Friday, 12 December 2014

Barclays Premier League – 13-15/12/2014


There’s seven Barclays Premier League fixtures on Saturday, including the clash between Arsenal and Newcastle later in the evening. Before the clash of the weekend on Sunday, as in-form United host struggling Liverpool, and after that, to the Liberty Stadium for Swansea against Tottenham. Monday night football sees QPR travel to Goodison.

I’m going to look at a couple of games, provide some stats, and give some predictions, and hopefully find a few winning bets for all;
 

BURNLEY V SOUTHAMPTON

Southampton haven’t won in the League since beating Leicester at the beginning of November, and have lost their last 3, although Southampton will feel very disappointed not to have got something from both the Arsenal, and United game. Having said this, the Saints still have the best defensive record in the league, conceding 12 from 15. And Burnley are joint lowest goal scorers in the league (with Villa), with just 10 goals in 15 games.

Burnley have only won 1 of 8 league games at Turf Moor this season, and scored just 6 goals, and conceded 11 in them games. Burnley have only scored more than once in a game this season, on two occasions, and both of them, away from home, against Stoke and Leicester.

Burnley have conceded the most headed goals, with 9 this season, and when you see how good Pelle is in the air, you can imagine he’ll be getting on the score sheet.

Southampton are unbeaten in their last four games against Burnley in all competitions, with 2 wins, 2 draws, and have lost just one of their last six away games at Turf Moor (W2 D3 L1).

Mark Clattenberg takes charge of this game, and he has given the second highest amount of yellow cards in the league this season, with 83 in 18 games, an average of 4.6 per game, with 2 red cards shown.

VERDICT; It’s a tough one to call really, with Southampton near the top, and Burnley near the bottom, but Burnley above Southampton in the form table. The Saints will definitely want to get back on track here, but Burnley won’t just lay down.

Under 2.5 goals – 4/6 (Paddy Power)

Over 30 points – Card Index – 8/13 (Paddy Power)



CYRSTAL PALACE V STOKE CITY

Stoke are looking for back to back wins for the first time this season, after defeating Arsenal 3-2 last week. Stoke have lost 4 of their 8 away games in the league this season, and have only scored 8 in them games, conceding 11. Palace haven’t fared much better at home, with just 2 wins and 4 losses in 7.

Stoke have failed to score in just 1 of their last 6 league games. Palace failed to score in their last 2 league games, but have only failed to score on two occasions in 7 of their home games this season.

Jonathan Walters is key to Stoke, and should be okay after picking up a knock. He has either scored or assisted six goals in his last seven Premier League games (four goals, two assists).

According to OPTA, only Crystal Palace (209) have committed more fouls than Stoke City (195) in the Premier League this season. Kevin Friend takes charge here, and he has given 58 yellow (average of 4.46 per game)and 2 red cards in 14 games this season.

 


VERDICT; Another tough one to call regarding the score and result. Personally I can see it ending in a score draw, most probably 1-1. With both teams the top fouling teams, and a referee who like to give a few cards, you can expect quite a few bookings here.

Both Teams To Score – YES 5/6 (Bet365)

Over 40 Points – Card Index – 13/10 (Paddy Power)

 

MANCHESTER UNITED V LIVERPOOL (SUNDAY)

Manchester United have now won 5 in a row in the league, while Liverpool have only won 2 in their last 6. But, despite this form, anything can happen in these games.

Liverpool have scored 6 goals in their last 6 league games, but United’s defence can be all over the place a lot of the time, as they struggle to get a settled back line. United have scored 10 goals in their last 6 league games, conceding just 4, despite those jittery moments at the back.

Angel Di Maria will be missing again for Manchester United having sat out the last two games with a hamstring injury. But there is a little good news for Van Gaal as defenders Rafael and Phil Jones are both back from their long-term injuries.

Mario Balotelli is back in training and could return to the Liverpool squad for the trip to Old Trafford.

Robin Van Persie has scored 6 goals in the last 9 league games against Liverpool, and having scored against Hull, and twice against Southampton, he may well be back to near his better form.

There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 12 of Man Utd's last 15 home games in the Premier League. And there have been over 2.5 goals in 13 of Liverpool’s last 14 away games.

Over 2.5 goals – 8/11 (Paddy Power)

Van Persie Anytime Goal Scorer – 5/6 (Paddy Power)

*Paddy Power are also offering Money Back Special if this game ends in a draw – T&C’s will apply, check the link below to sign up today, and get a free bet too!
 



CORRECT SCORE PREDICTIONS

Sunderland v West Ham – 1-2   9/1 (Paddy Power)

Chelsea v Hull City – 3-0               6/1 (Paddy Power)

Arsenal v Newcastle – 2-0           7/1 (Paddy Power)

Leicester v Man City – 0-2            8/1 (Paddy Power)


And that’s about it for now, but check back soon for more football and racing posts.

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