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Matchweek 17 (?)

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

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Matchweek 12 Picks

A great week of Premier League and Champions League brings us back on track with a 6-2-1 +4.3 units in the Champions League and 6-4 +1.8 units in the Premier League. Let’s see where that puts us…

UCL and EPL: 12-6-1 (+6.1 Units)
This Season: 79-69-21 (+8.4 Units)
Previous Two Seasons: 517-462-126 (+31.9 Units)
All-Time Record: 779-711-193

Let’s dive right into the picks for the weekend!

Leeds v. West Ham – Both of these teams love high-energy football and neither one tends to back down and sit back. Both teams average well over 3 total goals per game and both teams have had inconsistent results across the board. I had trouble picking so I felt like the over was a good bet for at least a push here. Expect this to be a nonstop, energetic game with hopefully lots of goals. Over 3 Goals (-110).

Wolves v. Aston Villa – Villa haven’t played a match in two weeks after their match last week became the first Premier League match to be suspended due to COVID since the league came back in June. Wolves will have a week’s rest and are coming off of a bad loss against Liverpool last week. I like Wolves to bounce back here and get the win especially with their great price on the moneyline. Wolves (+135).

Newcastle v. West Brom – The same as Villa, Newcastle haven’t played in two weeks and have only gotten one or two training sessions in the last two weeks as well. That’s an immediate fade. But West Brom are also an immediate fade. What happens when an unstoppable object meets an immovable force? You bet the draw. Draw (+235).

Manchester United v. Manchester City – The Manchester Derby is obviously huge for me, and I almost always bet City. Put that bias aside because I truly believe City should win this. Ole is on the hot seat, the United locker room is in disarray, one of their main players wants to leave and they just lost a must-win game that now puts them in the Europa League. Take that against a City team finally in good form, healthy with Aguero returning, the second best defensive record in the league and a well-rested and rotated squad and how could not take Man City? Manchester City -0.5 (-130).

Everton v. Chelsea – Chelsea are really playing well outside of their draw against Krasnodar this week, which didn’t mean much at all. They rested several key players and should be ready to go for this weekend. For some reason though, I think Everton can really trip them up here because I’ve seen how they’ve played against some of the top teams and I trust that they’ll cause some issues. But saying that, I don’t feel confident enough to bet on them. So I’m going to take the over. Both of these teams average well over 3 total goals per game so I’m riding with the over here. Over 3 Goals (-105).

Southampton v. Sheffield United – This one was a no-brainer. Southampton are 5th this season and are genuinely playing like it. Sheffield United? Well, they’re dogshit. 1 point from 11 matches is absolutely pathetic and I love Southampton here especially with the pressure they’ll put on a team who likely won’t be able to cope. Southampton -0.5 (-130).

Crystal Palace v. Spurs – Spurs are obviously the story of the season so far but Palace are not a lookover team here. They always play well enough to cause trouble when Zaha is in the lineup and Spurs are due some sort of regression. I don’t care when it happens, but when the opportunity presents itself, I’m going to bet against them when I don’t feel completely comfortable doing so. Spurs always have trouble going to Palace and I think this game could have some real energy to it. I’m going to take the over because of its low number here at such a cheap price. Over 2.5 Goals (-105).

Leicester City v. Brighton – I’ve loved Brighton and that’s been no secret this season. They’ve played brilliantly this season and are even sniffing towards the top 4 in the expected points but are sitting in 16th. Something has to break for this team with the way they’re playing and I’m going to keep trusting them to figure out their end product. Leicester had a midweek match where they played a lot of starters while Brighton will have a full week off. I like Brighton as an underdog here and I think the over/under sitting at 2.5 is way too low for two teams who love to push forward. Brighton +0.5 (-120) and Over 2.5 Goals (-110).

BONUS PICK

MLS Cup Final – Columbus Crew v. Seattle Sounders – Seattle Sounders Pickem (-110).

Stay kickin’ it. Peace.

Twitter: @canikickitpod
Twitter: @nicodegallo

Matchweek 11 Picks

I’m baaacckkkk!

