The English Premier League’s winter break has taken place over the last two weeks, with matchday 21 being split across two weekends. Last weekend saw the first half of games carried out and the Premier League returns this weekend for the remaining ten clubs to play their matches.
The first weekend of matchday 21 saw four of the top eight play, with this weekend seeing the remaining four play their games. Depending on results these matches could see the order of the top eight change drastically, while others will be looking to leapfrog into the top eight for the first time.
With so much drama sure to take place, we’ve picked out our top tips and booking codes for this weekend’s upcoming action:
Arsenal to win, 1.30
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
Arsenal and Palace have both gone through tough patches in the recent weeks leading into this game. Palace have won just once in their last 11 games in all competitions, while Arsenal find themselves winless in four and have lost their last three back-to-back.
However, Arsenal’s performances in these results suggest that they have been unlucky to not take the victory. Despite creating 6.17xG in their last three matches, Arsenal have scored just one goal and conceded six goals in this time to 3.28xG. While the results will certainly not be what the Gunners would have wanted, the performances will give confidence to Arsenal that their fortunes in front of goal will change soon enough and start earning them victories once more.
The story is not quite the same for Crystal Palace as they have struggled to create chances this season with just 32 big chances created this Premier League season, the 18th best of any team in the league.
We expect that Arsenal’s luck in front of goal will have to change at some point soon. With them coming up against a Crystal Palace side who have struggled for chances this season, we expect Arsenal’s goals to return and get them the victory in this one.
Curtis Jones to score anytime, 6.00
Bournemouth vs Liverpool
Liverpool and Bournemouth are both coming into this match in great form with both sides having lost one of their last 10 games across all competitions.
Despite Bournemouth performing well in recent weeks, their defence has been rather lacklustre for a majority of the season with 35 goals conceded in just 19 Premier League games. Set to come up against a Liverpool attack that has scored 43 goals in the league this season, this game is sure to have goals.
While we do expect goals in this one, they wont be coming from Liverpool’s usual source of Mohamed Salah with the Egyptian currently taking part in the Africa Cup of Nations. However, one unlikely source of goals in games of late has been Curtis Jones who has scored four goals in his past six appearances. With the midfielder likely to start in the left of a midfield three for Liverpool, we believe he will push into attacking areas and grab another one in this game.
Brighton & Hove Albion to win, 1.64
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Brighton and Wolves come into this game with just three points separating the two sides, meaning a win for Wolves would take them onto level points with the Seagulls.
While Wolves have won their last three league games, their results against Brighton have historically left a lot to be desired. Of the 19 meetings between these sides since 2012 Wolves have managed to win on just three occasions, with the last of these coming in 2021. Brighton, on the other hand, have won all of the last four with at least three goals scored in each of these games, including a 6-0 win at the end of last season.
Brighton’s form at the Amex Stadium has been impressive this season, losing just one Premier League game at home with this coming in August against West Ham. Wolves’ away form has seen them win just three of 12 matches away from home this season, leaving Brighton as clear favourites.
With all of this in mind, we firmly believe that Brighton will take the victory in this one and extend the gap between these two sides to six points.
Top Booking Code: 62RNYRT (odds: 12.79)
Saturday Booking Code: 62RP3FQ
Sunday Booking Code: 62RP6RD
