The Premier League was at its dramatic best last weekend. We saw goals fly in, a shock defeat for the champions and it was all topped off with a Monday night thriller in the Marco Silva derby.
We are heading into the chaos of the Christmas schedule. Managers are rotating as they look to avoid the upsets we so often see at this time of year.
The Saturday after a European gameweek gives extra attention to the mid-table and relegation fighting sides. Here are a few thoughts and tips on the 3pm kick-offs…
CRYSTAL PALACE vs Leicester City
Crystal Palace have won just three league matches all season. The Eagles could slip into the bottom three with defeat here.
Roy Hodgson is a man under pressure, particularly after losing to 10-man Brighton and West Ham last week. They have scored four goals in seven home league matches this season – a record that must be improved to stand a chance of safety.
Leicester are a streaky team, as they have been since their title win. A decent run of form came to an end with a limp performance at home to Tottenham last weekend.
Claude Puel’s are ninth at the moment, winning this weekend could take them up to seventh, while defeat could drop them to the bottom of the mid-table pack.
The Foxes desperately lack cutting edge without Jamie Vardy. If he misses out as expected, Palace are a good price.
TIP: Crystal Palace to win @ 29/20
PREDICTED SCORE: Palace 2-0 Leicester (Priced at 19/2 with 888sport)
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs Burnley
It’s a return to the Premier League grind for Tottenham after their dramatic result in the Camp Nou.
Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to rest Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane against Leicester last Saturday paid off with a victory at the King Power and European progression.
The Lilywhites have been the underappreciated top five team so far this campaign and are strong favourites to cruise past struggling Burnley.
Burnley got a long overdue victory at home to Brighton last weekend. Sean Dyche’s team are out of the relegation zone, though they could be down in 19th by Sunday evening. Unlike last season, the Clarets’ defence is leaky and looks incapable of stopping the top sides.
A European hangover is the only thing that will stop a Spurs victory. The hosts should win this easily.
TIP: Over 2.5 Spurs goals @ 3/4
PREDICTED SCORE: Spurs 3-0 Burnley (Priced at 6/1 with 888sport)
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WATFORD vs Cardiff City
Watford’s winless run was extended to six matches when they conceded a last gasp equaliser to Everton on Monday night.
Javi Gracia’s side were expected to regress at some point, but crucially, the performances have still been good. With 21 points on the board, the Hornets are set for a season in mid-table, though they will be keen to halt this streak.
Cardiff’s home form has bumped them up to 14th. Neil Warnock’s side have improved, but their troubles on the road have continued with five straight defeats.
The Bluebirds could be outclassed at Vicarage Road on Saturday as they face a talented Watford outfit.
The 8/13 price might seem a bit short for a team out of form but let’s not forget just how bad Cardiff have been on the road, though.
TIP: Watford to win @ 8/13
PREDICTED SCORE: Watford 2-0 Cardiff (Priced at 13/2 with 888sport)
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH
Wolves’ slump was dramatically flipped on its head last week. A midweek win over Chelsea and an impressive win at Newcastle have put the Midlands club in 10th, just four points off sixth-placed Manchester United.
This match is an opportunity to climb further up the table against one of the ‘best of the rest’ rivals.
Bournemouth benefited from a favourable early season schedule. Five defeats in six matches have pulled Eddie Howe’s team back closer to where we might expect.
They currently sit in that congested group of upper-mid-table teams and could return to sixth this weekend if results go their way.
Bournemouth’s defence has shown the fallibilities we have come to expect. They are always a decent bet to find the net, though, so both teams to score is the way to go.
TIP: Both teams to score @ 7/10
PREDICTED SCORE: Bournemouth 1-1 Wolves (Priced at 23/4 with 888sport)
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