It’s been a crazy couple of weeks since I’ve last posted as obviously we had Thanksgiving but I have also been slammed with work around the Holidays. No excuse though as I’ve still been tweeting all of my picks on Twitter. Sadly, it was a slow, long run of bad bets which I will hopefully turn around by posting a full length blog for the weekend. We need that good mojo!

11/6 – 12/4: 17-23-8 (-7.4 Units)
This Season: 67-63-20 (+2.3 Units)
Previous Two Seasons: 505-456-125 (+25.8 Units)
All-Time Record: 767-705-192

Alright time to get to what you came here for…

Burnley v. Everton – Burnley are looking to bounce back after getting absolutely manhandled last weekend by a very strong City team. They’re also trying to buck some very poor overall form as they only have 5 points through 9 matches. They’ll face an Everton team who were the talk of the league to start the season but have only one win from their last five with four of those being losses. I think Burnley respond well to their embarrassing loss and give Everton a game here so I’m going to take the points. Burnley +0.5 (-110).

Manchester City v. Fulham – I think we see a carbon-copy from last weekend’s match against Burnley from City here. They rested a few key players this week against Porto and they’re looking to be in top form in the league. I don’t see Fulham having much of a chance here and this game could quickly run away from them. Manchester City -2.5 (-105).

West Ham v. Manchester United – This match was tough to pick because I loved West Ham as home dogs but I also think fading United away from home is tricky as they’re currently on a record-breaking run away from home. Instead, due to United’s poor defense this season and West Ham’s tendency to have high-scoring matches against top six teams, I’m going to take the over here. Over 2.5 Goals (-130).

Chelsea v. Leeds – Chelsea have been in solid league form and have actually been pretty consistent this year while Leeds have been somewhat all over the place. But the hallmark of this Leeds team is they can easily play up to top teams’ levels under Bielsa and this will be against a familiar foe in Frank Lampard. Two seasons ago Bielsa was accused of spying by Lampard’s Derby County and ever since it’s lived in the folklore of English football. On Saturday they finally face off since their Playoff semifinal and I trust Bielsa to pull through here in an exciting, high-scoring match. This spread feels a bit too big for me. Leeds +1 (-105) and Over 3 Goals (-120).

West Brom v. Crystal Palace – The ‘fade West Brom at all costs’ continues even after their win last weekend. Plus, Wilfried Zaha is returning for Palace for the first time since their 4-1 win at Leeds. Zaha is the engine for this team and with him in the squad, they always have a chance. I’ll absolutely take Palace on the pickem. Crystal Palace Pickem (-125)

Sheffield United v. Leicester City – This one surprised me. Yes Sheffield are home here but they have had the worst start through ten games in league history and that is just absolute fade material. Leicester aren’t in good form and aren’t having a great year and did travel to Ukraine this week just to lose, but I just cant take anything other than the Foxes at positive odds. Leicester City -0.5 (+105).

Tottenham v. Arsenal – The North London Derby. My favorite non-City derby in England and this year should be unlike many others. Obviously COVID puts a damper on any derby but this match will actually have a limited amount of fans which Spurs have not had all season and neither team have had in the league all season. The match itself should be a great one as both teams have changed pretty dramatically since last season’s derbies. Some new players, players emerging as key facets for both club, both managers putting their stamps on the club and more. Mourinho said Kane is a doubt but we all know that’s likely gamesmanship. Partey and Lloris are also doubts and are unlikely to play, which means Joe Hart might have to make his NLD debut. That doesn’t bode well for Spurs and in a game that can go both ways every year, I love the points here. Arsenal +0.5 (-120).

Liverpool v. Wolves – Liverpool aren’t playing well and that’s no secret. They’re still grinding to results but they’ve only really had one result in their last five that was convincing which came against Leicester. Wolves are a tough team to break down too as they only have one loss from their last seven in the league and they rarely let games get away from them. Yes Wolves will be without Jimenez after he fractured his skull last week but Wolves’ depth of attacking talent isn’t something to gawk at. Take the points. Wolves +1 (-105).

