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West Ham United v Newcastle United Betting 23/12/17
West Ham United v Newcastle United Betting Preview
Back West Ham to beat Newcastle at the London Stadium
West Ham United
The David Moyes revolution is in full flow at West Ham. The Hammers are unbeaten in their last three in the league, and despite a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup in midweek, they look a much tighter and more dangerous unit than what we saw under Slaven Bilic earlier in the season. A convincing 3-0 win over Stoke last time out in the league gave them a much-needed confidence boost, albeit they faced a very poor Stoke side. And after taking four points from home ties against Arsenal and Chelsea they certainly won’t fear an out-of-form Newcastle team this weekend.
They can’t get carried away, however, as they currently sit 15th in the table, only two points above the relegation zone. Despite their recent run of good form they’ve only won four of their 18 league games this season and they’re far from safe as we reach the half-way stage. They’ve also only found the net eight times at home, only bottom side Swansea have managed fewer (5), however they haven’t conceded in any of their last three and they come up against a Newcastle side struggling in front of goal – I fancy their chances.
Newcastle United
It’s now four successive league defeats for Rafa Benitez and Newcastle United following their 1-0 loss to Arsenal last weekend. How they failed to score was a mystery, but also a worry that a side looking confident going forward are struggling to convert. The defeat means they now have no wins in their last nine, and only one in their last 13, with their sole victory in that period coming against Crystal Palace back in October.
The Magpies are sitting dangerously in 18th position, two points off safety but only three points off rock bottom. Their away record won’t fill them with confidence either, as it reads one win in nine games – with six defeats. A visit from Manchester City follows on Boxing Day, before hugely important fixtures against fellow strugglers Brighton and Stoke, so Benitez needs to turn things around at St James’ Park over the Christmas period to avoid his side falling further away from safety.
Head-to-Head
Newcastle have won the last two encounters between the sides, including a comfortable 3-0 league win back in August. The Magpies have, however, lost on their last two visits to West Ham, and failed to score on both occasions. The home side has come away victorious in all of the last five meetings between the two, and West Ham look to have a good chance of continuing that record today.
To score – Aaron Cresswell 9/1
Cresswell is the only current West Ham player to have scored against Newcastle for the Hammers, apart from Mark Noble, who misses the game through injury, back in 2008. The left-back netted in his side’s 1-0 home win back in November 2014. He’s featured in 17 of West Ham’s 18 league games so far and always poses a threat down the left-hand side when going forward. With odds of 9/1 it might be a risk worth taking.
Both teams to score – No 10/11
Newcastle have failed to score in three of their last four visits to the Hammers, and given their current struggles in front of goal I think they may find it difficult to break David Moyes’ side down this time around. However, they have scored in their last three away matches in the league. I’m backing ‘no’ at 10/11.
Match odds – West Ham United 11/10
Newcastle know they have to start winning games soon, and considering West Ham’s home record this season is no better than average they’ll go into the game with hope of taking something away from the London Stadium. The Hammers have finally found their rhythm and are looking to go four league games unbeaten for the first time this season – the players and the fans will be up for this one and I’m backing them to claim another three points at 11/10. A draw is priced at 12/5 or you can back odds of 29/10 for a Newcastle win.
Writer’s Prediction: West Ham United 2 v 0 Newcastle United
*Odds correct at the time of publication, click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches.
AFC Bournemouth v Liverpool Betting 17/12/17
AFC Bournemouth v Liverpool Betting Preview
Back Liverpool to keep up their top-four push with a win
AFC Bournemouth
Eddie Howe’s side come into the game following a narrow 1-0 defeat away at Manchester United in the week, and they’ll feel aggrieved they weren’t able to come away with more. The result leaves the Cherries 14th in the table, only two points above the relegation zone as we approach the half way point in the season, and with no wins in their last five league games, the fans will be starting to feel a little uncomfortable with their position.
It looks like a tough festive period for Bournemouth too, as they face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup and Manchester City in the league following their meeting with Liverpool on Sunday, so it’s difficult to see them picking up many points in the coming weeks. On the plus side, they’ve only conceded 20 goals all season, the same tally as Liverpool. However they’ve not been prolific in front of goal, and with only two wins in eight home league games this season, Howe’s side could struggle against an in-from Liverpool.
