Friday, November 27, 2015

EPL 2015/16 - Week 14

Bournemouth v/s Everton - Away win
Aston Villa v/s Watford - Away win
Crystal Palace v/s Newcastle - Home win
Man City v/s Southampton - Draw
Sunderland v/s Stoke - Draw
Leicester v/s Man Utd - Draw
Tottenham v/s Chelsea - Home win
West Ham v/s West Brom - Away win
Liverpool v/s Swansea - Home win
Norwich v/s Arsenal - Away win

I really like Watford's chances as they visit Aston Villa. I have seen nothing yet in the Villain's demenour since Remi Garde took over as manager that things are going to improve at Villa Park. This team has a severe confidence problem and losing Grealish for his off-field antics in mid-week only adds to their plight. Watford are a well-managed team and their major weakness is a lack of fire power up front. I see it value to either side with them or opt for the draw-no-bet for the visitors.

Liverpool is a transformed beast under Klopp and they are playing with huge confidence at the moment. Swansea's form has been on the downside for a while now and they were lucky to scrape a draw against Bournemouth last week. I can't see them getting a result at Anfield and I think it's a no contest home win.

Crystal Palace could not break down Sunderland last Monday and they have a glorious chance for redemption against a Magpies team in disarray. Midweek events seem to confirm the fact that there is a big tension reigning in Steve Mc Laren's side and the team spirit and motivation are lacking. If the Eagles can take their chances, they will overrun the visitors.

Friday, November 20, 2015

EPL 2015/16 - Week 13

Watford  v/s Man Utd - Draw
Chelsea v/s Norwich - Home win
Everton v/s Aston Villa - Home win
Newcastle v/s Leicester - Draw
Southampton v/s Stoke - Draw
Swansea v/s Bournemouth - Home win
West Brom v/s Arsenal - Away win
Man City v/s Liverpool - Draw
Tottenham v/s West Ham - Draw
Crystal Palace v/s Sunderland - Home win

No particularly strong views this week-end following the international break. Chelsea will probably bounce back from their horrible spell and they don't come much easier than Norwich. The Blues were playing alright when defeated at Stoke in their last league match and although they won't win the league and the odds are against them making a Top 4 spot, they are still a quality team on paper and will win matches against the likes of Norwich.

I also like the chances of Swansea at home to Bournemouth. Manager Monk's job is on the line after their recent barren spell. The visitors are injury-hit and going against them has been rewarding of late. So, Swansea should really be getting on the winning column this week-end.

Friday, November 6, 2015

EPL 2015/16 - Week 12

Bournemouth v/s Newcastle - Away win
Leicester v/s Watford - Home win
Man Utd v/s West Brom - Home win
Norwich v/s Swansea - Away win
Sunderland v/s Southampton - Draw
West Ham v/s Everton - Draw
Stoke v/s Chelsea - Home win
Aston Villa v/s Man City - Away win
Arsenal v/s Tottenham - Home win
Liverpool v/s Crystal Palace - Draw

I think Chelsea's problems will be compounded on Saturday as they visit Stoke without their under-fire manager Mourinho. The Blues are clearly a team with problems and the Britannia is usually one of the most intimidating places to go to in the league. The hope for Terry and co is that Stoke continue on their indifferent form of late, having been surprisingly beaten at home to lowly Watford. It seems that the team with the most hunger and that takes its chances will edge this and at current prices, I see backing the home team as a draw-no-bet or outright win, a good value.

I also like the Magpies' chances as they visit injury-hit Bournemouth. I believe they are getting better with every match and striker Mitrovic is due a goal soon. They represent great value as either a draw-no-bet or outright win as well.

Finally, I give an edge to Arsenal in their Derby against Tottenham. Sure they will be missing a few first-team regulars but the fact that they are playing at home and have the benefit of one extra day rest over their rivals gives them a significant advantage. Harry Kane might start a goal-scoring streak but the Gunners should outscore their arch-rivals.