The 2016-17 EPL season continues this weekend and features some massive matchups. We’ve got a preview and betting tips for all the big games here. A 2-2 outing last week saw us at least get our money back but we’ll be looking to go a few better here as we preview the big matchup between Liverpool and Arsenal as three more games below.
Liverpool vs Arsenal (Sunday 4.30am AEDT)
The game of the round sees Arsenal travelling to Liverpool to take on the Reds in a 4th vs 5th clash. With just 5 points separating 2nd and 6th on the table, there is so much on the line for these two clubs, who will be both be hoping they can earn a Champions League berth by seasons end. Both teams come into the game in relatively poor form by their lofty standards, with Liverpool going just 4-3-3 over their last 10 and Arsenal 5-1-4 from theirs. With Manchester United undefeated in their last 10 games and surging up the table, both teams need a win desperately here.
In the two teams, last three matches at Anfield, the Reds are undefeated with one win and two draws. In those three games a whopping 16 goals have been scored. With Liverpool having scored 55 goals on the season and Arsenal 54, they are equal 1st and 3rd respectively in that category which are promising signs that we could get a shootout here. A draw won’t be enough for either of these teams, they should both be hunting for a win and be playing fairly aggressively
TIP: Total Goals OVER 2.5 - $1.82 at Sportsbet
Tottenham vs Everton (Monday 12.30am AEDT)
In another top of the table clash, 2nd placed Spurs will face off against Everton at White Hart Lane early Monday morning. The Spurs are also in that log jam of teams placed 2nd to 6th, so they can’t afford to drop any points here. Everton are just on the outside looking in, but will fancy their chances to make a late run from 7th with their current hot form, going 6-3-1 over their last ten. The play of Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku has been outstanding of late as he sits equal 1st in the golden boot race with 17.
Also, sitting equal first is Tottenham star Harry Kane, who jumped up the leaderboard with a hat-trick last weekend against Stoke. Both teams have played outstanding defence this season, allowing only 45 goals between them. Which makes me think this could be a tug-of-war battle in the midfield.
Everton have not beaten the Spurs since 2012 and have only won 3 of 24 games at White Hart Lane. I think this one goes to trend and Tottenham win here in a low scoring game.
TIP: Total Goals UNDER 2.5 - $2.10 at Unibet
Sunderland vs Manchester City (Monday 3am AEDT)
The red-hot Manchester City travels to Sunderland early Monday morning to take on the Black Cats. The Sky Blues have won their last 3 games and 7 of their last 10 as they look to hunt down Chelsea in first place or at least hold down a Champions League position. Sunderland are in a fight to stay out of relegation zone, currently bottom of the table and 3 points behind Middlesbrough in 17th place.
Sunderland have lost each of their last 5 games against the Sky Blues, and it’ll be an uphill battle again this weekend with Manchester in such good form. Sergio Aguero has found his feet in the 2016-17 season after a slow start, being involved in 6 goals throughout his last 4 games, and currently sitting 7th on the goal scoring table with 12.
Even with the home field advantage, it’s tough to find a way in which Sunderland win this one, Man City should dominate the possession and the scoreboard.
TIP: Manchester City -1 - $1.73 at bet365
West Ham vs Chelsea (Tuesday 7am AEDT)
Arguably the ‘best of the rest’ this year has been West Ham at 9th on the table and a decent 5-2-3 over their last ten games. They’ll have a tough game next Tuesday however, as they come up against runaway leaders Chelsea at Olympic Stadium. The Blues have been going about their business, winning 7 of their last 10 games, and are heavy favourites to win this match-up even away from home.
A few slip ups against Liverpool and Burnley in the last four games hasn't stopped the Blues from maintaining a healthy 10 point lead over their nearest competitors. Chelsea have been dominant over West Ham in their history, having lost only 2 of their last 21 meetins, however, their last meeting ended in a West Ham win as they eliminated the Blues from this years League Cup. I still like Chelsea to take this one away from home though.
TIP: Chelsea -1 – $2.55 at Unibet
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