Liverpool
The Reds are in a rich vein of form of late, and their goalless draw with West Brom on Wednesday means they’re now unbeaten in their last 11 games in all competitions. They currently sit fifth in the league, only behind Spurs on goal difference, and with last year’s runners-up travelling to high-flying Manchester City on Saturday, Jurgen Klopp will know there’s a good chance his side could end the week in the top four.
He’ll have even more confidence knowing his side have only lost two of their 17 league games so far, and that they’ve scored 12 goals in three successive league wins on their travels. They’ve found the net 20 times away from home, only Manchester City have more, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Klopp field his strongest side as they go in search of more success on the road. Their form in the month of December is rather impressive, having only lost one of their last 12 games – but that one defeat came against Bournemouth, in this fixture last season.
Head-to-Head
The two sides have met seven times before, with Liverpool winning five. Last season Bournemouth were unbeaten against the Reds in the league, winning this fixture 4-3 and taking a point away from Anfield. However prior to last season Liverpool had won all three meetings at the Vitality Stadium, and they could well prove too strong for the Cherries again on Sunday.
To score – Mohammed Salah 10/11
November’s player of the month Mo Salah is having an incredible first season on Merseyside. He’s now scored 13 goals and assisted a further four in his 17 league appearances, and has found the net eight times in his last seven. His form away from home is prolific, having scored in five of Liverpool’s eight league games on their travels, and I’m backing him to find the net again priced at 10/11.
Both teams to score – Yes 7/10
We’ve been treated to some goal fests in the last few meetings between the two sides – they’ve shared 14 goals in their last three encounters, and have both found the net in all but one of the four meetings at the Vitality. Liverpool have been prolific in front of goal away from home this season, and Bournemouth’s resolute defence will be tested. However the Reds have conceded 20 goals in the league, the most of any side in the top six, so Eddie Howe will be encouraging his side to attack on Sunday, as they did at Old Trafford in the week. I’m backing both teams to score with odds of 7/10.
Despite drawing their last two, Liverpool are on a fantastic run of form, and I expect them to get back to winning ways on Sunday. A win for the Reds is priced at 8/15. You can back a draw at 7/2, or odds of 11/2 are available for a Bournemouth win.
Writer’s Prediction: AFC Bournemouth 1 – 3 Liverpool
*Odds correct at the time of publication, click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches.
Benfica v Manchester United Betting 18/10/17
Benfica v Manchester United Betting Preview
Back Manchester United to maintain 100% Champions League record with win
Benfica
Currently third in the Primeira Liga, Benfica have enjoyed a strong start to their domestic season. They’ve suffered only one defeat in eight league games, and have won another five. However their Champions League form has been anything but strong, with Rui Vitoria’s side losing both group games, including a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Basel last time out – a side who lost 3-0 to Manchester United prior to that.
It’s no doubt that Benfica are the underdogs heading into this tie, and their confidence would have been damaged by that devastating defeat, but the Portuguese side have scored in every home game this season, and in front of around 60,000 home fans, they can be a threat to any side on their own patch. Manchester United have only conceded four goals in 11 games in all competitions so far, so they’ll have to be at their best to find the net, but they’ll know a defeat will make it almost impossible for them to qualify for the last 16, so they’ll be determined to get a result.
Manchester United
Jose Mourinho’s men, on the other hand, have enjoyed an excellent start to the season in all competitions. United are currently second in the Premier League table with six wins and two draws and remain unbeaten. In fact, they haven’t lost any of their last 14 matches in all competitions and will prove a very tough opponent for Benfica tomorrow night. The performance shown in their 0-0 draw with Liverpool on Saturday was well below par, but Wednesday should be an easier task and Mourinho will be expecting a good result.
They’ve won both of their group games so far, scoring seven and conceding only one, and have looked extremely strong across all areas of the pitch. They’ll have to manage without Paul Pogba, Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick in midfield who are all ruled out through injury, but one thing United have this season that they haven’t had in recent years is strength in depth, and Mourinho will still be confident of coming away with a win. Their last defeat away from home came back in May when Tottenham beat them 2-1, and I think they’ll extent that unbeaten run tomorrow night.
