The Premier League is back, and we are treated to some superb Boxing Day games. A short turnaround from what has been a magnificent journey in the FIFA World Cup for some Premier League players as they return to their clubs to continue the season. This was the first time that the Premier League had a stoppage halfway through the league.
We might be in for a very interesting second half of the season, where clubs who did not have many players travelling to Qatar may perform better than expected. Various clubs have been dealt with injuries in this break, which will be difficult to manage, such as Gabriel Jesus being sidelined for three months — which is a big blow for Arsenal.
We are going to preview some of the games that will be played on Boxing Day and what we can expect to unfold. LV BET continues to bring you all the best betting tips as well as the latest news on Premier League action. Visit our LV BET Sports Blog to read about various others sports and upcoming tournaments.
Brentford vs Tottenham
The first game back will be at the Gtech Community Stadium as Brentford host Tottenham Hotspurs. The last game for both sides has been a win, against Leeds for Tottenham and Manchester City for Brentford. For this round of fixtures, we are not taking into consideration form, as a month has passed since the last game. Brentford has been a very exciting team to watch since it possess great talent within their squad and, as seen against City, they are more than capable of causing an upset.
Looking at Tottenham Hotspurs, the game plan looked like this: wait until the second half and go full pelt to win the game. On most occasions, Spurs will come from behind late on in the game. Now that tactic might work for a couple of games, but it might cost you if you have a bad day in front of goal and don’t take the chances.
Spurs are currently in fourth place with a point less than Newcastle in third, whilst Brentford climbed up to 10th with that impressive victory over the reigning Premier League champions.
LV BET is pricing a tough day at the office for Spurs as they are priced at 21/20 (2.05) to win the game, whilst Brentford are at 8/3 (3.65) to continue in their incredible form when facing teams in the top half of the table.
Some other markets on offer that might be interesting to look at are: Brentford to score first at 11/8 (2.37) and Tottenham Hotspurs to win and over 2.50 goals to be scored at 2/1 (3.00).
Aston Villa vs Liverpool
A poor first half of the season from Liverpool as they find themselves in sixth place and four points behind fifth place. Aston Villa did not enjoy a better time than their next opponents as they struggled to get going under Steven Gerrard, but with new manager Unai Emery, the mood is much better around the club.
Unai Emery’s influence was instantaneous as in his first game in charge Villa ran out 3-1 winners against Manchester United, following it up with a 2-1 win against Brighton and their latest win coming against Chelsea. Now they take on the challenge of hosting Liverpool, who will be without Luis Diaz as he suffered an injury during Dubai’s hot training camp.
Liverpool will be looking to make some moves in the January transfer market to revitalise their squad and mount a charge back into the top four places.
LV BET is offering a host of opportunities for you to place your bets, Liverpool are the favourites to win at 2/3 (1.67) whilst Aston Villa and Unai Emery are at 61/15 (5.05) to continue in their upward trajectory and a draw is priced at 13/4 (4.25)
Some different markets that one might want to explore include, a half time draw result and Liverpool win in the second half at 10/3 (4.35) with Aston Villa to score first at 9/5 (2.80)
Arsenal vs West Ham
Arsenal have a solid lead at the top of the table of five points above Manchester City but titles aren’t handed out for being top at Christmas Day. A huge blow has been dealt to Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff as Gabriel Jesus has been ruled out for three months. The work rate and tenacity that he is well known for will be sorely missed by Arsenal as they host West Ham who are currently in 16th place.
The Gunners have been playing some incredible football, players oozing confidence and playing their heart out, for which we need to give great credit to Mikel Arteta for the great turnaround that he has done with his squad. Now it’s time for the real deal, the business end of the Premier League when fixtures come thick and fast. Will Arsenal cope or will they falter? Arsenal are at 9/4 (3.25) to win the Premier League.
David Moyes will be hoping that a month break has set his team in the right frame of mind to get things going. We have observed a huge drop in performance from the Hammers when compared to last year. Grabbing a point or better at the Emirates could well be the catalyst for a revival.
Arsenal are the outright favourites to win the game at 1/2 (1.50), whilst West Ham to mount a recovery is priced at 6/1 (7.00) and a draw at 18/5 (4.60).
Other markets on offer at LV BET are Arsenal to score first at 3/8 (1.38) and a West Ham win and under 1.5 goals to be scored at 14/1 (15.00)
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*Odds subject to change. Odds correct at time of publishing