On Saturday, December 16th, 2017, we’ll see seven exciting games as a part of the English Premier League Round 18, including a derby between Manchester City and Tottenham at Etihad Stadium, while on Sunday, December 17th, 2017, West Bromwich Albion hosts Manchester United, and Bournemouth welcomes Liverpool. The closing game is set for Monday, December 18th, 2017, when Everton meets Swansea City at Goodison Park.
LEICESTER CITY vs. CRYSTAL PALACE
3-Way: 1: Leicester City -110; X: +256 Draw; 2: Crystal Palace +333 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -0.5: Leicester City -112; Crystal Palace -101
Total +2.5: Over -105; Under -111
LEICESTER CITY
The Foxes are playing brilliantly since the French tactician Claude Puel took the helm, and they’ve won four matches in a row, including a terrific 4:1 victory over Southampton on the road in the previous round of the English Premier League. Leicester City is currently in the eighth spot of the table with 26 points and a 27:23 goal difference, five points behind Tottenham in the fourth spot which leads to the UEFA Champions League next year.
Injuries and suspensions: Robert Huth (malleolar)
Head-to-head: The Foxes won three out of the previous four H2H duels, while their last meeting was ended in a 2:2 draw.
CRYSTAL PALACE
The Eagles made a superb comeback against Watford in the previous round when they were trailing 1:0 until the 89th minute, managing to get a 2:1 victory in the end. It was their second win in the previous six matches along with four draws. Crystal Palace is in the 18th spot of the table with 14 points and a 12:28 goal difference, the same number of points as WBA in the safe 17th spot. The Eagles have earned 12 points on the home soil, while they were disastrous on the road with a 0-2-6 record and a 0:13 goal difference!
Injuries and suspensions: Connor Wickham (cruciate ligament rupture), Chung-Yong Lee (muscular problems)
Leicester City vs. Crystal Palace – Match Prediction
Both teams are playing well in the last couple of weeks, so I expect to see an entertaining match with more than two goals in total, particularly as the Eagles are still goalless away from home.
MY PICK: Over 2.5 Goals (-105)
ARSENAL vs. NEWCASTLE
3-Way: 1: Arsenal -278; X: +565 Draw; 2: Newcastle +1300 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -1.5: Arsenal -122; Newcastle +125
Total +3: Over -118; Under +125
ARSENAL
The Gunners disappointed their fans in the previous round, playing a nil-nil draw with West Ham on the road, but their lethargic play is way more worrying. Arsenal is now three games in a row without a win, and they are currently in the seventh spot of the table with 30 points, one point behind Tottenham in the fourth spot. It seems like nothing is working well at Emirates Stadium, so the next match against Newcastle is the perfect chance to get back on the right track.
Injuries and suspensions: Santi Cazorla (plantar fascia)
Head-to-head: Arsenal won the previous nine H2H duels, while Newcastle’s last victory was in the 2010/2011 season.
NEWCASTLE
The Magpies are in all kinds of trouble as they’ve earned just one point in the previous eight Premier League rounds, while they’ve conceded 16 goals in the last six matches. They were pretty unlucky against Everton last Wednesday, but this cannot justify the lack of discipline. The Magpies are currently in the 16th spot of the table with 15 points and a 16:26 goal difference, just one point above the relegation zone. This season on the road they’ve recorded one win, two draws, and five losses with a 7:14 goal difference.
Injuries and suspensions: All players are ready to go
Arsenal vs. Newcastle – Match Prediction
The Gunners need to get three points here, particularly because Newcastle is in an awful form recently. I think the visitors will stand a chance if they bring their best game, but I certainly expect to see some goals in this one as both sides desperately need a positive result.
MY PICK: Over 3 Goals (-118)
BRIGHTON vs. BURNLEY
3-Way: 1: Brighton +175; X: +229 Draw; 2: Burnley +240 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread 0: Brighton -125; Burnley +127
Total +2: Over +120; Under -118
BRIGHTON
The Seagulls are in a miserable form in the last couple of weeks, and they’ve earned just one point in the previous five rounds, scoring one goal on those five occasions and conceding ten in a return. They are currently in the 13th spot of the Premier League table with 17 points and a 14:23 goal difference, three points above the relegation zone. At home, the Seagulls are winless for five matches in a row, recording four draws and one defeat in the process.