Head-to-Head
The two sides drew both meetings when they met in the 2011/12 Champions League group stage, however Benfica have only managed to beat United once in nine attempts, coming back in 2005. United famously claimed their first European title back in 1968 with a 4-1 win over tomorrow’s opponents, and as they’re unbeaten in their last four meetings I think Mourinho’s men will prove hard to beat once more.
To score first – Marcus Rashford 11/2
The obvious choice would be Romelu Lukaku, who has scored 11 goals in as many games for United this season, including three in the Champions League. However the Belgian endured a frustrating performance against Liverpool at the weekend, and after only recently returning from a minor ankle injury Mourinho may well choose to rest him. That will give Marcus Rashford the chance to lead the line, and he proved he’s more than capable on the biggest European stage after netting against Basel last month. I’m backing Rashford to score first, priced at 11/2.
Both teams to score – Yes 10/11
Given Benfica’s goalscoring record at home this season I think United will struggle to keep them out for 90 minutes, despite looking defensively sound all season. United failed to find the net against Liverpool at the weekend but this is an easier task and given their record in the competition so far it seems almost certain they’ll score tomorrow night. Back odds of 10/11 for both teams to score.
Match odds – Manchester United 10/11
At almost evens, I think it’s difficult to oppose backing Manchester United in this one. They’ve won two from two in the competition so far, whereas Benfica have lost both and look vulnerable. It won’t be a walkover for Mourinho’s side but he will be expecting a good result. I recommend backing United to win at 10/11, however you can back odds of 13/5 for a draw or 7/2 for a Benfica win.
Writer’s Prediction: Benfica 1 – 2 Manchester United
*Odds correct at the time of publication, click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches.
Manchester City v Liverpool Betting 09/09/17
Manchester City v Liverpool Betting Preview
Back a draw between these two in-from sides
Manchester City
Unbeaten in their opening three Premier League games, Manchester City head into Saturday’s clash with Liverpool still favourites to win the league. They’ve won two and drawn one so far, leaving them level on points with Liverpool, Huddersfield and West Brom on seven, sitting fourth on goal difference. Pep Guardiola’s men recorded a convincing 2-0 win over Brighton on the opening day before being held by Everton at home, but a last-gasp winner against Bournemouth last time out got them back to winning ways.
They were far from perfect against the Cherries, but City’s perseverance was clear to see in their 2-1 win over Eddie Howe’s men, a vital trait for any title contenders. The victory was marred by Raheem Sterling’s questionable red card following the winning goal, but Guardiola will be confident his side can put in a big performance in the English winger’s absence. They’ve scored five goals in three matches, with Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero looking dangerous, and Jurgen Klopp will need to set his Liverpool side up to defend against the threat they pose. Unbeaten in their last 16 home matches in all competitions, Manchester City will most likely prove hard to beat here.
Liverpool
Liverpool have enjoyed an identical start to City, winning two and drawing one of their opening three fixtures, however their superior goal difference leaves them second in the table after three games. They humiliated a very poor Arsenal side in their latest outing, and that 4-0 win will give them a lot of confidence heading to the home of the 2013/14 Premier League Champions.
They were held by Watford on the opening weekend, having to settle for 3-3 draw despite looking very impressive on the attack – however not so impressive at the back. Their 1-0 win over Crystal Palace as well as their aggregate victory over Hoffenheim in Champions League qualifying certainly settled their early nerves, and that was evident against Arsenal a fortnight ago. They’ve scored eight goals in their opening three league matches, and have won four of their last five away from home – I’m backing them to take a point away from the Etihad this weekend, and if Mane, Salah and Firmino all fire again they could even expect to take more.
Head-to-Head
Liverpool are unbeaten in their last five Premier League meetings with Manchester City, winning four and drawing one. Last season’s fixture at the Etihad ended in a 1-1 draw, with Liverpool winning the previous season’s encounter 4-1. City have failed to score more than one goal in any of their last six meetings with Liverpool, with the Reds netting 12 times in the same number of games.
To score – Roberto Firmino 13/8
The Brazilian forward is bang in form this season, and with two goals and two assists in the league so far, he looks very dangerous indeed. He’s been on the scoresheet in the Champions League, netting in Liverpool’s second-leg 4-2 win over Hoffenheim a fortnight ago. Firmino also has two goals against Manchester City to his name, both coming in the 2015/16 season, including one in Liverpool’s 4-1 thumping at the Etihad. Considering the form he’s in and the support he’s got around him I fancy Firmino to find the net at any time on Saturday, priced at 13/8.
