Upcoming Premier League Fixture List and Odds

Kick-off	Fixture	Home	Draw	Away
15:00	Aston Villa v Southampton	2/1	12/5	15/8
15:00	Everton v Swansea	4/6	3/1	55/10
15:00	Fulham v Wigan	9/10	13/5	4/1
15:00	Norwich v Newcastle	11/10	3/1	11/4
15:00	Reading v West Brom	9/4	5/2	6/4
15:00	Stoke v Chelsea	17/5	11/4	Evens
15:00	Sunderland v West Ham	9/7	5/2	3/1
13:30	Manchester United v Liverpool	4/5	28/10	3/1
16:00	Arsenal v Manchester City	19/11	29/10	7/4
20:00	QPR v Tottenham	3/1	14/5	5/6

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

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

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

Premier League High-Risk Accumulator 15/12/12

Premier League High Risk Accumulator 15/12/12

Manchester United v Sunderland: Verdict - Manchester United 2/9
West Brom v West Ham: Verdict - Draw 11/5
Stoke v Everton: Verdict - Draw 11/5

Treble at 12/1

Manchester United are by far the safest backing of the weekend, and we've included them in our higher-risk selection simply to get some mileage out of their wide price.
          West Brom are priced at evens to win this weekend and if you favour them over the draw then you're still looking at a fair price for your stake if you back them - or West Ham - as outright winners.  We're favouring a draw in this game and think that it could be a low-scoring affair with the two teams cancelling one another out over the course of the ninety.  West Ham have performed well in unlikely circumstances this weekend and have been one of the teams most readily underestimated by opposition, but we don't expect an away win.  This is one of the toughest games to call of the weekend regardless - which is why you may favour looking to include a Fulham double-chance instead for slightly shortened odds.
          If you overlook some inconsistent results then Everton are the team of the season - however, it's games like the trip to Stoke which can provide fans with frustration.  Stoke have not lost at home in the Premiership since February and although it's likely to be a team like Everton that overturns them eventually, we're expecting them to weather the Everton storm this weekend and cling to the record.  A tough game to call either way, which is why we're appeasing both sides by tipping the draw.
          If any of these are simply too risky for your liking then feel free to sub Arsenal in at 4/6, if you think they're in with a better chance against Reading this weekend.
          A patent backing (three singles, three doubles and a treble) might be a safer way to play if you're looking to back our high-risk picks this weekend - but this is a bet for you to buy into for talking points and not one to be spending big on - especially at this time of year.
          Good luck this weekend, whoever you choose to back, and follow us on twitter @tfpredictions.blogspot.com
        

Premier League Low Risk Accumulator 15/12/12

Premier League Low Risk Treble 3/2

Manchester United v Sunderland: Verdict - Manchester United
Liverpool v Aston Villa: Verdict - Liverpool
Newcastle v Manchester City: Verdict - Manchester City

This weekend almost seems too good to be true as far as low-risk backings are concerned - so our treble for this weekend will hopefully provide a return if the likely outcomes are the case this in the Premier League.
          Manchester United's hosting of Sunderland should provide a home win for the league leaders, anything otherwise will be the upset of the weekend - regardless of the score in the Reading clash with Arsenal.  Wayne Rooney has begun to find the net at a vital point in the season and this is the sort of fixture he's capable of shining in.  Expect either Rooney or Van Persie to be on the score sheet and if you're solely interested in this fixture you're better off taking an anytime goal from either than the wide starting price at 2/9.  Manchester United are the safest backing of the weekend by a wide margin.
          Manchester CIty have had a fairly torrid few weeks and one can be forgiven for remembering that they're the Premier League champions this season.  We expect a return to form for them this weekend and Newcastle's win record this season is far from what it was in their last campaign - so we're picking Manchester City to be one of our winners.  Mancini is on for a rough time with the papers heading into the the Christmas fixture list if this fixture is anything other than an away win.
          We expected Liverpool to struggle in their visit to Upton Park last weekend and their comeback against a strong West Ham outfit has led us to favour them over Aston Villa int he fixture at Anfield this weekend.  If Liverpool are going to be frogleaping teams like Everton this season then they need to start claiming more wins than they have been doing and this makes their hosting of Villa heading into Christmas one of their most important home games of the campaign.
          The Arsenal fans amongst you may want to make a substitution and include their away visit to Reading instead of the Liverpool or Manchester City selections.  We recommend you have a look into our higher risk backing if you're expecting Arsene Wenger to silence critics this weekend.
          Enjoy the football on offer this weekend, whoever you choose to back and follow on twitter @tfpredictions

Stoke v Everton: Preview and Predictions

The sensible money probably stays in one’s pocket as far as this fixture is concerned, but we’re still tempted by the draw at 7/3.

