James Buttler looks ahead to Boxing Day in the Premier League and picks out the best bets with a treble.
Manchester City v Everton
I’ve often wondered what it might be like to support a team that always wins. Let’s face it, most of us support sides that can’t be fully trusted. Man City fans now find themselves in that category and, probably temporarily, they don’t know where the next win is coming from. City have slipped to seventh in the Premier League table and they’ve lost three in a row across all competitions and it’s just one win in their last 12 matches.
City do however play an Everton side that have failed to score in six of their last seven and in their last four away games. So, is this where Man City get back to winning ways? I’d say yes, but 4/11 on a side with their recent record is not appealing. Regardless of their form, the last four matches in all comps at the Etihad have seen over 2.5 match goals and that’s a much safer play at 4/7 with Bet Victor, although your probably relying on City to score them.
Nottingham Forest v Tottenham Hotspur
Forest are flying in fourth after four wins in their last five at home. Visitors Spurs lost 6-3 at home to Liverpool last time and their only win in their last five league matches came 5-0 against a Southampton side destined for relegation.
Spurs last three matches have averaged 7 (SEVEN) match goals and with a depleted defence and plenty to offer in attack that trend could continue. Both Teams To Score is a given in this one at 9/20, but let’s get adventurous seeing as how it’s Christmas. Over 4.5 match goals is very achievable and is a nice price of 29/10 with Bet MGM. It won’t be dull.
Liverpool v Leicester City
Liverpool are in superb form. Arne has slotted in brilliantly and goals are flowing. They sit on top of the pile at Christmas and have a healthy four-point lead over Chelsea with a game in hand. Liverpool have won five of their last six league matches at Anfield with their most recent a 2-2 draw with Fulham.
Leicester have lost their last two games 4-0 at Newcastle and 3-0 at home to Wolves and they could be picking a few more out of their own net on Boxing Day. I don’t see The Foxes scoring in this match and therefore a few small stakes bets on a correct score win for Liverpool might give us some fun and a chance of success. Liverpool 3-0 is 15/2, 4-0 is 8/1 and 5-0 is 11/1. Put a third of your stake on each and you have every chance.
For our treble I’m playing Liverpool and over 3.5 at 8/13 with SkyBet.
James’ Premier League Treble
If you take the above picks as a threefold the best price is 8.29/1.