EPL Round-Up
The weekly staple in your football handicapping, every game and every angle for the entire slate of fixtures from James Kempton. Be sure to listen to his podcast as well
Burnley v Southampton
Southampton -0.75 and Total Goals 2.5
All week I’ve heard the same: ‘The bubble has burst at Southampton’ nonsense. They have been beaten by three of the elite teams and two of those were unfortunate narrow defeats. On a -0.75 line though I have to favour the home side Burnley who have finally got adjusted to life at this level.
Chelsea v Hull City
Chelsea -2 and Total Goals 3
That defeat at Newcastle could see a backlash from Chelsea here against a woeful and toothless Hull side. Give me Chelsea -2 as I see a push as a worst case scenario. On the goal line I’d take an overs ticket coupled with a 2-0 home win correct score line as a bit of protection.
Crystal Palace v Stoke City
Palace PK (-125) and Total Goals O2.25
Both sides had excellent results last time out and this is a tough game to call. Usually when the lower sides meet it normally pays to side with the home team to avoid defeat. Stoke are in good form though so I’m going to swerve this game completely as even the goal market looks a mystery to me.
Leicester City v Manchester City
Manchester City -1.25 and Total Goals 3
The away side City are just at a different footballing level to their hosts. Leicester will be encouraged forward by their raucous home crowd leaving them open to the counter attack. It will only be for small stakes at this market price but the away win is the side to be on. A line set at three makes me want to avoid the goal markets.
Sunderland v West Ham United
West Ham -120 and Total Goals O2.5
Sunderland have had three massive efforts in the last fortnight and earned excellent points at home to Chelsea and away to Liverpool. This is a game they will feel they can gain a full 3 points. West Ham have been in excellent form but I can’t trust them on this line. Give me the home team here and also a small wager on the under 2.5 goals may pay off.
West Bromwich Albion v Aston Villa
West Brom -0.5 and Total Goals 2.25
How are West Brom priced up as a half goal favourite? A dead man walking as a manager and a local derby game does not bode well on this line for the home team. I am all over Villa who I always say are a dangerous threat on the counter attack. I lean heavily towards the over 2.25 as well as the away team.
Arsenal v Newcastle United
Arsenal -1.25 and Total Goals 2.75
Arsenal are not worthy of being over a goal favourite against any team at the moment. Coming off of some tough EPL games and away action in Europe they host this rapidly improving Newcastle side. The under 2.75 goal line really appeals to me here as my favoured bet, the Geordies can be very difficult to break down.
Manchester United v Liverpool
Manchester United -0.5 and Total Goals 2.75
This should be a great game and one I am really looking forward to here. Both sides look to have significant defensive issues so even with the line set at 2.75 I will be on the overs. Of the two sides I feel I can trust the reds from Manchester the most. Home win and overs for me in what is one of the fiercest rivalries in world sport.
Swansea City v Tottenham Hotspur
Swansea City PK (-125) and Total Goals 2.5
I am surprised to see the match line set at the current level. Swansea continue to play in their familiar pattern that their players have grown accustomed to over the last few seasons. Tottenham continue to struggle with the playing style implemented this season by their new boss. The home win for Swansea on this line offers some value and with Spurs seemingly more dangerous away from home, an over 2.5 goals bet could also appeal.
Everton v Queens Park Rangers
Everton -1.25 and Total Goals 2.5
It’s hard for me to say these words but QPR may look some value at Goodison Park in this fixture. Yes the Hoops are not very good but they have appeared more dangerous in front of goal this season. With Everton incapable of keeping a clean sheet, QPR should find the net at least once. I will though settle with the over 2.5 goal bet as my favoured play. Seriously, did you really think I could side with Rangers as a suggested bet?
