The Premier League seem to have saved up some major derbies, as they’ve stuck two in an incredible Sunday double header this weekend. With the Christmas period approaching, top flight points are becoming as valuable as Bitcoin, unless you are Manchester City who have money and points to burn. The runaway leaders face their biggest test this weekend, as they travel to local rivals United.
The weekend kicks off with a not-quite-a-derby derby, with Chelsea making the trip across London to face West Ham. The media do have a habit of turning every all-London clash in to a derby, even when the fans have little feeling towards the other. However, these two usually produce fiery – and high scoring – encounters. We think that there’s plenty more goals on the way in this weekend’s live games, and we’ve picked out betting tips across the biggest matches here.
Saturday 9th December 2017
West Ham v Chelsea (12:45) – Chelsea and over 2.5 (23/17 with Ladbrokes)
Chelsea have a favourable fixture list running through December, and that has opened up the possibility of pushing for the title. While they’re some distance off heading towards the half-way point, the Blues are capable of hitting their stride and putting together a brilliant run, as we saw last season. If they can storm through the festive period, then there’s every chance that Conte’s men could push to defend their title. Meanwhile, David Moyes would happily take a single win just to boost the morale around their camp.
West Ham look like a side who are in the fast lane towards the Championship. They have some huge problems, particularly as they have the worst defence in the league. The issue for the Hammers is that they usually end up in high scoring matches, and come out worse for wear. They’ve lost 26 games since the start of last season, and 22 of those have seen over 2.5 goals scored. We expect more high scoring action between these two on Saturday, and we’re backing an away win and over 2.5 goals, which looks well priced at 23/17 with Ladbrokes.
Newcastle v Leicester (17:30) – Leicester to win (19/10 with Betfred)
Saturday evening’s game seems a little tame in comparison to the rest, but Newcastle are really desperate for points right now. They have lost five of their last six clashes, picking up a point in that run, which has hurtled them towards the bottom three. While Mike Ashley is holding out on selling the club, you feel like millions are being knocked off the valuation weekly as the club slip closer to a return to the Championship. While they’re not in the bottom three, the Magpies are currently defending like a side who are set for the drop. Will they turn that form around when the Foxes visit?
Leicester can boast a brilliant attack, with Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez both looking impressive up front. They’re not quite back to their 2015/16 standard, but they have even more threat alongside them with Demarai Gray now emerging as a big player for the Foxes. Having seen Newcastle torn to shreds by Man United, Watford and Chelsea in recent weeks, we have to expect a big display from Leicester in this trip. Claude Puel’s team are looking much better at the back, and we think they’ll easily crack this Newcastle defence and claim the points. We’re backing an away win here at 19/10 with Betfred.
Sunday 10th December 2017
Liverpool v Everton (13:30) – Liverpool to win to nil (6/5 with Coral)
Sunday’s Merseyside derby is a big test for new Everton boss Sam Allardyce. He may have started off with a win over Huddersfield, but this is a big step up – the kind that he needs to prove himself in after taking the biggest club job of his career. However, the Toffees have an awful record against their neighbours of late, so will he really be able to turn things around when he takes his new side to Anfield this weekend?
While Liverpool have clear defensive problems, they do at least have an impressive record at Anfield this term. Quite how this backline has managed so many clean sheets is hard to say, but they can at least be confident of penning in the Toffees with their aggressive press and searing pace. With the visitors lacking a clear number 9, we struggle to see how they can cause problems here. Liverpool’s system shouldn’t let Everton’s array of number 10s get chances, so we’re going for a home win to nil at 6/5 with Coral this weekend.
Man Utd v Man City (16:00) – City to win and BTTS (16/5 with Betfair)
Manchester United have a great chance to close the gap on City this weekend, as the leaders head to Old Trafford. However, without Paul Pogba in midfield, can the Red Devils really claim a win over the best team in the division? Pep Guardiola’s side will be at full strength almost, and they’ll be able to have even more control over the midfield in this game, which has to worry Jose Mourinho. While the Red Devils did just win at Arsenal last weekend, this clash is much tougher game for the Portuguese and his team.
It’s hard to back against City, who could claim a record breaking 14th straight Premier League win at their neighbour’s own ground, which would be quite the achievement. The leaders have been wobbling for a little while now, but they’ve still managed to do enough to keep their winning run going. They’ve proven that they can battle for points and hold their nerve late on, which will be crucial in this trip. While United haven’t been stopped up front at home this term, we do see them being edged out by a better side. We’re backing a City win and both teams to score, which is priced at 16/5 with Betfair.