Arsenal v Burnley Betting Tips
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.
Burnley Struggling
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.
Gunners Dominate Head-to-Head
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.
Take the Home Win
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.
Our Tip: Arsenal to win to nil – 5/6 at Bet365
Chelsea v Leicester Betting Tips
The next of our Dec 22-23 Premier League betting tips is Chelsea v Leicester. We look to have a fantastic game on our hands here. Chelsea, with their tails up after inflicting Man City’s first defeat of the season, will take on an ambitious Leicester side. They will arrive at Stamford Bridge confident they can score an upset and boost their points tally in the final Saturday before Christmas. The Blues drove themselves into the top-four with that unexpected cheer over The Cityzens; however, there’s still much work to be done if they are to hold off the challenge of Arsenal.
At this venue on 8 December, bookmakers had Pep’s league leaders picked to deliver another body blow to the blues in front of their own fans. However, football at this level rarely follows the script and Chelsea showed there’s still plenty of fight left in them. The locals rallied to win 2-0, thanks to goals from Kante on the stroke of half-time; they added a second by Luiz with 78 minutes on the clock. Sarri told members of the press at full-time he was happy with the mentality of his team.
Foxes Moving Forward
Leicester looked to be in trouble during the early exchanges of this season; however, they were able to steady the ship and go on an eye-catching run of form that lifted them clear of the danger zone. They are now into the safety of mid-table with the added option of improving further. The club suffered from a run of draws during November and December, ending level with Fulham at Craven Cottage earlier this month in a match they really should have won. Kamara gave the home side a lead that day before half-time but that was cancelled by Maddison on 74.
In an interesting twist, former Leicester hero Claudio Ranieri sat in the Fulham dugout after answering the club’s SOS; he went mightily close to gaining his first win at the expense of his previous employers. On the balance of play Fulham probably deserved to win. As such, we don’t expect them to sit around in the bottom-four for too much longer. Claude Puel was full of praise for the fight and desire shown by his troops.
Back the Blues
This will be a match to enjoy and looks the pick of the 3.00pm starts. We’re hoping both teams live up to expectations and give us a Christmas cracker. We’re going to back both teams to score for an added interest in our accumulators at 11/10 with Ladbrokes. That makes much more sense than backing no which is a short-priced favourite at 4/6.
Looking at the match winner and we’ve got to come down in support of Chelsea who have been chalked up as 3/10 jolly. That will do a job in Saturday multiples. The draw is 19/4 at Bet365 with an away win 10/1 through the same firm. Let’s combine both bets for a bigger price. Chelsea win and both teams to score will net you an attractive 21/10 at Coral.
Our Tip: Chelsea to win and BTTS – 21/10 at Coral
Cardiff v Man Utd Betting Tips
The third of our Dec 22-23 Premier League betting tips is Cardiff v Man Utd. The Bluebirds have done themselves a favour by picking up a few wins in winter; however, there’s still a lot of work to be done if they are to clamber free of the danger zone. They are behind schedule at this stage of the season; however, it’s far too early to be throwing the towel in. Bookies expect Cardiff to lose here and Bet365 are confident enough to offer a chunky 5/1 to anyone who disagrees, the draw 3/1.
Man Utd may be on the road; however, they are strong favourites for the points and despite Mourinho’s problems so far this season, this is a match they really ought to be winning. Anything other than three points would ramp up the pressure on a boss who was given the dreaded vote of confidence by his board recently. Back the away day at 11/20 with 888sport.
Our Tip: Man Utd to win – 11/20 at 888sport
Everton v Tottenham Betting Tips
The last of our Dec 22-23 Premier League betting tips is Everton v Tottenham. It’s the only game of Sunday 23 December; Everton are in danger of falling into old habits and ruining the good work they put in during autumn. The Toffees lost to Liverpool on the opening match of December courtesy of a stoppage time goal; they then dropped points to Newcastle and Watford at home. The big games continue to come thick and fast and bookies have them priced as 11/4 – top price Bet365 – outsiders for the points at home to Spurs.
Tottenham are a side more than capable of holding ground in the top-four and leaving Arsenal and Chelsea to scrap it out for the other available space. They face a stern test here and must be on their game to get the desired result; however, we make them worth a bet. Bookies agree and have the away win as jolly. Despite this, there’s more value than you might’ve expected with 11/10 trading at Ladbrokes.
That looks about right and we’d say back it as a super single or add it to your weekend accumulators. Both teams to score is there for those who want to sit on the fence. If you expect goals, there’s a useful 6/10 going at Coral. Enjoy the show.