Holiday Football
The clubs in the EPL get right back at it as part of their New Year’s Day holiday matches. James Kempton lets you know where the best money making opportunities are across the EPL.
Middlesbrough v Leicester City
PK and 2 goals
The first meeting of the sides finished two apiece back in November. Team news could be key here as how will the two coaches manage their squads with such a quick turnaround. I hate going under a goal line of two but in all honesty that’s the only bet I could consider making in this match.
Everton v Southampton
Everton -0.25 and 2.25 goals
Southampton won 1-0 when the sides met on the south coast back at the end of November but they travel north on short rest and on the back of that poor home defeat against West Brom. Can Everton exploit the momentum they gained from that late equaliser on Friday at Hull? I lean to the home team here as I sense the wheels may just be coming off on the south coast Saints.
Manchester City v Burnley
Manchester City -2.25 and 3.25 goals
City came from behind to take all three points when they met a month ago at Turf Moor as the Blues won 2-1. Burnley are clearly targeting their home fixtures and they now sit nine points clear of the drop zone after that amazing weekend win over Sunderland. After this game they play in the FA Cup so this away trip could possibly gain more attention from Sean Dyche than other away games. That said the home team could unleash on the Clarets as I do not see any way in which they can repel wave after wave of City attack.
Sunderland v Liverpool
Liverpool -1.5 and 3 goals
Liverpool won 2-0 at Anfield in November and they have won their last three EPL trips to the Stadium of Light with two of those by 1-0 scorelines. In fact under 2.5 goals is 9-1 in the last ten meetings of the teams in the north east. This game kicks off less than 44 hours after Liverpool finished their home game with Man City on Saturday so trusting them to cover a -1.5 line is not for the feint hearted. Any side who can concede four goals to Burnley should not be trusted either. I lean to the home team but will NOT be betting it.
West Bromwich Albion v Hull City
West Brom -0.75 and 2.25 goals
It was one apiece when the teams met earlier this season and under 2.5 goals is 5-1 when they meet in all competitions since December 2013. You all know how I love Tony Pulis and we cashed handsomely over the weekend with the Baggies winning at Southampton but I cannot trust them here. Hull have an extra night of rest and these are the spots that West Brom can find tricky so giving up over half a goal is not for my liking so I will pass.
West Ham United v Manchester United
Manchester United -0.75 and 2.5 goals
Yes on Both Teams To Score is 8-2 when the sides meet in all competitions since December 2013. The Red Devils scored twice in both of their trips to Upton Park last season and they showed great resolve on Saturday to rally from behind to take all three points against Middlesbrough. This is a game at the Olympic Stadium that should at least have a decent atmosphere to spur on the home team. History suggests there will be goals but I am sure Jose will set his team up to quieten the home crowd. I lean to the overs but it’s not with any real conviction.
Bournemouth v Arsenal
Arsenal -0.5 and 2.75 goals
Arsenal have won all three meetings of the teams since the beginning of last season by a combined scoreline of 7-1 and won each game by two goals. Liverpool were given more respect in their recent trip to take on Bournemouth as they were priced at -0.75 in this spot. I like the Gunners here to pass the home team to death as it was only the farcical defensive issues for Liverpool that stopped them winning on that day.
Crystal Palace v Swansea
Crystal Palace -0.5 and 2.25 goals
This is the return meeting of that crazy game which ended 5-4 to the Swans in Wales just a matter of a few weeks ago. Before that game under 2.5 goals had been on a 6-0 run when they met in EPL action and maybe this game will see a return to the mean. I am surprised Big Sam did not shuffle his pack at The Emirates with this game in mind. Despite the Swans having an extra day of rest over Palace I have to lean to the home favourite.
Stoke City v Watford
Stoke -0.5 and 2.25 goals
Stoke won 1-0 just a matter of weeks ago in a Sunday lunchtime victory in the capital. Last season Watford did manage a 2-0 win in this fixture at the Britannia so will travel here with confidence. Stoke battled bravely at Stamford Bridge on New Years Eve and have extra rest over the Hornets for this match whereas Watford were destroyed by Spurs on TV just two days previous. Home win.
Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea
PK and 2.5 goals
There will be revenge on the minds of the home players and supporters going into this game after the Blues ended their title hopes last season at Stamford Bridge. The New Years Day game at White Hart Lane in 2015 ended in a thumping 5-3 home victory so the Spurs fans will be looking to replicate the atmosphere from that day when the Lane was bouncing. Chelsea have a full days extra rest and recovery time over their hosts but given the fact this is to be played Wednesday night I don’t see this as being too much of a factor. On the PK line I would take the home team but I am not exactly running to the window to get my bet down.
