We’re now approaching the midpoint of the 2017/18 Premier League season and there have been a few surprises along the way. Marco Silva’s Watford are flying high and could be set for a top half finish this campaign whilst West Ham United and Everton have both failed to inspire confidence; opting to part ways with Slaven Bilic and Ronald Koeman respectively.
But enough about the past – let’s focus on the present. Tuesday evening sees four huge top flight encounters, starting with Brighton’s clash with Crystal Palace at the Amex Stadium and ending with Newcastle United’s trip to West Bromwich Albion. Check out my top tips ahead of Tuesday’s football below...
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Crystal Palace
The Seagulls are a force to be reckoned with at the Amex Stadium. Brighton are unbeaten in five Premier League matches on home soil and I fancy Chris Hughton’s men to extend that run here. Goals have been hard to come by away from home but Brighton have scored in all but one of their Amex encounters this campaign and a tight victory looks likely.
Crystal Palace are in real trouble. The Eagles are rooted to the bottom of the table despite winning against Stoke City last time out. Roy Hodgson knows that keeping Palace in the top flight is going to be very difficult – and picking up a positive result here is vital. Winning at Brighton may be a step too far at this moment in time though...
TIP: Brighton to win @ 33/20
Leicester City vs Tottenham Hotspur
Under 2.5 goals has landed in three of the last four head-to-head’s but that could change on Tuesday evening. Claude Puel’s Leicester are heading in the right direction and Foxes fans will be quietly confident ahead of Tottenham’s visit. Spurs ran out 6-1 winners in this fixture back in May so the hosts will be determined to get revenge.
Tottenham are still in the mix for the title although the 1-1 draw against manager-less West Bromwich Albion at the weekend has done Mauricio Pochettino’s men no favours. Expect a much improved performance from Spurs here and a high-scoring, entertaining encounter may be on the cards if both sides bring their A-game...
TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ 5/6
Watford vs Manchester United
Watford have been one of the Premier League’s surprise packages this term. Marco Silva has done a fantastic job at Vicarage Road in recent months and the Hornets are in a solid position. Another positive performance against one of England’s elite clubs looks likely and another win will cement Watford’s position in the top half.
Jose Mourinho’s men needed an own goal to squeeze past Brighton on Saturday – the Red Devils were uninspiring at best on that day. With a gap of eight points to Manchester City, United need to put a run of form together in order to keep the pressure on. Unfortunately for the visitors, Watford may be a tough nut to crack...
TIP: Watford to win OR draw @ 5/4
West Bromwich Albion vs Newcastle United
Caretaker boss Gary Megson did an excellent job to prepare West Brom for their clash with Tottenham, securing a point in what was a tough afternoon for the Baggies. West Brom are still searching for a permanent replacement and victory over Newcastle would only strengthen Megson’s position. Albion could snatch this one but under 2.5 goals is the best bet.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are in disarray after a decent start to the season. The Magpies have now lost four Premier League games on the spin and Rafa Benitez needs to stop the rot. This latest miserable run may serve as a timely reminder to owner Mike Ashley that, despite his intent to sell up, he must invest in January. This has all the makings of a dull affair...
TIP: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/15
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
