Man City v Everton
The first of our Dec 15th-16th Premier League betting tips is Man City v Everton. Pre-season title favourites Manchester City lost their proud unbeaten record and place at the top of the Premier League last weekend. The Cityzens’ form moved to 13 wins, two draws and that one loss when going down to a surprise 2-0 at Stamford Bridge; this was a result very few experts predicted.
Kante had the ball in the net on 45 minutes to send Chelsea into the break ahead; a Luiz second on 78 killed the game off as a contest. Pep Guardiola told members of the media his boys were fantastic despite the result and he’ll be eager to bounce back.
If nothing else, that result in London proved once again to followers of English football that nothing can be taken for granted in this game. Chelsea were poor when losing two of their previous three but looked a team full of class when blasting their way to all three points; they nudged their opponents dreams of winning a title off-course in the process. Liverpool now lead the way on 42 points, one ahead of Man City, six better than Tottenham in third and eight ahead of fourth-placed Chelsea. There’s all to play for as we head towards a busy festive period.
Everton suffer dip in form
Everton went into the week in seventh with a record six wins, five draws and four defeats. That looks like the form of a side destined for a mid-table finish; however, it seemed they had put a poor start to the season behind them and were impressive when climbing through the ranks. They sit three points behind Man Utd and a place in the top-six; however, that’s about as much as they can hope for this season with Arsenal in fifth already 11 off in the distance. It would take a massive effort if they were to gatecrash the party from here.
The Toffees started the month with a painful 1-0 defeat at the hands of bitter rivals Liverpool at Anfield, going down to a stoppage-time winner from Origi with 96 minutes on the clock. They thought they had done enough to get a point, but the Merseyside derby is famous for its drama and that’s exactly what we got in the closing seconds. That loss was followed by an uninspiring draw with Newcastle at Goodison Park next time out. Rondon had The Magpies in front that night but Richarlison knocked in an equaliser on 38 minutes to ensure a share.
Home win hot favourite
Despite Man City dropping points last weekend, bookmakers are happy enough to write that off. They make the locals red hot favourites for the cheer and a quick-fire return to winning ways in front of their own fans. Punters looking to follow the market on that one should do their betting at Unibet as there you’ll find a market best price of 1/5. Tight, but there’s no better around at the time of writing.
Prefer the upset? Everton are certainly good enough to make life difficult for their opponents, especially if they can sit tight and keep the scores low during the opening exchanges. The away win has been written off by those who hold the purse strings, Ladbrokes confident enough to offer a whopping 16/1, a draw 7/1 at Bet365.
Our Tip: Both teams to score & Man City win – 13/8 at 888sport.
Fulham v West Ham
The next of our Dec 15th – 16th Premier League betting tips is Fulham v West Ham. Fulham go into the week stuck to the bottom of the Premier League table; that’s a result of a nightmare start to the campaign that has seen them win just two of their first 16 games. Three draws and 11 defeats make up the difference and the nine points on the board leaves them level with Southampton, but with seven fewer goals.
Fans of the club are worried; however, it’s perhaps a little early to press the panic button with Burnley in 17th and safety only three points away at last count. There’s everything to play for at the wrong end of the table and plenty of time to get it sorted. The home dressing room will know that; however, they’ll want to get a move on as the stats are dead against sides ranked bottom at Christmas.
The Cottagers were last seen losing heavily at Old Trafford in a match they were never expected to get anything out of. Some may have thought they could keep the scores low, given the mood in the United camp at present, but it wasn’t to be. The victors flexed their muscles with Young, Mata, Lukaku and Rashford all on target to beat a reply from Kamara. Anguissa was red carded on 68 minutes to cap a forgettable Saturday afternoon for the visitors and manager Claudio Ranieri told the press a chat with his players was in order.
West Ham moving forward
West Ham are another side who struggled for positives early in the season; however, they were able to turn things around and go into the round sitting 11th and looking upwards. The Hammers have won six, drawn three and lost seven of their first 16 and that has them just two points behind Everton in seventh on Monday morning, but one better than Watford down in 13th, so there will be no back-slapping at the London Stadium just yet. A top-half finish is still well within their reach, but they must be wary of how tightly packed it is in the middle.
The Hammers recorded an impressive hat-trick last time when claiming nine points from the last nine available to them. That run started with a fantastic 3-0 win over Newcastle at St James Park on the opening day of the month and was followed with a 3-1 at home to Cardiff.
They continued the trend of scoring three goals a game in December when edging London rivals Crystal Palace by the spare in five last weekend. Snodgrass, Hernandez and Anderson were on target to see off a spirited Eagles side who kept themselves in it with goals from McArthur and Schlupp.
More of the same from happy Hammers
West Ham are in with another London rival and we expect them to take full advantage of Fulham’s problems and stick the boot in by collecting another three points. They have been magnificent this month already and it would be a shame if that was to be ruined by a defeat to bottom of the league. West Ham are our picks for victory and followers will get 29/20 with most firms, including Coral.
A draw has been priced at 12/5 by Ladbrokes and that’s a result we’re sure home fans would accept before kick-off; however, if you have faith in the battling basement boys there’s plenty in the betting to get you excited. A Fulham win has been written off but if you fancy a go there’s a tempting 19/10 on the line at Bet365. Both teams to score rates as a handy alternative at 4/7 (888sport).
Our Tip: West Ham for the win – 29/20 at Coral
Southampton v Arsenal
Southampton are second bottom of the league, ahead of Fulham on goal difference alone. They have lost each of their last two outings at this level and taken only two points from the last 15 up for grabs. They look in real danger of losing their top-flight membership unless they are able to stop the rot, and quickly. The visit of Arsenal should bring the best out in them; however, odds-makers have the home win at 3/1 (Unibet), the draw 13/5 (Coral).
Arsenal to Win?
Arsenal won last weekend to take their recent tally to three victories and two defeats. They are level on points with Chelsea in the top-four and look on course to grab a return to Champions League football. To have the best chance of achieving that they must put together a strong winter and bookies have them as 10/11 (Bet365) favourites. That’s better than we expected and goes as our main bet of the match.
Our Tip: The Arsenal win at 10/11 with Bet365
Liverpool v Man Utd
The last of our Dec 15th-16th Premier League betting tips is Liverpool v Man Utd. What a game we have in store here with both teams heading in with confidence on side. Liverpool are top of the league and haven’t lost a match in 16; this makes them the only unbeaten side left in the main division. That, as well as home advantage, makes them worthy favourites at 4/7 with Coral. Both teams to score will net you 3/4 and that’s top price at Bet365. Sure to prove a handy addition to your weekend multiples.
An Outside Chance
That paves the way for some serious value if you fancy a pop at the outsider of three in the match betting. A Man Utd win trades at a chunky 9/2 with Coral and that will attract attention. If both teams play to the best of their abilities this will be a 50/50. Being lovers of the value, we’ve got to have an interest on the away win for small stakes. Have a go, sit back and enjoy the show knowing you have the value working in your corner.