EPL Round 26
EPL play resumes this weekend after the FA cup took center stage last week. James Kempton is back to share his fixture analysis for every match. If you’re looking for more in depth analysis check out his podcast with Pete Nordsted.
Aston Villa v Stoke City
Pk and Goals 2
Thank god Lambert is gone as now maybe Villa will try and at least score a goal. I’d be wary of fading Tim Sherwood in his first game as his cocky wide boy image may give his side a temporary lift but that lift will only be temporary. Overs on the goal line appeals to me given the way Villa opened up in the second half of their cup win last weekend after the half time input from Sherwood.
Chelsea v Burnley
Chelsea -2 and Goals 3
If you think Burnley will be scared of the Blues then think again. They’ve scored at both Manchester clubs this season and once again they will give it everything they have against a top of the table side. Give me the overs with a push being the worst case scenario that I envision.
Crystal Palace v Arsenal
Arsenal -0.5 and 2.5 goals
Pardew was owned by Arsenal when he managed Newcastle so he’s hoping the passion of a London derby may help turn his fortunes against the Gunners. Wenger dislikes Pardew, he isn’t in the minority! It’s a tough game to call but give me Arsenal to do just enough in a game where they need the win.
Hull City v QPR
Hull -0.5 and 2.25 goals
Rangers have picked up recently whilst Hull’s form has been up and down to say the least. Who can seriously rely on Hull to win a game with any confidence? Rangers can do this; will they? I don’t know but it’s the away team or nothing for me especially as they should welcome back Charlie Austin from injury
Sunderland v West Bromwich Albion
Sunderland -0.25 and 2 goals
Only games against Chelsea, Liverpool and Swansea at the Stadium of Light have seen less than two goals. This seems to be a play on Tony Pulis but only two of WBA’s last nine games have gone under 2 goals. All the value here is with the over 2 goals and in a game where “Poyet Out” chants are sure to be heard I lean toward the away team on the match market.
Swansea City v Manchester United
Manchester United -0.5 and 2.5 goals
I can’t read this Manchester United team at all and I am not much better at figuring out the home team either. That’s the beauty of a ten game card, you don’t have to bet every game. If you’re desperate to bet this game then I’d grab the half goal but tread with caution
Manchester City v Newcastle United
Man City -1.5 and 3 goals
Eleven straight EPL meetings of these sides have seen at least two goals. Of those, seven would have cashed an over 3 goals bet, two would have pushed and just two would have been losses. City have covered this -1.5 line in eight straight as well. It looks bleak for the Magpies and I will take the home team to cover.
Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United
Tottenham -0.75 and 2.75 goals
Will Kane be able to breach this tough Hammers backline? Did you see what I did there? Awful gags aside this should be a cracker of a London derby. If last weeks FA Cup trip to West Brom was a “Game too far” for the Hammers I am not sure what Sam Allardyce thinks this game is. I want to support West Ham on this line but the negative comments coming out of Upton Park scare me and my head is saying Spurs straight up but no more than that.
Everton v Leicester City
Everton -0.75 and 2.5 goals
Everton have shored up their defence of late but at the expense of some attacking threat. Leicester have been fighting hard recently and I will take them here to stay within the handicap margin. Give me the basement side to keep it tight, low scoring and make the Toffees sweat.
Southampton v Liverpool
Southampton Pk and 2.5 goals
This should be a good game between two sides who play the game in an open and attractive manner. Whether that translates into a goal fest I am not sure. On the Pk line I have to go with the home side as I know what kind of performance I will get from them. Liverpool are far too reliant on Daniel Sturridge in these situations for my liking so give me the home team on the Pk line.
