The action continues in the run-in to 2022! The last round of fixtures before we close the 2021 chapter, a tough year at times indeed…but the beauty and excitement of sport is always a blessing.
We’ve always enjoyed screaming our team to victory (or at times even our rivals…what a good betting slip can do to you) so let’s do it one more time! I’ve also crafted a little 8/1 quad – been a lovely return to having a quad with the so-called big teams all included again – so be sure to have a look.
Tuesday 28 December
Southampton 49/20
Draw 5/2
Tottenham 21/20
(17:00)
Evidence of Antonio Conte’s impact at Spurs continues to ever-increase. The performance against Liverpool – consolidated by a structured undoing of Crystal Palace – all seem to point at a top four charge for the North London side.
The Saints were able to earn three points at the London Stadium last time out, a feat not many have been able to achieve this season. It was Ralph Hasenhuttl’s first win since early November, but it would have certainly been a much-needed confidence booster.
Nevertheless, I think Spurs will be too strong. Back the visitors.
Watford 24/10
Draw 5/2
West Ham United 21/20
(17:00)
West Ham have now only won one of their last seven Premier League fixtures…I know it doesn’t feel like that when watching them, but a statistic like that doesn’t exactly fire up any abnormal sense of confidence.
I must admit, I haven’t yet lost all confidence in them. I think they win here but considering Watford’s potency in front of goal (scoring in their last five, including games against Manchester United, City and Chelsea) I think both teams to score is the smart bet. Get on at 7/10.
Crystal Palace 6/10
Draw 3/1
Norwich City 44/10
(17:00)
If there is a game for Palace to bounce back, surely this is the one? There is no need to complicate it, Palace have been structured and at times – critically decisive since Patrick Vieira took over. They stumbled a bit recently, but they will be too good for this Norwich side.
Get on the home win.
Leicester City 58/10
Draw 42/10
Liverpool 7/20
(22:00)
I’m a little worried for Leicester here, they were absolutely battered by City on Boxing Day. Yes, they fought hard to almost get back into it, but I credit that more toward City slacking off as opposed to Leicester causing Pep Guardiola’s side any real issues. Teams know that Leicester want to play expansive and quick football – so they prepare accordingly.
Liverpool is a quality, quality side. They are not solely reliant on their ‘stars’, they have players in every position (including the bench) that can hurt you. I can’t believe you can get around 9/10 on Liverpool with a (-1) handicap. Of course, Leicester will want to come back with a statement, but that might need to wait until the weekend.
Wednesday 29 December
Chelsea 4/10
Draw 7/2
Brighton 6/1
(21:30)
Chelsea were three points clear of Liverpool and four points ahead of Manchester City at the end of November. They now trail City by six and are level with Liverpool…you just can’t afford to take your foot off the pedal in an unrelenting and incredibly competitive League such as this.
I do agree with the sentiments that Chelsea need to ‘weather the storm’, should they want to remain in the title picture – but they no longer have so-called wiggle room. The win at Villa Park was impressive and a step in the correct direction.
Brighton earned a much-needed win against Brentford, and the performance the eagles registered was classy (if I do say so myself). However, the only bet here is on the home win.
Brentford 16/1
Draw 6/1
Manchester City 1/6
(22:15)
City look to be unplayable. And yet they still look as though they haven’t reached their best! Brentford have absolutely no chance of winning this game, I’ll be supporting them for sure, but they cannot win.
Even now, as I sit here writing this, I cannot suggest any sort of statistic, angle, or suggestion which could question that football side. Where are their weaknesses right now? When do they look as though they don’t have control of the fixture?
I’ve taken City to score in both halves for their last couple games and it’s landed every time. Get on again at 13/20.
Thursday 30 December
Everton 17/20
Draw 26/20
Newcastle United 31/10
(21:30)
I’m not completely sold on what to expect from Everton. They struggled for parts of this season, they weren’t playing fantastic football, the pressure began weighing on Rafa Benitez’s shoulders and the tensions at Goodison Park became palpable even through a television screen.
The Toffee’s haven’t played since the 16th of December, but surely the win against Arsenal and the draw with Chelsea would have put that team in a good place before they then had ten days to work and prepare for this next run of games.
Newcastle won’t be easy though; they will ask questions of the Everton defence and they have players who can make things uncomfortable. Tough game to call but I’m going to tentatively back the home side.
Manchester United 7/20
Draw 4/1
Burnley 7/1
(22:15)
Manchester United’s new interim manager Ralf Rangnick has had an immediate impact since his arrival. There is evidence of a new approach but the issues in their midfield still ring the loudest.
Burnley, much like United, haven’t had the full Christmas fixture calendar due to the COVID-19 impact and I’m intrigued to see how some sides respond to the interruptions. On the one hand you have some time to recover, train or have some time to work with the coaching staff…on the other hand you might have started to go on a roll only for it all to be halted.
Burnley are a little too brittle on defence for me, they haven’t managed pressure in their own box very well and I think United have attacking players who will hurt them. 7/20 is a little skinny, but I’d add it to multiples.
QUAD @ 8/1
Tottenham Win 21/20
Liverpool (-1) Handicap 9/10
Man City To Score In Both Halves (Yes) 13/20
Man United 7/20
Written by Ryan Liberty