Brighton v. Southampton – Southampton have been playing fantastic footy all season so far this year and the results are proving that as they sit just outside of the European places in the table and their only loss in their last eight league matches came last weekend when they blew a 2-0 lead to United in the second half and lost 3-2. Brighton are good and I love picking them but I was a bit shocked to see Southampton at only a pickem with positive odds here. Take the Saints. Southampton Pickem (+110).

Stay kickin’ it. Peace.

Twitter: @canikickitpod
Twitter: @nicodegallo

Matchweek 8 Picks

Well it was another great week for us, with a big 7-3 Premier League weekend and a 6-4 Champions League week. As a reminder, I post my Champions League picks on Twitter every week so keep an eye out there @nicodegallo. So fare this year my Champions League record is 19-9-3 while my Premier League record is 31-31-9.

PL MW 7 and UCL: 13-7 (+5.9 Units)
This Season: 50-40-12 (+9.7 Units)
Previous Two Seasons: 488-433-117 (+33.2 Units)
All-Time Record: 750-682-184

Friday, November 6th

Brighton v. Burnley – I didn’t get this blog out in time but I did get my pick time-stamped by the ol’ Twitter machine:

Southampton @ Newcastle – This should be a great game with two teams who have outperformed most expectations so far, especially Southampton. Since their terrible defeat to Leicester last season, they’ve actually been one of the better non-big 6 teams in the league. For Newcastle, their recipe to success this season has been finding the goals that were missing from last year. Both teams are averaging at least 3 total goals per game which is always a good sign when the total is set at 2.5. I’m taking the Over and Southampton. Southampton -0.5 (-105) and Over 2.5 Goals (-105).

Saturday, November 7th

Everton v. Manchester United – United are one of the hardest teams to figure out right now. They can go and beat PSG in Paris and beat Leipzig 5-0, but then they lost to Arsenal at home for the first time in 14 years and lost to Basaksehir in the Champions League this week. Their inconsistent production, matched with an Everton team who is due for a big win makes this a perfect spot to take the well-priced underdog. I truly don’t think there’s that much separating these two teams and 2/1 was just too good for me to pass up on. Everton (+200).

Crystal Palace v. Leeds – I don’t care what anyone says. Whenever Leeds are a pickem, I’m taking them. Those are just the rules now. They have a better away record than Palace has a home record, they are really tough to slow down for the full 90 minutes, Palace rely too much on individual work and they only have one good result all year. I’ll take Bielsa’s boys. Leeds United Pickem (-130).

Chelsea v. Sheffield United – Chelsea had a lot of talk going into the year with their new signings, and although they haven’t had the time to fully gel, they’ve only had one loss all year long. They will now face a Sheffield team who hasn’t won a single game yet and are looking like a team who will struggle to stay up this season. Sheffield tend to limit teams’ production in the final third but through 7 matches they’ve only scored 3 goals. Chelsea have scored 16. I’ll take the spread with the positive odds. Chelsea -1.5 (+110).

West Ham v. Fulham – I’m falling for the trap and I don’t care. Someone please tell me how the over/under sits at 2.5 when these teams concede an average of 1.7 goals per game and have averaged a total of 3.2 goals per game. Also, 8 of West Ham’s 10 matches this season have had at least three goals. Over 2.5 Goals (-125).

Sunday, November 8th

West Brom v. Tottenham – This one felt like another no brainer (kiss of death I know). Spurs haven’t played well, but they’re still grinding to results while West Brom are just hot garbage. Even though they’ve grinded to 3 draws this season, West Brom have conceded the most goals which doesn’t bode well against Spurs’ electric front three. I’ll take Spurs with the possibility of them running the score up on West Brom here. Tottenham -1 (-120).

