Who knows what day of the week it is let alone which Matchweek it is these days. According to the league this is Matchweek 17 but some teams will be looking to play their 15th match so we’ll just go with what the league says.
It’s been a few weeks since I last posted as the Holidays just made things difficult and the matches have been pretty nonstop. I’ve still been posting all of my picks on Twitter so be sure to follow me there if you can @nicodegallo.
Let’s see how I’ve done since I’ve been gone.
Since MW 12: 21-21-7 (+0.8 Units)
This Season: 100-90-28 (+9.2 Units)
Previous Two Seasons: 538-483-133 (+32.7 Units)
All-Time Record: 800-732-200
Solid record going into the new year, so let’s build on it!
Everton v. West Ham – I was back and forth on this one for a bit but nothing over the last few weeks for West Ham has convinced me that they can battle an Everton team whose last loss in the league came over a month ago to Leeds. I’ll take Everton with the solid odds. Everton -0.5 (+100).
Manchester United v. Aston Villa – Both of these teams play very exciting, attacking football and even though Villa have one of the best defensive records in the league (with two games in hand though), I think this one has the chance of being quite the high-scoring affair. Both of their matches had an average of over 3 total goals. I’ll take the over here. Over 3 Goals (-110).
Tottenham v. Leeds – Ahh the unstoppable force meeting the immovable object. Spurs will likely sit back and keep their low blocks to disrupt Leeds and try to be effective going the other way while Leeds will likely push to make this an open match. If Leeds are successful in opening this match up like I think they will, then I love them as underdogs here. Spurs’ attack has been almost nonexistent these last few weeks and I don’t see them matching Leeds’ energy and attacking intent. Plus, can’t beat that price on an underdog. Leeds +0.5 (+115).
Crystal Palace v. Sheffield – Ugh this is not an ideal match to watch as the 10:00 Saturday slot but we don’t have much of a choice. It’s going to suck and there likely won’t be many goals so we’re gonna take the under. Under 2 Goals (+115).
Brighton v. Wolves – Wolves without Jimenez have been brutal. They can’t score, there’s no hold up play and Fabio Silva is simply too raw to replace him. I’ll gladly take a Brighton team at home on a pickem, who has played better than Wolves this season anyway. Brighton Pickem (-110).
West Brom v. Arsenal – This game likely will be a low-scoring Arsenal win but I won’t bet on Arsenal against a team who will likely cause them the most issues; a low-lying, low-block defensive team. I’ll take the under here. Under 2.5 (+105).
Burnley v. Fulham – This game likely won’t be fun to watch but the implications are certainly clear; it’s a crucial relegation battle for both of these clubs. Fulham as underdogs are juiced but I simply can’t figure out how either of these teams can get all three points so I’ll take the underdogs. Fulham +0.5 (-130).
Newcastle v. Leicester – Yes, Newcastle just had a huge draw against Liverpool and didn’t look all that horrible against City a week ago, but I can’t buy in on a team whose only wins since the start of November came against a brutal West Brom team, an incredibly inconsistent Palace team and an Everton team who should’ve clearly beaten them that day. I’ll take Leicester here on the positive odds even with the large spread. Leicester City -1 (+110).
Chelsea v. Manchester City – This match is the exact match City tend to have issues with. They have the best defensive record in the league this year, have a few players out due to COVID, have been in good form and haven’t played in a week. They’ll play a Chelsea team who are up against the ropes after being in bad form and I think the draw has the best upside here. City should win but the circumstances point towards a Chelsea result (from a bettors perspective). Draw (+270).
Southampton v. Liverpool – Southampton should match up to Liverpool well here as they play in two similar ways; high-energy, pressing and focusing on disruption when in defense. I think Liverpool’s recent form has also pointed to some slight regression and it will be interesting to see how they face up to one of the more improved teams this season. Southampton +1 (-130).
Stay kickin’ it. Peace.
Twitter: @canikickitpod
Twitter: @nicodegallo