It’s the festive season and after a blockbuster World Cup – we are back people! The English Premier League once again takes its rightful place in world football, and I’d love to get back into the swing of things early on!
Monday 26 December
13/5 Brentford | Draw 13/5 | Tottenham 10/11 (12:30)
It’s the first game of the Premier League season since the World Cup break, Brentford have had many of their players stay at the club during the World Cup – and to be fair, many of those who were called up to their national team returned quite soon after.
Spurs, on the other hand, would have a few players return to London quite late on in December, some on a reasonable high and others without any confidence! Antonio Conte would have had his work cut out for him, but I don’t think they win. Back Brentford to come away with something and take the Win/Draw Double Chance at 5/6.
85/40 Southampton | Draw 12/5 | Brighton 23/20 (15:00)
Brighton have had a remarkable start to their season so far, they sit in seventh place on the Premier League log and might just start to wonder and dream of a competitive run in for the remainder of the season.
Southampton sacked Ralph Hasenhuttl just before the World Cup break before appointing Nathan Jones as their first-team coach. He would have enough time to plot his path toward the end of the season and we all know the power of a new manager bounce. Back the Saints on the Win/Draw Double Chance at 4/6.
11/5 Leicester City | Draw 12/5 | Newcastle 23/20 (15:00)
I’m not sure what to make of this Leicester team. They started horribly but soon found a run of form and went unbeaten before the break. Newcastle have been outstanding! I mean they are third on the log and this isn’t after just a handful of games either! I favour Newcastle, but both teams scoring at 4/6 seems a safer bet for me.
1/1 Crystal Palace | Draw 12/5 | Fulham 12/5 (15:00)
Palace were largely hit and miss so far this season; they’ve relied too heavily on individual players at a point, and I think it hurt them. The systems and style imposed by Palace were impressive though and so I wouldn’t completely throw them out.
Fulham aren’t exactly a side innocent of the very critique I’ve thrown at Palace and so I doubt they are very much different. I cannot really split these two and so I think a draw at 12/5 might be the play.
13/10 Everton | Draw 21/10 | Wolves 85/40 (15:00)
If there is a team who would have welcomed the inadvertent break it would have been Everton! They were horrible for parts of the season early on, but they have seemingly used this time wisely and tinkered the team enough to look forward to the second half.
Wolves on the other hand have seemingly traded a positive early start for a rather lacklustre recent performance. I think at 13/10 we could have a larger punt on the Toffees.
16/5 Aston Villa | Draw 14/5 | Liverpool 8/11 (17:30)
I know that Liverpool had a slow start – and don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed every moment! However, with that being said, they are a seriously talented side and would have had their best players with them for a while already. Let’s not waste any more time, at 8/11 I think they are a banker.
12/25 Arsenal | Draw 3/1 | West Ham 5/1 (20:00)
This is a huge game for Arsenal, they are playing against a West Ham side who are without a Premier League win since October, and they have a classic opportunity to remind everyone of their ability and get off to a great start. I don’t doubt that is exactly what Arsenal can do – so at 12/25 I’m all over their win.
Tuesday 27 December
3/10 Chelsea | Draw 21/5 | Bournemouth 8/1 (17:30)
In truth I am a little concerned by the short price around Chelsea, they haven’t enjoyed the greatest start and certainly haven’t displayed an ability this year worthy of our overwhelming confidence.
Bournemouth aren’t exactly the most difficult opposition though, but their performances just before the break were impressive. I’d rather go over 2.5 goals at 4/6.
27/100 Manchester United | Draw 21/5 | Nottingham Forest 9/1 (20:00)
United haven’t exactly adorned themselves in glory during the World Cup (during the friendlies) but I don’t think that should be a reason to deter your confidence. Erik ten Hag has shown that he is the manager to truly take United forward and they should be beating teams like Forest.
If this game wasn’t going to be played at Old Trafford, I might have entertained the away win a little more – but I’ll back the Red Devils to get off to a positive start here.
Wednesday 28 December
8/1 Leeds United | Draw 9/2 | Manchester City 27/100 (20:00)
Ivan Toney showed that City is not impenetrable, but that shouldn’t suggest that City isn’t going to be a mega-test for Leeds.
Leeds began putting together positive performances and slowly but surely grew in confidence. Their victory against Liverpool is seemingly a turning point – but this is going to be a real test for them. I think City win, but I prefer both teams scoring at 3/4.
