There are some very important matches in the Premier League this weekend during what is a very busy month for all 20 sides. The first match to get underway is a London derby between Crystal Palace and Chelsea. Alan Pardew’s side haven’t enjoyed the best season so far but that doesn’t mean they can’t put up a fight against title favourites Chelsea.
Saturday’s evening match sees Manchester United take the trip to the Midlands to take on West Brom. The Baggies have looked an improved side lately and may fancy getting something out of this game, just as they did last season.
The big match on Sunday sees two title contenders go head to head, Manchester City and Arsenal. City have already dropped their fair share of points this season and can’t really afford to drop any more if they are to be considered serious challengers for first place.
Liverpool are another side in the hunt for the title but you can bet that Everton will try everything they can to dent their hopes when the two meet at Goodison Park. It’s a derby match that is frequently a very entertaining one and there should be plenty of talking points after the action on Monday night.
Saturday 17th December 2016
Crystal Palace v Chelsea (12:30) – Both teams to score (10/11 with Bet365)
Crystal Palace have had a pretty awful record throughout 2016 but if they keep scoring as many goals as they have done lately, results may start coming for them. Three goals against Southampton and Hull and four past Swansea make for good reading and Palace should be able to offer a threat to the Chelsea goal here. The Blues defence looks like the best in the league at the moment, but perhaps it is not completely impenetrable so the home side should fancy themselves to grab a goal here with their attacking style and an in-form Wilfried Zaha.
Alan Pardew’s willingness to attack has made his side incredibly vulnerable at the back however. Their 3-0 win over Southampton earlier in the month ended a run of 18 league matches without a clean sheet and you’ll struggle to find many defences so poor. Conceding at home is admittedly less of an issue than it is away from home but it’s hard to see them shutting out such a ruthless Chelsea side who have scored so freely this season. This game should have goals in it and there are good odds available on backing both teams to score.
West Brom v Manchester United (17:30) – Manchester United to win by one goal (13/5 with Betfair)
With goals conceded at home having already reached double figures for this season, The Hawthorns is losing its reputation for being a difficult place to score at. The Baggies had the fifth best home defensive record in the league last season but Tony Pulis appears to be sacrificing some of this resilience for a greater attacking threat. It’s something which has seen the Baggies score four goals at home on two occasions already this season, the most they have managed in the league since September 2014. Pulis is likely to tighten the ship a little given United’s attacking talents but still expect them to play for the win here.
West Brom secured a decent 1-0 win against United last season, helped by an early red card to Juan Mata, but a repeat scoreline seems unlikely. They may be without an increasingly impressive Henrik Mkhitaryan but Mourinho seems to have a much better idea of his strongest side now. He has got them playing well on several occasions lately and when they are playing well, they are a very difficult team to keep quiet. There is reason to think that a sustained spell of good performances is close as the Red Devils seek to close the gap on the teams above them. A comfortable win looks unlikely but they should have enough quality to edge past a capable West Brom side.
Sunday 18th December 2016
Manchester City v Arsenal (16:00) – Arsenal to win (13/5 with Bet365)
Pep Guardiola has suffered a difficult couple of months as Manchester City boss. His European campaign is still on track but recent losses to Leicester and Chelsea have hurt his domestic one. His preferred style of play has often backfired this season and the players he has haven’t quite adjusted to the way he wants them to play. To make matters worse for the Spaniard, Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho are still out suspended and without these two key players, City could well struggle here.
Arsenal don’t pose the best record against the top sides but the form they have been in lately makes you think they can turn this around. The Gunners spent the whole of September, October and November unbeaten in all competitions and will relish playing City in their weakened state. The frontline for Arsenal rarely fails to perform and they should enjoy the space in behind the City line just like Leicester did last weekend. Even when Wenger’s side don’t play their best, they are often still able to snatch the result and this habit makes them a very good value bet to win this important clash.
Monday 19th December 2016
Everton v Liverpool (20:00) – Draw (11/4 with BetVictor)
The last time Everton tasted victory in the Merseyside derby was in October 2010. You’d be wrong in thinking it was a completely one side affair however as in the 12 meetings since, seven of them have ended as draws. With neither side coming into this match with any great form, another competitive stalemate looks on the cards. Liverpool’s recent troubles stem from defensive frailties and weaknesses with both their goalkeeping options. Clean sheets have come at a premium for the Reds this season and they may well see themselves without one again here.
It’s not easy to see Everton ending this match with zero conceded either though. Liverpool’s attack still looks dangerous despite the absence of Philippe Coutinho and Jurgen Klopp will be looking to take the game to the home side given their troubles of late. Divock Origi has performed well since being introduced to the starting XI and his presence will be useful in what is often a physical match. Liverpool do have more to offer than their counterparts but with this advantage reduced by playing away, a fifth consecutive draw between these sides at Goodison is worth backing.