After an incredible November, December has not been kind to me. The bad luck I have encountered is really biting me in the ass. This has not felt like Christmas. I ain’t no jolly fella. After going 23-11 before Thanksgiving, I am now even at 29-29. A losing streak that has wiped out my recent success, but I guess that is just the way the money crumbles. But we have another weekend of soccer ahead of us as a rejuvenated Everton is on the rise, playing against Manchester United, and Arsenal invite Manchester City to the Emirates.
Liverpool vs. Watford
PREVIEW
Premier League’s best play against the Premier League’s worst. I wish I was talking about Arsenal, but Watford travel to Anfield to face the mighty reds to start match day 17. Liverpool just took care of business qualifying themselves to the Champions League knockout stage after beating RB Salzburg to win their group. They also took care of business visiting Bournemouth where they kept their first clean sheet since beating MK Dons in late September. Watford haven’t found their momentum they have hoped for after beating Norwich in early November. They just broke a three game losing streak by tying Crystal Palace after a somewhat dominant performance, at least in the ‘Shot’s taken’ category. Watford will have to climb up a mountain full of traps that is only going to guarantee failure when they climb it up which unfortunately, they have no other choice but to climb up that mountain.
KEY STATS
- In the last 7 games between the 2 teams, Liverpool has scored 25 goals, conceding 4.
- Liverpools last 3 home PL games vs. Watford, the scores were 6-1, 5-0, and 5-0
- ^ Woah ^
PREDICTION
I mean that second key stat is all you need folks. The only issue I have with this stat is if Klopp is going to rest some players because of their upcoming schedule. They Play Watford on the 14th, then Aston Villa three days later, followed by a club world cup game THE NEXT DAY. That is three games in 4 days, and seeing as winning the Premier League is a top priority for the Reds, I think Klopp is playing a majority of his starters against Watford. Hammer the over.
Leicester City vs. Norwich City
PREVIEW
Hand up. I was wrong about the Foxes last weekend. My bad. I was a fool that Aston Villa had a chance to begin with. The Foxes are steam rolling after Jamie Vardy continues his scoring streak to eight straight Premier League games. The beauty with the Foxes is that they don’t play any international competitions, so their rest time is doubled than those of Liverpool, City, and Chelsea. I’m never, ever betting against Leicester City until next year. The flame has got to die out at some point. Norwich aren’t particularly in the best position right now, as they sit four points behind Southampton who sit in 18th. Norwich are having trouble defending crosses, wether it’s for a header or down low at the top of the 18-yard box which cost them the game against Sheffield United losing 2-1. Norwich was the more dominant team.
KEY STATS
- Leicester have won their last 3 PL games vs. Norwich
- Norwich have won 3 of last 5 away PL games vs. Leicester
- Leicester scored at least twice in each of their last 8 PL games,
PREDICTION
The Vardy Party will continue to thrive as he will look to score in nine consecutive Premier League games. The retired English International is getting a lot of noise regarding his status for the upcoming Euro’s. Either way, the man has the hottest foot in the Premier League currently. I think this will be a high scoring affair, but 4 goals may just be too much for the Foxes to hit. Bet the under!
Manchester United vs. Everton
PREVIEW
“…and the Red’s go marching ON! ON! ON!” Manchester was painted red last weekend after another they had yet another spontaneous moment where they dominated their opponent. Previously when they played the Spurs, United were ALL OVER Tottenham in the first 10 minutes where Rashford was able to break the deadlock. He also smacked the crossbar after a moon shoot was using gravity to dip the ball back down. Then Manchester City stroll into town and United had another dominating few minutes where they were able to score two goals with-in ten minutes. Granted, one of those goals was a penalty, but Martial’s strike was damn impressive. Everton were brought back to life after surprisingly beating Chelsea 3-1. The Toffees took advantage of a lack-luster Chelsea defense that was at fault for at least 2 of Everton’s goals. Duncan Ferguson, who played for Everton before retiring has brought life back to Goodison Park.
KEY STATS
- United won 36 of 54 Premier League games vs. Everton
- Everton won 1 of last 26 Premier League away games vs. United
- United look to win 3 consecutive games since Ole Gunnar won his first 6 consecutive games with the club
PREDICTION
I think Ole has found his way with Manchester United. He seems to be a better manager under pressure, rather than being comfortable. Ever since the rumors swirled that Ole’s ass was going to be the next ass to get kicked out, he beats a newly managed Spurs team and beat Manchester CIty in back-to-back fixtures. Those games happened with in three days of each other. I’m going to believe in this man now. My apology to him will come. Manchester United money line is your bet.
PREVIEW
The unpredictable Gunners are playing host to Manchester City on Sunday. City are getting further and further away from league leaders Liverpool, by 14 points to be exact! The Cityzens fell victim to Manchester United’s incredible 10-minute bursts as that proved to be just enough for the Red Devils to win the Manchester derby. They bounced back against a hopeful Dinamo Zagreb thrashing them 4-1 after a strong second half where Gabriel Jesus completed his hat-rick. Phil Foden got on the board as well. On the other hand, Arsenal had a a burst of confidence against West Ham after being down 1-0 at half. Freddie Ljungberg must have had an incredible half time speech because Arsenal scored three goals with in nine minutes, and their record signing Nicolas Pepe has his FIRST Premier League goal. Was it worth the money? You tell me, but the season is still long and the winger has time to prove his worth. But what about Freddie giving youngster Gabriel Martinelli the start for the Gunners with zero disappointment coming out of the match.
KEY STATS
- Arsenal have lost their last 4 PL games vs. City
- City have won 10 of last 11 PL games in London
- City’s record at Arsenal – W3 D11 L20, City won the last 2 away games
PREDICTION
This is a tricky game because both teams had complete opposite week last week. Arsenal won in the Premier League, but were very close to shitting the bed against Standard Liege in the Europa League. City lose to Manchester United but completely destroy Zagreb. But I do think both teams are going to have a slow day on Sunday. Something weird is happening with both teams as one team is trying to find a spine, and the other team is trying to figure our how everything went wrong. This could apply to both teams haha.
Crystal Palace vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
PREVIEW
Ahh Crystal Palace. I just can’t put a finger on this team. They perform well against Liverpool, they beat Burnley away, they beat Bournemouth with ten men, and then they tie Watford where the Eagles were DOMINATED. Crystal Palace did not record a single shot on target. Maybe it was an off day but that was not nice since I placed a BIG bet on Palace. Im over it though, onto the next one. Brighton played a thrilling game against the Wolves where the two sides couldn’t be separated scoring two goals a piece. Brighton also played a great game versus Liverpool which was followed by beating Arsenal at the Emirates. Quite an impressive result for the Seagulls. It’s the battle of the birds for this fixture.
KEY STATS
- Palace lost the same fixture last year, but haven’t lost two consecutive home games against Brighton since 1983
- Brighton beat Palace in both fixtures last season
- Palace lost last three PL games on Monday’s, Brighton has finished their last 3 Monday fixtures 2-2
PREDICTION
Monday is a whole different ball game for some of these mid-table teams. It is very interesting how Monday, not only effects the average human, but also professional athletes when it comes to game day. That probably doesn’t make too much sense, but what does in this world anymore. Fly Eagles Fly.
