EPL Round 21
The FA cup slowed the momentum of the EPL campaign but rest assured James Kempton is back to break down all 20 games. Remember you can always find his podcast here in addition to his full written analysis each week right here on the site. Enjoy the fixtures this weekend and line those wallets!
Also keep in mind for those new to EPL betting a number of teams may be without key contributors for coming fixtures due to the African Cup of Nations. Here’s a complete list of players competing for their country…
Players lost to African Cup of Nations
Sunderland v Liverpool
Liverpool -0.5 and 2.5 goals
Backing Liverpool away from home at present doesn’t seem a good idea to me. The fall out from the handling of the Steven Gerrard departure may be far reaching and I want to see them play an EPL game before trusting them. If pushed, I am siding with the home team but prefer the under 2.5 goal line as the best bet.
Burnley v QPR
Burnley -0.25 and 2.25 goals
Burnley are deservedly priced as favourites but this is a game QPR will travel north with a genuine belief they can take all three points. Give me the over 2.25 goals as I don’t see any team being fearful of the other and far from being cagey I have a feeling this will have plenty of goals.
Chelsea v Newcastle
Chelsea -2 and 3 goals
Newcastle are in turmoil and surely it will only be a lack of Chelsea desire that stops them from covering this handicap. Give me the home team to win by at least two but this line is tricky as the 2-0 home win is always a danger in these such Chelsea fixtures.
Everton v Manchester City
Man City -0.5 and 2.75 goals
Backing Everton plus half a goal at home for years has proved a profitable proposition. However, they are in such a poor state at present that the only side to back here is the away team. Currently I am not keen on laying more than half a goal on City in games but we don’t need to here as we just need them to win the game. Away win.
Leicester City v Aston Villa
Leicester -0.25 and 2.25 goals
Leicester are showing some fight and maybe that FA Cup win over Newcastle can inspire them here. Villa do play better on the road when they can hit teams on the counter attack. I lean towards the away side and the over but with no real faith in either cashing!
Swansea City v West Ham United
Swansea -0.25 and 2.5 goals
This should be a good game to watch and maybe now is the time to start fading the Hammers. The Swans will have had all week to prepare for this fixture whilst West Ham were in FA Cup action away on Tuesday evening. West Ham are also weakened by the upcoming African Nations Cup so give me the consistent home side to have enough to take all three points.
West Bromwich Albion v Hull City
West Brom -0.5 and 2.25 goals
The Pulis effect sees this line open at -0.5 in favour of the home side. Until I’ve seen West Brom under his leadership I can’t be involved in their matches from a gambling perspective. One to watch and learn from.
Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs -0.25 and 2.5 goals
Spurs on the road this season have been money in these spots but it is Alan Pardew’s first home game in charge of Palace. They comfortably negotiated that tricky looking visit to Non League Dover last Sunday so this will be no easy game for Spurs. I have to side with Spurs though as they have extra quality and the energy they play with should help them get through this London derby.
Arsenal v Stoke City
Arsenal -1.25 and 2.5 goals
Not quite sure what to make of this line. I want to be with Stoke but going against Arsenal in these spots is usually not profitable. The goal line also looks a tricky one to call so this is another game I will be swerving completely.
Manchester United v Southampton
Man United -0.5 and 2.5 goals
The Saints are an impressive outfit but things are beginning to click for United, especially at Old Trafford so I will look towards goals for some value. It is hard to look past the Yes on Both Teams To Score as the away team will give this shaky looking home backline problems. Give me the over 2.5 goals to cash in what should be the most entertaining game of the weekend!
