Chad Nagel writes the English Premier League fixtures are coming thick and fast, and as usual our Editor covers all the weekend action.
Manchester United travel to the Emirates Stadium to take on Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in the headline act, while there a few eye-catching affairs to look forward to.
COLOGNE, GERMANY – AUGUST 09: In this handout image provided by UEFA Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manager of Manchester United speaks to the media during a press conference ahead of their UEFA Europa League Quarter Final match against FC Kobenhavn at RheinEnergieStadion on August 09, 2020 in Cologne, Germany.
Saturday 30 January
5/10 Everton | Draw 31/10 | Newcastle 54/10 (14:30)
We start the weekend at Goodison Park, with European hopefuls Everton hosting Newcastle United. The Toffees have been one of the Premier League’s form teams in recent weeks, recording victories over Chelsea, Leicester City, Arsenal, Sheffield United and Wolves. Newcastle’s recent performances are worrying, and Steve Bruce could well be looking over his shoulder over the next few weeks. Back Carlo Ancelotti’s team to take the victory at 5/10.
2/11 Manchester City | 6/1 | Sheffield United 14/1 (17:00)
City are back and playing the free-flowing football that has kept them at the top of the English game for a decade. Their opponents on the other hand look nothing less than a Championship side, and a mediocre one at that. No in-depth analysis required. Some results you just know. Back the Multiscores market – Man City to Win 4-0, 5-0 or 6-0 at 33/10.
22/10 West Brom | 21/10 | Fulham 14/10 (17:00)
Both these sides have struggled on their return to the top flight and face an uphill battle to avoid relegation. Scott Parker’s Fulham have been installed as favourites, but a draw looks the most likely outcome, especially considering they’ve cancelled each other out four of the last five meetings. This could be a candidate for a correct score bet, with the 1-1 draw at 48/10 favoured. Alternatively, you could just back the draw at 21/10.
33/20 Crystal Palace | 21/10 | Wolves 7/4 (17:00)
Wolves will be aiming to beat Crystal Palace for the third time this season in what will be a fourth consecutive victory over the Eagles. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side managed a 2-0 win when the two met earlier this campaign, also dumping them out of the FA Cup last month. Sitting 13th and 14th place respectively, both sides will want to improve on their current form. But I’m backing Wolves to claim a much-needed victory.
19/10 Arsenal | 24/10 | Manchester United 14/10 (19:30)
The biggest match of the weekend pits Arsenal against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium. Arteta’s side have been on the up in recent weeks going five games unbeaten in the Premier League at the time of writing. Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are back to scoring goals again and with the addition of Real Madrid playmaker Martin Odegaard on loan, that should continue. More encouraging for the Gunners is their recent record against United.
They’re unbeaten in their last five Premier League meetings, winning three times. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will believe they can finally end their Arsenal hoodoo. The Red Devils boast the best away record in the league, winning eight of their 10 matches on the road this season, picking up 26 points from a possible 30. There should be a couple goals here, with Both Teams to Score available at 13/20. If you’re looking to go outright, United look good value at 14/10 given their impressive away record.
29/20 Southampton | 51/20 | Aston Villa 17/10 (22:00)
Southampton and Aston Villa both have 29 points and sit in eighth and 10th places respectively, although Villa have a game in hand. The Saints boast a strong recent record in fixtures between the two, having won the last four meetings. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men recently beat Liverpool at St. Mary’s Stadium and they’re tipped to claim another victory over the Villains.
Sunday 31 January
4/10 Chelsea | 37/10 | Burnley 13/2 (14:00)
Chelsea have struggled for results in recent weeks and Roman Abramovich has now turned to the respected Thomas Tuchel to turn the Londoners back into winners and compete properly with Liverpool and Manchester City for top honours. On paper they have one of the best teams in the Premier League and Tuchel will be hoping to get the players to maximize their full potential.
For them this weekend it’s Liverpool’s conquerors Burnley who will fancy their chances of causing another upset. Sean Dyche’s side have shown in recent weeks they are a difficult side to break down. Despite all this, the Blues should have enough to pick up a much-needed victory, although the 4/10 on offer doesn’t quite seem worth it.
17/20 Leicester City | 28/10 | Leeds United 28/10 (16:00)
Brendan Rodgers’ side have enjoyed a fantastic start to the season and are well in the mix at the top end of the Premier League table. They’ve beaten the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea, and taken a point off Manchester United.
Leeds United have been the pick of the promoted sides so far this season, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side proving a threat wherever they go. Unfortunately for them, I can’t see anything other than a home win here at 17/20.
33/10 West Ham | 28/10 | Liverpool 15/20 (18:30)
Failure to beat West Ham on Sunday will set alarm bells ringing for Liverpool, if they aren’t already. The Hammers have caused problems for most sides at the London Stadium and will hope to defy the odds of upsetting Jurgen Klopp’s misfiring champions. The Reds have had a string of sub-par performances recently, but as lacklustre as they are at present, they should still find a way to win here.
24/10 Brighton | 49/20 | Tottenham 11/10 (21:15)
Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham face a stern test this Sunday as they travel to Brighton and Hove Albion. Spurs haven’t found top gear in recent weeks but will need to be at their best against Graham Potter’s men who are showing fight.
The north London outfit have won just once in their last five away games in the Premier League and were thrashed 3-0 at the Amex Stadium last season. It might be a bold call, but back Percy Tau and the Seagulls to upset Mourinho’s men. You can take them on the Double Chance at 13/20.
TREBLE @ 4/1
Everton Win 5/10
Leicester Win 17/20
Liverpool Win 15/20
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
