The further into the New Year the Premier League progresses, the more vital results become to clubs’ chances of lifting the title, gaining a European berth or surviving the drop.
A number of key fixtures will be played in Week 22 of the English Premier League, but the weekend is undoubtedly highlighted by a match between fierce rivals Liverpool and Manchester United early Monday morning Australian time.
We’re offering the best odds on the widest range of markets for all ten Premier League matches in Week 22!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Sunderland
Week 22 of the English Premier League gets underway at White Hart Lane late Saturday night Australian time when Tottenham look to atone from last week’s loss at home to Leicester City against a so-so Sunderland side. The Black Cats remain entrenched in the relegation zone but will have taken plenty of confidence from a resounding 4-2 win over Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium on Thursday morning. Realistically Spurs will not lose two games at home in a row and should comfortably see off Sunderland.
Southampton vs West Bromwich Albion
Both Southampton and West Brom mustered great performances on Matchday 21 of the Premier League and will each view this weekend’s fixture as an ideal opportunity to continue their positive form. The Saints delivered the in-form Watford a comfortable 2-0 defeat while the Baggies saw interim Chelsea Manager Guus Hiddink’s undefeated run come to an end with a gutsy 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge. While proving they are more than capable away from home, West Brom lack the firepower in key positions Southampton possesses and in the south of England, the Saints should notch up another low-scoring win.
Bournemouth vs Norwich City
Two of the league’s battlers for season 2015/16 meet early Sunday Australian time when Norwich City travel to London to play an up and down Bournemouth outfit. The Canaries have actually been pretty consistent this campaign but appear almost unable to produce a win; drawing more often than not. Leading into Christmas the Cherries posted a number of commendable results against credible opposition but have again slipped somewhat and are winless since Week 17. This is one of those games that could slip either way and a draw ($3.40) represents terrific value as a result.
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace
One of the matches of the week will likely be played when Manchester City and Crystal Palace meet at the Etihad Stadium early Sunday morning. City were stunned when held to a 0-0 draw at home by Everton in Week 21 and are now more than a win off the pace of Arsenal and Leicester City. Palace have continued to press for a Europe spot and sit seventh overall; a win off the pace of Manchester United. Having suffered a shock loss of their own to last-placed Aston Villa, the Eagles will be out to square the ledger but probably face too great a task in City.
Chelsea vs Everton
Chelsea have continued to build in form since the arrival of interim Manager Guus Hiddink but found their first road block in the form of West Brom earlier this week. The Blues are surely building towards the top ten and before anything, will look to restore Stamford Bridge as one of the league’s toughest away trips. Everton mustered a typically strong performance to hold Manchester City to a draw in Week 21 but remain eleventh overall and are sometimes vulnerable. Chelsea perhaps don’t deserve to start resounding favourites but offer some value at a quote of $1.73 in win-draw-win markets.
Newcastle United vs West Ham United
Two former powerhouses meet when Newcastle host West Ham in the north of England in Week 22 of the Premier League. Newcastle have been nothing short of dreadful on their way to eighteenth overall this campaign but made a very positive signing in Jonjo Shelvey mid-week and are clearly thinking positively of their chances of survival. West Ham have continued to figure as the league’s giant killers and sit well in with a chance of a Champions League berth; fifth overall on 35 competition points. Newcastle will look to make the most of their new signing and could very well win this game at good odds.
Aston Villa vs Leicester City
Shock Week 21 winners Aston Villa return home early Sunday morning Australia time but face a monumental task in tied-leaders Leicester City who kept their incredible run of form alive with a 1-0 win over Tottenham on Thursday morning. Despite last week’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, Villa’s fate already appears to be sealed; anchored to the bottom of the table and well off the pace of any other club. Leicester City will start deserving favourites and are arguably the best Premier League bet of the week at $2.20 odds.
Liverpool vs Manchester United
Old foes Liverpool and Manchester United lock horns once again at Anfield on Monday morning Australian time. Liverpool posted a last-gasp draw against league leaders Arsenal on Thursday morning to climb to tied-eighth with Crystal Palace, while United were held to yet another draw by the struggling Newcastle. Regardless of form this is always a heated and well contested affair, and we’re confident Liverpool at home, under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp can sneak away with a close win.