Christmas came early for this humble columnist as all four of last week’s picks struck gold for the first time this year! But while they say it’s much harder to stay at the top than to get there, that won’t stop me from pushing my luck this week. I’m back to tempt fate once again by previewing and predict this weekend’s most interesting games, which is headlined by the big Liverpool vs. Arsenal matchup.
There are all the usual goodies like the locks and potential upsets as well as a bold prediction for each game. Just remember, though, that the thoughts and opinions expressed in this column do not in any way reflect the views of Top Bet sportsbook or its oddsmakers.
Get prepared for the EPL football weekend with this column below. And for those who want to get ready for the NFL weekend, check out our complete Week 16 picks. Now, for this week’s EPL picks.
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Top EPL Picks for Week 16
Game of the Week – Liverpool vs. Arsenal (Sun, Dec. 21, 11:00 AM ET)
Well, it’s official: Liverpool have pushed the panic button. Manager Brendan Rodgers’ out-of-the-blue decisions to replace his first-choice goalkeeper and to switch to a back three reeked of desperation in search of something – anything – to work and turn this disastrous season around.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]But as their 3-0 drubbing at the hands of archrivals Manchester United showed, those Hail Mary prayers weren’t answered. Brad Jones was a disaster in goal, while regular starting ‘keeper Simon Mignolet’s confidence must be shot. The same things could be said about Liverpool’s misfiring strikers, who have continued to create chances, but aren’t putting any of them away.
If only Liverpool had the attacking options Arsenal have at their disposal. Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud each bagged a brace in their 4-1 win over Newcastle. Together with Alex Ox, Alexis, and Welbeck, that’s a pretty fearsome attacking five to throw at a Liverpool team that seemingly hasn’t a clue what it’s actually good at.
Arsenal also has quite an impressive record against away to Liverpool. Prior to a heavy 5-1 defeat last season, the Gunners had gone five games undefeated at Anfield, with three wins and two draws.
Brad’s Bold Prediction: Arsenal run out comfortable 2-0 winners at home.
Southampton vs. Everton (Sat, Dec. 20, 10:00 AM ET)
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman must be channeling his inner Ron Burgundy and thinking aloud: “Boy, that escalated quickly. I mean that really got out of hand fast.” That’s right, Ron. The Saints’ season has gotten out of hand, and faster than most had anticipated.
Southampton have now lost five games in all competitions and their season is teetering on the brink of collapse. Confidence is at a major low, as evidenced by their disastrous losses to relegation-threatened Burnley and lower-league Sheffield United in the Capital One Cup.
If there’s any team that can empathize with the Saints, it’s Everton. The Toffees were also riding high in the top-five for most of last season, but some wildly inconsistent form has them floundering way down in 10th this campaign. And now, Everton have the chance to inflict more pain and suffering on the sorry Saints.
So are Everton actually good enough to do so? Probably, but their away form has been uneven at best. They’ve won just one of their last six away games, and that came against a bad Burnley team. They probably won’t lose against a Saints team lacking any kind of confidence, but they’re also hardly a lock to win.
Brad’s Bold Prediction: This ends in a 1-1 draw.
Lock of the Week – West Ham United vs. Leicester City (Sat, Dec. 20, 10:00 AM ET)
West Ham had a close call against Sunderland last week, but I don’t think that result is anything to worry about. The Hammers, despite being worthy of their current fourth-place position in the table, are still liable to have a bad game or two, especially away from home.
But while the Hammers have been a little iffy away, they’re pretty reliable at home. Since dropping their first two home games, they’ve won five of their last six at Upton Park. Meanwhile, Leicester have been the exact opposite away from home, where they’ve lost seven in eight games.
It might not be rocket science, but sometimes it doesn’t need to be. Sometimes, it’s just as easy as one team simply being better than another, especially in the venues where they play. That should be enough to warrant a pretty straightforward result. I, for one, won’t overthink this one and just lock. It. In.
Brad’s Bold Prediction: Lock up West Ham for an easy 2-0 win.
Newcastle United vs. Sunderland (Sun, Dec. 21, 7:30 AM ET)
*Best League in the WOOORLD!!™ upset alert!!*
That’s right. I smell an upset brewing at the Tyne-Wear Derby between Newcastle and Sunderland this weekend. Here’s why:
Sunderland are this season’s masters of the draw, with 10 ties in their 16 games thus far. The list of opponents they’ve held to a stalemate has been an impressive one – Man United, Tottenham, Swansea, Chelsea, Liverpool (away), and most recently West Ham.
But they’ve shown that they’re not too far off turning those draws into wins. They arguably should’ve won against the Hammers if not for Jozy Altidore – the fighting pride of the U.S. of A. – and his incredible miss from point blank range.
I think Sunderland is capable of finally getting over the hump against this Newcastle team that has been wobbling of late. The Toon have gone winless in three of their last four games and will be preoccupied by their Capital One Cup quarterfinal against Tottenham in midweek.
Pardew has gone on record as saying he’s “excited” for this game, which could be another way of saying he’s taking it seriously. The added toll on his squad may just leave them a little leggy against Sunderland, whom they haven’t beaten in five consecutive derbies. Sunderland have won the last three, including back-to-back 3-0 wins at St. James’ Park.
Brad’s Bold Prediction: Sunderland sneaks off with a 1-0 win.
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