This weekend I am focusing on the Premier League, where there are two big games at the top of the table. Also on Saturday we have the Club World Cup Final between Liverpool and Flamengo. How can I watch all of these? You can bet on these games here.
Everton 2 v 1 Arsenal – Saturday 21 December – Premier League – Double Chance Everton (1.45)
It’s another difficult away game for Arsenal, who are on a terrible run of one win in 12 games. They have only won three out of 12 away games all season, too, and lost here in April. Everton’s results have improved since Marco Silva was sacked. They have won once and drawn twice since then, facing top teams too. They have only lost three of their last 15 games at Goodison Park and have only been beaten twice here by the Gunners since 2012. At time of writing both teams are set to appoint new managers, but I have to back a Home Win anyway.
Aston Villa 2 v 1 Southampton – Saturday 21 December – Premier League – Both Teams to Score (1.50)
These teams are level on points going into this game and defeat could see either side slip toward the relegation zone. Villa are through to the EFL Cup semi-finals and Dean Smith was able to rest several important players for this six-pointer. Southampton’s results were improving until last weekend’s defeat to West Ham. They have gone six away games without a win and I think they will lose this time. My bet for the game is Both Teams to Score, which has been a winner in seven of Villa’s last ten league games and eight out of ten for the Saints.
Man City 2 v 1 Leicester – Saturday 21 December – Premier League – Both Teams to Score (1.65)
Liverpool’s participation in the Club World Cup means that these teams have a chance to close the gap at the top of the table. Man City are third, four points behind Leicester, and have won four of their last five games in all competitions. They still haven’t solved their defensive issues, though, and Both Teams to Score has won in nine of their last ten games. Leicester have only lost twice this season, at Old Trafford and Anfield, and this is another big away game. They have lost their last three games at the Etihad as well, so I have to back a Home Win this time.
Liverpool 3 v 2 Flamengo – Saturday 21 December – Club World Cup Final – Liverpool Win (1.55)
This is the final of the Club World Cup and winning it would cap an excellent year for Liverpool. They needed a last-minute winner against Monterrey in the semi-final on Wednesday which means that, excluding that EFL Cup game against Villa, they have won six games in a row. Flamengo, who won the Copa Libertadores last month, have only lost once since August in all competitions. They came back from 1-0 down to beat Al Hilal in the semi-final but this is a tougher ask. I’m going for a Liverpool win.
Tottenham 2 v 1 Chelsea – Sunday 22 December – Premier League – Over 2.5 Goals (1.55)
What a derby! Spurs are fifth and will go above Chelsea with a win. They have won four of their five league games since Jose Mourinho took over, while there have been Over 2.5 Goals in all of their seven games since his arrival. After an impressive start to the season Chelsea are struggling. They have lost four of their last five league games and haven’t won any of their last three away games in all competitions. They lost twice away to Tottenham last season, and Mourinho would love to win the first derby at his side’s new stadium. It’s a Home Win for me.