Hello gang! There’s a full set of fixtures in the Premier League this week. I’ve picked the best five games and have written my thoughts below. If you like my tips, you can bet on them here.
Burnley 1 v 2 Manchester City – Tuesday 3 December – Premier League – Both Teams to Score (1.95)
City are now 11 points behind Liverpool and any hopes of retaining the title are surely gone. They have only won one of their last five games in all competitions and their defence is struggling – Both Teams to Score has won in their last seven games. With that in mind, Turf Moor isn’t a pleasant destination. Burnley have lost three of their last five league games but Sean Dyche will not let them lie down and be beaten here. I think their forwards will cause City real problems. I’ll still back City to win, though.
Chelsea 2 v 1 Aston Villa – Wednesday 4 December – Premier League – Over 2.5 Goals (1.45)
Despite back-to-back defeats, Chelsea are fourth in the table and there is still a large gap between themselves and Tottenham. Aston Villa come into the game having played well in their 2-2 draw against Manchester United but their overall record on the road has been poor. They have lost five of their seven away league games this season and don’t have fond memories of Stamford Bridge. I see a Home Win and I expect goals. Chelsea are the fourth-highest scoring team in the league, while there have been Over 2.5 Goals in eight of Villa’s last ten league games.
Man United 1 v 1 Tottenham – Wednesday 4 December – Premier League – Both Teams to Score (1.60)
This game was the first one I looked for in the calendar when Tottenham hired Jose Mourinho! The Portuguese did not leave Old Trafford on good terms and will be desperate to win. Spurs have won all three of their games since he joined but their defence still looks vulnerable. They also have only won one away league game since January. Last week was a poor one for United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Red Devils didn’t win any of their three games and, like Spurs, the defence seems to be open. I think Both Teams to Score is a good bet. Tottenham won 3-0 here last year when Mourinho was United manager, but I think this time it’s a Draw.
Liverpool 2 v 1 Everton – Wednesday 4 December – Premier League – Liverpool Win (1.40)
The Merseyside Derby has been a close affair in recent seasons and I expect another tight game. Liverpool remain eight points clear at the top with 13 wins out of 14 this season. They’ve not been as convincing in recent weeks, though, and Both Teams to Score has been a winner in each of their last 12 games in all competitions. Alisson’s suspension won’t help matters, either. Everton have suffered two defeats in a row and have now lost five of their seven away league games this season. Liverpool won 1-0 here last season and I see another narrow victory.
Arsenal 1 v 1 Brighton – Thursday 5 December – Premier League – Both Teams to Score (1.55)
This will be the Gunners’ first home game since the departure of Unai Emery, and I don’t expect their fortune to change any time soon. They were somewhat fortunate to get a point at Norwich and have now gone eight games without a win. Another concern is that they haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of their last ten games. Brighton lost 2-1 at Liverpool on Saturday but had chances to score, particularly from set pieces. They’ve also only lost one of their four games against Arsenal since they were promoted. I think this could be a Draw.