With the Christmas period looming large, fixtures are now coming thick and fast with a double set of Premier League encounters to turn our attentions to this weekend. Liverpool showed great character yet again to remove all doubt of a late scare against Crystal Palace, salvaging a 2-1 win at Selhurst Park. Their gap remains eight points over Leicester City, although Chelsea did fall to defeat at champions, Manchester City, which will be good news for the log-leaders who look to distance themselves from all challengers as early as possible. Elsewhere, it was all eyes on the managers as Jose Mourinho won his first game in charge of Tottenham, while Marco Silva, Unai Emery and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remain in hot water after failing to win this past weekend.
Standings provided by Sofascore LiveScore
Saturday 30 November
Newcastle United 13/1
Draw 6/1
Manchester City 2/11
(14:30)
After two wins on the bounce, Newcastle’s glory run ended on Monday night as Steve Bruce’s men fell to a 2-0 defeat at Aston Villa. The Toon Army produced a lacklustre performance which saw them crumble as early as the first half. They’ll need to pull up their socks against Manchester City who come off the back of ending Chelsea’s winning run, beating the Blues 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola will also welcome back Portuguese magician, Bernardo Silva, who served a one-game suspension. Take City on the (-1) Handicap at 5/10.
Liverpool 2/9
Draw 11/2
Brighton 11/1
(17:00)
Liverpool showed yet again that they mean business this season as a late Roberto Firmino winner gave them all three points at Crystal Palace, despite the Eagles equalizing in the 82nd-minute through Wilfried Zaha. Brighton suffered a second consecutive defeat when they lost 2-0 at home to Leicester City. The Seagulls failed to create any clear-cut chances and could find it even more difficult at arguably the toughest ground to go to in world football. Liverpool have won all six matches at Anfield this season and should keep that run continuing against Brighton. Back the Reds on the (-1) Handicap at 6/10.
Burnley 27/20
Draw 22/10
Crystal Palace 22/10
(17:00)
Burnley moved up to eighth on the standings with a resounding 3-0 victory at Watford. The Clarets bossed the game from the first minute to the last and didn’t allow the hosts to find their rhythm not once in the match. Crystal Palace were unluckily denied a point on home soil with their first-half goal ruled out due to some controversial play by VAR. By no means were Roy Hodgson’s side brilliant in the game, but it’s the little incidents in a match that can kill the team’s belief of getting a result. Palace are known to be a team much better on the road due to their superb counter-attacking play, but Turf Moor might be too big of a task for them, I feel. Put your money on the home win.
Chelsea 3/10
Draw 5/1
West Ham 17/2
(17:00)
It’s back to back London derbies for West Ham, who travel to Chelsea after losing on their own backyard against Tottenham. The Hammers showed somewhat of a late fightback to make the result look a bit more respectable, scoring twice in the second half to make it a 3-2 defeat, rather than an embarrassing one. Chelsea’s superb winning run came to an end last weekend, although it can be excused, given the fact that it was at Manchester City. The big shock was seeing Mason Mount out of Frank Lampard’s line-up for the first time in the league, which hopefully for the Blues, makes him hungrier to feed Tammy Abraham up front, or, to get back to scoring ways which saw the 20-year-old score three goals in his first five appearances. It’s becoming a bit of a stale story, but a defeat here could see Manuel Pellegrini sacked as West Ham boss. Back the Home Team Totals – Over 2.5 – at 17/20.
Tottenham 4/10
Draw 17/4
Bournemouth 6/1
(17:00)
It was a dream start for Jose Mourinho as his Tottenham side claimed their first away win in the league since January. It did almost become a nightmare, though, as West Ham gave Spurs a late scare to reduce the deficit from 3-0 to 3-2. Nevertheless, it was back to winning ways for Tottenham who will welcome Mourinho to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time as head coach. Bournemouth suffered their second consecutive defeat with their home loss against Wolves which saw Simon Francis receive his marching orders after picking up two yellow cards. I’m backing the dream start to continue for Mourinho with a win at 4/10.
Southampton 23/20
Draw 49/20
Watford 24/10
(19:30)
Despite pressure mounting on Ralph Hasenhuttl, his Southampton side managed to pull a rabbit out of the hat and get a draw at Arsenal – a result the Saints will still be disappointed in after conceding deep into stoppage time. Sadly, the winless run stretched to eight league games, while they’re still placed 19th on the log. Watford are still, somehow, worse. The Hornets dropped down to the foot of the table after losing 3-0 at home to Burnley. The only positive was that club-captain, Troy Deeney, made his return to the pitch after a lengthy lay-off. Picking a result here is anybody’s guess, I would suggest playing it safe and taking Both Teams to Score at 7/10.
