Premier League Accumulator 1st January

Premier League Fivefold for 1st January: 8/1

Tottenham v Reading: Verdict - Tottenham
Swansea v Aston Villa: Verdict - Swansea
Chelsea v QPR: Verdict - Chelsea
Southampton v Arsenal: Verdict - Arsenal
West Brom v Fulham: Verdict: West Brom

December has been an odd month results wise for us.  We started the month with a handsome 12/1 treble and then managed to make only the tiniest of returns on a couple of patent backings after that.  Theo Walcott and Chris Brunt as anytime scorers in the Christmas period managed to keep us in profit - but the safest looking backings this month we're halted in their tracks by results such as Liverpool's defeat at the hands of Aston Villa.
           Hopefully we can get off with a good start to January and 2013 with this fivefold.
           Arsenal managed to put six past Southampton at the Emirates and have won their last four games - so they seem like a safe backing to start the New Year off - although most of Southampton's memorable moments this season have been celebrated at home.
           You'll have to set your time-machine to 2006 to revisit the match won by Reading over Tottenham - which is why we think Spurs is a safe call this weekend.
           Fulham last won a league match at the Hawthorns over a decade ago and have never won a Premiership fixture there.  Recent poor form could lead you to suspect a bouncing back from Martin Jol's side, but we expect West Brom to be the stronger outfit in this fixture.  This is the toughest backing of our line-up, and if you're feeling weary of their backing at evens feel free to substitute them for one of the Manchester teams.
          The last addition to our line-up for this week is Chelsea - who have shown a new found strength at home under Rafael Benitez.  The last time these two clubs met at Stamford Bridge Chelsea were by far the stronger team and Fernando Torres, at that time struggling to regain any sort of form, was able to bag a comfortable hat-trick.  Expect Chelsea to breeze past QPR, aimiung to close distance on the league leaders.
          The more conservative amongst you may wish to opt for the six-way backing giving you the fivefold and any combination of four to be on the safer side, should one team cause an upset.
          A Happy New Year to all our regular visitors and twitter followers at @tfpredictions - enjoy this week's Premier League list!
   

Premier League High Risk Accumulator 28/12/12

Stoke v Southampton: verdict – Stoke

Everton v Chelsea: Verdict – Chelsea

QPR v Liverpool: Verdict – Liverpool

Liverpool have been as reliable as a chocolate cricket box in the last few weeks, so putting them in this line-up is a lot more risky than it seems and you can be forgiven for exchanging them for Manchester City, who travel to Norwich, for a similar price.

          QPR were bettered by West Brom on Boxing Day, when we tipped a Chris Brunt anytime goal at 6/1.  We thought that the game would have drawn over the ninety and we were honestly taken aback when West Brom took the lead by two.  QPR now seem almost certain to face the drop and for that reason, whilst the stench of miserable defeat still lingers, we’re backing Liverpool.  Brendan Rodgers has to begin to win his credibility back after quite ridiculously tipping Liverpool as each way winners of the league.

          Everton v Chelsea is one of the most exciting games of the weekend and the result is exceptionally hard to call.  Both teams are in form but having seen Chelsea better Norwich, another tram capable of bettering top teams at home, we’re siding towards the Blues, they’ve got a title to chase.

          With the wide prices of these three fixtures you’ll be statistically safer taking your stake and spreading it over a patent.  Your return will be less than your original backing would be – but you’ll be surprising not to get some of your stake back.

65/10

Premier League Low Risk Accumulator 29th Dec

Stoke v Southampton: Verdict – Stoke

Manchester United v West Brom: Verdict – Manchester United

Reading v West Ham: Verdict – Both teams to score

Statistically speaking, the last Reading match should have been a goal heavy game.  We predicted a draw in that fixture but we were expecting a very exciting game with the lead changing hands throughout the ninety minutes – hopefully the game with West Ham will be what we were hoping for on Boxing Day.

          Stoke are in our eyes a safer bet than Arsenal this weekend.  You can shorten your odds by including Arsenal to beat Newcastle this weekend instead of Stoke if you fancy them over the Potters - but we think Tony Pulis will be leaving the field with the winning team.

