Another week goes in the Premier League and not much has changed since the turn of the year. Liverpool are still well-clear at the top of the standings; Chelsea look to be in the driving seat for top four and Norwich seem destined for the drop after yet another demolition away from home. This weekend throws up more interesting ties with Liverpool’s humdinger against Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday being the biggest blockbuster. Elsewhere, there’s plenty of mouth-watering encounters which will draw us to our television screens, while we hope to make a bit of income while enjoying the best league on the planet.
Standings provided by Sofascore LiveScore
Saturday 18 January
Watford 22/10
Draw 5/2
Tottenham 12/10
(14:30)
Premier League football gets underway at Vicarage Road this weekend as Watford host Tottenham Hotspur in an early kick-off on Saturday. Nigel Pearson has come in and turned Watford’s season around completely. In fact, even during their torrid times, this team was way too good to go down. The Hornets come into this game on a five-game unbeaten run, winning four times, keeping clean sheets in three of those ties – including over Manchester United. Tottenham lost their eighth game of the campaign last time out, going down 1-0 at home to Liverpool. That result stretched Spurs’ winless run to three games in the league, suffering back-to-back defeats without scoring a single goal. Watford are more than worth a punt here at 22/10, get on!
West Ham 19/10
Draw 24/10
Everton 14/10
(17:00)
It’s the David Moyes derby as his former club, Everton, travel to his West Ham side on Saturday afternoon. Despite losing their last encounter away at Sheffield United last Friday, the Hammers looked like a well-run team again and were unfortunate not to get a positive result at Bramall Lane. Everton have been superb since the sacking of Marco Silva, with Duncan Ferguson and Carlo Ancelotti bringing in a feel-good factor to the club again. The Toffees have lost just one of their last seven league matches, which came away at Manchester City, so perhaps Everton won’t feel too disheartened by that result. Take Ancelotti’s men to Win Either Half here at 15/20.
Arsenal 8/10
Draw 26/10
Sheffield United 34/10
(17:00)
Arsenal will be looking to continue their unbeaten run in 2020 when they welcome Sheffield United to the Emirates Stadium. Never in our wildest dream did we imagine the visitors being four points clear of the Gunners at this stage of the season, not only because of Arsenal’s downfall, but because Chris Wilder’s men have been superb this term. Under Mikel Arteta, though, Arsenal have looked like a different side and are playing at a much higher tempo. In their last home tie, they cruised to a 2-0 victory over Manchester United in what was arguably Arsenal’s best performance this season. With home ground advantage, Arsenal should grind a victory over Sheffield United.
Brighton 13/20
Draw 32/10
Aston Villa 39/10
(17:00)
It’s another six-pointer to look forward to in the Premier League this weekend as Brighton host Aston Villa at the Amex Stadium. Just three points separate these two sides with Brighton in 14th place, while Villa dropped down to the relegation zone after their 6-1 home defeat to Manchester City. Brighton were narrowly beaten at Everton last weekend, but will return to the Amex this weekend where they ride a two-game unbeaten run, drawing against Chelsea and beating Bournemouth. The home win is definitely worth including in all multiples at 13/20.
Manchester City 1/10
Draw 9/1
Crystal Palace 22/1
(17:00)
Manchester City showed their class last weekend, smashing Aston Villa 6-1 away from home. That result took City back up to second after Leicester City’s failure against Southampton. Crystal Palace earned a 1-1 draw against 10-man Arsenal and will still be without Luka Milivojevic, who has two games left to serve for his suspension. Kevin De Bruyne has been one of the standout players this season and with Riyad Mahrez, Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus all finding their scoring boots at the right time of the season, it could be a bloodbath for Palace. Take City to Win Both Halves at 8/10.
Norwich 12/10
Draw 51/20
Bournemouth 22/10
(17:00)
It’s not often that you will see Norwich as overwhelming favourites this season, but against Bournemouth, right now, they definitely should be. Talk of Eddie Howe receiving his marching orders intensified after the Cherries suffered their ninth defeat in 11 games at home to Watford, losing 3-0. Norwich were hammered 4-0 at Manchester United last time out, but should be able to welcome back star-striker, Teemu Pukki, back from his hamstring injury which will come as a massive boost as Norwich look to get closer to survival. My money is on the home win.
Southampton 15/10
Draw 47/20
Wolves 19/10
(17:00)
Southampton have turned their fortunes around completely and are on course for a strong second half of the season. The Saints are now unbeaten in five league matches, winning four times including wins away to Chelsea and Leicester City, while they also beat Spurs in their last home game in the league. Since beating Manchester City, Wolves have suffered a slight dip in form, losing back-to-back games at Liverpool and Watford before drawing at home to Newcastle. However, Wolves do tend to raise their game against the in-form teams in the division and perhaps their counter-attacking approach will come in handy against this high-flying Southampton side. Back Wolves on the Win/Draw Double Chance at 5/10.
Newcastle United 5/1
Draw 7/2
Chelsea 5/10
(19:30)
Saturday’s Premier League action concludes at St. James’ Park where Chelsea travel north to face Newcastle United. The Blues gained some ground on Leicester, while Tottenham also dropped points this past weekend, and with Manchester United playing Liverpool on Sunday, its exciting times for Frank Lampard’s side. Newcastle got a commendable point at Wolves last weekend, but before that, Steve Bruce’s men lost three on the trot. Chelsea’s form on the road should be well-documented by now and with Tammy Abraham looking to get closer to winning the Golden Boot, I’m considering this one a banker. Get on the away win at all costs!
Sunday 19 January
Burnley 33/10
Draw 26/10
Leicester City 8/10
(16:00)
Sunday’s curtain-raiser sees third-placed Leicester City travel to Turf Moor to take on Burnley. Without Wilfred Ndidi, who is injured, the Foxes lacked a key figure in their team. His absence left a similar feeling to when Leicester City had first lost N’Golo Kante. Burnley are on a torrid run of four losses in a row which has resulted in the Clarets being sucked back into a relegation scramble. Burnley need a win, but you just don’t know where the goals will come from with Sean Dyche’s men failing to score in three of their last four matches. Back the away win here.
Liverpool 9/20
Draw 37/10
Manchester United 6/1
(18:30)
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QUAD @ 7/1
Arsenal Win 8/10
Brighton Win 13/20
Chelsea Win 5/10
Leicester City Win 8/10
Written by Jesse Nagel