Mid-Week Report
A mid week treat for the futbol enthusiast as the EPL won’t keep us waiting until the weekend this time around. James Kempton is here to offer his thoughts on every single mid-week fixture.
Burnley v Newcastle
PK and Goals 2.25
Burnley roared back over the weekend and have now gone three games undefeated. Confidence and morale is always a big factor for teams at the bottom end of the table. Newcastle lost this weekend and given the handicap line I’ll back the home side in Burnley. Slight lean to the under on the goals but not much value.
Leicester v Liverpool
Liverpool -0.5 and Goals 2.5
Welcoming big teams to their home venue brings out the best for City in terms of their crowd inspired performance. This will be another big night under lights in Leicester and this Liverpool side is wobbling. I’m one to wait on the team news as I’d be a happier man backing Liverpool with Gerrard in their starting line up, even more so if he’s used further forward in their system.
Man Utd v Stoke City
Man United -1.25 and Goals 2.75
No Di Maria means no bet on United for me here despite how easily they brushed aside Hull this weekend even without the Argentinian. For Stoke, it’s another big game away from home within a short space of time so it’s hard to build a case for them. I do quite like the overs line though as I know both sides can cause each other’s defence a lot of issues!
Swansea v QPR
Swansea -0.75 and Goals 2.5
The Swans couldn’t beat Palace this weekend and here they welcome a QPR side who will be buoyed by their own weekend win vs Leicester. Swansea should have too much dynamism and pace all over the field to take this game. Another game where I like the overs on the goal line, a 3-1 home win perhaps?
C Palace v Aston Villa
Crystal Palace -0.25 and Goals 2.25
Palace withstood a barrage and the ball retention style of Swansea over the weekend but that game could take a toll on their player’s legs. The draw on the outright market would appeal to me here and on the goal market I would lean to the under but wit no real conviction.
West Brom v West Ham
West Brom -0.25 and Goals 2.5
How are West Brom favoured in this game? The home fans are becoming frustrated at their boss Alan Irvine and welcoming in form West Ham should just increase the pressure on the Scot. Away win for me in this one but I’d stay away from the goal markets.
Arsenal v Southampton
Arsenal -0.5 and Goals 2.5
Are the weekend results for both sides suggesting that normal Premiership service is to be resumed? Maybe so but I can’t take Arsenal here against this resilient Saints team as I need to see how Southampton bounce back after that disappointing defeat against Man City. A small wager to the under could be on the cards from me in what could be a very strategical game.
Chelsea v Spurs
Chelsea -1.5 and Goals 2.75
Chelsea are just far too experienced in the key areas of the pitch. Tottenham struggle defensively and when they are subjected to any prolonged period of pressure they make simple elementary mistakes. Chelsea thrive on such mistakes but be slightly wary of the upcoming weekend early start at Newcastle meaning they take their foot off of the gas especially without Diego Costa up front. Will still take Chelsea and overs if forced to bet it.
Everton v Hull
Everton -1 and Goals 2.5
Everton don’t look as if they can keep a clean sheet so it’s a good that they welcome one of the most inept strike forces in the shape of Hull for the mid week fixture. They chased the ball all afternoon in Manchester over the weekend and they will do the same here in Liverpool. Everton and over 2.5 goals for me.
Sunderland v Man City
Man City -1 and Goals 2.75
City are rolling after that 3-0 win at Southampton but that great result for Sunderland Saturday has helped keep this line down. Sunderland gave the game against Chelsea everything they had and it will be hard to lift themselves again just a few days later. City have to push on from here on and I do not see them relenting here, City to win comfortably.
