Looking ahead to Matchweek 18 of the 2023/24 EPL season, we break down the five best bets for the weekend of Premier League action.
1. Crystal Palace +1.0 vs Brighton @ $1.65
Buoyed by a huge point away to Manchester City last weekend, Palace host a stuttering Brighton outfit that continue to produce inconsistent performances. While the recent record of Roy Hodgson’s men hardly looks great themselves, the game prior they were desperately unlucky not to grab a point off fellow title chances Liverpool, too. Back on home soil, the Eagles are a good chance of getting a point or better in this one.
Bet Now Crystal Palace vs BrightonRoy Hodgson after Palace’s late equalizer vs. City 🤣 pic.twitter.com/CZWbkApzr3
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 16, 2023
2. Aston Villa -2.0 vs Sheffield United @ $ $2.45
The league’s most in form side host rock bottom and while a bloodbath may not necessarily ensue, a sizeable victory is on the table. Villa have beaten Spurs, Man City and Arsenal in the last month, and while their last four wins have come by just the solitary goal, this clash could be one where their entertaining football is rewarded on the scoreboard. There’s a huge carrot awaiting Unai Emery’s men, too. If they beat Sheffield United and Liverpool’s blockbuster against Arsenal finishes as a draw, they will be just the second non ‘Big Six’ side in the last 20 seasons to be top of the Premier League at Christmas after Leicester City in 2015/16. A good omen for what’s to come?
Bet Now Aston Villa vs Sheffield United“No point in getting on the bus if you don’t believe” 💪
Chris Wilder says it doesn’t get much tougher than facing Aston Villa at the moment ahead of Sheffield United’s trip to Villa Park on Friday ⏳ pic.twitter.com/jcaRapYK5m
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 20, 2023
3. Draw – Liverpool vs Arsenal @ $3.50
Villa’s aforementioned hopes for a draw in this one may well eventuate. There’s a reason head-to-head betting in the blockbuster clash of Matchweek 18 is neck-and-neck, and that’s because there’s little separating the two clubs sitting first and second on the EPL table. Red manager Jurgen Klopp has implored fans at the newly expanded Anfield to bring the noise for this one. But Arsenal are well equipped to deal with what will be a hostile atmosphere, and are a big chance of walking away with a point.
Bet Now Liverpool vs ArsenalToday marks four years since Mikel Arteta began his reign as Arsenal boss. #BBCFootball #epl pic.twitter.com/yACDnYDSzj
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) December 20, 2023
4. Tottenham H2H vs Everton @ $1.75
An intriguing clash at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, this one. Spurs are back, notching two wins on the spin after a poor run of results. Everton themselves are flying, having won four in a row (their 12 points in the last four games is unmatched by any EPL side). But facing Spurs away looms as a far tougher prospect they’ve faced in this period. And while they’re expected to bring it to Ange Postecoglou’s men, I’m backing the Aussie manager to seal another three points at home. Tottenham also have a tremendous record against Everton, having lost just one of their past 21 EPL games against the Toffees.
Bet Now Tottenham vs Everton“I LOVE watching Tottenham Hotspur play” 🤝 @Gnev2 heaps praise on Ange Postecoglou and the impact he’s had on Spurs this season 👏 pic.twitter.com/jgXx59zru7
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 15, 2023
5. Wolverhampton +1.0 vs Chelsea @ $1.85
Wolves have slipped up in recent weeks but their home record remains sound. In fact, Gary O’Neil’s men are undefeated at Molineux for over three months, and could well get back to winning ways against Chelsea in this one. The Blues had a confidence-boosting penalty shootout win over Newcastle in the Carabao Cup this week, but the fact is that they remain a mid-table club (currently in 10th) struggling for any form of consistency. The double chance favours Wolves here.
Bet Now Wolves vs ChelseaBig interview with Gary O’Neil on the tactical details that have got his team scoring goals. Very good on how the modern game demands set movements.
Clear on what is going well, honest about what needs to improve. Think Wolves made a good appointment. https://t.co/ZcyOtk2HaE
— Adam Bate (@ghostgoal) December 15, 2023