          Stoke haven’t lost a home game since February and their brushing aside of Liverpool makes them our favourites this weekend – they join our list with the safest backing of the weekend, Manchester United at 1/4, to complete our low-risk backing.

            

12/5

#EPL Boxing Day High-Risk Treble

High Risk Boxing Day Treble: QPR Draw, Chelsea, Reading Draw

Reading have a good opportunity to showcase their talents against a Swansea side that has performed well away from home, but we still can’t quite see them bettering the Welsh side.  Expect a draw in this fixture, but we do expect goals to be scored by both sides.

          Liverpool’s visit to Carrow Road was one of the only times this season a team has looked comfortable playing against Norwich at home, when Suarez scored on the most memorable hat-tricks in Premier League history.  Chelsea will need to take the lead in the first half of the match – which is something they’ve struggled to manage to do at Stamford Bridge against the Canaries – if they are to make this easy watching for travelling supporters.

          Chelsea should be the clear winners on the day and fixtures such as this need to be away wins for them if they’re to be competing for the title, but with Norwich’s appetite for upset, this is a hard game to call.

          Redknapp will be approaching every game from hereon in as if it’s the last one of the season – and this fixture against West Brom will be treated as such and QPR will be fighting for three points.

          The result at Newcastle, which surprised us somewhat, has dented our confidence in QPR again and we predict a Boxing Day stalemate in that game to complete our high-risk line-up.

           With the high prices for these three teams, we recommend using this line-up as a patent backing - you'll have more than your stake back if any two teams do as hoped.

19/1

#EPL Boxing Day Low Risk Treble

Low Risk Treble: Manchester United, Manchester City, Reading v Swansea Both Teams to Score.

Sunderland’s victory over near-desperate Southampton may be a sign that they’re turning a corner – but expect any improvement in form to be put on hold in their meeting with Man City.

          Manchester City were able to beat Sunderland comfortably in the last meeting between the two and this game is more than likely to be a repeat performance.

          Manchester United face a Newcastle team about to embark on an uncertain few weeks as the transfer window opens.

          Expect a comfortable home win – Manchester United may not score early, but once they do they’ll make sure this game is won without doubt with time to spare.

          Our last addition to our low-risk line-up is the both teams to score backing in the fixture between Reading and Swansea.  Reading have been impressive lately and we’re hoping to see a score draw in this fixture.

21/10

Stoke v Liverpool: Preview and Predictions

Liverpool have just put four past Fulham and are to strengthen their squad in the transfer window, which means things are looking up for them after a week of dismay when Rodgers said the team could finish in the top two before he headed into a home defeat against Aston Villa.

          Stoke managed to hold Tottenham to a draw, and kept a clean sheet, on their travels this weekend and, with their impressive home record, we think they may be able to match Liverpool this weekend.

         

Stoke v Liverpool: Verdict – Draw 5/2

Aston Villa v Tottenham: Preview and Predictions

Aston Villa have been a tough team to break down and nearly earned a surprise result over Manchester United earlier on in the season. 

          Tottenham travel to Aston Villa having failed to score against Stoke and we think that there’s a good chance of Villa, who have been high-scoring and impressive lately, managing to holding them at bay.

Aston Villa v Tottenham: Verdict Draw 5/2

Sunderland v Manchester City: Preview and Predictions

Manchester City are expected to part company with several players, of reports in the Sunday Papers are to be believed.  Either way, the churning of the rumour mill may be enough to kick-start the performance of a team that struggled against Reading on Saturday.

          Sunderland’s victory over near-desperate Southampton may be a sign that they’re turning a corner – but expect any improvement in form to be put on hold in this match.

          Manchester City were able to beat Sunderland comfortably in the last meeting between the two and this game is more than likely to be a repeat performance.

Sunderland v Manchester City: Verdict – Manchester City 11/20

Reading v Swansea: Preview and Predictions

Reading have just, in spite of losing to an injury-time heartbreaker, spent ninety minutes at The Etihad without conceding, which is why we don’t expect an easy ride for the travelling Welsh side this weekend.