Sunday 1 December
Sheffield United 5/2
Draw 9/4
Manchester United 12/10
(18:30)
Sunday’s only encounter sees Manchester United travel to Bramall Lane to face an in-form Sheffield United side. The hosts have set the league alight since their return from the Championship, riding the crest of the wave in fifth place. United, despite their indifferent form, sit just one point behind the Blades and could move up to fifth should they better Arsenal’s result. The Red Devils have won just one of their six matches on the road this season, while Sheffield won back-to-back home games against Arsenal and Burnley, keeping clean sheets in both ties. Although, star shot-stopper Dean Henderson will be unable to play against his parent club on Sunday. I’m putting my money on a share of the spoils at 9/4.
Monday 25 November
Norwich City 29/10
Draw 3/1
Arsenal 17/20
(16:00)
Norwich’s seven-game winless run came to a joyful end as the Canaries pulled off one of the biggest shock results of the weekend, claiming a well-deserved 2-0 victory at Everton. They’re still in the relegation zone, but Daniel Farke will be hoping it’s the start of a great run of form again. Arsenal dropped down to eighth after they stole a point at home against Southampton, shocking as that sounds. The writing is on the wall for Unai Emery at the club, and being so desperate to return to winning ways, he could go full strength on Thursday in the UEFA Europa League, which will dent his side’s chances of getting a positive result at Carrow Road. If Emery is still in charge by the time this match kicks off, put your money on the Home/Draw Double Chance & Both Teams to Score at 15/10 – if not, get on the away win!
Wolves 19/20
Draw 47/20
Sheffield United 32/10
(16:00)
It may not be the most mouth-watering matchup, but Wolves’ clash against Sheffield United at the Molineux is definitely one of the biggest games on the menu this weekend. These sides sit fifth and sixth in the table respectively, which shows what a long way they’ve come after plying their trade in the English Championship not so long ago. Wolves are on an eight-match unbeaten run, while the Blades are six games without defeat. The visitors will also be welcoming back Dean Henderson, who was ineligible to play against Manchester United last week. It’s a bold call, despite what the price says, but my money is on the home win.
Manchester United 5/10
Draw 33/10
Aston Villa 11/2
(18:30)
Manchester United return to Old Trafford this weekend as they seek a return to winning ways after drawing 3-3 at Sheffield United last Sunday. After coming from two goals down, United made it 3-2, but bottled their comeback in stoppage time, settling for a share of the spoils. Aston Villa produced a dominant display on Monday night, outclassing Newcastle United 2-0 at Villa Park. Dean Smith’s men have been superb this season, but not so much on the road, winning just once in six matches. Put your money on the Home/Draw Double Chance & Both Teams to Score at even money.
Leicester City 7/10
Draw 29/10
Everton 38/10
(18:30)
The fairy-tale continues for Leicester City as the Foxes continue to keep up the pressure at the top, picking up points in games many would expect them to drop in. Brendan Rodgers’ men claimed their fifth successive win in the league, keeping their third clean sheet in a row, ousting Brighton 2-0 at the Amex Stadium. For Everton, the sooner Marco Silva gets the boot, the better it will become. The bottom half of the table seems to be their natural habitat under the Portuguese mentor and travelling to the King Power Stadium could be his testimonial game as Everton boss. Farewell to Silva, and as for Leicester, its onwards and upwards for them. Get on the home win here at 7/10.
Tuesday 3 December
Crystal Palace 23/20
Draw 24/10
Bournemouth 49/20
(21:30)
Midweek action begins in London where Crystal Palace welcome Bournemouth to Selhurst Park. Prior to their weekend fixture against Burnley, the Eagles are winless in five league matches. Bournemouth’s record on the road is almost identical to Palace’s home form, struggling for any sort of consistency. Under 2.5 Goals seems the way to go here at 15/20.
Burnley 10/1
Draw 5/1
Manchester City 1/4
(22:15)
Burnley have back-to-back home games, which they will hope works in their favour as the Clarets look to cement their spot in the top half of the table, or at least stay there for as long as possible. After their win over Chelsea, the Manchester City players and coaching staff made it clear that their objective was to show that they’re still in the title race. They won’t have a better chance of proving that than claiming maximum points at a fiery Burnley side. With fixtures coming thick and fast, Pep Guardiola is likely to make numerous changes to his line-up that plays on the weekend. Still, City have the depth to compete on all fronts. My money is on City to Win & Both Teams to Score at 33/20.