Leicester City v. Wolves – Leicester have outperformed most estimates this season so far but I still don’t think it’s sustainable. Wolves are always a good team to bet when there’s a pickem because they rarely get outplayed or lose all points in a match. Last year they had the third least amount of losses, tied with Manchester City, and the most draws alongside Arsenal and Brighton. I think this one is really tight and I feel more comfortable taking Wolves on the pickem especially with the price. Wolves Pickem (+125).

Manchester City v. Liverpool – The big one of the weekend. The consequences of this match aren’t as clear as they were last year due to the utter chaos in the table, but this could be a match we look back on towards the end of the campaign. Liverpool have been playing much better than expected after Van Dijk went down and their front three looks revitalized with Jota making an impact. But City are finally getting healthy again with basically the full back line back and Jesus returns so they can finally play a striker up top. But what makes me confident about City here (shocker Nico’s confident about City) is how they’ve won their recent games. Three straight clean sheets for the first time since September of last year and five in total this season. Liverpool without Thiago does make a difference but overall I think Liverpool’s expected squad will be ready to go. But I’m still not sold on their defense yet as they’ve yet to keep a clean sheet since VVD went down, their last one in the league was against Chelsea on 9/20 and they’ve conceded the second most goals in the league so far this season. In fact, since they won the league over the summer, they’ve conceded the most goals in the Premier League. I’m going to take City moneyline at home here expecting a tight, low-scoring match but breaking City’s way. Manchester City -0.5 (-105).

Arsenal v. Aston Villa – I don’t know what to make of this game from a head-to-head perspective. Arsenal look good and Villa had looked good but have recently tailed off. To me I can see a lot of goals coming from this one. Villa have obviously been apart of some high-scoring games and I think both managers know that their best lineups are attack-focused. Could easily be a push but let’s find out! Over 3 Goals (+105).

Stay kickin’ it. Peace.

Twitter: @canikickitpod
Twitter: @nicodegallo

Matchweek 7 Picks

Successful Champions League weekend again after a tough Premier League weekend. Last weekend’s Premier League I went 3-6-2, -2.4 units but I came back in the Champions League going 6-3-2, +2.7 units. Just as an FYI, my Champions League picks will often be on twitter so make sure you follow me at @nicodegallo.

PL MW 6 and UCL: 9-9-4 (+0.3 Units)
This Season: 37-33-12 (+3.8 Units)
Previous Two Seasons: 475-426-117 (+27.3 Units)
All-Time Record: 737-675-184

This week is just picks for the Premier League. Let’s ride…

Manchester City/Sheffield United Under 3 goals (+105)

Burnley +1 (-105)

West Ham/Liverpool Under 3.5 Goals (-125)

Southampton Pickem (+105)

Newcastle United +0.5 (-125)

Arsenal +0.5 (-120)

Brighton/Tottenham Draw (+325)

West Brom/Fulham Under 2.5 (-120)

Leeds Pickem (-110)

Stay kickin’ it. Peace.

Twitter: @canikickitpod
Twitter: @nicodegallo

Matchweek 6 Picks

Wow it feels great to have the Champions League back in action! Let’s see how I fared in the first week of Champions League footy this season…

UCL Group MW 1: 7-2-1 (+5.4 Units)
This Season: 28-24-8 (+3.5 Units)
Previous Two Seasons: 466-417-113 (+27.0 Units)
All-Time Record: 728-666-180

Solid week in the Champions League which is where I struggled last year, so it feels good to start well! This weekend we have some seriously awesome matches in the Premier League so let’s dive right into those!

Friday, October 23rd

Aston Villa v. Leeds United – These odds are outrageous from bookies. Leeds sit at +245 against a team who, yes has had one of the best starts in the league, but is severely due regression and will face arguably the most dynamic offense they’ve seen all year (with the exception of Liverpool). Yes Villa have kept three clean sheets as well, but their defense is still allowing a lot of chances and shots on goal this season which points to them not being able to sustain their defensive success. I’ll take these odds on Leeds and the over every time. Leeds +245 and Over 3 Goals (-105).

