The busy football schedule continues with Premier League action taking place this week. There’s plenty of betting opportunities to look forward to. Let’s check out who the top 5 teams are facing.
Arsenal vs Cardiff
Tue 29/01 at 19.45
Arsenal host Cardiff at the Emirates Stadium to kick off the midweek games.
After their last League win over Chelsea and their blistering first-half performance, Arsenal looked set to have found a winning formula. However, their FA Cup game against Man Utd didn’t continue that form. They struggled to contain Man Utd’s brilliant counter attacks throughout the game and went on to lose 3-1.
The pressure is now on Arsenal. With Man Utd having won the last 8 games under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, they continue to push for a top 4 finish in the League. Arsenal need to keep the points ticking over.
Meanwhile, Cardiff City have had a very difficult week after their record signing Emiliano Sala and his pilot went missing during a flight back to Cardiff last week.
I hope the Cardiff players put in an inspired performance for their club. However, their form over the last few weeks has been disappointing, having won just one of their last 5 League games.
They’re 2 points behind Newcastle who sit just outside the relegation zone and they’re in need of a few points.
If the Arsenal who beat Chelsea turn up, the front three are going to cause some serious issues for Cardiff.
In terms of team news, Arsenal will be without Sokratis and Laurent Koscielny due to minor injuries. At the other end, selection will likely come down to who’s in the right frame of mind after Emiliano’s disappearance.
I’m going for an Arsenal win.
Newcastle vs Man City
Tue 29/01 at 20.00
Newcastle welcome Man City on Tuesday night.
Last time out in the League, Newcastle beat Cardiff to jump ahead of them and out of the relegation zone.
Staying out of the relegation zone might be another feat with Man City at the other end on Tuesday. However, Cardiff also have a tough game on their hands, away at Arsenal.
With just four points the difference between Liverpool and Man City at the top of the league, neither team can slip up. Both teams are making this one of the best title fights I’ve ever seen.
Newcastle are likely to recall their first choice players after resting them for the weekend’s FA Cup loss to Watford. However, they’ll still be without Joselu, Mohamed Diame, Jonjo Shelvey and Ki Sung-yueng.
Meanwhile Man City are light on the injury front with just Vincent Kompany and Benjamin Mendy likely to miss this one.
Man City are certainly a solid bet for this one.
Bournemouth vs Chelsea
Wed 30/01 at 19.45
Sitting mid-table, Bournemouth could prove a tough opponent for Chelsea.
Sitting just three points ahead of Arsenal and Man Utd, Chelsea need to keep the points coming in, especially after their loss to Arsenal in their last league meeting.
However, with the arrival of Gonzalo Higuain, this task may become a little easier now. With an easy win over Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup, Chelsea will be looking to continue that strong form.
As Bournemouth were knocked out of the FA Cup earlier this year, they’ve had a number of days rest which will help the team no end. Sitting just 3 points behind the top 7, Bournemouth certainly have a lot to play for.
In terms of team news, Bournemouth will be without Lewis Cook and Simon Francis due to long term injuries and their new arrival Dominic Solanke is also set to miss this one.
The visitors have no new injury concerns and they are likely to hand a Premier League debut to Gonzalo Higuain.
Chelsea for the win.
Liverpool vs Leicester
Wed 30/01 at 20.00
Liverpool welcome Leicester City on Wednesday night.
If Liverpool are to win their first League title in over 28 years, they need to keep putting in the results. In their last league outing, they managed to scrape a 4-3 win over Crystal Palace, a result that may prove crucial as the season goes on.
Still unbeaten at home, Liverpool are no walk over. Leicester will certainly need to be firing on all cylinders to overturn this run.
Judging by recent form, this may be difficult for Leicester. The pressure is certainly on manager Claude Puel after a number of disappointing results.
Liverpool may be without defender Virgil van Dijk due to illness. Trent Alexander-Arnold is also struggling with his knee injury and is likely to miss this one. James Milner is also likely to miss this game after being sent off in their last league win over Crystal Palace.
Meanwhile Leicester are set to welcome Harry Maguire back to the starting line up meaning Daniel Amartey is the only absentee for this game.
My bets are going on a Liverpool win.
Tottenham vs Watford
Wed 30/01 at 20.00
Tottenham welcome Watford on Wednesday evening.
Mauricio Pochettino needs to get his team back in a positive frame of mind after being knocked out of two domestic cups in the last week.
Sitting just four points ahead of Chelsea in third, Tottenham need to avoid their decent season ending in a disaster.
To boost the team’s chances Son Heung-min has returned early from the Asian Cup meaning he may be able to face Watford on Wednesday. In other team news, Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Ben Davies are all likely to miss this one.
There are no new injury concerns for the visitors who sit a strong 7th in the table.
I’m going for a draw.
Matched betting opportunities
As usual, there are some great betting offers available for this weekend’s games.
For more information on how you can benefit, check out our Premier League matched betting guide.