This weekend sees the last round of Premier League matches in November, and the table is shaping up nicely for many sides as we head into the festive season. The quick flurry of fixtures in December could completely alter a team’s season, so they’ll want to get points on the board before the fixture list goes a little crazy.
It feels like the league has thrown up a meeting between two of the top sides every week this season, and Saturday sees a clash between the current top two. Granted, it’s probably not the top two you were expecting to be in those positions at the start of the campaign. On top of that, there’s a packed Sunday with three live games, and here we’re looking ahead to all those matches, with a betting tip for each.
Saturday 28th November 2015
Leicester v Manchester United (17:30) – Over 2.5 goals (Evens with BetVictor)
Few would have marked this game down for being a clash between the league’s top two, but Leicester’s incredible season sees them top of the pile heading towards December. It feels like you can’t even call them a surprise package as they’ve become so much more. To lead the way so far into the season is unheard of for a team tipped to struggle. But, with Jamie Vardy in the form of his life and the Foxes in great scoring form, they’re a tough side to compete with, as United will likely find out.
There’s such a massive difference in styles between these two, given how free-flowing Leicester are compared to United. The Red Devils will have to open up more here, and that would allow them to take advantage of a leaky Leicester backline. While the league leaders are capable going forwards, they aren’t the most solid defensively. This game should produce quite a few goals, so it’s surprising to see that over 2.5 is currently priced up at evens with BetVictor. That’s our tip in this one, with both sides likely to go out on the attack.
Sunday 29th November 2015
Tottenham v Chelsea (12:00) – Draw (12/5 with Coral)
Sunday’s triple offering of live games kicks off with BT Sport at midday, as Chelsea make the trip across London to White Hart Lane. The Blues have been struggling in the league so far, but their win over Norwich last weekend was a much needed boost. The big question is, was it a turning point, or another false dawn? The champions have pulled off big results already this season, but they’ve yet to turn their form around. Manager Jose Mourinho will be desperate to keep up that momentum, which could restore some much needed confidence.
They could have picked an easier place to do that than here, with Tottenham in the middle of a record equalling unbeaten run. Their 12 league games without defeat has seen them move up to fifth, just two points off the Champions League spots. With Chelsea’s top four place up for grabs right now, Mauricio Pochettino will have his eyes set on a positive result. However, Spurs have had their fair share of big games this season, and the majority have been tight games, and finished in draws. We can see a similar result here, with Mourinho setting up defensively against the currently free scoring Spurs.
West Ham v West Brom (14:05) – West Ham to win (21/20 with Coral)
This one doesn’t exactly seem like a stand out Super Sunday game, especially seeing as West Brom like to park the bus on the road. Their early season away form saw them stealing quite a few 1-0 wins on the road against some struggling sides. Given how West Ham like to play of the counter, expect the Baggies to set up deep once again, hoping to stop the Hammers from finding any space. That’s something a Pulis team is well drilled to do, the question is, can West Ham find a way around it?
Early in the season, you’d have said no. The Hammers away form was great, but at home they couldn’t work out how to play. They’ve got much better at Upton Park in recent weeks, which helps them prepare to give the ground a good send off. The return of Andy Carroll should help here, as he’ll give West Ham a different approach that could help them break down this defence. Given how the Baggies away form has wobbled slightly in their last few games, we’re going with Slaven Bilic’s team in this one, as they should now have enough going forward to get past a dogged Baggies defence.
Norwich v Arsenal (16:15) – Arsenal -1 handicap (6/4 with Sky Bet)
Norwich made a great start to life in the top flight, but lately that great start has been slipping. Their fearless approach won them many admirers in their opening few matches, but lately that style has shifted, as they get used to the realities of being in the top flight. With a young manager, it’s hardly surprising that the Canaries have hit a rough patch, but can Alex Neil drag them out of it? Facing Arsenal at home will be no easy task, especially as the Gunners look to bounce back from a defeat at West Brom last weekend.
Arsene Wenger’s men had an off day at the Hawthorns, but they now need to put that behind them. Last week Norwich went to Chelsea and sat back, and the Blues still created plenty of chances. Their finishing was off, but it’s hard to imagine Arsenal struggling in the same way. They should be able to find a few ways around the Norwich backline, and they’ve got the attacking talent to finish those chances. We’re backing the Gunners to get back to winning ways here, and to do it with a few goals. Arsenal -1 is our tip, at 6/4 with Sky Bet.