Match Week 17
Not only is it a quick turnaround for clubs in the EPL but for our own insider James Kempton to share his thoughts. Here are a few game notes to get you ready for a weekend of the biggest fixtures
Crystal Palace v Chelsea
Chelsea -1 and 2.75 goals
Chelsea have won their last two trips to Selhurst Park in EPL action with last season’s victory a dominating 3-0 performance. Giving up a full goal though for the away team given the spirited showing Palace put in during their midweek defeat to Man United does not appeal to me.
Middlesbrough v Swansea City
Middlesbrough -0.25 and 2.25 goals
A game I truly have little thoughts on…Defensive resilience would be my shout over a greater attacking flair especially with Swansea looking pretty dire on the road at present.
Stoke City v Leicester City
Stoke -0.25 and 2.5 goals
Both games last season were entertaining encounters as this match finished two apiece with the return game ending in a 3-0 win for Leicester. We are seeing much more fight from this Stoke side than the Foxes can muster so I lean tentatively to the home team.
Sunderland v Watford
Scratch and 2.5 goals
It was the away side who came out on top when these two teams met in the north east last season as the Hornets snatched a 1-0 away win. When they met in London the game was a very open and exciting game which ended in a 2-2 draw. At this market price I think I will just take a bit of a punt on the home team, shoot me now!
West Ham United v Hull City
West Ham -0.75 and 2.5 goals
West Ham have won all four EPL meetings of the sides over the years in London by a combined 10-1 scoreline. I can see a similar outcome in this game to that of the Hammers’ 1-0 home win over Burnley. Back them outright to get the job done.
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United
Man Utd -0.75 and 2.5 goals
The Baggies won 1-0 last season when the sides met at the Hawthornes but prior to that each of the previous eight meetings in the Black Country had gone over 2.5 goals. Give me West Brom here for sure receiving over half a goal!
Bournemouth v Southampton
Scratch and 2.25 goals
The Cherries won this meeting of the sides 2-0 last season with the return game finishing in the same manner in favour of the home side at St Marys. I like the away team here but Bournemouth have stung me quite a bit lately so it won’t be for big stakes!
Manchester City v Arsenal
Man City -0.25 and 2.75 goals
There have been at least two goals in the last nine meetings of the sides in all competitions and who can forget City’s 6-3 demolition of the Gunners here in December 2013. Arsenal have scored at least twice though in each of the last five meetings of the sides and who would discount that happening in this game given the way City have defended of late? Love the overs here.
Tottenham Hotspur v Burnley
Tottenham -1.75 and 3 goals
Over 2.5 goals has gone 6-2 in the eight meetings of the sides since January 2009 with five of those matches seeing four or more goals. Give me the home team to win this by two goals but Burnley may put up more resistance than Hull did in midweek.
Everton v Liverpool
Liverpool -0.5 and 2.75 goals
The last four EPL meetings of the sides at Goodison Park have ended all square and under 2.5 goals is on a 7-2 run when they meet on the blue side of the Mersey. History says Liverpool but remember my rules about night games at Goodison Park. Be afraid of going against Everton, be very afraid!
