EPL Matchweek 21 best bets & goalscorer picks – January 21-22

We are now past the halfway point of a Premier League season that has been full of surprises. The likes of Liverpool and Chelsea have disappointed throughout this campaign, while Newcastle, Fulham, and Brighton are all in a Champions League qualifying race. This weekend, every team will be in action and it should be a great slate of Premier League soccer. Here are our free EPL betting picks for this crucial set of games.

Liverpool vs Chelsea

These two teams are in very similar spots and really have disappointed this season. Right now, Liverpool sit in ninth place and Chelsea are right behind them in 10th. Considering each team’s title dreams, this season has been an abject failure. That being said, this should be an interesting game, and as of right now we simply cannot bet on Liverpool. The Reds have been outscored 6-1 in their last two Premier League games, both against teams they should have beaten. Jurgen Klopp’s defensive tactics have been awful recently, and while Chelsea haven’t been much better, they shouldn’t be this big of underdogs in this game. Neither team can be trusted and that puts a lot of value on Chelsea in this spot.

Leicester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion

This projects to be quite an interesting battle. Right now, Brighton are in seventh place and Leicester are sat in 15th. Brighton have been very solid in recent games, winning five of their past seven Premier League matches. They have a solid foundation and have the talent to control this game. Leicester, on the other hand, have been extremely inconsistent. After winning four out of five Premier League games, they have lost their last four matches and only scored one goal in those games. Brighton’s strength is their defense and they should lock down a descending Leicester side and get the win.

Southampton vs Aston Villa

Like the rest of Aston Villa, Leon Bailey started off the season with a run of poor form. However, his recent performances have been sublime and he is a big reason for Villa’s resurgence. While Bailey only has four goals through 18 matches, he has been dominant recently and is creating a ton of chances. Against a porous Southampton defense, the Jamaican winger should once again flash his potential and be Villa’s main man moving forward. Take him to score at +340 with Bovada in a high-value longshot bet.

Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United

Aleksander Isak is back and showing why Newcastle made him their record signing last summer. While Isak has been injured for a large part of the season, when he plays he is a difference maker. The Swedish striker has scored three goals in four Premier League matches and Newcastle have the talent on the wings to set him up with great chances. The Toon should have a relatively easy time in this game and Isak will be flush with scoring chances. As of right now, Isak’s goalscoring odds are great value and until the betting sites adjust, we will keep betting on him to score.

Leeds United vs Brentford

These teams are trending in opposite directions, but they play a very similar brand of soccer. Both squads are filled with athletes who can strike on the counter-attack and both prioritize attacking over defending. That should make this an awesome game filled with chances. Brentford have been playing great soccer recently but still have conceded 28 goals in 19 games. They tend to outscore teams in their wins rather than locking them down defensively. The same can be said for Leeds, who have conceded 33 times in 18 contests. Leeds have given up at least two goals in five of their past six Premier League matches and their defense cannot be trusted. Take the over in what should be a game filled with scoring opportunities.

Arsenal vs Manchester United

This is the game of the weekend and has all the makings of one of the best games of the season. Arsenal are in first place and have proven themselves to be a legitimate title threat. Despite many doubters, they keep winning big games and look like one of the best teams in the world. Man United, on the other hand, have clawed their way back from a bad start and have won six of their past eight matches. Simply put, both of these teams are playing great. That all being said, give us the Gunners at home. Arsenal have been unbeatable at Emirates Stadium this season, recording seven wins and one draw at home. While United are solid away from home, they only have two wins in their last five games away from Old Trafford. There isn’t really a lot to separate these teams, but anytime we can get Arsenal around even money on their home field, that’s an auto bet.

Fulham vs Tottenham Hotspur

We refuse to quit on Tottenham. While they have struggled to find consistency throughout this season, this team is filled with talent and they have a proven coach at the helm in Antonio Conte. Fulham have been great this season and have played their way into sixth place, but simply comparing the talent, they are no match for Tottenham. The Cottagers have been a solid team all season long, but against Premier League ‘big six’ clubs they only have one win through five matches. Although Spurs are in a bit of a rut, this is a great spot for them to get a big win and jumpstart the second half of their season.

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