Injuries and suspensions: Steve Sidwell (back)
Head-to-head: This will be their first Premier League duel, and in the last six meetings in the English Championship Brighton won three times, while three matches were ended in a draw.
BURNLEY
The Clarets recorded another 1:0 victory, sixth of the season with this particular result, beating Stoke at home in the previous round of the English Premier League. They are now in the sixth spot of the table with 31 points, same as Liverpool in the fifth and Tottenham in the fourth spot. The Clarets disciplined approach and a great defensive work (with 12 goals conceded their defense is the third-best in the league) are leading them through this campaign, and they will certainly try to stay undefeated at Brighton this Saturday.
Injuries and suspensions: Dean Marney (cruciate ligament rupture), Tom Heaton (shoulder), Jonathan Walters (knee)
Brighton vs. Burnley – Match Prediction
The Seagulls desperately need a win in front of the home fans to put an end on a terrible run, but the Clarets will be a tough opposition to beat, so maybe a draw is the most probable outcome in this one.
MY PICK: Draw (+229)
CHELSEA vs. SOUTHAMPTON
3-Way: 1: Chelsea -217; X: +420 Draw; 2: Southampton +850 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -1.5: Chelsea +125; Southampton -125
Total +2.5: Over -125; Under +125
CHELSEA
The Blues have beaten Huddersfield 3:1 in the previous round of the Premier League, and it was their third victory in the last five matches, sixth on the road this season. Chelsea is in the third spot of the table with 35 points and a 31:14 goal difference, 14 points behind the leader Manchester City and four points ahead of Tottenham in the fourth spot. At home, the Blues have recorded five wins, one draw, and two losses with a 13:7 goal difference, while they’ve won four straight matches on the home soil.
Injuries and suspensions: All players are ready to go
Head-to-head: Chelsea won the previous three H2H meetings, while four out of the last five games ended with goals on both sides.
SOUTHAMPTON
The Saints are without a win for four matches in a row, recording two draws and two losses in the process. They have certain defensive issues as they couldn’t keep the clean sheet in eight consecutive games, while they conceded four goals against Leicester City at home in the previous round. The Saints are currently sitting at the 11th spot of the Premier League table with 18 points and a 17:23 goal difference, while on the road, they’ve recorded one win, three draws, and three defeats with a 5:9 goal difference.
Injuries and suspensions: All players are ready to go
Chelsea vs. Southampton – Match Prediction
The Blues are huge favorites in this clash, and I expect to see a convincing victory, especially as the Saints are playing pretty poorly on the road this season.
MY PICK: Chelsea AH -1.5 (+125)
STOKE CITY vs. WEST HAM
3-Way: 1: Stoke City +136; X: +240 Draw; 2: West Ham +265 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -0.5: Stoke City +131; West Ham -135
Total +2.5: Over +120; Under -119
STOKE CITY
The Potters have recorded one win and four losses in the previous five rounds and now they are in the 15th spot of the table with 16 points, just two points above the relegation zone. They conceded just one goal in the previous match against Burnley, but it was enough for another defeat, while their defense is still the worst in the Premier League with 36 goals conceded. At home, Stoke City has recorded three victories this season, along with two draws and three losses, and a 10:15 goal difference, which is more than three goals per game on average.
Injuries and suspensions: Stephen Ireland (fractured leg)
Head-to-head: Stoke City recorded one win in the last five H2H duels, while four other matches ended in a draw. Last season, it was a nil-nil draw at bet365 Stadium.
WEST HAM
The Hammers have won just one out of the last five matches, but it was a superb 1:0 victory over Chelsea at home, while in the previous round they’ve managed to earn a draw against Arsenal in front of the home fans. They are currently in the 19th spot of the table with 14 points and a 14:32 goal difference, but since David Moyes took the helm, it looks like West Ham is playing far more aggressively.
Injuries and suspensions: Jose Fonte (malleolar), Doneil Henry (knee)
Stoke City vs. West Ham – Match Prediction
Both teams are struggling this season, and three points from this clash could be crucial for their self-confidence. I expect to see a tight game where one goal could decide the winner. Likewise, maybe it’s time for Stoke’s defense to show some pride.