Wednesday 4 December
Southampton 7/10
Draw 31/10
Norwich City 7/2
(21:30)
Southampton have a crucial set of fixtures against the teams around them. After hosting Watford, the Saints face Norwich at St. Mary’s Stadium. Six points and Ralph Hasenhuttl will be a happy man, while more importantly, the Austrian will be more secure after uncertainty around his future. Norwich’s last away game didn’t turn out too bad as expected, managing an emphatic 2-0 win at Everton. It would mean that the Canaries now face three teams in a row who could sack their coach, so its an opportunity to register some crucial points on the board while they can. A share of the spoils is my prediction here.
Wolves 15/20
Draw 11/4
West Ham 38/10
(21:30)
Wolves will be hoping to continue their surge up the table when they host West Ham on Wednesday night. Nuno Espirito Santo’s men can be a testimony for any side that there is still a long way to turn things around after Wolves had one of the worst starts, but now find themselves in the mix in the European spots. West Ham have been disappointing of late with pressure mounting on Manuel Pellegrini. With Lukasz Fabianski out injured, they also currently have the league’s worst goalkeeper between the sticks. Back the home win.
Leicester City 7/20
Draw 4/1
Watford 7/1
(21:30)
Leicester City have been dealt with the most favourable fixture in midweek, hosting Watford at the King Power. At the time of writing, Watford have scored just four goals on the road, while Leicester boast the best defence in the league, while the Foxes also have the league’s leading goalscorer in Jamie Vardy. The 9/10 price of Leicester on the (-1) Handicap is an absolute gift – get on!
Chelsea 3/10
Draw 5/1
Aston Villa 8/1
(21:30)
John Terry returns to his boyhood club for the first time since departing as captain in 2017, when he assists Dean Smith in hope of causing an upset at Stamford Bridge. As far as coming up against former employers are concerned, Tammy Abraham will also relish his chance against the team he spent a year on loan at last season. It’s going to be a tough couple of days for Villa, and they’ll be up for the fight. Still, nothing more than a goal will be my prediction. Chelsea to Win & Both Teams to Score is tipped at 27/20.
Manchester United 33/20
Draw 49/20
Tottenham 33/20
(21:30)
Liverpool 7/20
Draw 4/1
Everton 15/2
(22:15)
It’s derby week for Liverpool and Everton as the red side of Merseyside prepares to conquer the blue side of town yet again. The Reds have been formidable this term and have a decent run of fixtures before their showdown in December where they have to juggle between various competitions, most notably the FIFA Club World Cup. As much as Everton tend to raise their game for the big guns, this is well-documented as one of the most one-sided derbies. Strangely, Liverpool have struggled to keep clean sheets this campaign. Jurgen Klopp’s men for the Win & Both Teams to Score at 33/20 is the tip.
Thursday 5 December
Sheffield United 1/1
Draw 9/4
Newcastle United 31/10
(21:30)
The glory run continued for Sheffield United last weekend when they managed a 3-3 draw against Manchester United. Chris Wilder has been one of the best coaches this season and has a tremendous record of late, claiming seven points from his last three home games, which came against Arsenal (1-0), Burnley (3-0) and Manchester United (3-3). Newcastle have struggled on the road this term and were easily beaten against Aston Villa in their last away outing. Back the home win here at all costs.
Arsenal 6/10
Draw 34/10
Brighton & Hove Albion 17/4
(22:15)
So much could happen between now and the time this fixture is played, which makes this one tough to call given Arsenal’s indifferent form of late under Unai Emery. He’s a ticking time bomb, and if the Gunners have failed to beat Norwich by the time they face Brighton, who knows what could happen. Brighton have been below average on the road, but will fancy their chances of causing more misery on Arsenal. It’s fairly short, as it should be, but back Both Teams to Score at 6/10.
Weekend TREBLE @ 5/1
Liverpool (-1) Handicap 6/10
Burnley Win 27/20
Leicester City Win 7/10
Midweek TREBLE @ 11/2
Wolves Win 15/20
Leicester City (-1) Handicap 9/10
Sheffield United Win 1/1
Written by Jesse Nagel