James Buttler looks ahead to Monday's matches in the Premier League and picks out the best bets with a treble.
Aston Villa v Brighton
Villa’s strong home form pitted against Brighton’s poor recent away record looks to be the difference between two sides locked together in ninth and 10th in the Premier League table. Villa will be without in-form striker Jhon Durán, but Ollie Watkins is hardly a downgrade, and he’s got something to prove after not starting recently.
Villa are unbeaten in eight league games at Villa Park, winning the last three, whereas Brighton are no win in their last three away from home. For the purposes of the Monday treble Villa are a great price of 68/67 (basically EVS) with vBet, but if I was playing this match as a single, I’d take a Villa win with a Watkins goal at the bigger 3.69/1.
Ipswich Town v Chelsea
I was really disappointed with Ipswich in their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal last time out. I wasn’t particularly expecting them to win, but to not land a shot on or off target suggested little adventure. Back at Portman Road where they’ve taken four draws in nine home matches it’s tough to see them collecting their first win against a Chelsea side at the other end of the table.
A draw at home to Everton and a 2-1 defeat from a leading position against Fulham has robbed Chelsea of a little momentum, but the skinny 4/9 on Vincenzo Maresca’s mean is fair.
If we’re adding some value, Cole Palmer has five goals in his last six Premier League matches with three of those coming away from home. Ipswich will be dogged and determined but it will be a surprise if Chelsea don’t break them down. Chelsea to win and Cole Palmer to score is 1.86/1 with Betway.
Manchester United v Newcastle
For those of us old enough to remember the Fergie years, seeing Man Utd down in 14th place in the Premier League table is either funny or shocking depending upon your own allegiances. Man Utd have lost their last three and host a Newcastle side that have won their last three league games in impressive style.
The scale of Ruben Amorim is huge and he now has to find a way of keeping a Newcastle side out that has seen Aleksander Isak bagging five goals in their last three wins. I can’t see past more trouble for Man Utd and the play has to be Newcastle to win with a Isak goal along the way at 4.5/1.
James’ Monday Premier League Treble
Put the three picks into a treble and it comes to 35/1 with Bet365.
Please gamble responsibly and have a very Happy New Year.