Welcome to English Premier League Soccer Best Bets, where we break down the latest action in the English Premier League (EPL) and my favorite bets for the upcoming matches, providing quality content that is accessible to new fans and engaging to old and new fans alike.
For an overview of what to expect in this Bettor in Green Article Series, check out my EPL Season Preview and Futures article here.
Recap:
Fans were treated to an excellent round of matches this past weekend with plenty of excitement and drama.
It started with a surprise 0-0 draw between Arsenal and Everton. Elsewhere on Saturday, Liverpool went down to 10 men early but salvaged a draw against Fulham and Nottingham Forest got a late winner against Aston Villa.
Sunday was intense, as Manchester United got two late goals to steal the win away from Manchester City, who are already in a poor run of form, and Tottenham thrashed Southampton so bad (5-0) that they fired their coach afterwards.
Our Best Bets went 1-2, as Arsenal and Brighton both failed to win, while Tottenham got us an easy win. Across the Globe we went 2-3, winning Napoli and Anderlecht.
Upcoming Matches:
Matchweek 17 begins the Festive Fixtures in the EPL, where we’ll get 3 matchweeks between now and the first of the year.
This weekend kicks off with a tasty fixture between Manchester City at Aston Villa, with the weekend culminating in a marquee matchup between Spurs and Liverpool at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Let’s get to the bets:
Best Bets:
Pick #1: Manchester City Moneyline +110 (Dec. 21, 2024; 7:30 a.m. EST):
Manchester City travel to Aston Villa to kick off the weekend and will attempt to end their run of terrible form. Despite this poor run, I can’t help but back City with their proven success over the last decade.
Man City just blew a 1-goal lead in the final minutes of the Manchester Derby, hitting a new low, having only won once in their last 11 matches. They currently find themselves in 5th and desperately need a win to get back into contention for the title or Champions League places.
Aston Villa also blew a 1-goal lead to Nottingham Forest at the weekend, similarly conceding two late goals. They had seemingly snapped their poor run of form before losing to Nottingham Forest and, although they could use a win, Man City could desperately use it more.
Man City are still facing several injuries, but are finally getting some key players and positions back, such as Kovacic.
Pick #2: Crystal Palace / Arsenal BTTS -115 (Dec. 21, 2024; 12:30 p.m. EST):
This matchup is a bit interesting, as these clubs just met in the middle of the week in the EFL Cup Quarterfinals and now play again at the weekend. In that match, Arsenal won 3-2, despite going down an early goal.
This line gets a boost by the fact that Arsenal are ranked 2nd for average goals conceded and for clean sheets. Looking at form, however, Crystal Palace have scored in their last 6 matches and seem to be stringing together a good run of matches in the EPL.
Palace now host this match, a match the bookies heavily favor Arsenal to win. While I think they very well may, I’m betting on Palace to get a goal along the way.
Pick #3: Leicester Moneyline +150 (Dec. 22, 2024; 9:00 a.m. EST):
Sunday brings us a battle between new managers, as Ruud van Nistelrooy, who took over Leicester at the end of last month, hosts Wolves, who just sacked manager Gary O’Neil and hired Vitor Pereira, who should be set to take charge of this match.
Leicester have a win and a draw in the two games at home under van Nistelrooy, in which they scored 3 goals in the process. Wolves, on the other hand, have lost their last 4, are second to last in the table, and are the worst in the league for average goals conceded.
Both of these clubs have been up and down this season, with quite a bit of down, so this match could go either way, however, I liked what Ruud van Nistelrooy did while briefly managing Manchester United, and trust Leicester to get the win at home.
Feeling nervous? Take the safer pick with Leicester to Win Either Half -140.
Across the Globe:
Barcelona Moneyline -105 (Spain; La Liga)
Napoli Moneyline and Under 4.5 Goals -120 (Italy; Serie A)
Always Ready Moneyline -135 (Bolivia; Liga Profesional)
Juventus Moneyline and Under 4.5 Goals -125 (Italy; Serie A)
Real Betis Moneyline -130 (Spain; La Liga)
Season Record:
Best Bets: 20-27
Across the Globe: 41-41
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