Manchester United vs Chelsea Predictions & Betting Tips
Sunday sees Manchester United host Chelsea in the 4:30pm kick-off in the Premier League. After…
The first of our Dec 22-23 Premier League betting tips is Arsenal v Burnley. Unai Emery has transformed Arsenal since taking over from long-term leader Arsene Wenger; it seems the sweeping changes and modernisation of the club look to be having the desired effect. No one will be expecting instant miracles at the Emirates; however, a top-four finish would be seen as real progress and it’s certainly an achievable task heading into 2019. Having said that, the Premier League looks to be as competitive as it’s ever been.
The Gunners are still dropping silly points to draws and finished level against Wolves at home last month; however, these things happen over the course of a season and fans will take much more from that stunning North London Derby win over bitter rivals Spurs at the start of December. Billed as a pick-em contest going in, Arsenal blasted their way to an emphatic 4-2 victory, thanks to a double from Aubameyang, and goals for Lacazette and Torreira. The beaten side hit back through Dier and Kane. It was nowhere near enough.
Despite finishing last season up in seventh in the Premier League, Burnley have really struggled this term; they can now be found down at the wrong end of the division, fighting against the threat of relegation. They could match last year’s efforts, of course; however, that would be a big ask and would require a complete turnaround in 2019. We really don’t see it happening. Clarets manager, Sean Dyche, despite being hailed by all only a few months ago, is now one of the favourites to lose his job.
The visitors lost three games in-a-row recently and that plunged them into trouble. That drought started with a 2-1 defeat at home to Newcastle to close November; the opening part of December wasn’t any better, going down to Crystal Palace in London and Liverpool in front of their own fans. Seven goals were conceded in three games and only two scored; fans are right to be worried for the future as they have some tough ties on the horizon.
The head-to-head stats are dominated by Arsenal and that will come as no surprise to followers of football at any level. The current numbers stand at Arsenal 51-33 Burnley with 21 games ending in a draw. Looking at more recent meetings and we see The Gunners won home and away last season; this includes a stunning 5-0 victory at this venue back in May, following a 1-0 at Turf Moor November 2017.
That will fill punters with confidence; it’s also worth knowing the Londoners have beaten Burnley to nil in three of their last four, and five of seven. That’s a strong trend and is sure to influence backers. It’s worth having a bet on Arsenal to win to nil at a handy 5/6 with Bet365. That should do a job in your accumulators. No both teams to score is 4/5.
There’s no question that we should put our trust in the home win here and that’s what we’re going to do. There’s little value in backing Arsenal, however, with 1/5 the best price available. That’s plenty short but others in the market are as tight as 1/7, so perhaps not too bad and it does look accurate. -1 goal on the handicap will earn you 8/15 (Bet365) but we’re happy to back the favourites to win to nil at the 5/6 already mentioned.
Fancy the upset? A Burnley win would come as a massive surprise; however, it would be great timing for fans, giving them a chance to climb the table before Christmas. It would also be ideal for backers who would have a stunning 19/1 dropped into their account in time for the big day. If that was your tactic, we wouldn’t want to put anyone off, given they have been over-priced. The draw is 7/1 – top price at Bet365.