Saturday, October 24th

West Ham v. Manchester City – West Ham are in a similar spot as Villa here. Their success has been impressive, but it’s just simply not sustainable. They’ll now have to face a Man City team who has eaten their lunch the last five matches winning by a combined 16-1. Defensively this could turn into a nightmare for the Hammers. Manchester City -1.5 (-105).

Fulham v. Crystal Palace – Hate to keep doing it but I have to keep fading Fulham. Bottom of the table with a -8 GD in 5 matches doesn’t convince me to pick you in a pickem match. Crystal Palace Pickem (-105).

Manchester United v. Chelsea – Chelsea are averaging 4.4 goals total per match while Manchester United are averaging 5.3 total goals per match, setting this one up to be a no-brainer over. But I also thought this would be closer to a pickem match but instead I see that United are favored with Chelsea all the way up to 2/1. Neither defense is good but I genuinely think that if Chelsea click offensively, United will be in real trouble and there’s too much value to pass up on with the Blues at that price. Over 3 Goals (-105) and Chelsea (+200).

Liverpool v. Sheffield United – I’m staying away from most Liverpool matches until I see how Liverpool play in the league without Van Dijk. Pass.

Sunday, October 25th

Southampton v. Everton – Everton sit atop of the table and much like Villa, are due some sort of regression. But this is a match that they should get at least a point from and coming off their big draw against Liverpool, I think this team’s confidence will be sky high. I’ll gladly take them on the pickem here. Everton Pickem (-120).

Wolves v. Newcastle – Wolves didn’t start perfectly but they have had back to back 1-0 wins with second half goals proving that they know how to grind to results yet again. Their biggest flaw is they paly to teams’ levels sometimes but they are far superior in terms of quality compared to Newcastle. Newcastle’s last match was a 4-1 loss to Manchester United, giving up three of those goals in the final five minutes but they didn’t deserve to be in the game at that stage. I’ll take Wolves moneyline here. Wolves -0.5 (-125).

Arsenal v. Leicester City – Arsenal look good but they didn’t execute the way they wanted to this week in the Europa League and even against Manchester City last weekend. They’re defending a lot better but they now face an unexpected challenge of finding a consistent goal-scorer. Arsenal are tied 12th in goals scored per game and I think this is a great spot for Leicester to get at least a point. Leicester City +0.5 (-105).

Monday, October 26th

Brighton v. West Brom – Similar to Fulham, it’s going to take a lot for me to pick West Brom. They’ve grinded to a few draws including an impressive one against Chelsea but they now face a Brighton team who have played mostly pretty good teams and have looked good, just without the results they want. I like Brighton to get the home win here even with the slightly expensive price. Brighton -0.5 (-130).

Burnley v. Tottenham – Spurs’ loss against West Ham was embarrassing to say the absolute least. The only thing that you can say has been bright about the last few weeks with Spurs is that they’re scoring goals (averaging 4.8 goals per game in their last 4 matches in all competitions). They will face a normally stout Burnley defense which Spurs have had trouble scoring against the last few years with one exception. In fact, if you remove the 5-0 match in December of 2019, the goal differential between these two teams are even with a 1-1-1 record. Burnley +1 (-125).

Stay kickin’ it. Peace.

Twitter: @canikickitpod
Twitter: @nicodegallo

Champions League Picks + New Podcast

Tough weekend with three matches having late goals that was around a 4-unit swing (Spurs/West Ham, Newcastle/United and Chelsea/Southampton). The good news is my thought process is in the right place, which is the only thing you can control! If you want to hear a recap of this past weekend’s wild matches and stories, check out the latest podcast below! We dive into just about everything.