These two teams look as though they’ve established two of the most threatening attacking line-ups in the league and goals look very likely. They’ve scored 13 between them so far, and both defences look far from unbreakable. It’s also worth considering that both sides have scored in the last five meetings between them at the Etihad, and it may well be worth backing both teams to score at 1/2.
Neither side will want to lose ground on leaders Manchester United, and both managers certainly won’t want to lose this one. It’s early days but both sides look equally as strong, especially going forward, and we could well see a lot of attacking football when the two sides meet on Saturday. I fancy a draw between two in-form sides, priced at 14/5, however you can back odds of 4/5 for a City win, or 3/1 for Liverpool to make it five wins from their last six Premier League meetings – very good odds considering recent results.
Writer’s Prediction: Manchester City 2 – 2 Liverpool
*Odds correct at the time of publication, click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches.
Manchester United v Leicester City Betting 26/08/17
Manchester United v Leicester City Betting Preview
Back Mourinho’s men to make it three wins from three
Manchester United
What a start it’s been for Manchester United. They top the table after two weeks of the new Premier League season following 4-0 victories against West Ham and Swansea, and from what we’ve seen so far Mourinho’s men look very impressive indeed. They dominated last weekend’s clash away at Swansea, and although the scoreline slightly flattered them, you can take nothing away from their persistence and desire to close out the game. Mourinho has his team looking just how he wants them.
Playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been one of United’s standout players so far, assisting half of his side’s eight league goals, already one more than he managed in the whole of the 2016/17 season. Record signing Paul Pogba has also showed signs of living up to his enormous price tag, and new signing Romelu Lukaku has already found the net three times. The Old Trafford faithful will be expecting a third straight victory based on what they’ve seen so far, and if they’re anywhere near their best then I think they’ll provide it. United have now gone 31 home games without defeat, stretching back to September last year, and they won’t want that run to end now.
Leicester City
Despite only winning one of their opening two league games, Leicester have been impressive in both outings and have showed signs of regaining some of the form seen during their title-winning season two years ago. After being edged out by Arsenal in a seven-goal thriller on the opening day, Craig Shakespeare’s men returned to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Brighton on Saturday, and they dominated the tie from start to finish.
They currently sit ninth in the table with three points, and they have a big task on their hands going to Manchester in search of points this weekend. The Foxes face Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, as well as high-flying Huddersfield Town, in the next four weeks of the season, so it’s difficult to see Shakespeare’s side picking up too many points over the next month, but they’ll head into the game knowing that on their day they can be a serious threat to any Premier League side – just check the history books.
Head-to-Head
They won’t, however, take confidence from the two sides’ head-to-head record. Leicester have had very little luck in recent encounters, winning only one of the last 18 meetings, with United winning 14. Mourinho’s men stormed to a 4-1 victory in this fixture last time around, and their 3-0 win in the reverse fixture gives the Red Devils a very big chance on paper. The last time United lost at home to Leicester was 1998, and it looks unlikely that that run will come to an end on Saturday.
The Frenchman has been superb so far. The midfield maestro has controlled each of his side’s first two games almost single-handedly, and he has two goals and two assists to show for it. Despite his resolute defensive work, Pogba loves to get forward and give himself a chance in front of goal, and we’ve seen that against both West Ham and Swansea. He also scored in this fixture last season, so I wouldn’t bet against him finding the net at any time, especially priced at 15/8.
Both teams have found the net in six of the last seven meetings, and the two sides have produced some high-scoring games in recent years. United’s defence looks very solid, and Leicester looked much more resolute at the back last weekend after conceding four on the opening day, so they will both be difficult to break down, but United very rarely fail to score at home, and don’t forget Leicester have scored in their last three trips to Old Trafford. With eight goals in two games for Mourinho’s men and five for the Foxes, I’m backing both teams to score at evens.
Match odds – Manchester United 1/3
They’ll have to work hard for all the points, but I can see United making it three wins from three on Saturday, priced at 1/3. You can back a draw at 9/2, or a Leicester win at 10/1 – very appealing odds for a team that have proved in the past they’re capable of beating Manchester United on their day.
