What a turn of events the Premier League has been this season. Big spenders Chelsea have taken themselves out of the title race after slipping down to eighth in the Premier League table, while Manchester United are now being talked about as contenders to Liverpool’s crown. The Red Devils are on a 10-game unbeaten run in the league having won eight and drawn two in that period. Elsewhere, Manchester City have gone about their business quietly, sitting just four points behind leaders Liverpool and Manchester United having played a game less. Further down the table, Arsenal have resurrected their top four hopes after recording three wins in a row.
Tuesday 12 January
Sheffield United 33/20
Draw 22/10
Newcastle United 18/10
(20:00)
Bottom-placed Sheffield United will be desperate to stop the rot against Newcastle United on Tuesday. Chris Wilder’s side have lost 15 of their 17 matches and have made the worst start of any team to a Premier League season. Steve Bruce’s men need a reaction after being winless in their past five Premier League contests. To be fair, they’ve had a tough run of fixtures with their last three matches against Manchester City, Liverpool and Leicester City. The Magpies completed the double over Sheffield United last season and I’m backing them to leave Bramall Lane with maximum points.
Burnley 11/2
Draw 7/2
Manchester United 5/10
(22:15)
Manchester United have turned a corner after a stuttering start to the season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have stolen a march on Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea to nestle alongside Liverpool at the Premier League summit. However, the acid test for where United’s title ambitions stand will come when they visit a resurgent Burnley side who did the double over them last season. Sean Dyche’s men are unbeaten at Turf Moor since losing 3-0 to Chelsea (O how they’d love to play them now), beating Crystal Palace, Wolves and Sheffield United, they drew with Everton. I’m expecting a tight affair here, with Both Teams to Score catching my eye at 17/20.
Wolves 15/10
Draw 22/10
Everton 39/20
(22:15)
Wolves are without a win in four Premier League games. During that time, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have lost twice, drawn twice and fallen to 13th in the table. Everton, on the other hand, have impressively won four of their last five matches, claiming wins over Chelsea, Leicester City and Arsenal. But even though Carlo Ancelotti’s men are on the up, this will be a tough test in the Midlands. I’m going with my gut and backing Wolves to triumph at 15/10 – they won this fixture 3-0 last season.
Wednesday 13 January
Manchester City 2/9
Draw 11/2
Brighton 11/1
(20:00)
Manchester City reminded everyone how good they can be last weekend, humiliating Chelsea in their own backyard with a 3-1 victory. It was City’s third straight win in the Premier League, moving them to within four points of top spot with a game in hand. Brighton is next on the agenda in what looks to be an easy encounter. Pep Guardiola’s side dominated this fixture last season, winning 4-0 at the Etihad and 5-0 at the Amex. There’s little value on the home win, go into the Multiscores market and select 4:0, 5:0 OR 6:0 at 52/10.
Aston Villa 18/10
Draw 26/10
Tottenham 14/10
(22:15)
Currently seventh, Dean Smith’s Villa have been hugely impressive this season and will be a hard nut to crack for Jose Mourinho’s team. The Villans have been punching above their weight, securing impressive wins at Leicester City, Arsenal and Wolves as well as famously thrashing champions Liverpool 7-2. Even during their 2-1 defeat at Manchester United last time out, they gave a really good account of themselves. Tottenham are faltering in their charge for the Premier League title and are without a victory in their last four away games. It might be a bold call, but my money will be on Villa at 18/10.
Thursday 14 January
Arsenal 11/20
Draw 31/10
Crystal Palace 5/1
(22:00)
Arsenal are starting to hit their stride which is bad news for the likes of Leicester City, Tottenham and Chelsea. After three consecutive wins and slip-ups from direct rivals, the Gunners’ hopes of finishing in the top four have been brought back to life, while calls for Mikel Arteta to be sacked have been diverted to another manager in London. Crystal Palace have produced a few upsets this term, but I can’t see them providing a shock here. Get on the home win at 11/20 and throw it into your multiples.
TREBLE @ 16/1
Burnley vs Man United BTTS 17/20
Man City – Multiscores 4:0, 5:0 OR 6:0 52/10
Arsenal Win 11/20
Written by Chad