Fancy a punt on the Prem this Boxing Day? Want to bash the bookies? We’ve teamed up with a professional tipster to offer the best value for money bets around.
by Liam Newman
A New Year brings fresh hopes for football fans up and down the country and all 20 Premier League outfits will be hoping to start 2015 in style with victory on Thursday afternoon.
If 2014 is anything to go by then we should be in for some phenomenal action over the coming months and we’re hoping to celebrate by bashing the bookies here.
Good luck.
Stoke City V Manchester United. 12:45PM
Louis van Gaal’s failed to find the net during a difficult trip to White Hart Lane but the Red Devils did extend their unbeaten streak to nine matches and there is no reason they can’t make it 10 with a vital three points at the Britannia.
Mark Hughes’ men will pose a threat, especially at home, but 2015 is shaping up to be a much better year for Manchester United and we’re expecting them to start it in fitting fashion.
Manchester United win @ 19/20 with Bet365
Aston Villa V Crystal Palace. 3PM
Both Villa and Palace were involved in 0-0 draws on Sunday, but we think there will be plenty of action as the teams meet in this important New Year’s Day showdown.
Paul Lambert will be eager to see his side start 2015 in style, but the managerial situation at Selhurst Park makes it difficult to predict how the Eagles will play. Whatever happens, though, we think there will be chances at either end.
BTTS @ Evens with Paddy Power
Hull City V Everton. 3PM
Everton have been so inconsistent this season and Hull are also hard to predict. No bet from us.
Liverpool V Leicester City. 3PM
The Reds endured a torrid second half to 2014 but the turn of a New Year could initiate an upturn in fortunes for the Merseyside club and Brendan Rodgers will fancy three points against the struggling Foxes.
Nigel Pearson’s men did well to end their losing streak at Hull on Sunday but the trip to Anfield serves up an entirely different proposition and we’re not sure Leicester are ready to deal with that.
Liverpool -1 handicap @ 11/10 with Paddy Power
Manchester City V Sunderland. 3PM
Manuel Pellegrini will be bitterly disappointed that the champions failed to capitalise on Chelsea’s dropped points on Sunday and will naturally demand three points against Gus Poyet’s Sunderland. We think the Citizens will bounce back in style.
The Citizens will be determined to keep things tighter at the back on Thursday and a clean sheet would almost certainly result in a home win.
Manchester City win-to-nil @ 39/40 with BetVictor
Newcastle United V Burnley. 3PM
A really difficult contest top predict, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Alan Pardew’s future. No bet.
QPR V Swansea City. 3PM
QPR have played really well at home this season, whilst Swansea tend to struggle on the road. Harry Redknapp’s side enter this game as the underdogs but will be quietly confident at Loftus Road and we’re backing them to start the calendar year on a positive note.
QPR draw-no-bet @ 6/5 with BetVictor
Southampton V Arsenal. 3PM
Arsenal are finally starting to fire on all cylinders and Arsene Wenger’s men will climb into the top four with victory at St Mary’s. Whilst Ronald Koeman’s side will put up a challenge, the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla are more than capable of firing the Gunners to success.
The first goal in this game could be absolutely crucial and the visitors will be eager to take an early lead against their top four rivals. If they do strike first, we cannot see them letting that lead slip.
HT/FT: Arsenal/Arsenal @ 3/1 with Bet365
West Ham United V West Bromwich Albion. 3PM
The Hammers ended 2014 in disappointing fashion but Sam Allardyce’s men have been brilliant so far this season and should get back to winning ways against struggling West Brom.
Andy Carroll’s return provides another option in attack and the big man has looked very effective in recent home games. The former England star experienced a difficult 2014 but he can put those worries behind him by opening the scoring here.
Andy Carroll to score first at 5/1 with Paddy Power
Tottenham Hotspur V Chelsea. 3PM
Jose Mourinho’s league leaders were absolutely dominant in December’s reverse clash at Stamford Bridge and the Blues should clinch another important win here.
Chelsea were let off the hook after dropping points at Southampton but their vulnerability on the road has been evident in recent weeks. Nonetheless, they can make their presence felt at White Hart Lane.
Chelsea to win @ 17/20 with Ladbrokes
Liam is a sports writer and professional tipster. Read his daily football betting advice at FootballTips.com
Follow on Twitter @thatliamnewman @footballtips
