Our banker bet landed in midweek as Tottenham beat Chelsea, but we took a hit with Leganes failing to score against Real Madrid. The Premier League makes a welcome return this weekend and the games don’t come much bigger than Tottenham’s clash with Manchester United.
Running total: -£30.61
The Banker
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has equalled a record set by Old Trafford legend Sir Matt Busby way back in 1946 by winning his first five matches as Manchester United manager. However all four of his league wins came against teams in the bottom half of the table, and he faces a true test of his managerial credentials this weekend against Spurs. Mauricio Pochettino’s men have won 10 of their past 12 matches in all competitions and are still very much in the title picture. It promises to be a fascinating showdown at Wembley between two teams in sparkling form but Tottenham — who won the corresponding fixture at Old Trafford fairly handily earlier in the season — look the pick at even money.
Selection: £6 on Tottenham to win at evens with bet365.
The First-Goal Flutter
James Maddison was flying for Leicester City earlier this season but has not managed to find the net since Dec. 5. However, he’s looked sharp for the Foxes in recent weeks and looks a big price at 7/1 to score first against Southampton. He’s only 22 but Maddison looks the real deal and can cash in against a Saints defence that has struggled on the road this season.
Selection: £2 on Maddison to score first at 7/1 with bet365.
The Tasty Treble
Brighton are unbeaten in their past four and won’t roll over against Liverpool at the Amex. The Reds have been flying this season but following back-to-back defeats against Manchester City and Wolves are suddenly under a bit of pressure, and with this in mind the draw could be the play on the south coast at 9/2. Elsewhere, Crystal Palace are struggling this season but have kept a few noteworthy clean sheets in recent weeks and look worth siding with at 6/5 to beat a Watford side who’ve failed to win any of their past three league games. Finally, add Leicester (19/20) to turn over Southampton at the King Power for a bet365 treble paying a meaty 22/1.
Selection: £2 on the treble at 22.59/1 with bet365.
The Euro Wager
Anyone considering a thick bet on Real Madrid at the minute really needs their head examined. Los Blancos have been wildly inconsistent in recent weeks and face a tough trip to Real Betis this Sunday. The hosts have only lost twice in nine home league games while Madrid have failed to win no fewer than six of their nine matches away from the Bernabeu. Things could get worse before they get better for Santi Solari’s men, too, and Betis look worth a punt here at 12/5 on home soil.
Selection: £2.50 on Real Betis to win at 12/5 with bet365.
The Wildcard Tip
Arsenal have not kept a clean sheet in any of their past five league games and could be vulnerable when they head to West Ham in Saturday’s early kickoff. The Gunners’ away record is a less than stellar W4-D3-L3 this season and three of those victories came against teams in the bottom six. West Ham meanwhile have taken 16 points from their past eight Premier League games and look live underdogs.
Selection: £2 on West Ham to win and both teams to score at 9/2 with bet365.
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