          Reading have a good opportunity to showcase their talents against a Swansea side that has performed well away from home, but we still can’t quite see them bettering them.  Expect a draw in this fixture.

Reading v Swansea: Verdict Draw 23/10

QPR v West Brom: Preview and Predictions

West Brom have overcome a dip in form with a home-win against a Norwich side that hadn’t lost for ten games.  Their visit to QPR can be approached with an element of confidence now and Romelu Lakaku, as the opening of the transfer window opens, has a point to prove to his employers – he will pose a clear threat to the QPR defence.

          Redknapp will be approaching every game from hereon in as if it’s the last one of the season – and this fixture against West Brom will be treated as such and QPR will be fighting for three points.

          The result at Newcastle, which surprised us somewhat, has dented our confidence in QPR again and we predict a Boxing Day stalemate.

          

QPR v West Brom: Verdict – Draw 12/5

Norwich v Chelsea: Preview and Predictions

When Manchester United and Arsenal visited Carrow Road they left as losers – which could well happen to Chelsea this weekend if they don’t make a quicker start to the one they made at Leeds in their midweek fixture in the Capital One Cup.

          Liverpool’s visit to Carrow Road was one of the only times this season a team has looked comfortable playing against Norwich at home, when Suarez scored on the most memorable hat-tricks in Premier League history.  Chelsea will need to take the lead in the first half of the match – which is something they’ve struggled to manage to do at Stamford Bridge against the Canaries – if they are to make this easy watching for travelling supporters.

          Chelsea should be the clear winners on the day and fixtures such as this need to be away wins for them if they’re to be competing for the title, but with Norwich’s appetite for upset, this is a hard game to call.

Norwich v Chelsea: Verdict – Chelsea 4/5

Manchester United v Newcastle: Preview and Predictions

Newcastle’s poor run of form has largely been unnoticed this season owing to a better job being done of being dreadful by QPR.  There really would have been trouble if QPR had taken anything away from Saturday’s fixture…

          Manchester United face a Newcastle team about to embark on an uncertain few weeks as the transfer window opens.

          Expect a comfortable home win – Manchester United may not score early, but once they do they’ll make sure this game is won without doubt with time to spare.

         

Manchester United v Newcastle: Verdict – Manchester United 1/4

Fulham v Southampton: Preview and Predictions

The last time these two teams met seemed as if it was not so long ago – when we rightly predicted a draw between the two sides.  Fulham have been impressive at times and shown the skill and flair needed to unlock the best defences in the league, let alone Southampton’s. 

          This is a hard fixture to call and Fulham, who are normally treated to Chelsea on Boxing Day, may well relish this match with added vigour.  We’re going with a second draw, but the result really is anyone’s guess.

Fulham v Southampton: Verdict - Draw 13/5

Everton v Wigan: Preview and Predictions

Everton are considered to be the safest backing of the weekend after Manchester City, but Wigan were able to better Tottenham in an away fixture earlier this season – which means this one has the potential to be an upset.

          Most of Everton’s goals this season have been scored by Fellaini, who you’ll be aware is suspended for this fixture.  His impact in midfield has been notable enough to attract interest from clubs such as Chelsea and he may well be missed in this home fixture.

          Everton have drawn more games that most teams this season in the Premier League and this game has the potential to be one of the most tiresome games of the weekend.  Everton need to continue to press for fourth position and should aim to put the result beyond doubt in the first half; expect a low-scoring bore of a game if Everton don’t do so. 

Everton v Wigan: Verdict – Everton 8/15

#EPL Boxing Day Fixture List and Odds Guide

Kick-off	Fixture	Home	Draw	Away
15:00	Arsenal v West Ham	8/15	16/5	6/1
15:00	Everton v Wigan	8/15	16/5	6/1
15:00	Fulham v Southampton	17/20	13/5	15/4
15:00	Manchester United v Newcastle	1/4	21/4	19/2
15:00	Norwich v Chelsea	19/5	11/4	4/5
15:00	QPR v West Brom	7/5	12/5	85/40
15:00	Reading v Swansea	15/8	23/10	6/4
15:00	Sunderland v Manchester City	21/4	16/5	11/20
17:30	Aston Villa v Tottenham	5/2	5/2	6/5
19:45	Stoke v Liverpool	9/4	5/2	13/10

Premier League Low Risk Accumulator 22nd December

Impressively, QPR, in spite of making one of the poorest starts to a top-flight season, have scored in the majority of their games.  Similarly Newcastle have only failed to score on six occasions out of their twenty-seven games in all competitions, which is nearly 80% of their fixtures.  It would be sensible to expect both teams to score on Saturday and that bet features as a part of our low-risk line-up this weekend.