Writer’s Prediction: Manchester United 3 v 1 Leicester City
*Odds correct at the time of publication, click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches.
Liverpool v Middlesbrough Betting 21/05/17
Liverpool v Middlesbrough Betting Preview
Back Liverpool to secure a top-four finish with a win
Liverpool
Three teams can still finish in the top-four and qualify for the Champions League, and Liverpool are right in the mix. The Reds are currently fourth sitting on 73 points, two behind Manchester City and one ahead of Arsenal in fifth. A win for Jurgen Klopp’s side would guarantee Champions League football next season, but would need Man City to slip up against struggling Watford to claim third and automatic qualification to the group stage.
They will be focusing on their own performance, and a 4-0 win away at West Ham earlier in the week was the perfect preparation for this final day clash with relegated Middlesbrough. They’ve only lost one of their last 11 Premier League games, and the Anfield faithful will be expecting another victory on Sunday. They have only won one of their last three at home, and haven’t won a final league game of the season since 2014, but I don’t think there’s much doubt they’ll pick up three vital points this weekend.
Middlesbrough
It was always going to be a tough task for Middlesbrough to stay in the Premier League this season, and after having relegation confirmed a couple of weeks ago they come into the final day with nothing but pride to play for. They’ve only won five Premier League games all season, and only one since Christmas, so it looks a very difficult ask for them to take anything away from Sunday’s game.
They’ve also only won once away from home all season, netting only ten goals, the second-worst away tally in the league behind Hull City (9). They’ve lost their last two and haven’t beaten a top-six side this campaign, and with nothing to play for I don’t fancy their chances at all.
Head-to-Head
The form book doesn’t look promising for Middlesbrough in this one. They have only won one of the last 11 meetings between the two, stretching back to 2005, and haven’t claimed a victory at Anfield since 1976. Liverpool won the reverse fixture 3-0 earlier in the season, and I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see a similar result on Sunday.
To score – Daniel Sturridge 8/11
The English forward has only played 687 minutes of Premier League football this season, but scored on his first start since January in Liverpool’s 4-0 win over West Ham earlier in the week. He currently has three goals in his 19 league appearances this campaign, and only one of those has come at Anfield, but I think Jurgen Klopp will start him on Sunday as Liverpool will be going for the win. I’m backing him to find the net at any time, priced at 8/11.
Middlesbrough have only scored 27 league goals all season, the lowest of any team in the league, and their away form this campaign doesn’t give them much hope of scoring here. Prior to their 0-0 draw with Southampton two weeks ago, Liverpool had scored in their previous 14 homes games, and after keeping five clean sheets in their last seven wins against Middlesbrough I wouldn’t be surprised to see them win to nil on Sunday. You can back odds of 2/5 for it.
Liverpool know that they need a win to stand a chance of qualifying automatically for the Champion League next season, and I expect them to go all out against a Middlesbrough side with nothing to play for. You can back the Reds to win at 1/7, but it may be wiser to put them in an accumulator to increase the odds. A draw is priced at 8/1, and an almost-impossible Middlesbrough win you would feel is currently 22/1.
Writer’s Prediction: Liverpool 3 – 0 Middlesbrough
*Odds correct at the time of publication, click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches.
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United Betting 14/05/17
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United Betting Preview
Back Spurs to all but end United’s top-four hopes with win
Tottenham Hotspur
The Lily Whites are guaranteed a second-place finish, their highest in Premier League history, but there’s still a sense of ‘what could have been’ in the white half of North London. At one stage it looked like Spurs were going to push Chelsea right down to the wire, but a 1-0 defeat to West Ham last week meant that Chelsea could secure the title away at West Brom last night, and they did.
Their first league defeat in ten matches couldn’t have come at a worse time, but they’ll be determined to add to their record points tally this weekend, which is currently five points more than their best-ever total (72) with three games to go. Poccetino’s men are unbeaten in 23 domestic home matches this season, winning 16 of their 18 league games at White Hart Lane. They’ve also got the best defensive record in the league, conceding only 23 goals to this point. Unbeaten against the other four top-five teams, Spurs will head into this game as favourites, and I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see them take all three points on Sunday.
