The Hard Tackle takes a look at the best betting markets for the top fixtures over the weekend, including the massive Liverpool vs Manchester City.
Liverpool host Manchester City in what is set to be an exciting battle between two title rivals. Chelsea face Mark Hughes and his Stoke City with Diego Costa and N’Golo Kante back after serving their 1-game suspension while Arsenal welcome Sam Allardyce and his Palace side at the turn of the year.
Aitor Karanka goes up against his former mentor as Manchester United look to keep their fine run going with a win against Middlesbrough. Leicester play West Ham in a match that features two struggling sides that have failed to match their previous season exploits while Tottenham go up against Watford.
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. You can also use betsafe bonus code.)
(Note that all stakes are taken as 1 unit)
Favourable Bets for Game-week 18: 9/15
The Hard Tackle aggregate: 97/191
Underdogs Result: We got none right.
1. Chelsea FC vs Stoke City FC
Chelsea are in some form and stopping them will take some doing. Mark Hughes would be disappointed with his Stoke side, who turned in a glorious first half against Liverpool only to lose the plot in the second half. They lost by a scoreline of 4-1, that too after taking the lead.
Stoke are expected to trouble the otherwise strong Blues defence but a draw or win looks unlikely for Stoke City.
Favourable Bets:
1. Both Teams to Score – YES @ 2.20
2. Chelsea over 1.5 cards @ 2.10
3. Stoke Corner Handicap +4.0 @ 1.80
Underdog Bets:
1. Both Teams to Score in 1st half @ 6.00
2. Manchester United FC vs Middlesbrough FC
The Red Devils are also on their own fine run with 4 wins in 4 and no loss in their previous 11 games in all competitions. Jose Mourinho welcomes his former number two from his time at Real Madrid, Aitor Karanka, who has done remarkably well with Boro.
And, Karanka’s side, which is built on strong defensive principals, is likely to make it tough for United to break through and we are tipping for either a draw or a narrow 1-0 win for Manchester United.
Favourable Bets:
1. Over 3.5 cards @ 1.83
2. Over 10.5 Corners @ 2.00
Underdog Bets:
1. Correct Scoreline 1-0 @ 5.50
3. Liverpool FC vs Manchester City FC
Liverpool and Manchester City are set to face each other at Anfield in a potential six-pointer in the title race. The Reds have shown incredible attacking prowess this season while Manchester City are slowly starting to come to terms with the philosophy that Guardiola is attempting to lay at the Etihad.
Both the teams are efficient attacking-wise while their weak defences mean that both teams are likely to score. Based on Manchester City’s recent performances, they may just surprise Klopp and the Reds.
Favourable Bets:
1. Both Teams to Score @ 1.53
2. Liverpool over 1.5 cards @ 1.61
3. Over 10.5 Corners @ 1.83
Underdog Bets:
1. Manchester City win @ 3.10
2. Yaya Toure to score anytime @ 4.00
4. Watford vs Tottenham FC
Tottenham, like Liverpool, staged a comeback after going down to an early goal, to defeat an able Southampton team 4-1. Pochettino’s men seem to have finally found momentum ahead of the January transfer window and they would love to win in what is going to be the first Premier League match after the turn of the year.
Watford are an able side but have been disappointing in the last six fixtures in the league and are likely to find it difficult to get a result against an in-form Tottenham side that is being ably led by Harry Kane up-front.
Favourable Bets:
1. Tottenham to win @ 1.61
2. Tottenham Corners Handicap – 2 @ 1.80
3. Harry Kane to score anytime @ 2.00
Underdog Bets:
1. Dele Alli to score anytime @ 3.00
5. Arsenal FC vs Crystal Palace FC
Big Sam has returned to the Premier League, to don the Eagles hot-seat. The Eagles are visibly in turmoil but, in Sam Allardyce, have brought in a coach that is well experienced in relegation battles and has rarely lost it, except with Bolton.
Arsenal somehow managed to overcome West Brom but Crystal Palace might just be able to reinvigorate themselves enough to trouble the Gunners.
Favourable Bets:
1. Crystal Palace Corners Asian Handicap + 3.5 @ 1.925
2. Crystal Palace Asian Handicap + 1.5 @ 1.950
Underdog Bets:
1. Crystal Palace Asian Handicap + 0.5 @ 3.90
6. Miscellaneous Bets
Everton are likely to overcome Hull City in a Friday night match while Leicester City are being tipped to beat fellow underachievers West Ham United.
Favourable Bets:
1. Everton to win @ 1.95
2. Leicester to win @ 2.10
3. Leicester – West Ham Both Teams to Score – YES @ 1.70
4. Swansea – Bournemouth Under 4.5 Cards @ 1.66
5. Swansea – Bournemouth Bournemouth Asian Handicap Corners -1.0 @ 2.00
Underdog Bets:
1. Ross Barkley to score anytime @ 3.40
2. Southampton – West Brom Result – Draw @ 3.70