Premier League is set to reach it’s half-way mark along with a stuffed schedule thanks to the festive period. The table is starting to take shape and the coming month or so will be crucial to clear the picture even more. Liverpool will be looking to extend or maintain their lead atop the Premier League table when they face a Watford side that have a 3rd manager in charge in the 2019-20 season.
Chelsea will look to avoid closing the gap between them and Manchester United any further, gunning for a win as they host a free-falling Bournemouth. Leicester go up against Norwich City, looking to continue their winning streak, which cannot be labelled a ‘freak’ occurrence any more.
Sunday is reserved for the big matches, starting off with Wolves hosting Tottenham, with just a point separating the two. Manchester United host an Everton side that have found wings under caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson and will be looking for another win against the BIG SIX to propel them further away from the drop zone.
Sunday ends with a battle between two flailing giants. Arsenal and Manchester City both had different expectations of them coming into the 2019-20 season and neither have managed to hold up to the standards expected of them so far.
Liverpool vs Watford
It’s very rare to see a club change manager twice in a single season but that is what Watford have done and we are not even halfway into the 2019-20 campaign. Wha the change does to Watford for the match against Liverpool will be interesting, with Jurgen Klopp himself saying that it will be tough to draw a game plan, given that a new manager is in charge.
But, Liverpool should have enough in their locker to keep their hopes of a ‘Invincible season’ alive.
Probables:
1. Both Teams to Score – NO @ 1.75
Outside Chance:
1. Sadio Mane to score 2 or more @ 3.75
Chelsea vs Bournemouth
There’s always that period of inconsistency or frustration that a team has to navigate through every season. For Chelsea and Bournemouth, the current period could be labelled so. Bournemouth have lost their last five while Chelsea have lost three of their last four Premier League games.
Both free scoring sides, their weakness somehow lies in the defensive aspect, which means we should be in for an entertaining game at Stamford Bridge. Bournemouth’s BTTS record is strong enough to back the market in this game as well.
Probables:
1. Both Teams to Score – YES @ 1.80
Outside Chances:
1. Full Time Result – Draw or Bournemouth @ 3.75
Wolves vs Tottenham
Jose Mourinho would not have liked the taste of defeat at the hands of former club Manchester United. But, Spurs recovered in style against Burnley and will now be primed to take on a Wolves side that have lost just twice in the league this season and just once at home.
The match should be a spectacle, with two Portuguese managers going head-to-head. Another game where goals are expected.
Probables:
1. Tottenham to win @ 2.25
Outside Chance:
1. Tottenham Clean Sheet- YES @ 3.00
Manchester United vs Everton
Can Duncan Ferguson script an Ole Gunnar Solskjaer-esque story at Everton? The club legend has take temporary charge of the club and rallied the troops to a wonderful win over Chelsea. Now, they face a Manchester United side that have the joint-best record, along with Liverpool, in meetings against the top six.
But, it is when facing against other teams that Ole’s men have faltered and Duncan will look to take advantage of it. Manchester United though, are on a roll and should eke out a win on Sunday.
Probables:
1. Manchester United to win @ 1.75
2. Marcus Rashford to score anytime @ 2.20
Outside Chance:
1. Over 3.5 Match Goals @ 3.00
Arsenal vs Manchester City
A crucial period for Arsenal and one that could determine how the rest of the season goes and what target they must set going into 2020. Pep Guardiola needs to arrest the rut and somehow provide competition to Liverpool, who are running away with the Premier League title right now.
Arsenal’s troubles run too deep for them to have much of a chance against City, despite the defending Premier League champions’ injury issues at the back.
Probables:
1. Both Teams to Score – YES @ 1.50
Outside Chance:
1. Raheem Sterling to score 2 or more @ 4.50
Miscellaneous Tips
If there’s one thing we can count on in the match between Leicester and Norwich, it’s goals. Manuel Pellegrini could face the sack if West Ham fail to win against fellow strugglers Southampton. Sheffield United look too comfortable and in form to lose against Aston Villa.
Probables:
1. Leicester vs Norwich – Over 2.5 Team Goals Leicester @ 1.83
2. Southampton vs West Ham – Full Time Result – Draw or West Ham @ 1.80
3. Burnley vs Newcastle – Full Time Result – Draw or Newcastle @ 1.80
Outside Chance:
1. West Ham to beat Southampton @ 3.80
2. Sheffield United vs Aston Villa – Full Time Result – Draw @ 3.75
3. Newcastle to beat Burnley @ 3.90
