After a week off, the English Premier League returns with another round of exciting action. The obvious headliner kicks the weekend off as Manchester United host old rivals Arsenal at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, title challengers Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea all face road tests. Check out our predictions and best bet suggestions for the marquee United-Arsenal matchup as well as the rest of the round 12 games.
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Saturday, November 19
Manchester United vs. Arsenal – 7:30 AM ET
Jose Mourinho is famously unbeaten against Arsene Wenger in the Premier League, but United haven’t been able to get the win in the big games under Mourinho this season. That’s either been because Mou has been overly cautious (the 0-0 draw with Liverpool) or outclassed tactically (the losses to City and Chelsea). They now enter this matchup with fourth-place Arsenal missing three-fourths of their first-choice defense, as well as the suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Arsenal also won’t be at full-strength for their trip to Old Trafford, though. Santi Cazorla and Hector Bellerin have already been ruled out. And although Alexis Sanchez (11 goals, 7 assists) could still play after he picked up a hamstring problem on international duty, it remains to be seen just how effective he will be.
With both teams banged up and weary from international commitments, this matchup could turn out to be a cagey, cautious affair with both teams just looking to avoid a loss.
Writer’s Prediction: This first United-Arsenal encounter looks destined for a draw (+200).
Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City – 10:00 AM ET
Yes, Man City’s recent “slump” – three home draws in the last four games – has been a bit baffling. But you’d have to imagine they should get all three points in this matchup with Crystal Palace.
The Eagles are in the middle of their own slump – four-straight Premier League defeats – and have given up at least three goals in their last three games. They just play way too openly, and that should allow City to carve them apart.
Since 2014, City has gone 6-0-1 in all competitions against Palace.
Writer’s Prediction: City takes care of business with a 2-0 win. Take City at -1 (-120) on the Asian handicap for added value.
Everton vs. Swansea City – 10:00 AM ET
Swansea are in such disarray at the moment. They are still winless since the opening game of the season, which is now a span of 10 games (0-2-8).
Everton have cooled off a significant amount after a strong start, but look for a response from Ronald Koeman’s men at home after getting punked 5-0 by Chelsea prior to the international break. The Toffees are still undefeated (three wins, two draws) at home this season.
Writer’s Prediction: Everton top struggling Swansea, 2-0. The Toffees at -1 (-105) on the Asian handicap provides better value than the moneyline.
Southampton vs. Liverpool – 10:00 AM ET
Liverpool are top of the table thanks in large part to a three-game win streak where the Reds have scored 12 goals. But with the top spot comes added pressure and expectation, something Liverpool under Klopp have yet to truly face. A trip to Southampton after the international break won’t do the Reds any favors, either.
The Saints are a well-drilled team which has conceded just five goals at home this season, while Liverpool’s defense away from home (10 goals conceded in five games) has been very spotty. This game has the makings of a possible letdown for Liverpool.
Writer’s Prediction: The smart play is likely taking Southampton at +0.5 (-125) on the Asian handicap, which means you win if the Saints win or draw.
Stoke vs. Bournemouth – 10:00 AM ET
Stoke’s resurgence is for real. The Potters have now gone six matches unbeaten in the league. And after suffering a couple of heavy home defeats to start the season, they have won each of their last two games at the bet365 Stadium by a two-goal margin.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth, who were last seen losing at home to bottom-club Sunderland, have been pretty awful away from home this season. They are yet to win in five road games (two draws, three losses) and have just scored three goals, second fewest in the league.
Writer’s Prediction: Stoke (+113) score another home win as they beat Bournemouth 2-1.
Sunderland vs. Hull City – 10:00 AM ET
Sunderland and Hull snapped both of their substantial winless skids prior to the international break, but are still trapped in the relegation zone. Both teams should be very much up for this game since it’s a rare chance for either of them to pick up all three points. However, there still isn’t much quality on either side, and their combined efforts only succeed in cancelling one another out.
Writer’s Prediction: Sunderland and Hull play out a hard-fought draw (+205).
Watford vs. Leicester City – 10:00 AM ET
Leicester’s unbeaten run at home came to an end as they were humbled 2-1 by West Brom. It’s been a very inconsistent campaign from the defending champs, who still haven’t had the same result (a win, loss, or draw) in back-to-back games this season. Although, they have been consistently poor on the road. They have the worst away record in the league with just one point in five games and 14 goals conceded.
Watford, on the other hand, are unbeaten in their last three at home (two wins, one draw), and are similarly inconsistent. They are coming off a heavy hammering at the hands of Liverpool, though, which suggests they may now be due for a decent result against the champions.
Writer’s Prediction: Watford holds Leicester to a 1-1 draw (+200).
Tottenham Hotspur vs. West Ham United – 12:30 PM ET
Spurs still have a handful of injury problems, with Toby Alderwiereld, Dele Alli, Erik Lamela, and Ben Davies all likely to miss the next few games. However, goals have been the team’s big problem during their run of consecutive draws, and their main goal-getter Harry Kane is back.
Kane just loves scoring against teams from the capital. He’s got 15 goals in his last 15 games against other London clubs. West Ham’s defense just so happens to be the most porous of them all in the Premier League. The Hammers have already given up 20 goals this season, and have lost four of their first five on the road.
Writer’s Prediction: The goals finally come for Spurs (-220), who get the home win over West Ham.
Sunday, November 20
Middlesbrough vs. Chelsea – 11:00 AM ET
Chelsea have been nothing short of sensational over the last few weeks. Since Antonio Conte changed up his formation to three at the back, the Blues have blown away all comers. They’ve won their last five league games by a combined score of 16-0.
However, a lot of their players were on duty during the international break, and star men Diego Costa and Eden Hazard actually picked up injuries.
Chelsea haven’t scored more than two goals on the road in the league this season, so don’t expect another thrashing against Middlesbrough. But that Chelsea backline looks legit, so at the very least expect a relatively low scoring affair.
Writer’s Prediction: Chelsea wins again, but playing the total to go under 2.5 (-120) goals seems like the smarter value play.
Monday, November 21
West Bromwich Albion vs. Burnley – 3:00 PM ET
Burnley’s rise to the top half of the table has almost everything to do with their home form. All but one of the 14 points they’ve collected to date have been at Turf Moor. On the flipside, they’ve lost three of four on the road, scoring a solitary goal in the process.
However, games with West Brom tend to bring out the goals in Burnley one way or another. Dating back to 2003, nine of the last 10 meetings between the two have resulted in three or more goals. In 2014-2015, each of their two games resulted in four goals. West Brom won the home fixture 4-0.
Writer’s Prediction: West Brom (-113) wins, but take a good look at the game going over 2.0 goals as well.
There you have it, picks and predictions for all 10 fixtures. Now, it’s time to create a betting account now and put some bets down on all the great English Premier League soccer action this weekend.