          Everton’s bettering of Tottenham this weekend was largely overlooked in light of Manchester United’s victory of the weekend, but in the grand scheme of things it’s likely to be looked back on as one of the biggest victories of the season – especially if it means Everton are able to finish in the top four, their current ambition.  With this huge victory for Everton in mind, you can be forgiven for favouring them over Stoke this weekend.

          We’re tipping a draw at 7/3 this weekend, which seems like an obvious result at first glance, in spite of Everton’s current league position.  Everton have had some poor results away from home, notably in their recent loss to Reading, and Stoke is a notoriously tricky place to visit for Premier League teams.  The Potters have yet to have lost a league game at home this season – the last time they did lose a home fixture was in February.

          Expect a close game decided by a slender margin, if at all.          

        

Stoke v Everton: Verdict – Draw 7/3

Reading v Arsenal: Preview and Predictions

Arsenal have had one of the most inconsistent starts to a Premier League season under Arsene Wenger – one that’s been responsible for creating a feeling of malaise that’s become far too familiar for some fans.  The pressure’s been mounting on Wenger to step aside at the end of the season and he’s now hinted that he may do.  It’d certainly be a shame for that to be the case at the end of a season if Arsenal fail to qualify for the Champions League – which could be the case if they don’t start winning more games back to back.

           Reading’s losses to Southampton and Sunderland will have dented their confidence – but they’ll see Arsenal’s visit as a fantastic opportunity, given the previous result when the last two teams met.  They’re in contention to be relegated again and fans have good cause to be concerned.

          We expect Arsenal to win – which they have to if they’re to keep their supporters content after crashing out of the Capital One Cup to Bradford, 64 league positions below them and with a squad that cost less than a £1m. 

          Wenger’s still popular with the board at Arsenal because the club, with the highest priced season tickets in the Premier League, have been making consistent profits.  However, its results and silverware that matter to the fans – and they may eventually have the final say if results don’t start to go Wenger’s way more often.

          Arsenal’s season looks likely at this stage to be determined by movement in the transfer window.  They may have trouble signing established players with the Premier League out of their reach and if they look unlikely to qualify for the Champions League, players may think twice about a move to the Emirates.  Walcott is being linked with a move to Manchester United or Liverpool and this game, at this stage in the season, is one that Wenger can’t afford to lose – the future of the club is resting on the December performances of the team.  The last things fans want is to have to increasingly rely on players like Gervinho, last seen running around like a seven year girl that needs the toilet, for the rest of the campaign.

          Reading have had near misses against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United this season and have beaten Everton at home.  Home is where they’ve unsurprisingly performed their best – and they haven’t had the fortune of playing there very often lately, most of their recent fixtures have been away.  It should be close, but Arsenal are expected to cross the finish line as victors.

         

Reading v Arsenal: Verdict – Arsenal 4/6

West Brom v West Ham: Previews and Predictions

West Ham have recently beaten Chelsea in the Premier League and can be commended for playing more than ninety minutes at Old Trafford without conceding – and they nearly beat Liverpool.  Their luck took a swift turn in their last Premier League fixture and they were unfortunate not to come away with something for their spoils.

          West Brom have been a strong side at home and Lakaku has scored more goals per minute than any other Premier League player – which helps to make a strong case for them against West Ham – they won four games in a row in November, which is a tidy feat when you consider Newcastle haven’t won two this season.

          West Ham have shown outstanding resolve in some of their away fixtures this season and this game is an opportunity for them to establish themselves as a team to be taken seriously in the Premier League after losing at home last weekend.

          This is going to be a very close fixture to call – and you’re best playing with money from under the sofa rather than hard cold cash you can’t do without.  It’s going to be tight.

         

West Brom v West Ham: Verdict – Draw 8/3

Norwich v Wigan: Preview and Predictions

Norwich fixtures have been the hardest to call this season, with upsets against some of the biggest teams and pedestrian performances against some of their equals. 

     At the start of the season Wigan and Norwich were widely expected to be battling each other towards the bottom half of the table and were considered by some to be candidates for relegation, but the resolve shown in recent outings by the two suggests they should be more than safe.  Both sides have shown elements of quality against tough opposition this season, which is why this fixture could be a cracker - or lacklustre.  The two could cancel one another out and this could well be a stinker.

          To our detriment we expected a Swansea win over the Canaries last weekend.  Norwich are a team we’ve underestimated far too often now, so we’re tipping them to win at home, where they’ve been the strongest this season.

         

Norwich v Wigan: Verdict – Norwich 11/10

Tottenham v Swansea: Preview and Predictions

Tottenham have been bettered by unexpected opposition at White Hart Lane this season, and Wigan’s success there earlier in the year will spur Swansea on this weekend. 