UCL Group Stage Is Over, Manchester Derby Preview – Can i Kick It

The boys discuss who made it (and didn't make it) through to the Champions League Round of 16 and preview the Premier League weekend ahead including the Manchester Derby! Come kick it with us…
  1. UCL Group Stage Is Over, Manchester Derby Preview
  2. The Boys Are Back
  3. Van Dijk Injury, Wild Premier League Weekend and a UCL Preview
Matchweek 5: 4-5-3 (-1.7 Units)
This Season: 21-22-7 (-1.9 Units)
Previous Two Seasons: 459-415-112 (+21.6 Units)
All-Time Record: 721-664-179

We have a pretty awesome Champions League slate on Tuesday and I have 5 picks! Let’s check them out…

Lazio v. Borussia Dortmund – Over 3 Goals (-105)

PSG v. Manchester United – PSG -1 (-125)

Chelsea v. Sevilla – Sevilla +0.5 (-105), Sevilla (+320) 1/2 unit

FC Barcelona v. Ferencvaros – Over 3.5 Goals (-135)

Stay kickin’ it. Peace.

Twitter: @canikickitpod
Twitter: @nicodegallo
Twitter: @oh_my_gos

Matchweek 5 Preview + New Podcast

The international break came at the right time for your boy as I had a nightmare of a Matchweek two weeks ago. This weekend though we have an absolute peach of a lineup as we start hot with a Merseyside Derby, leading into City/Arsenal, a London derby in Spurs/West Ham (and possible Bale debut) and Leeds Wolves to cap it all off. Let’s inspect the damage.

Matchweek 4: 2-6-2 (-4.8 Units)
This Season: 17-17-4 (-0.2 Units)
Previous Two Seasons: 455-410-109 (+23.3 Units)
All-Time Record: 717-659-176

Sadly I erased all of my gains from the first three weeks, but that happens in this line of work. Just have to rebound and regroup. Here’s the most up to date podcast episode as well, where Jared and I talk about everything from the wild Matchweek 4, the International break, Project Big Picture and this upcoming matchweek.

UCL Group Stage Is Over, Manchester Derby Preview – Can i Kick It

The boys discuss who made it (and didn't make it) through to the Champions League Round of 16 and preview the Premier League weekend ahead including the Manchester Derby! Come kick it with us…
  1. UCL Group Stage Is Over, Manchester Derby Preview
  2. The Boys Are Back
  3. Van Dijk Injury, Wild Premier League Weekend and a UCL Preview

Let’s dance…

Premier League
Saturday, October 17th

Everton v. Liverpool – Liverpool are in a tough spot after last weekend’s shocking (shocking doesn’t do it justice) 7-2 loss against Aston Villa. They have had an international break which as y pod cohost Jared mentioned hurts them since they didn’t have a chance to regroup. Now on short notice they have to face an Everton team who is currently top of the table, 10 years after their last loss to the Blue side of Liverpool. Liverpool will still be without Allison and Everton have been leaking goals for fun, so the over was easy. I’m also going to take Everton +0.5 as I think they have a really good chance to take points off of their cross-town rivals. Over 3 Goals (-115), Everton +0.5 (+105).

Chelsea v. Southampton – Chelsea will likely be returning Christian Pulisic to the fold and I think this team is beginning to gel better than we all thought. Southampton may look decent on paper but their only wins this season came against an extremely average (at best) West Brom team and a so far unconvincing Burnley team. I’ll take the Blues. Chelsea -1 (-110).

Man City v. Arsenal – As a City fan, this match doesn’t look to good. City will be missing De Bruyne, Jesus and Aguero which means they’ll likely have to start a winger or a 17-year-old up top against an Arsenal team who have completely changed their identity under Arteta. Arteta’s knowledge of City’s squad also gives Arsenal value since he’ll know how to play them. Take the points. Arsenal +1 (+105).

Newcastle United v. Manchester United – The Red Devils were embarrassed before the break in a 6-1 defeat to Spurs and they’ll now be without captain and CB Maguire, which might not seem like a bad thing but a CB pairing of Bailly and Lindelof isn’t what you want. Newcastle meanwhile have been in decent form so far this year, with their only loss coming on opening weekend against Brighton. I’ll gladly take the points here even with the juice. Newcastle United +1 (-135).

Sunday, October 18th

Sheffield United v. Fulham – PASS.