Manchester United
Mourinho’s men suffered their first league defeat since October when Arsenal came away 2-0 winners at the Emirates last weekend. United didn’t look interested, and clearly had their minds focused on their Europa League campaign. A 1-1 draw with Celta Vigo on Thursday secured their place in the final of the competition, where a victory would ensure Champions League football next season – not only that, but it would guarantee entering at the group stage, whereas finishing fourth in the league wouldn’t. I wouldn’t expect a full-strength United side on Sunday.
Their record against top teams this season doesn’t make for good reading anyway. Their 2-0 defeat to Arsenal means they have failed to score in any of their away matches against top-six sides, the worst record of any side in the league. However, they have been one of the hardest teams to break down this campaign, and they have the joint fewest defeats in the league, four, along with Spurs, and prior to last weekend, United had only conceded six goals in their last 13 games in all competitions. If Manchester City and Liverpool both win this weekend it will be very difficult for them to finish in the top four, but dropping points on Sunday would make it almost impossible.
Head-to-Head
United have only lost one of their last five meetings with Spurs, however they haven’t won at the Lane in their last four attempts. With no away goals in their last two it’s hard to fancy their chances, especially when considering their awful goalscoring record against top-six teams this season, but Tottenham’s victory in this fixture last campaign was their first in the Premier League since 2001, so it’s far from a foregone conclusion.
Despite his injury problems this season, Harry Kane is only three goals behind current Premier League top scorer Romelu Lukaku with three games to go. The Englishman is on 21 goals in his 27 league appearances this season. Across all competitions he’s averaged a goal every 107 minutes, and after scoring 14 goals in his last 14 league starts it seems a good bet backing him to score in this one. He also has 10 goals in his last six home starts, however he’s never found the net against Manchester United. You can back him to score at any time on Sunday at 10/11.
Both teams to score – No 19/20
One of the two sides have kept a clean sheet in all of the last five meetings. The last time the two met at White Hart Lane Spurs came away 3-0 victors, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a similar result this weekend. You can back odds of 19/20 for at least one side to fail to score.
It will be a special day for everyone associated with Tottenham Hotspur as they play out their final game at White Hart Lane. They’ll want to bow out with a win, and I can’t see them coming away with anything other than three points. Mourinho will be out to spoil their party, but he seems adamant on prioritising the Europa League final and may well set up for a draw. United played West Ham in their final game at the Boleyn Ground last season, and lost 3-2, so I’m backing Spurs to win at 4/5. The draw is priced at 11/4, or you can back a Manchester United win at 4/1.
Writer’s Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2 – 0 Manchester United
*Odds correct at the time of publication, click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches.
Manchester City v Crystal Palace Betting 06/05/17
Manchester City v Crystal Palace Betting Preview
Back Manchester City to strengthen their top four chances with a win
Manchester City
Manchester City are not experiencing the best run of forms at the moment, and with only four games left they need to turn that around this weekend. Pep Guardiola’s men have only won two of their last nine in all competitions – hardly the form of a side looking to secure Champions League football next season.
They’re without a win in any of their last three outings, drawing to Manchester United and relegation-threatened Middlesbrough as well as a 2-1 FA Cup defeat (after extra time) to Arsenal two weeks ago. However they’ve only lost once at home all season, and that was against Chelsea. They know that any slip-ups between now and the end of the season will hand the advantage to Manchester United and Liverpool in the chase for a top-four finish, but they’ve only won half of their 16 home league games this season, so a win on Saturday is far from certain.
Crystal Palace
Despite a slow start to his reign as Crystal Palace manager, Sam Allardyce has all but guaranteed the Eagles’ place in the Premier League for next season when looking destined for the drop at Christmas. Palace had only won four of their opening 17 games before Allardyce took over, and they’re now close to securing top-flight football for the fifth consecutive season. They’re currently six points clear of the relegation zone with 38 points, and a win on Saturday would all but guarantee survival.
They come into the game on the back of a good run of form, having lost only three of their last ten in the league. Allardyce’s men have taken three points from Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool in recent weeks, and will have the belief that they can cause another upset this weekend. Despite sitting 16th in the table, they have the best goal difference of any team in the bottom 11, and only the top seven and Bournemouth have scored more league goals this season (46). They have however lost their last two, including a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Burnley at the weekend, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see that run stretch to three on Saturday.
