After the excitement of the FA Cup this past weekend, this week
the focus switches back to the action in the Premier League, with a rare midweek date for all 20 teams, with matches on Matchday 24 being played on Tuesday, followed by the usual selection of games across the weekend comprising Matchday 25.
With six points up for grabs, it could be a pivotal week for teams at both ends of the table, not to mention those in the middle positions who could make big moves upwards, or downwards in the table if they manage to string a couple of wins, or struggle to two defeats, over the next few days.
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We’re going to bring you all the latest information on the games taking place this week across both matchdays, starting with the midweek set of games. Remember, all odds shown are provided by bet365 Sport and are correct as of 11.30am on Monday 28th January 2019. If you want to place a bet and need to join up with bet365, then new customers can sign up with the latest bet365 New Player Bonus, which offers up to £100 in bet credits to qualifying new users on the site.
Matchday 24
Kick off 7.45 unless stated.
Tuesday 29th January
- Arsenal v Cardiff City
Neither of these sides have particularly good recent form and the fact that this is a home game for Arsenal should mean a home win. Cardiff’s away form has been poor this season and the Gunner’s form at home is generally strong, especially against lower sides. Tip – Arsenal to win – 2/7
- Fulham v Brighton
Both these teams have just one win in their last five games and both are desperate for a win, but Fulham’s plight is more concerning than Brighton’s. The Seagulls will make it tough and I can see them finding the net, but I feel Fulham should do enough to secure a point. Tip – Draw – 9/4
- Huddersfield Town v Everton
Huddersfield’s winless run stretched to 13 games after defeat to Manchester City at the weekend, Everton have lost both their last two games also after losing to Millwall in the cup. However back the Toffee’s to get back to winning ways here. Tip – Everton to win – 21/20
- Wolves v West Ham
Two mid table sides, both with somewhat erratic form of late. Wolves have been the better of the two teams this season and with home advantage are the favourites here, especially against a Hammers side who have lost both their last two games. Wolves to win for me. Tip – Wolves to win – 11/10
- Manchester United v Burnley (8.00)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made it 8 wins from 8 against Arsenal at the weekend in the FA Cup and he’ll be confident of making that nine against a Burnley side that were thumped by Man City in the same competition. This should be a comfortable home win for United. Tip – Man Utd to win – 1/4.
- Newcastle United v Manchester City (8.00)
Newcastle gave City a scare in a 2-1 defeat at the Etihad, but I think City are in such good form now that Newcastle’s somewhat defensive approach could end up seeing them taking a bit of a beating against the in form Citizens. Tip – Man City to win – 1/5.
Wednesday 30th January
- Bournemouth v Chelsea
Bournemouth’s form has dwindled away of late but they did get back to winning ways against West Ham. Chelsea had a good week progressing to the Carabao Cup Final and the FA Cup 5th Round and I think they’ll secure three points in the Premier League with a solid performance here. Tip – Chelsea to win – 4/6.
- Southampton v Crystal Palace
Both of these teams are showing signs of improved form of late, with Palace worthy winners over Spurs in the FA Cup at the weekend, while Saints beat Arsenal and Everton at home of late. I like what Ralph Hassenhuttl is doing and I think he could surprise a few with a win here against an in-form Palace team. Tip – Southampton to win – 27/20.
- Liverpool v Leicester City (8.00)
Liverpool had a rest over the weekend, meaning they should be fresh for the home game with Leicester City. The Reds didn’t look at their best defensively against Crystal Palace and they’ll be wary with Jamie Vardy likely to start for Leicester, but this should be a home win. – Tip – Liverpool to win – 2/9.
- Tottenham v Watford (8.00)
Spurs lost the return fixture of this game earlier in the season and come into the game on the back of two defeats in their last two. Son could be back from the Asian Cup for this one though and his return would be a huge boost to a team struggling for goals. If Son is back, expect Spurs to win. Tip – Tottenham to win – 7/10.
Matchday 25
Kick off 3pm unless stated
Saturday 2nd February
- Tottenham v Newcastle United (12.30)
Another tough game for Newcastle as they take on an out of sorts Spurs at Wembley. With injuries to key players Spurs have struggled of late, but Newcastle are not in the best form and don’t have enough of the ball to worry the top teams unduly. This should be a home win. Tip – Tottenham to win – 2/5.
- Brighton v Watford
Two sides that have performed above expectation this season. Watford have generally done well against mid-table sides, as have Brighton, and with the Seagulls having home advantage, they probably are the most likely to win, but I still feel a draw is the result to back here. Tip – Draw – 12/5.
- Burnley v Southampton
This is another crucial relegation six-pointer and both sides have improved form of late. Burnley have had a tough run of games with Man City followed by United, so they’ll want something from this game, Saints too will want at least a point and I feel that as a result, a draw is the likely outcome. Tip – Draw – 9/4.
- Chelsea v Huddersfield Town
Huddersfield Town may have a new manager but he’ll need to be a miracle worker to get anything from this game against a Chelsea side that will likely have Gonzalo Higuain in attack and hoping to grab some goals in a Chelsea shirt. He may not have a better opportunity to do so this season. Tip – Chelsea to win – 1/6.
- Crystal Palace v Fulham
This is a crucial London derby for both these sides, a win for Palace would likely move them well clear in the relegation battle and be a hammer-blow for Fulham. Palace’s form is better now and they are also the home side which I think will be crucial in securing the win. Tip – Crystal Palace to win – 10/11.
- Everton v Wolves
The Toffee’s earned a good point at Wolves on the opening day of the season and in truth, I think given their inconsistent form of late, and how Wolves play against the better teams in the Premier League, that the home fans may well be satisfied with a similar result here. Tip – Draw – 12/5.
- Cardiff City v Bournemouth (5.30)
Can Cardiff rediscover their home form? If the Bluebirds are to avoid the drop then these are the games they will need to win. Bournemouth though have bought well in the Transfer Window an din truth, I think they have the talent to secure a rare away win here. Tip – Bournemouth to win – 11/8.
Sunday 3rd February
- Leicester City v Man Utd (2.05)
The Foxes have beaten Man City on home soil this season but in form Manchester United will be a huge test for Claude Puel’s men. That said, I think the Foxes could spring a surprise here and although United are in great form, I feel this could be a tough fixture for them. Tip – Draw – 13/5.
- Manchester City v Arsenal (4.30)
Manchester City are in such great form that even the visit of Arsenal will not worry Pep Guardiola’s men too much. The Gunners do have some real quality in attack, but I can’t see them having enough of the ball to cause City big problems. Back City to win this one well. Tip – Man City to win – 1/4.
Monday 4th February
- West Ham v Liverpool (8pm)
The Hammers have had some inconsistent performances at home this season, beating Arsenal, drawing with Chelsea, but losing heavily to Man City. Liverpool beat the Hammers 4-0 on the opening day of the season and I am backing their counter-attacking skills to get another positive result here. Tip – Liverpool to win – 4/11.
