Even when leaders Chelsea drop points, none of the other contenders can capitalize. Will the Blues drop more points against Arsenal, who are one of the three teams to take all three points from the title favorites this season? Check out our prediction for that marquee London derby matchup as well as all 10 Premier League fixtures on tap this weekend.
*Check out all English Premier League soccer odds here.
Saturday, February 4
Chelsea vs. Arsenal – 7:30 AM ET
Chelsea have Arsenal to thank for being atop the Premier League. It was the Blues’ 3-0 loss to the Gunners which was the catalyst for Antonio Conte to switch his formation, and has gone on to dominate the league ever since.
But despite that bit of help from their London rivals, Chelsea should be out for payback at Stamford Bridge. With Arsenal’s midfield looking very shaky – Francis Coquelin and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could be the midfield pivot because of Granit Xhaka’s suspension – the Blues should be able to boss the middle of the park and extend their outstanding home record of 10 wins in 11, with 30 goals scored and just 6 conceded.
Writer’s Prediction: Chelsea (-118) take care of business with a 2-0 win over Arsenal.
Crystal Palace vs. Sunderland – 10:00 AM ET
Sam Allardyce finally got his first win as Palace manager in midweek away at Bournemouth, and now have a huge clash with fellow relegation strugglers Sunderland. Even though they’ve actually picked up fewer points at home this season, being at Selhurst Park should give Palace the edge in this relegation six-pointer. Sunderland have picked up just four points form their travels all season, with six goals scored.
Writer’s Prediction: Palace (-172) pick up a big 2-1 home win.
Everton vs. Bournemouth – 10:00 AM ET
Everton’s mini-revival suffered a bit of a setback as they could only draw away to Stoke. But they’ll be back at Goodison for the visit of Bournemouth, and manager Ronald Koeman will have a wealth of options to choose from in midfield with the return of Idrissa Gueye from the African Cup of Nations.
Everton have had a very good home record, going 6-4-1 with 119 goals scored and just 7 conceded, the third-best home record in the league. On the flipside, Bournemouth, who are coming off a home loss in midweek, have scored just 11 goals in 11 away games, with two wins and seven defeats.
Writer’s Prediction: Everton (-156) get back on track with a 3-0 home win over Bournemouth.
Hull City vs. Liverpool – 10:00 AM ET
Getting a draw at home against the league leaders would’ve been a good result any other time, but Liverpool really needed a win after getting just one in their previous eight matches in all competitions.
While Liverpool have looked so poor, and Hull are coming off a creditable away draw against Manchester United, you’d have to think Liverpool finally get back on track this time. Sadio Mane should be ready to start after coming on as a sub against Chelsea, and his return should be a huge boost for the Reds.
Writer’s Prediction: Liverpool pick up an important 2-1 away win. But take Hull at +1, +1.5 on the Asian Handicap for better value.
Southampton vs. West Ham United – 10:00 AM ET
Neither Southampton nor West Ham had a good midweek as both lost in disappointing fashion. The Saints’ 2-1 loss to Swansea extends their slump to five losses in their last six league matches. Both sides will be missing some key personnel, though, and neither might have enough quality to take all three points in this one.
Writer’s Prediction: The two sides play out a dull 1-1 draw (+245).
Watford vs. Burnley – 10:00 AM ET
Watford finally arrested their disastrous seven-match winless run in the league with a much-needed 2-1 win at Arsenal. Watford have won back-to-back games just once all season long, but they’ll have a golden opportunity to do so this weekend with the visit of Burnley AKA the most predictable team in the Premier League this season.
Burnley have been hands down the worst away side in the league this season. They’ve lost nine out of 10 on their travels with just four goals scored. Even with Watford’s recent struggles, this match is only going to go one way.
Writer’s Prediction: Watford (+104) eke out a 1-0 home win.
West Bromwich Albion vs. Stoke City – 10:00 AM ET
West Brom could only draw in midweek against Middlesbrough, but the Baggies will get to go back home this weekend, which is definitely good news. West Brom have won five out of their last six games at the Hawthorns, with their lone loss coming at the hands of Tottenham. That great home form, coupled with Stoke’s general inconsistency, should result in another West Brom home win.
Writer’s Prediction: West Brom (+120) win again at home, 2-1.
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Middlesbrough – 12:30 PM ET
Tottenham couldn’t quite avoid the banana skin that was Sunderland, as they suffered a disappointing 0-0 away draw in midweek. But like West Brom, they get to go back home, which has been basically an automatic three points. Spurs have won six home games on the bounce.
Contrast that with Boro failing to win their last 10 away from home in the league, and you’ve got yourself one of the easier games to call in the weekend.
Writer’s Prediction: Tottenham trounce Boro, 3-0. Take Spurs at +1.5 on the Asian Handicap for much better value.
Sunday, February 5
Manchester City vs. Swansea City – 8:30 PM ET
After a morale-boosting performance against Tottenham, Man City are back to their goal-scoring ways. They’ve won their last two games in all competitions by an aggregate score of 7-0. New boy Gabriel Jesus has immediately found his feet in the Premier League, while Yaya Toure is in great form with two goals in his last two games.
Swansea have shown great improvement in recent weeks under new boss Paul Clement, but they will be lucky not to get embarrassed by an in-form City side.
Writer’s Prediction: City continue their fine form with a 3-1 home win. Take the total to go OVER 3.5 goals.
Leicester City vs. Manchester United – 11:00 AM ET
Reigning champions Leicester just look lost at the moment. They’ve lost five of their last six in the league, and have scored a single goal during that span. Now, they face a Manchester United that will be increasingly desperate for a win after back-to-back disappointing draws against Stoke and Hull. The Red Devils take out their frustrations on Leicester, who they beat 4-1 at Old Trafford back in September.
Writer’s Prediction: Man United (-168) deal Leicester another defeat, 2-0.
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