Head-to-Head
Manchester City have won 12 of the last 13 meetings between the two sides, and haven’t lost at home to the Eagles since 1990. Crystal Palace have failed to keep a clean sheet against City since 1995, and with City fighting for Champions League football it’s likely they won’t hold back in front of goal. There hasn’t been a draw in this fixture in the last 14 meetings, and I think we’re unlikely to see one this time around.
The Argentine, as he is so often, is in fine form. He’s scored in seven of Manchester City’s last eight games in all competitions, and currently has 18 goals in the Premier League so far this season. You wouldn’t want to bet against him scoring at home right now, and I recommend backing odds of 4/9 for Sergio Aguero to score on Saturday.
Crystal Palace, despite failing to score in their last two league encounters, have found the net in four of their last five away games, and with away wins against both Chelsea and Liverpool in recent weeks they’ve proved their ability to produce in front of goal in the big games. Manchester City have scored in 14 of their 16 home league games this season, with only Stoke and Manchester United keeping clean sheets at the Etihad. They’ve also scored eight times in their last four league games. I fancy both teams to find the net on Saturday, with both teams to score priced at 4/6.
Match odds – Manchester City 1/4
As good as Palace’s away form has been in recent weeks I can’t see Sam Allardyce’s men getting a result at the Etihad on Saturday. City know that they need to win all their remaining games to secure Champions League football and they’ll be determined to go out and take all three points. Their record against Palace is an impressive one, and I’m backing Guardiola’s men to win at 1/4, although it may be wiser to include it in an accumulator rather than a single bet. The draw is priced at 19/4 or you can back odds of 10/1 for a Crystal Palace win.
Writer’s Prediction: Manchester City 3 – 2 Crystal Palace (22/1)
*Odds correct at the time of publication, click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches.
Everton v Leicester City Betting 09/04/17
Everton v Leicester City Betting Preview
Back Everton to halt Leicester’s charge with a draw
Everton
Ronald Koeman’s men have been in fine form recently, and they’re still in with a chance of securing European football come the end of the season. The Toffees are currently seventh in the table with 51 points, only seven points off the top four. Their recent form has been excellent, having lost only three of their last 15 in all competitions, with those defeats coming against Liverpool, Tottenham and Sunday’s opponents Leicester.
While their general form has been good, their performances at Goodison Park have been superb. Everton have only lost one of their 15 home games in the league all season, winning ten. They have the fourth-best home record in the league, and have only conceded ten goals on home turf this campaign – the second best tally behind Tottenham. They’ve scored 23 goals in their last seven games at Goodison, so I think they’ll pose a tough test for Champions Leicester.
Leicester City
Any relegation fears Leicester City had have been well and truly wiped out, and the Foxes are now in search of a top-half finish. Following the sacking of Claudio Ranieri, Leicester have won all their last six games, and are currently 11th in the table with 36 points. Craig Shakespeare has restored the sort of form we became so accustomed to last season, and Leicester fans will want to see the run continue on Sunday.
They’ve scored 11 goals in their last five in the league, and with players such as Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez getting back to their best Everton will have to solid defensively to keep them at bay. Over the course of the season Leicester’s away form has been poor, in fact it’s the third-worst record in the league. The Foxes have only won once on their travels in the Premier League, conceding 29 and scoring a mere 11 goals. In their current form, you wouldn’t want to bet against them taking all three points away from Everton tomorrow, but I think they would settle for a draw.
Head-to-Head
Everton may have the upper hand in the league this season, but Leicester have the superior head-to-head record in recent years. The Toffees have only won one of the last eight meetings, and Leicester won the most recent encounter after taking a 2-1 victory away from Goodison Park in the FA Cup in January. However, Ronald Koeman’s men won the reverse fixture 2-0 four months ago, so there’s no clear winner on form.
The Belgian is having another fine season on Merseyside and is currently the Premier League’s top scorer with 21 goals to his name so far. He has now scored 11 goals in his last six appearances at Goodison Park, including in all of those six – an incredible record. You wouldn’t want to bet against him finding the net, and I think he’s the most likely of anyone to score on Sunday. Lukaku to score at any time is priced at 8/11.