          We’re placing our faith in a Manchester United away win in their trip to Swansea, but you can find an identical price in the Arsenal trip to Wigan if you think they’ve turned a corner after dumping the forehead and bagging five against Reading.

          The safest backing of the weekend, Manchester City who face recently walloped Reading, completes our line-up for the weekend at 21/10.

          If you’re taking our tips we recommend sticking with our two weekly coupon picks and backing equal stakes, and no more than you can afford to lose, on each.  If you spread the higher-risk backing over a patent bet (three singles, three doubles and a treble) you’ll be in profit if any two land.

Last week’s 12/1 high-risk treble landing was a big bonus leading up to Christmas and means, what with a 10/1 backing landing recently, we’re more than likely to be in profit over the course of the current season. 

Newcastle v QPR: Verdict - Both Teams To Score

Swansea v Manchester United: Verdict – Manchester United

Manchester City v Reading: Verdict – Manchester City

21/10

Premier League High-Risk Accumulator 22nd December

There may be six places between Everton and West Ham when you look at the table – but there are only four points.  West Ham are capable of coming away with something here – and Everton are capable of an off-day, as was the case when they faced Reading last month.   No Premier League side has drawn more games than Everton this season, and this weekend they could quite easily add to their tally to take it into double-figures.  This fixture features in our high-risk line-up because it’s such a close one to call – its doubtful either team will run away with it, so this game could give you something to be excited about until the final whistle.

          West Brom have only won one game in their last five Premiership appearances and struggled to score last week when they hosted West Ham.  Lakaku has one of the best goalscoring records per minute played in the Premiership this season, but it’s worthy noting the team haven’t scored in December.  Norwich, at 10/3 this weekend, are more than fairly priced.  Norwich are an opportunity took good not to take up.

          The last addition to our high-priced line up for this weekend is Newcastle v QPR, where we will be hoping for a draw.  Newcastle have lost their last six and will be hoping to turn a corner against QPR – which may not be as straightforward as it sounds given that the team has yet to lose since Redknapp officially took charge.  QPR have drawn more than a third of their games this season and would have been happy with a draw to Newcastle if they were offered it at the start of the season. 

          If you’re taking our tips we recommend sticking with our two weekly coupon picks and placing equal stakes, and no more than you can afford to lose, on each.  If you spread the higher-risk backing over a patent bet (three singles, three doubles and a treble) you’ll be in profit if any two land.

Last week’s 12/1 high-risk treble landing was a big bonus leading up to Christmas and means, what with a similar high-risk backing landing recently, we’re more than likely to be in profit over the course of the current season. 

West Ham v Everton:  Verdict – Draw

West Brom v Norwich: Verdict – Norwich

Newcastle v QPR: Verdict – Draw

42/1

Chelsea v Aston Villa: Preview and Predictions

Aston Villa’s visit to Chelsea will be a big occasion for the midlands side.  A good performance against the European Champions is exactly the sort of thing a team that’s struggled this season needs heading into the Christmas fixture list.

          Aston Villa have often been able to match Chelsea’s performances in the Premier League and fixtures between the two teams have often been high scoring affairs: 3-3, 7-1 and 4-4 scorelines have been recent results betweent he two teams.

         Chelsea have played more fixtures than any other Premier League team in the last few weeks, so Villa could find some weaknesses to expose if Chelsea don’t make a quick start to the game.

          We expect a Chelsea win, but this could easily be the upset of the weekend – especially when you consider Aston Villa’s last result at Anfield.

Chelsea v Aston Villa: Verdict – Chelsea 1/3

Tottenham v Stoke: Preview and Predictions

Tottenham’s short-term goalscoring record matched Swansea's – so they have a lot to celebrate after bettering them last weekend without key-player Gareth Bale.

