The Hard Tackle takes a look at the best betting markets for the top fixtures involving Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and others in the Premier League.
Arsenal face high-flying West Bromwich Albion with Wenger looking to get their title challenge back on track after a couple of disheartening defeats. Chelsea host Bournemouth in what is anticipated to be a tricky tie for the Blues on Boxing day.
Elsewhere, Manchester United play Sunderland and Manchester City are away to Hull as both the Manchester clubs look to keep their recent run of form going. Liverpool face Stoke and Tottenham travel to St. Mary’s in what is to be a couple of intriguing matchups.
The Hard Tackle takes a look at the potentially profitable markets available in the top matches:
(Note that the odds mentioned here have been extracted from Bet365.com as presented on smartbets.com)
(Note that all stakes are taken as 1 unit)
Favourable Bets for Game-week 17: 6/15
The Hard Tackle aggregate: 88/176
Underdogs Result: We got none right. Disappointing weekend for us.
1. Arsenal FC vs West Bromwich Albion FC
Given Arsenal’s inability to keep a clean sheet in their last eight Premier League matches, the odds for the Gunners not keeping a clean sheet look too good to be true and is hence recommended. West Brom are on a high at eighth on the table and would be eager to prove that their defeat to Manchester United was just a rare blip.
Arsenal may be able to edge it but the margin is not expected to be high, given their problems at the back.
Favourable Bets:
1. Arsenal Clean Sheet – No @ 1.83
2. Over 3.5 West Brom Corners @ 1.80
3. West Brom + 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.925
Underdog Bets:
1. Full Time Result: West Brom or Draw @ 3.40
2. Chelsea FC vs AFC Bournemouth
Chelsea are a rampant unstoppable force right now. But, the unavailability of Diego Costa and N’Golo Kante may prove to be vital as they host Eddie Howe and his Bournemouth side.
Favourable Bets:
1. Bournemouth Over 4.5 Corners @ 2.00
2. Bournemouth Asian Handicap Corners +1.5 @ 2.075
3. Chelsea Asian Handicap Cards +0.5 @ 1.95
4. Bournemouth Asian Handicap +1.0,1.5 @ 2.00
3. Manchester United FC vs Sunderland Athletic FC
United seem to have found their rhythm under Jose Mourinho. The goals are flowing in and so are the points. Old Trafford gears up to welcome David Moyes back. The former United boss has been vocal at the lack of support he received during his tenure and has a chance of proving his credentials on Monday.
But it is tough to see any result other than a United win. Although the odds for a United win are too low, Zlatan is set to have a hand in United’s goals and a bet on the Swede to score at 1.57 does not seem too far-fetched.
Favourable Bets:
1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic to score anytime @ 1.57
2. Over 3.5 Cards @ 1.80
Underdog Bets:
1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic to score 2 or more @ 3.25
4. Hull City vs Manchester City FC
The Tigers welcome Pep Guardiola and Manchester City with Mike Phelan in desperate need of a good result to spur the team on. Manchester City received a morale boost in the 2-1 win over Arsenal, and its hard to look beyond the Citizens for this one.
Favourable Bets:
1. Over 10.5 Corners @ 1.90
2. Over 3.5 Cards @ 1.61
5. Liverpool FC vs Stoke City FC
Liverpool have been doing well to cope with the absence of Coutinho. And although the Reds have a good recent record against Stoke City, the Potters have ran the hosts close on almost every occasion, something which could set a precedent of sorts for the matchup.
Favourable Bets:
1. Stoke City Asian Handicap + 1.5,2.0 @ 1.875
2. Stoke City Corners Handicap +4 @ 2.00
Underdog Bets:
1. Full Time Result – Draw @ 6.00
2. Full Time Result – Draw or Stoke City @ 3.50
6. Southampton FC vs Tottenham FC
Southampton and Tottenham are both expected to go at it in an enticing matchup. A very complex affair is what is anticipated at St. Mary’s. Both the sides come into the match on the back of a win. Southampton’s matches against the bigger teams this season have produced some very intense performances and surprisingly.
The same could be the case again as two of the strongest defences go head-to-head.
Favourable Bets:
1. Over 10.5 Corners @ 1.83
Underdog Bets:
1. Full Time Score – Southampton 0 – 0 Tottenham @ 8.50
7. Miscellaneous Bets
Elsewhere, Watford go into the match against Crystal Palace as favourites with Big Sam unlikely to have much impact this early. Draws have been the norm this season for Everton and they could be adding to it as they face the defending champions Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
Favourable Bets:
1. Watford Asian Handicap 0.0 @ 1.80
2. Swansea vs West Ham – Over 2.5 Match Goals @ 1.75
Underdog Bets:
1. Leicester City vs Everton – Full Time Result – Draw @ 3.30
2. Burnley FC vs Middlesbrough FC – Full Time Result – Draw @ 3.10