Crystal Palace v. Brighton – If anyone’s been following along this year they know I’m a huge fan of Brighton. Are they going to consistently get results? Not sure, but I know they’ll consistently cause teams trouble up and down the table. I love them on the pickem here. Brighton Pickem (-105).

Tottenham v. West Ham – Spurs are hot coming off of their big win against United two weeks ago and they might even get a chance to get club legend Gareth Bale back in the lineup here. He likely won’t start but it’s likely we’ll see an appearance. On the other side of the pitch, I have no confidence in West Ham if Moyes is on the touchline. Both teams have also been over machines this year and their matchup history points towards taking the total as well1. Over 3 goals (-105), Tottenham -1 (+105).

Leicester City v. Aston Villa – This game was an immediate over bet for me considering both teams score loads of goals. I wanted to take Leicester in this one but then I saw that Soyuncu, Vardy, Evans and Ndidi are out or in doubt and then made me immediately want to take the points. Over 3 goals (+105), Aston Villa +0.5 (-110).

Monday, October 19th

West Brom v. Burnley – Not much to say here other than the fact that I hate both teams right now, but I hate Burnley a little bit less. Burnley Pickem (+105).

Leeds v. Wolves – This will be one of the better games of the weekend and I can’t wait. I normally take Wolves on a pickem line whenever I can but after watching this Leeds team so far, there’s no way I can fade them in this spot. Bielsa has shown that he will play every team in the league very tough and this is a matchup that suits them. I can’t wait and I’ll be taking Leeds pickem. Leeds Pickem (-125).

Stay kickin’ it. Peace.

Twitter: @canikickitpod
Twitter: @nicodegallo
Twitter: @oh_my_gos

Matchweek 4 Picks

Another positive week in the books this past weekend as we now average around 1.5 units per week in profit. This is another quick blog as I moved into a new apartment this weekend so I’ve got limited time. Let’s dive right into the record and picks.

Matchweek 3: 5-4-1 (+1.2 Units)
This Season: 15-11-2 (+4.6 Units)
Previous Two Seasons: 453-404-107 (+28.1 Units)
All-Time Record: 715-653-174

English Premier League Matchweek 4

Crystal Palace +1.5 (-135)

Brighton +0.5 (+125)

Man City/Leeds Over 3.5 Goals (-110)

Newcastle Pickem (-135)

Leicester City -1 (+110)

West Brom/Southampton Over 2.5 Goals (-120)

Sheffield +1 (-110)

Wolves -1 (-110)

Tottenham +0.5 (-110)

Liverpool -1.5 (+105)

Stay kickin’ it. Peace.

Twitter: @canikickitpod
Twitter: @nicodegallo

Matchweek 3 Preview and New Podcast

Quick blog today as I’m short on time so we will stick to just the picks and the podcast. We had Andrew Dettmer, cohost of the podcast ‘Maine Road Ramble’ to discuss the start of the Premier League, where Man City stand and what the rest of the season could like like.

Let’s see how I did last week though.

Matchweek 2: 6-3-1 (+3.2 Units)
This Season: 10-7-1 (+3.4 Units)
Previous Two Seasons: 447-400-106 (+26.9 Units)
All-Time Record: 710-649-173

Brighton +1 (-150)

Everton (+115)

Chelsea -1.5 (+110)

Burnley Pickem (+130)

Leeds Pickem (-115)

Newcastle United +1 (+105)

Leicester City +1.5 (-105)

Wolves (+115)

Aston Villa Pickem (-125)

Arsenal +1 (+110)

UCL Group Stage Is Over, Manchester Derby Preview – Can i Kick It

The boys discuss who made it (and didn't make it) through to the Champions League Round of 16 and preview the Premier League weekend ahead including the Manchester Derby! Come kick it with us…
  1. UCL Group Stage Is Over, Manchester Derby Preview
  2. The Boys Are Back
  3. Van Dijk Injury, Wild Premier League Weekend and a UCL Preview

Stay kickin’ it. Peace.

Twitter: @canikickitpod
Twitter: @nicodegallo
Twitter: @oh_my_gos

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