We’re now through November, having seen Chelsea falter and Jamie Vardy smashing records, so there’s been plenty of drama and excitement in the league this season. The good news is we’re only a few months in, and the best is likely still to come. With the festive fixtures around the corner, the opening weekend in December is likely to be a big one, with quite a few crucial games coming up.
We see leaders Manchester City facing a tough away trip to Stoke, while Chelsea have a must win clash at home to Bournemouth, which kicks off a huge week for Jose Mourinho and his side. There’s also action on Sunday and Monday, and here we take a look at all the live games, picking out a betting tip for each.
Saturday 5th December 2015
Stoke v Manchester City (12:45) – Stoke to win (4/1 with Betfair)
The league leaders face a tough trip on Saturday afternoon, as they make the short journey to the Britannia to face Stoke. The Potters were on a great run of form, until they lost up at Sunderland last weekend. They’re still a much improved side over the one who struggled at the start of the campaign, and their win over Chelsea here this term shows they are still capable of pulling off big results, even with the addition of several flair players to the team. Former City boss Mark Hughes would love to get one over his former employers, but can he do it?
City have been a little hit and miss in the league of late, and they were on the end of a heavy beating two weeks ago against Liverpool. They now head to Stoke knowing they need it be at the top of their game if they’re to get anything from this match, as Stoke are no pushovers right now. Given how off the Citizens appear to be lately, Hughes’ team certainly has a chance in this one, and we’re backing a win for the home side at the huge price of 4/1 with Betfair.
Chelsea v Bournemouth (17:30) – Both teams to score (5/6 with Coral)
The late game on Saturday is one that the Blues must win, as they need to start climbing the table over the course of this month. After a dull 0-0 draw with Tottenham last week the Pensioners remain in the bottom half, and they’re well off the pace in the race for the Champions League. While they appear more defensively solid, that will certainly be tested this weekend, as they’ll need to open up a little more, playing at home to a team who will come here looking to frustrate them. Surely that hints at a return for Diego Costa?
The Cherries aren’t great on the road, but they are a good attacking side away from home. They’ve failed to score away just twice in the Premier League, and with Chelsea’s recent woes, plus John Terry possibly out again, they could continue that impressive record. Boss Eddie Howe likes his side to get forward, and they’re usually quite effective, as shown last week when they twice came back to claim a 3-3 draw with Everton. Because of the Cherries’ attacking style, we’re backing both teams to score in this one, which is priced at 5/6 with Coral.
Sunday 6th December 2015
Newcastle v Liverpool (16:00) – Liverpool to win and both teams to score (5/2 with Betfair)
Newcastle just can’t catch a break at the minute. With key injuries to players hurting Steve McClaren’s chances, they then had to deal with a trip to Crystal Palace last week. Alan Pardew’s men ran riot over his former club, hammering them 5-1. That result put the Toon into the bottom three, leaving them in serious trouble. Some of the players just don’t seem bothered, while the others don’t seem good enough. The manager hasn’t yet settled, and the fans are far from happy. The last thing they need right now is a visit from a Liverpool team who are in great form.
Jurgen Klopp hasn’t quite got his team working perfectly at home, but on the road they’re a completely different animal. A 4-1 win over Manchester City two weeks ago showed just what they’re capable of, and now they go to a Newcastle side who just can’t defend. It’s hard to see this one going any other way than a heavy Liverpool win. The only problem is, an away win isn’t the greatest price. That’s why we’ve backed the Reds on the result and both teams to score market, giving the price a boost. Klopp’s yet to sort out his team’s defence, so we can see them conceding here.
Monday 7th December 2015
Everton v Crystal Palace (20:00) – Draw (13/5 with BetVictor)
The Monday night game sees two sides who are playing brilliant football coming head to head. Everything was going Everton’s way against Bournemouth last week, until a collapse in the last few minutes cost them two points. We’ve already mentioned Palace’s big win, a result which lifted them up to sixth in the table. Their away form has actually been better than their home form so far this season, so the Toffees need to be at their best here.
Roberto Martinez is slowly starting to get consistent displays from Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley. Those two have been key to Everton’s good form, and they’ll need to keep playing well if the Goodison Park men are to push for a European spot. While Palace have been brilliant away from home, Everton have been solid at Goodison, and it’s hard to see Palace out manoeuvring them in this one. They may have counter attacking pace, but Martinez has attacking potential to call on himself. These two seem pretty evenly matched, so we’re backing a draw here.