MY PICK: Under 2.5 Goals (-119)
WATFORD vs. HUDDERSFIELD
3-Way: 1: Watford -118; X: +288 Draw; 2: Huddersfield +425 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -0.5: Watford -125; Huddersfield +121
Total +2.5: Over +110; Under -112
WATFORD
The Hornets’ form is descending in the last couple of weeks, as they’ve recorded three losses and one draw in the previous four matches. Last Tuesday, they were beaten by Crystal Palace 2:1, and it was their second defeat in a row away from home. Watford is currently in the ninth spot of the Premier League table with 22 points and a 26:29 goal difference, eight points above the danger zone. At home, they have recorded two wins, three draws, and three losses with a 10:16 goal difference.
Injuries and suspensions: Younes Kaboul (thigh), Craig Cathcart (knee), Nathaniel Chalobah (knee), Miguel Britos (muscle)
Head-to-head: This will be their first meeting in the English Premier League, while the previous eight encounters in the English Championship were finished in the over.
HUDDERSFIELD
The Terriers were easily beaten by Chelsea 3:1 in the previous round of the Premier League and it was their fourth defeat in the last five matches. After a solid start of the season, their form is pretty shaky in the last couple of weeks, and now they are sitting at the 12th spot of the table with 18 points and a 12:29 goal difference. The Terriers played poorly on the road so far, recording one win, one draw, and six losses with a terrible 3:18 goal difference.
Injuries and suspensions: Jon Gorenc-Stankovic (cruciate ligament rupture), Philip Billing (ankle), Michael Hefele (Achilles tendon problems)
Watford vs. Huddersfield – Match Prediction
This clash is pretty unpredictable, as both teams are playing poorly recently. Watford is a favorite on the home soil, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the visitors get something from this clash.
MY PICK: Draw (+288)
MANCHESTER CITY vs. TOTTENHAM
3-Way: 1: Manchester City -156; X: +375 Draw; 2: Tottenham +550 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -1: Manchester City -106; Tottenham +104
Total +3: Over -114; Under +110
MANCHESTER CITY
The Citizens set a new all-time record with 15 consecutive victories and they are showing no sign of letting up. In the previous round, they smashed Swansea City 4:0 on the road, and David Silva proved a magnificent form with two goals, while he scored four times in the last three games. The Citizens are topping the Premier League table with eleven points ahead of Manchester United in the second spot, and they will try to maintain their incredible form in the following weeks.
Injuries and suspensions: Benjamin Mendy (cruciate ligament surgery), John Stones (hamstring injury)
Head-to-head: Tottenham won three out of the last four H2H matches, while their last duel was finished in a 2:2 draw at Etihad Stadium.
TOTTENHAM
The Spurs won two games in a row beating Brighton 2:0 and Stoke 5:1 at home, so they are waiting for a derby with the Citizens in a fine mood. Tottenham is currently in the fourth spot of the table with 31 points and a 30:14 goal difference, 18 points behind their next rival. On the road, they have earned 13 points with a 4-1-3 record and a 14:8 goal difference, but they are without a win in the last four matches away from home, recording one draw and three defeats in the process.
Injuries and suspensions: Victor Wanyama (hyaline cartilage), Toby Alderweireld (hamstring)
Manchester City vs. Tottenham – Match Prediction
This is a derby clash of the Round 18 and I expect to see an entertaining football with a lot of goal scoring chances. Therefore, I’ll go with the over in this one, as I think we could easily get at least four goals on Saturday evening.
MY PICK: Over 3 Goals (-114)
WEST BROMWICH ALBION vs. MANCHESTER UNITED
3-Way: 1: West Bromwich Albion +550; X: +320 Draw; 2: Manchester United -147 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread +1: West Bromwich Albion – 115; Manchester United +112
Total +2.5: Over +112; Under -111
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
The Baggies have earned a nil-nil draw with Liverpool on the road in the previous round, which is a great success, but they are still winless for 16 matches in a row in all competitions, while they didn’t score in the last three Premier League matches. They are currently in the 17th spot of the table with 14 points and a 12:22 goal difference, while at home they have recorded one win, five draws, and two losses with an 8:12 goal difference.
Injuries and suspensions: James Morrison (Achilles tendon problems), Craig Dawson (knee), Nacer Chadli (muscle)
Head-to-head: Both teams earned two wins each in the last five H2H duels, while their last meeting was ended in a 0:0 draw. Likewise, all these five games were ended in the under.