          Swansea are a side capable of surprises both at home and away and have proven their intent to stay in the Premier League coming up to the halfway stage of the season. 

          Tottenham are favoured but an upset is possible.  13/20 isn’t a particularly generous price for Spurs considering that they were noticeably pedestrian against Panathinaikos last week (they should have put the game well beyond doubt in the first half) and went on to lose to Everton away from home on Sunday.

          This could be a fantastic game of football, given the similar styles of play.

Tottenham v Swansea: Verdict – Tottenham 13/20

Premiership High Risk Accumulator 8/12/12

 Swansea v Norwich: Verdict – Swansea

Aston Villa v Stoke: Verdict – Both Teams to Score

Manchester City v Manchester United: Verdict – Draw

Everton v Tottenham: Verdict – Tottenham

42/1

A long-shot fourfold for you to mull over. 

          It’s expected to be a low scoring affair in the match between Aston Villa and Stoke and it really is fifty-fifty as to whether or not both teams do score in this game.  We’re edging towards a score-draw in this one so we’ve gone with both teams to score – but it is a risky backing.

          Norwich have been impressive lately and have some very good results to boast about – the same being the case for Swansea.  These two can be likened to each other in many ways and there’s a lot of praise to be put upon the both of them – but we’re edging towards Swansea simply because of the home advantage.  Norwich have upset us with their results against both Arsenal and United, so the combinations of trebles may tempt us this week.

          Manchester United have been the better of the two sides recently and we favour them over City – but Mancini’s side have not lost at home for nearly years in the Premier League, so we’re going with a draw.

          Fluctuating between 3/1 and 5/2 as a starting price, Tottenham represent the best value of the weekend.  This is a fight for fourth being waged early on and we expect it to be a close on to call.  Spurs could get the result they initially looked to be heading towards at the Emirates.

Premiership Low Risk Accumulator 8/12/12

Low Risk Accumulator

Southampton v Reading: Verdict – Both teams to score

Sunderland v Chelsea: Verdict – Chelsea

Manchester City v Manchester United: Verdict – Both teams to score

33/10

We recommended punters to keep well away from the West Ham game against Chelsea.  Although Chelsea had won ten of their last eleven visits to Upton Park, we felt unsure about it.  A similar cloud hangs over this game – but we’ve convinced ourselves that Sunderland are simply in a bigger of disarray.  We’ve gone with Chelsea – especially after what can only be described as a strong team performance in the mideweek Champions League fixture against Nordjaellands.

          Both teams to score markets seem a safer option that outrights this weekend and our picks are the Manchester United visit to the Etihad and the clash between Southampton and Reading, where we envisage a low-scoring draw.

          Good luck whoever you choose to back this weekend and follow us on twitter @tfpredictions.

Everton v Tottenham: Preview and Prediction

At around three to one we see Spurs as the price of the weekend.  Villas Boas has had some quite fantastic results and some results that you’d rather hide behind the toilet – so this fixture is quite a hard one to call, which is why we think 3/1 is an exceptional price for Spurs.

         This is a game that Spurs need to win in order to be considered as Champions League contenders this year – and they’re competing against Everton for that coveted fourth spot.  This is going to be much close than the bookmakers seem to be suggested based on the starting prices – which is why we see Spurs as an opportunity this weekend – at that price it seems too good to miss.  If you're edging towards Tottenham, have a look ast this week's high-risk accumulator.

Everton v Tottenham – Verdict: Tottenham 3/1

Swansea v Norwich: Preview and Predictions

Swansea were expected to struggle when Brendan Rodgers left for Liverpool – but to their credit they’ve continued to surprise in what was expected by some to be a torrid second season.  A convincing win against Arsenal away from home means we’re favouring them in this homecoming fixture.

          Norwich were our single-market price of the weekend last week and their convincing first half-performance was enough to halt Sunderland – but there were signs of weakness in the second.

          We’ve placed Swansea in our high-risk accumulator this weekend, but we’ve done so reluctantly.  Norwich’s results against Arsenal and Manchester United have been costly to us this season.

Swansea v Norwich – Verdict: Swansea 4/5

Aston Villa v Stoke: Preview and Predictions

Stoke are one of the strongest home sides in the Premier League and have a better record than many of the teams above them in the Premier League.  Their away form, however, is not as strong and we foresee a tense close fought battle this weekend between them and Aston Villa.

          Tony Pulis has been celebrated as one of the strongest Premier League managers frequently this season and his players seem dedicated to not just the club – but to his vision and values as a manager.  In spite of their strength and togetherness we expect Aston Villa to be able to man the barricades and claim a point at the least.

         

Aston Villa v Stoke – Verdict: Draw 23/10