Premier League betting tips: Manchester City to turn the tide, Mohamed Salah to score a hat-trick
This weekend promises another exciting round of action in the Premier League, with Chelsea and Arsenal in hot pursuit of Liverpool at the top of the table.
Aston Villa host a crisis-hit Manchester City in the early kick-off on Saturday before Tottenham welcome the league leaders to London in the late game on Sunday.
With this the final set of matches before Christmas, players and fans alike will want to pick up some last-minute festive cheer.
Sports News Blitz and the Bookie Basher are here with the latest betting odds.
Aston Villa vs Manchester City
Here is a summary for the lazy: City have one win in their last 11 games. Pep Guardiola’s head has fallen clean off. William Saliba has generated more xG in the last two weeks (2.38) than Jack Grealish has in the last 12 months (2.33).
Where do you even start with this City side?
They somehow grabbed defeat from the jaws of victory in the recent Manchester derby and Grealish – who looked like the new Gazza when he was at Villa – has not scored in an entire year, which is just mental.
Luckily for them, it has been Jekyll and Hyde stuff for Villa in recent weeks.
The Villans were great against RB Leipzig and Brentford but awful against Chelsea and, surprisingly, Nottingham Forest.
Call me a lunatic, but I am horny for 11/10 quotes about the four-time defending champions here.
Like it says in the Book of Psalms, if ever a team needs to break a poor run, then play the Villa.
Suggested bet: City to win at 11/10 (bet365/Hills)
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
Arsenal fans on social media were in full meltdown mode after their side was unable to break down Everton last time out.
This is despite the Gunners sitting third in the Premier League and absolutely flying in the UEFA Champions League.
Do me a favour and try following my club Hartlepool — twelfth in the National League, recently beaten by mighty Tamworth in the FA Trophy, and the worst matchday cheeseburgers in Western Europe…
Regardless, while it is not the biggest London derby this weekend, it is nevertheless an important game for Arsenal.
And, to their credit, they have enjoyed playing London teams this year, going unbeaten in nine London derbies so far in 2024.
As an aside, I was in the capital last week. London is mad. Everything is £20.
Suggested bet: Arsenal to win 3-1 at 14/1 (bet365)
Fulham vs Southampton
Saints fans are apparently split over who they want to replace the sacked Russell Martin, but it is not a job I would be rushing to accept.
Obviously, I am lying like f**k here — I would definitely be available and would moreover be cheap as a bag of chips.
In terms of credentials, I can point to my Championship Manager experience, where I took Nuneaton Borough from the Conference North to the Championship in eight short years.
Back in the real world, Southampton have picked up five points from their 16 Premier League matches this term, which is pretty woeful.
That infamous Sheffield United side from the 2020-21 season is the only team to have won fewer points (a measly two) at this stage of a Premier League campaign.
Southampton have won just the one league match so far, scoring a measly 11 goals in the process. Their goal difference is -25. It is a sh*t show. Fulham are a lock.
Suggested bet: Over 2.5 home goals at 6/4 (Betfair Sportsbook)
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Tottenham vs Liverpool
Micky van de Ven is supposedly the fastest player in the Premier League. They reckon that the Dutchman is so quick that he makes fast people look … not fast.
More importantly, Liverpool have reportedly reached an agreement with Mohamed Salah on a new deal, and it is not a moment too soon as the Egyptian King is on fire.
15 games. 13 goals. Nine assists. 22/1 to score a hat-trick against Spurs. I will level with you — I do not hate that bet.
Spurs, on the other hand, are conceding 1.19 goals a game in the Premier League this season, plus their record against fellow top six sides is not great.
A 22/1 touch just before Christmas would be sweet, would it not?
Look, we are living in crazy times and anything is possible, especially when you factor in that Lionel Messi was beaten to the MLS golden boot this year by Christian Benteke.
Suggested bet: Salah to score a hat-trick at 22/1 (Betfair Sportsbook/Paddy Power/Skybet)
