this season. They recently lost 2-0 at home to Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League and drew 1-1 at Brighton, albeit due to some dubious calls from the officials. Still, the signs are alarming for Jurgen Klopp and his side won’t find it easy against a fearless Wolves team. I’m backing the Reds to drop points at home for the first time this season. Back Wolves on the Win/Draw Double Chance at 15/10.
Monday 7 December
Brighton 31/20
Draw 23/10
Southampton 18/10
(22:00)
Football in the Premier League concludes on Monday night as Southampton look to return to winning ways against a Brighton side high in confidence. Graham Potter’s side are unbeaten in three league matches and have lost just one of their last six ties. Surprisingly, the Seagulls are yet to win on home soil, but come off the back of a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Liverpool at the Amex Stadium. Southampton’s seven-game unbeaten run ended last weekend, where they surrendered their two-goal lead to lose 3-2 against Manchester United. The Saints looked excellent in the first half and should learn from their wrongs last weekend. Perhaps its too risky to back a winner here, so take Over 2.5 Goals at 19/20.
TREBLE @ 6/1
Man City Score Both Halves 5/10
Chelsea Win/Draw & BTTS 17/20
Wolves Win/Draw 15/10
Written by Jesse Nagel