The defending champions Chelsea will open the English Premier League Round 23 against Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, January 13th, 2018, when we’ll also see a clash between Tottenham and Everton at Wembley. Sunday is reserved for a massive derby at Anfield when Liverpool meets Manchester City, while Manchester United will close the round on Monday, January 15th, 2018, when they face Stoke City at Old Trafford.
CHELSEA vs. LEICESTER CITY
3-Way: 1: Chelsea -323; X: +465 Draw; 2: Leicester City +951 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -1.5: Chelsea -107; Leicester City -104
Total +3: Over -107; Under -106
CHELSEA
The Blues started the new year with three draws in a row, and while Antonio Conte certainly cannot be satisfied, his boys finished the previous two encounters against Norwich and Arsenal in the Italian style – 0:0. Chelsea is currently in the third spot of the English Premier League table with 46 points and a 41:16 goal difference, 16 points behind the leader Manchester City. At home, the Blues have won seven straight Premier League matches, conceding just three goals in the process.
Injuries and suspensions: All players are ready to go.
Head-to-head: Chelsea won the previous three H2H meetings, all three in the over, including a 2:1 victory in this season’s fourth round.
LEICESTER CITY
The Foxes have beaten Huddersfield 3:0 at home in the previous round, and it was their first victory in the last five Premier League matches along with one draw and three losses, while they drew with Fleetwood Town in the English FA Cup Round of 64 last weekend when they rested some key players. The Foxes are currently sitting at the eighth spot of the Premier League table with 30 points and a 34:32 goal difference, eleven points behind Tottenham in the fifth spot.
Injuries and suspensions: Danny Simpson (hamstring)
Chelsea vs. Leicester City – Match Prediction
The Blues are huge favorites, but I’m not sure they will easily earn three points here. However, I think we will see some goals, like in the last few matches between these two teams.
MY PICK: Over 3 Goals (-107)
CRYSTAL PALACE vs. BURNLEY
3-Way: 1: Crystal Palace +102; X: +231 Draw; 2: Burnley +313 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -0.5: Crystal Palace +102; Burnley -116
Total +2: Over -132; Under +114
CRYSTAL PALACE
The Eagles started the new year with a brilliant 2:1 victory over Southampton on the road, and now they are in the 14th spot of the Premier League table with 22 points and a 20:33 goal difference, two points above the relegation zone. They’ve suffered just one defeat in the previous five rounds, so the next match with Burnley is a good chance to stay on the right track.
Injuries and suspensions: Chung-Yong Lee (muscular problems, doubtful)
Head-to-head: Burnley won the last three H2H meetings, including a 1:0 win in the fourth round earlier in the season.
BURNLEY
The Clarets are in a poor form, as they are winless for six consecutive matches in all competitions, recording three draws and three losses in the process, including a heavy 4:1 defeat against Manchester City last weekend in the English FA Cup. However, the Clarets are still in the seventh spot of the Premier League table with 34 points and a 19:19 goal difference, ten points behind Liverpool in the fourth spot which leads to the UEFA Champions League next season.
Injuries and suspensions: Stephen Ward (knee)
Crystal Palace vs. Burnley – Match Prediction
This clash is a tricky one, as the visitors will search for a win to put an end on a poor string, and it means they will rely on their defense, so I don’t expect to see more than two goals at Selhurst Park.
MY PICK: Under 2 Goals (+114)
HUDDERSFIELD vs. WEST HAM
3-Way: 1: Huddersfield +168; X: +206 Draw; 2: West Ham +198 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread 0: Huddersfield -118; West Ham +105
Total +2: Over -110; Under -104
HUDDERSFIELD
The Terriers are winless for four games in a row, and after three consecutive draws against Southampton, Stoke City, and Burnley, they were easily beaten by Leicester City 3:0 in the previous round. The Terriers are now sitting at the 11th spot of the table with 24 points and a poor 18:35 goal difference, while at home, they’ve recorded just one win in the last five matches along with two draws and two defeats.
Injuries and suspensions: Elias Kachunga (ligament injury)
Head-to-head: In the fourth round West Ham won at home, 2:0, and it was their only H2H duel in the last 20 years.
WEST HAM
The Hammers had a good start of 2018 with a 2:1 victory over West Bromwich Albion at home, and a 1:1 draw against Tottenham on the road, so they are in the 15th spot of the Premier League table at the moment with 22 points and a 25:40 goal difference. They are undefeated in the previous three games away from home, recording two draws and one win in the process.
Injuries and suspensions: Jose Fonte (malleolar), Sam Byram (muscle, doubtful)
Huddersfield vs. West Ham – Match Prediction
Another tricky clash in this round, as both sides will probably fight against the relegation until the end of the season, so I expect to see a tight match with no more than two goals in a total unless we get an early opener.
MY PICK: Under 2 Goals (-104)
NEWCASTLE vs. SWANSEA CITY
3-Way: 1: Newcastle -108; X: +237 Draw; 2: Swansea City +353 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -0.5: Newcastle -108; Swansea City -104
Total +2: Over -131; Under +113
NEWCASTLE
The Magpies have finally started producing on the field, as they’ve recorded two wins and one draw in the last four Premier League matches, along with a 1:0 defeat against the mighty Manchester City. Newcastle is now in the 13th spot of the table with 22 points and a 20:30 goal difference, still just two points above the relegation zone.