There’s been plenty of goals in this fixture in recent years, with the two sides finding the net 22 times in the last six meetings. The two sides have scored in five of those six games, and with both teams showing a lot of confidence in front of goal I think it’s likely we’ll see goals at both ends on Sunday. You can back odds of 3/4 for both sides to score.
With two teams in such fine form, I can’t see either side running away with it. Everton are a force to be reckoned with at home, but Leicester City have found a new life under their new manager and are getting back to the standards they set last season. I’m backing a draw at odds of 29/10, but you can back odds-on Everton at 3/4, or what looks like a very decent price of 4/1 for a seventh-straight Leicester City win.
Writer’s Prediction: Everton 2 – 2 Leicester City
*Odds correct at the time of publication, click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches.
Chelsea v Manchester United Betting 13/03/17
Chelsea v Manchester United Betting Preview
Back Chelsea to reach the FA semi-finals with a win
Chelsea
The Blues are top of the Premier League and appear to be cruising towards the title. Antonio Conte is enjoying one of the finest first seasons we’ve ever seen, guiding Chelsea to a ten-point lead at the top with 11 games to go. They’ve won 18 of their last 21 games in all competitions, and with a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool being their only blemish in that period, and they look a very tough side to beat.
Conte’s men comfortably saw off Wolverhampton in the last round, and despite not having the most difficult of runs their FA Cup form this season has been emphatic. They put four goals past both Peterborough and Brentford before netting twice in the last round, and have only conceded once in their three matches so far. To make matters worse for Manchester United, Chelsea have won 15 of their 16 matches at Stamford Bridge in all competitions, netting 47 times. I think it will be close, but Chelsea just look too strong at the moment.
Manchester United
While United will be happy with their long run of good form, this is the worst time to face their bogey side. Their recent record at Stamford Bridge is poor enough, but the ease at which Chelsea have been winning games this season will worry Jose Mourinho’s men heading into Monday’s clash. Despite being unbeaten in the league since October, the Red Devils remain sixth in the Premier League table, 17 points behind leaders Chelsea.
However, since their emphatic 4-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge five months ago, Manchester United have been playing some excellent football and have started to find their rhythm under Mourinho, and they already have a domestic trophy under their belt. They too have enjoyed an impressive cup run, and some would argue they’ve faced more testing sides than Chelsea. United have scored in every away match since that 4-0 defeat to the Blues, and they’ll need to be ruthless in front of goal on Monday night to stand a chance. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is suspended and will be hugely missed, so the onus could fall on young Marcus Rashford to try to guide them through to the semi-finals.
Head-to-Head
United have had very little success in this fixture over the last few years, with their last win coming back in 2012. Chelsea have won five and drawn six of the last 11 meetings between the two, and have won four of the last five at Stamford Bridge, conceding only two goals. With Ibrahimovic missing, United will face another difficult task on Monday night.
To score – Diego Costa 6/5
The Spaniard has one goal in his two appearances in the competition so far, netting against Wolverhampton in the last round. He’s a player in form, and his league statistics show just that. He has found the net 17 times in 25 appearances, a tally bettered only by Harry Kane (19) and Romelu Lukaku (18). He’s also scored in Chelsea’s last two matches, and you would expect Costa to lead the line for Chelsea on Monday. You can back odds of 6/5 for Costa to score at any time.
Both teams to score – Yes 1/1
Chelsea’s defensive record this season suggests Stamford Bridge is not an easy place for any opponent to find the net. The Blues have been defensively solid at home all season, but Manchester United’s impressive goal-scoring record away from home will worry them. I expect goals from both sides, but it wouldn’t be unusual to see Mourinho set his side up for a 0-0 draw to take the tie to extra time. This is a risky market but I’m backing both teams to score at 1/1.
Match odds – Chelsea 10/11
Manchester United will certainly give their all in trying to reach the semi-finals of the competition, but it’s difficult to see them getting past a Chelsea side in such good form. Conte has found the perfect formula at the Bridge, and at the moment they look almost unstoppable. You can backs odds of 10/11 for Chelsea to win the tie in 90 minutes or 2/5 to qualify. Odds of 13/5 are available for the draw, and a Manchester United win is priced at 7/2.
Writer’s prediction: Chelsea 2 – 1 Manchester United
*odds correct at the time of writing
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