MANCHESTER UNITED
The Red Devils have beaten Bournemouth 1:0 in the previous round, and it was Romelu Lukaku who scored the winning goal after he cost his team three points against city rival last weekend when he made two enormous mistakes. Manchester United is looking like the only team who can keep the pace with the Citizens, and the Red Devils are currently in the second spot of the table with 38 points and a 37:11 goal difference, 11 points behind Manchester City and three points ahead of Chelsea in the third spot.
Injuries and suspensions: Michael Carrick (calf), Paul Pogba (red card suspension)
West Bromwich Albion vs. Manchester United – Match Prediction
This one will be interesting to watch, as the home side desperately need a win to put an end on a horrible string, while the Red Devils just have to earn three points to keep up with their city rival. I think we could see some goals in this one, besides Jose Mourinho tactical approach.
MY PICK: Over 2.5 Goals (+112)
BOURNEMOUTH vs. LIVERPOOL
3-Way: 1: Bournemouth +600; X: +390 Draw; 2: Liverpool -169 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread +1: Bournemouth +114; Liverpool -118
Total +3: Over +100; Under -103
BOURNEMOUTH
The Cherries had a good game against Manchester United last Wednesday despite the narrow loss, and it could be a huge boost before they face Liverpool this weekend. Bournemouth is without a win for five matches in a row, recording three draws and two defeats in the process, while they are currently laying at the 14th spot of the table with 16 points and a 15:20 goal difference. At home, they’ve earned just eight points with a 2-2-4 record and a 9:9 goal difference.
Injuries and suspensions: Adam Federici (meniscus), Tyrone Mings (back), Brad Smith (hip)
Head-to-head: In the last four Premier league duels Liverpool recorded two victories, while Bournemouth earned three points in their last season’s first meeting. Their previous H2H match was ended in a 2:2 draw.
LIVERPOOL
The Reds are unbeaten in the previous eleven matches in all competitions, but in the last Premier League clash with WBA, they upset the fans with a nil-nil draw on the home soil. It was their second draw in a row after a 1:1 stalemate with Everton last weekend and the Reds are now in the fifth spot of the table with 31 points and a 34:20 goal difference, 18 points behind the leader Manchester City. On the road, Liverpool has won three consecutive matches, scoring 12 goals in the process and conceding just two in a return.
Injuries and suspensions: Nathaniel Clyne (back), Alberto Moreno (wound)
Bournemouth vs. Liverpool – Match Prediction
The Cherries are always a tough opponent on the home soil, and the Reds are well aware of that. I expect to see an interesting match with some goals on both sides, as Liverpool’s defense is pretty fragile this season.
MY PICK: Over 3 Goals (+100)
EVERTON vs. SWANSEA CITY
3-Way: 1: Everton -122; X: +278 Draw; 2: Swansea City +451 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -0.5: Everton -132; Swansea City +129
Total +2.5: Over +138; Under -125
EVERTON
The Toffees are looking like a totally different team since Sam Allardyce took the helm, and they’ve won four out of their last five matches in all competitions, along with a 1:1 draw in a Merseyside derby last weekend. Everton is now in the 10th spot of the table with 22 points and a 21:29 goal difference, while they’ve conceded just one goal in the previous four Premier League matches.
Injuries and suspensions: Yannick Bolasie (cruciate ligament rupture), Seamus Coleman (fractured leg), Ramiro Funes Mori (knee)
Head-to-head: Swansea won two out of the last five H2H meetings, while other three were finished in a draw. Just one of those five matches were ended in the over.
SWANSEA CITY
The Swans were helpless against Manchester City in the previous round and it was their third loss in the last five matches, along with a 0:0 draw with Bournemouth and a 1:0 victory over West Bromwich Albion last weekend. Swansea City is currently at the bottom of the table with 12 points and a 9:22 goal difference, two points behind WBA in the safe 17th spot. The Swans’ attack is the most inefficient in the Premier League and they will have to improve if they want to start winning points on a regular basis.
Injuries and suspensions: All players are ready to go
Everton vs. Swansea – Match Prediction
The Toffees are playing in a great form recently and I expect to see them winning another three points against the terrible Swans.
MY PICK: Everton AH -0.5 (-132)
