The Premier League seems to be taking on a very clear shape at the 
moment with there being three distinct divisions within that group of 20 teams. At the top, we have Liverpool and Leicester leading the way after last weekend, with Manchester City and Chelsea also holding on to their shirt tails. We then have a massive number of teams involved in the battle for 5th, right the way down to the bottom three who are working hard to try and get themselves clear of the drop zone.
This weekend sees us reach Matchday 18 of the season, just one before the midway point of the campaign and it promises to be an interesting weekend as we see the top two, Liverpool and Leicester taking on the bottom two teams, Watford and Norwich City respectively, both at home. This is Liverpool’s last game before Boxing Day in the Premier League, when they will face second-placed Leicester away from home, as they are competing in the World Club Cup in Dubai from the middle of next week.
BONUS CODE: BET247 Get up to €100 in Bet Credits for new customers at bet365 Bet365 Review
€30 in Free Bets when you bet €10 William Hill Review
If you want to sign up with an online sports betting site today to enjoy some betting on the Premier League, then one great place to start is with the current bet365 Sport New Player Bonus. Not only will joining grant you access to bet365’s wide range of sites, but you will also get some outstanding betting on football and many other sports on mobile and desktop. There is also a wide range of betting to enjoy on the Premier League, including pre-match and In Play live betting.
If you are based in the fine state of Indiana in the United States, then you too can enjoy plenty of sports betting and not just on American Sports. Some of the best sports betting sites available in the Hoosier state offer betting on a massive range of sports from all over the world. Check out the current BetRivers Affiliate Code “HOOSIERBONUS” when signing up with that site to get a great deal when you join up.
Let’s now take a closer look at the games that we have coming up in the Premier League this weekend and how we see each one panning out in terms of the best bet on the outcome of the game.
Premier League Matchday 18
All odds were correct with bet365 Sport as of 10.30am on Wednesday 11th December 2019. All Kick off times are 3pm on Saturday unless stated.
- Liverpool v Watford (12.30pm)
Liverpool notched up their second clean sheet in a row in midweek away to 
attack-minded Salzburg and that 2-0 victory saw them qualify top of their Champions League Group. Watford meanwhile sit bottom of the table and looking in a desperate state. Their only win this season did come on the road at Norwich, but Liverpool away is a very different matter. The Reds have not last at Anfield since April 2017. I can’t see that record going here. My tip is Liverpool to win comfortably to nil at even money.
- Burnley v Newcastle United
These two teams come into this game in somewhat contrasting form, Burnley on the back of three defeats and Newcastle on the back of two wins and a draw (against Manchester City) in their last three games. The form suggests a Newcastle win but Burnley are a streaky team but those streaks don’t last long before they turn around and I can see them getting something here. I just don’t see it being maximum points. My tip is to back the draw at 12/5 and keep your options open.
- Chelsea v Bournemouth
Having made it through to the Knockout phase of the Champions League in midweek, Chelsea will come into this game against a badly out of sorts Bournemouth in great shape and I think even though their current league form isn’t the best, they should be on for a win against a Bournemouth side that have lost all their last five. I do see Eddie Howe’s men grabbing a goal, but with injuries biting, I think Chelsea win this comfortably, Back Chelsea to win and both teams to score at 6/4.
- Leicester City v Norwich City
After a stunning performance against Aston Villa last weekend with a 4-1 win on the road, Leicester return to the King Power to take on 19th placed Norwich in what should be a relatively straightforward performance for the home side. With Jamie Vardy on fire at the moment, it seems the Foxes cannot miss in front of goal and with Norwich’s defence looking very shaky, this should be a very strong home win. Back Leicester to win to nil which is a 21/20 shot with bet365.
- Sheffield United v Aston Villa
Sheffield United defeated Norwich away from home last weekend while Aston Villa were being thumped at Villa Park by Leicester City and I think this could be another tough afternoon for the Villains. United are normally excellent at home and while Villa look decent at times, they do seem to have spells in games where they concede goals at crucial times. I can’t see many goals here to be honest but I think those that are scored will be for the home side. My tip is Sheffield United to win to nil at 9/4.
- Southampton v West Ham United (5.30pm)
Southampton have won their last two games at home, albeit against the two 
teams below them in the table, while West Ham’s win at Chelsea was their only win in a good while. Of the two teams, I think Southampton are probably playing just the better at the moment and while the Hammers away win at Chelsea has given me pause for thought, I do feel that the home side will snatch a much needed win here, Back Southampton to win and both teams to score at 12/5.
- Manchester United v Everton (Sun, 2pm)
Having managed to land big wins last weekend, both these teams will come into this game with fire in their belly and renewed confidence. Everton’s caretaker boss Duncan Ferguson got a real reaction from his team against Chelsea and he’ll expect a similar show here, but I feel at Old Trafford against a United side that must now be more confident, they are in for a tough afternoon. Back Manchester United to win and both teams to score at 13/5.
- Wolves v Tottenham (Sun, 2pm)
Last season both games between these teams in the Premier League saw the away team claim the win and Tottenham have been in better form under Jose Mourinho of late. Wolves come into this game though on the back of 12 games without defeat in the Premier League and with just 2 defeats, they have been one of the hardest teams to beat this season. That said, I think Spurs may be able to do that here and I’m backing them to claim a win. Take Spurs to win and both teams to score at 10/3.
- Arsenal v Manchester City (Sun, 4.30pm)
After a dismal run of form Arsenal got back to winning ways last week against West Ham but they will be put to the test by a Manchester City side desperate to get back to winning ways after another loss last weekend to Manchester United. The Gunners have the attack to worry City, but I also feel defensively City could tear them apart. Back Manchester City to win and both teams to score at 21/10 with bet365.
- Crystal Palace v Brighton (Mon, 7.45pm)
Monday night’s action at Selhurst Park pits two rivals together in what should be a hotly contested game. Palace’s form is much improved of late, but Brighton have been playing well in some big games without getting much reward. These games do tend to be tight and close and evenly contested and I think tonight’s game won’t be any different. I think a draw is the most likely outcome here which is an 11/5 chance.