Injuries and suspensions: Jesus Gamez (malleolar)
Head-to-head: Newcastle won the previous two H2H meetings, including a 1:0 victory in the fourth round earlier in the season.
SWANSEA CITY
The Swans ended 2017 with a 2:1 win against Watford on the road, but at the start of the new calendar year, they were easily beaten at home by Tottenham, 2:0. They are still at the bottom of the Premier League table with 16 points and a 13:34 goal difference, four points behind Southampton in the safe 17th spot.
Injuries and suspensions: All players are ready to go.
Newcastle vs. Swansea City – Match Prediction
Both teams are playing pretty poorly throughout the season, and even the hosts are favorites in this one, we could easily get a draw in the end, as the visiting team desperately need a positive result.
MY PICK: Draw (+237)
WATFORD vs. SOUTHAMPTON
3-Way: 1: Watford +146; X: +237 Draw; 2: Southampton +200 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread 0: Watford -131; Southampton +115
Total +2.5: Over -102; Under -115
WATFORD
The Hornets’ defense is the joint-second worst in the Premier League, and that is why they’ve lost six times in the last seven rounds, while they couldn’t keep the clean sheet for nine Premier League games in a row. Watford is in the 10th spot of the table at the moment, just five points above the danger zone, so they just cannot allow another defeat, particularly in front of the home fans.
Injuries and suspensions: Nathaniel Chalobah (knee), Kiko Femenia (hamstring), Miguel Britos (training deficit, doubtful)
Head-to-head: Watford won their first meeting of the season, 2:0, and it was their only victory in the last eight H2H duels, while the Saints were victorious on four occasions.
SOUTHAMPTON
The Saints are in crisis, as they without a win for nine Premier League matches in a row, recording four draws and five losses in the process. They’ve dropped to the 17th spot of the table with their heads just above the water, while on the road they’ve earned just seven points out of ten games with a 1-4-5 record and a 7:15 goal difference.
Injuries and suspensions: Charlie Austin (hamstring), Cedric Soares (malleolar, doubtful)
Watford vs. Southampton – Match Prediction
Both teams are struggling recently, so it’s going to be quite interesting who will bring their good game on this Saturday. I believe we’ll see an exciting game with a lot of scoring chances, so I will go with the over in this clash.
MY PICK: Over 2.5 Goals (-102)
WEST BROMWICH ALBION vs. BRIGHTON
3-Way: 1: West Bromwich Albion +112; X: +202 Draw; 2: Brighton +320 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -0.5: West Bromwich Albion +111; Brighton -129
Total +2: Over +123; Under -145
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
The Baggies finally put an end to a horrible run of 21 games without a win in all competitions, beating Exeter in the English FA Cup Round of 64 last weekend. However, they are still winless for 20 Premier League games in a row, sitting at the 19th spot of the table with 16 points and a 16:30 goal difference. The next clash with Brighton is almost a perfect chance to grab three points, and the Baggies will try their best to succeed.
Injuries and suspensions: Nacer Chadli (hamstring)
Head-to-head: Brighton won 3:1 at home earlier in the season, and it was their only H2H meeting in the last 25 years.
BRIGHTON
The Seagulls have drawn two times in a row against Newcastle and Bournemouth, while they’ve recorded just one win in the last 11 Premier League matches. They are in the 12th spot of the table at the moment with 23 points and a 17:27 goal difference, three points above the teams in the danger zone. On the road, the Seagulls have scored just five goals in 11 games, earning eight points in the process with a 2-2-7 record.
Injuries and suspensions: Steve Sidwell (back)
West Bromwich Albion vs. Brighton – Match Prediction
I will go with the home side in this one, as I believe they will end up their horrible string against inefficient Seagulls.
MY PICK: West Bromwich Albion to Win (+112)
TOTTENHAM vs. EVERTON
3-Way: 1: Tottenham -385; X: +511 Draw; 2: Everton +1157 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -1.5: Tottenham -116; Everton +103
Total +3: Over +118; Under -138
TOTTENHAM
After three straight wins against Burnley, Southampton, and Swansea City, the Spurs failed to beat West Ham at home (1:1) in the previous round, and it is obvious they are far away from the last season’s form. After the first 22 rounds, they are laying at the fifth spot with 41 points, three points behind Liverpool in the fourth spot.
Injuries and suspensions: Toby Alderweireld (hamstring)
Head-to-head: Tottenham won the previous two H2H meetings, including a 3:0 win early in the season, while Everton’s last victory over the Spurs was back in the 2012/2013 season.
EVERTON
The Toffees are without a win for four Premier League matches in a row, recording two draws and two losses, including a 2:0 defeat against Manchester United on the home soil. They are currently in the ninth spot of the Premier League table with 27 points and a 25:34 goal difference, seven points above the danger zone, so there is a lot of work ahead of Sam Allardyce’s boys.
