The column was unlucky over the weekend with West Ham ruining our 5/1 treble and Manchester City ending up 3-1 winners at Southampton (when we tipped a 2-1 success at 8/1). The action continues apace in the New Year and there’s no bigger game around than Thursday’s clash between Manchester City and leaders Liverpool.
Running total: -£12.61
The Banker
Manchester City brushed past Southampton to set up what looks a must-win clash against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool on Thursday. Pep Guardiola’s assertion on Sunday that “if we drop points then it is over, it is finished” may have sounded a tad dramatic but one look at the table suggests he could be right.
A win for the Reds would open up a 10-point gap, while a victory for City reduces the arrears to four points. It’s the biggest game of the season by some distance and Guardiola’s men have been chalked up as even money favourites to win at the Etihad. Crucially for the hosts, Fernandinho, David Silva and Sergio Aguero should all feature and can help City make home advantage count. City were unlucky not to beat Liverpool at Anfield in October and can breathe new life into their faltering title challenge by claiming three points against the Reds.
Selection: £6 on Manchester City to win at evens with bet365.
The First Goal Flutter
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was virtually anonymous as Arsenal were thrashed 5-1 at Anfield but can get back among the goals when the Gunners face Fulham. The Gabon striker is battling with Harry Kane and Mo Salah at the top of the Premier League scoring charts and should add to his 13 goals for the season against a leaky defence.
Selection: £5 on Aubameyang to score first at 11/5 with bet365.
The Tasty Treble
Manchester United are on a roll this festive season and having hit 12 goals in three matches (all wins) they can be trusted at 8/13 to win at Newcastle. Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford in particular have looked sensational lining up under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and can help the Red Devils to victory over a side who are still looking nervously over their shoulder at the wrong end of the league.
Elsewhere, Mauricio Pochettinho will be after a response after that shock 3-1 capitulation against Wolves last time out and a more focused Tottenham (1/2) should be too good for Cardiff on Tuesday.
Finally, Wolves (evens) can build on that Spurs win by blasting past Crystal Palace. If you take away that stunning 3-2 win at the Etihad then Palace’s recent form has been patchy and Wolves should be able to close the deal at Molineux. The treble pays better than 7/2 with bet365 and looks very solid.
Selection: £4 on the treble at 3.84/1 with bet365.
The Euro Wager
Real Madrid travel to Villarreal on Thursday and Los Blancos have won their last three and claimed a FIFA World Club Cup so will fancy the job against a Villarreal side who have struggled so far in La Liga this season. Gareth Bale is a 4/1 shout to score first but the 11/5 bet365 are offering about a Real Madrid win and both teams scoring looks the most sensible punt.
Selection: £2.50 on Real Madrid to win and both teams to score at 11/5 with bet365.
The Wildcard Tip
After going unbeaten in their first 15 games, Manchester City looked nailed on to retain their Premier League title but Liverpool have been sensational as City began to falter. Thursday’s clash at the Etihad is absolutely massive and while we ultimately fancy a home win, you cannot rule out a fast start from the Reds. With this in mind backing City to win after first conceding at 8/1 might be worth a small interest.
Selection: £1 on Manchester City to win from behind at 8/1 with bet365.
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