          Perhaps surprisingly, we don’t think that Tottenham offer particularly good value this weekend.  It was eight games ago that Stoke lost a game and only two Premiership sides, Everton and Manchester City, have lost fewer games than them this season - they're a stong side and could well cause an upset when they travel to North London this weekend.

          We favour Tottenham over Stoke in this one, but this fixture could easily throw a cat-shit in the applecart.  Tread with care.

Tottenham v Stoke: Verdict – Tottenham 13/20

Swansea v Manchester United: Preview and Predictions

After Brendan Rodgers left, to hunt a top-two finish elsewhere, you may have been left expecting Swansea to flounder in their second Premier League season – a notoriously tricky time for recently promoted sides.  They’ve performed remarkably well and approaching the Christmas fixture list they look almost certain to be approaching their third spell in the Premiership.

          With the Welsh side’s survival looking beyond doubt they can approach this game with confidence and enjoy the sense of occasion a Manchester United visit brings for smaller clubs.  This should be a concern for Manchester United, who have been upstaged by unlikely opposition in the form of Norwich this season and were at times upstaged by Reading.  Manchester United fans will be hoping defensive lessons have been learnt from recent performances.

          Manchester United are the only Premiership side yet to draw a game this season and this well could be the weekend where they do – but we’re going to placing all our eggs in the United basket this weekend.  Aston Villa’s visit to Chelsea could be just as uncertain...

Robin Van Persie will be needed to provide or assist goals this weekend against a strong Swansea defence.

Swansea v Manchester United: Verdict – Manchester United 8/13

Liverpool v Fulham: Preview and Predictions

The Chinese believe that the penis of a tiger has magical properties – and Brendan Rodgers, likewise, thinks that Liverpool can finish second.

          If Liverpool had won last weekend they would have beaten Aston Vila more than any other team in their Premier League history – and this season has been a rockier one for Villa than they’ve had for some time.  The loss last weekend goes to show there are still some big issues to address at Liverpool if they're going to finish above teams like Arsenal and, worrying for fans, Everton.

          Fulham handed QPR their first win last weekend and their victory over Newcastle has been their only win since October - which means they'll be very unlikely winners this weekend.

          There are only two points between these two sides – so it could be a lot closer than the price suggests.  Given the results of late, for both sides, it’s probably a fixture best avoided although the sensible backing would have to be Liverpool.

Suarez will be hoping to make in impact this weekend having not found the net since before his suspension.

Liverpool v Fulham: Verdict – Liverpool 1/3

West Ham v Everton: Preview and Predictions

Results for West Ham of late haven’t matched their performances and we think the fast paced play they’ve been involving themselves in over the last few weeks may be enough to have them take something from their match with Everton.

          Everton are the favourites heading into the game, but this is a fixture which could showcase their talents.

          There may be six places between them when you look at the table – but there are only four points.  West Ham are capable of coming away with something here – and Everton are capable of an off-day, as was the case when they faced Reading last month.  

          No Premier League side has drawn more games than Everton this season, and this weekend they could quite easily add to their tally to take it into double-figures.

David Moyes has seen his side draw more fixtures than any other Premier League side this season.

West Ham v Everton: Verdict – Draw 12/5

Southampton v Sunderland: Preview and Predictions

 

Fixtures towards the bottom of the table are notoriously hard to call – but this season has proven to be even more challenging given the way in which teams like Southampton have performed. 

          Many would have expected Southampton to have been the league punching bag this season, in spite of their spending, and many have been left surprised.

          Saints have had a week longer to prepare for this fixture as were without opponents in Chelsea’s absence last weekend.  You’d like to hope this would be to their advantage, although it could prove otherwise.

          Southampton have only lost once in their last six fixtures, to Liverpool and Sunderland have only won once in their last six.

          This is a game that both teams need to win survival-wise, but this is one of the few Southampton may have been confident about at the start of the season.

          More than half of Southampton’s goals have been scored by Rickie Lambert – so if Sunderland’s defence can keep him at bay, they may be able to take something away from the game, but going on current form the advantage lies with Southampton.