Injuries and suspensions: Seamus Coleman (fractured leg), Ramiro Funes Mori (knee), Leighton Baines (calf)
Tottenham vs. Everton – Match Prediction
The Spurs are big favorites in this clash, and they will probably get a win, but I think it could be a tricky game for them.
MY PICK: Everton AH +1.5 (+103)
BOURNEMOUTH vs. ARSENAL
3-Way: 1: Bournemouth +349; X: +307 Draw; 2: Arsenal -135 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread +0.5: Bournemouth +117; Arsenal -139
Total +3: Over -122; Under +106
BOURNEMOUTH
The Cherries are unbeaten for three Premier League games in a row, recording two draws and one victory in the process, while they are sitting at the 16th spot of the table at the moment with 21 points and a 22:34 goal difference. They’ve earned just one win in the previous five matches in front of the home fans, but they are always a difficult opponent at Vitality Stadium.
Injuries and suspensions: Jermain Defoe (malleolar)
Head-to-head: Arsenal won four out of the last five H2H meetings, but their previous duel at Vitality Stadium was finished in a 3:3 draw.
ARSENAL
The Gunners started a new year with a 2:2 draw at home against Chelsea, while they were heavily beaten by Nottingham 4:2 in the English FA Cup last weekend. They are still in the sixth spot of the Premier League table with 39 points and a 40:28 goal difference, five points behind Liverpool in the fourth, so the win against Bournemouth looks like a priority.
Injuries and suspensions: Santi Cazorla (plantar fascia), Olivier Giroud (hamstring, doubtful), Sead Kolasinac (ankle, doubtful)
Bournemouth vs. Arsenal – Match Prediction
As I already said, the Gunners will have to try to get three points here, so this could give the Cherries a chance on the counter. Therefore, I believe we will see at least one goal on both sides.
MY PICK: Over 3 Goals (-122)
LIVERPOOL vs. MANCHESTER CITY
3-Way: 1: Liverpool +208; X: +269 Draw; 2: Manchester City +124 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread +0.5: Liverpool -145; Manchester City +123
Total +3: Over -129; Under +110
LIVERPOOL
The Reds are now stronger for Virgil van Dijk and we could see a much better defensive work in the further matches, while the game against the mighty Citizens is a true test for everyone at Anfield. The Reds have recorded three wins in a row, and they are still in the fourth spot of the Premier League table, while Jurgen Klopp’s boys are still unbeaten on the home soil in eleven matches thus far.
Injuries and suspensions: Nathaniel Clyne (back), Alberto Moreno (malleolar)
Head-to-head: Manchester City smashed the Reds 5:0 in their previous H2H meeting earlier in the season, but it was their only victory in the last six duels, while Liverpool won three times.
MANCHESTER CITY
The Citizens started the new year with three straight wins – 3:1 against Watford in the Premier League, 4:1 against Burnley in the English FA Cup, and 2:1 against Bristol City in the English Carabao Cup. There could be some tired legs among the squad, but the Citizens are topping the Premier League table with 15 points ahead of the closest rival, so they can play on Sunday in a relaxed manner.
Injuries and suspensions: Benjamin Mendy (knee), Gabriel Jesus (knee)
Liverpool vs. Manchester City – Match Prediction
This is arguably one of the most interesting matches of the season, and I believe we’ll see a tremendous game. The Citizens are still unbeaten, and this could be the end of the road, as I truly admire Jurgen Klopp’s tactical approach.
MY PICK: Liverpool to Win (+208)
MANCHESTER UNITED vs. STOKE CITY
3-Way: 1: Manchester United -455; X: +580 Draw; 2: Stoke City +1329 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -2: Manchester United +112; Stoke City -129
Total +3: Over -123; Under +107
MANCHESTER UNITED
The Red Devils have beaten Everton 2:0 in the previous round of the English Premier League after they’ve drawn three times in a row against Southampton, Burnley, and Leicester City. They are in the second spot of the table at the moment with 47 points and a 45:16 goal difference, just one point ahead of Chelsea in the third. Romelu Lukaku is goalless in the previous three rounds, so he’s certainly ready to bounce back with a couple of goals against fragile Stoke’s defense.
Injuries and suspensions: Eric Bailly (ankle), Antonio Valencia (hamstring), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (knee, doubtful)
Head-to-head: In the last five H2H tilts both teams recorded a win each, while three duels were finished in a stalemate, including their first game this season in the fourth round (2:2).
STOKE CITY
The Potters’ defense is terrible throughout the season, and at the moment they are the worst defense in the Premier League with 47 goals conceded and 118 shots faced, so a much better job is needed if they want to avoid the relegation. Stoke City is currently in the 18th spot of the Premier League table with 20 points and a 23:47 goal difference, while they are the worst team in the league on the road with just six points earned in 11 matches.
Injuries and suspensions: Bruno Martins Indi (groin)
Manchester United vs. Stoke City – Match Prediction
The Red Devils are massive favorites here, and they should easily get three points, while I expect to see some goals against the worst defense in the league.
MY PICK: Over 3 Goals (-123)
