Happy New Year! Its 2022 and this year will be fantastic for all of us…can I get some affirmation please!
There is no better compliment to the New Year celebrating than some brilliant football so without further ado…here we go.
Saturday 1 January
Leicester City 9/20
Draw 36/10
Norwich City 52/10
(17:00)
It is usually around this time of year that we all start finalizing opinions around who will go on and win the league…so in the same spirit I’m going to say anyone hosting Norwich should be seeing that as three points secured.
Of course, football isn’t played on paper, and anything can happen – but from a betting perspective we should get stuck in on Leicester. They haven’t been great themselves though, but they have too much quality not to win here. Back the hosts.
Watford 36/10
Draw 11/4
Tottenham 15/20
(17:00)
Watford haven’t really looked all that good since beating United 4-1 at Vicarage Road, and welcoming Antonio Conte and Spurs won’t be a fixture that I suspect anything changes.
Since the Italian’s arrival, Spurs have returned to playing football like a hungry and passionate side. The tempo with which they play has significantly increased, and when you factor in the quality they already possess, suddenly they come into the frame as another tough visitor to host. 15/20 is good enough for me – get involved.
Crystal Palace 39/10
Draw 47/20
West Ham United 14/10
(19:30)
This is a tough game to call, and the fact that it’s going to be played at Selhurst Park makes it even more so. West Ham have gone through a bit of slump, but whenever they play in front of their home fans with a couple bubbles floating about – they always look as though they could win…on the road? Not so much.
I’ve said enough times that Palace have been incredibly impressive this season. They are a gritty side who are incredibly well coached, well set-up and always prepared to have a crack. I wouldn’t be in a hurry to add this to any multiples, but for a bet on the nose – back the draw.
Sunday 2 January
Brentford 7/4
Draw 23/10
Aston Villa 31/20
(16:00)
Brentford remain such a spirited team to watch, I don’t want to take anything away from their footballing ability and the coaching work being done, but the attitude with which they have come into the league is, for me, the key to their success on the pitch and in winning over the admiration of the neutral.
Villa have been fantastic since Steven Gerrard has come in. Yes, their results are inconsistent and slightly patchy but the patient and robust defending we now see, together with their fearless attack will only produce positive results. It’s a bit of a safe bet but playing at the Brentford Community Stadium isn’t easy – 4/10 about the visitors on the Win/Draw Double Chance is good enough for me.
Southampton 8/10
Draw 11/4
Newcastle United 31/10
(16:00)
This is another tricky game for punters. On their day either team could win and nobody would bat an eyelid. I think the price available on Newcastle is a little intriguing. They were really poor against Leicester, but the games since then (putting a proverbial line through their City fixture), I thought they were competitive.
Southampton blow hot and cold, and taking nothing away from the quiet work they are doing…I don’t trust them with my money. I think both teams to score at 13/20 makes plenty appeal.
Leeds United 11/10
Draw 24/10
Burnley 47/20
(16:00)
Leeds could be a smart bet here. They’ve had games called off due to COVID-19 disruptions and (much like Manchester United) will return, assumedly, with a fully fit squad.
Patrick Bamford makes a world of difference and the sooner he’s back on the field the better for Marcelo Bielsa’s chargers. Burnley will want to protect their shape here and therein lies their downfall…Leeds will look to force the game to become a bit open and free flowing, if they get that right they win. Back the home win, at 11/10 I’m not sure you need much more convincing.
Everton 29/20
Draw 9/4
Brighton 39/20
(16:00)
If it looks like a draw and quacks like a draw…it’s probably a draw. These are two proper Premier League teams, the inconsistency associated with both teams’ results aside – one thing you can be sure of is that they will both be up for it.
I think we’ll see a physical game, but a tight one at that. For all betting purposes I think under 2.5 goals might be the way to go. Get on at 7/10.
Monday 3 January
Manchester United 11/20
Draw 32/10
Wolves 48/10
(22:15)
Whenever these teams meet its always a tough game. Wolves have never won at Old Trafford, and whilst I don’t expect that to change any time soon…this won’t be straightforward for Ralf Rangnick’s side.
United have accepted the gegenpressing style of play their German boss has looked to introduce, although at Old Trafford at this point it’s less Rock and Roll and more sort of R’nB… (not quite at that rock pace is all I’m getting at) but it’s still early days.
Back United + under 3.5 at a pleasant 13/10.
Written by Ryan Liberty