           

Southampton v Sunderland: Verdict – Southampton 21/20

West Brom v Norwich: Preview and Predictions

Norwich have had some of the most unexpected results of the season – having beaten both Manchester United and Arsenal recently and are having one of the best spells of their Premier League history: they haven’t lost a Premier League game since the first week of October.

          West Brom have only won one game in their last five Premiership appearances and struggled to score last week when they hosted West Ham.  Lakaku has one of the best goalscoring records per minute played in the Premiership this season, but it’s worthy noting the team haven’t scored in December.  Norwich, at 10/3 this weekend, are more than fairly priced.

West Brom v Norwich: Verdict – Norwich 10/3

Newcastle v QPR: Preview and Predictions

Newcastle have lost six Premier League games back to back now – which means their current form is worse than QPR’s as they head into this match.

          Impressively, QPR, in spite of making one of the poorest starts to a top-flight season, have scored in the majority of their games.  Similarly Newcastle have only failed to score on six occasions out of their twenty-seven games in all competitions, which is nearly 80% of their fixtures, so it would be sensible to expect both teams to score on Saturday.

          The outright result is not as easily to decide on.

          We expect this game to be one of the closest of the Premier League fixture list and it’s one that’s as important to either team as any match in any other league.  It should be fast paced and full of chances for both team.

          Harry Redknapp has turned things around at QPR, to some extent, and Newcastle need to turn things around to be considered the same team they were last season.  This is going to be tight and we’re tipping a draw.

          

Newcastle v QPR: Verdict – Draw 5/2

Man City v Reading: Preview and Predictions

Manchester City seem ever-likely to lose Mario Balotelli to AC Milan – a move we predicted would be more likely when he was linked with Inter in early November.  Even when he has not been on the pitch he has made the headlines, this week for taking the club to tribunal over a wages dock.

          Manchester City will be more than keen to entertain some positive headlines this week and Reading’s visit gives them the opportunity to demonstrate some flair and creativity at home. 

          Manchester City are, quite obviously, the safest backing of the weekend.

Man City v Reading: Verdict – Man City 1/6

Wigan v Arsenal: Preview and Predictions

The Premier League is the most watched league worldwide – and one of the reasons for that is likely to be the fact that big teams can be upset by opposition towards the bottom end of the table.  Historically, this is something that has been evident on occasion in fixtures involving Wigan.

          Arsenal have been inconsistent lately and fans are trying to cope with the fact that they are currently unlikely to gain entry to next season’s Champions League.  Arsene Wenger, should he step down, needs to hand the club over to his successor as a top four team to ensure a change for the club to make progress – which is why the games between now and the end of the season are more crucial.

          In spite of poor form, we’re favouring Arsenal this weekend and we expect them to better the home side on Saturday in the early fixture.

          With the exception of Tottenham, who were beaten by Wigan this season, Wigan have failed to beat top opposition, not only losing but failing to score against Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City.  We’d tip the both teams not to score backing bearing those statistics in mind, but on only two occasions this season Wigan have failed to score at home – against Manchester City and Chelsea.  Both fixtures ended 0-2 and although that’s a realistic scoreline, it’s hard to call the final result in this one – so we recommend steering clear of the score-markets if you fancy betting on the early game this weekend. 

Wigan v Arsenal: Verdict – Arsenal 5/6

#EPL Fixture List and Odds for 22/12/12

12:45	Wigan v Arsenal	15/4	14/5	5/6
15:00	Man City v Reading	1/6	8/1	18/1
15:00	Newcastle v QPR	11/10	5/2	11/4
15:00	Southampton v Sunderland	21/20	5/2	14/5
15:00	Tottenham v Stoke	13/20	3/1	5/1
15:00	West Brom v Norwich	20/21	13/5	10/3
15:00	West Ham v Everton	11/5	12/5	6/4
17:30	Liverpool v Fulham	8/13	3/1	11/2
Sunday matches		Home	Draw	Away
13:30	Swansea v Man Utd	19/4	3/1	8/13
16:00	Chelsea v Aston Villa	1/3	19/4	9/1