Premier League top picks & best bets | December 30 – 31, 2022

The Premier League is back in the swing of things and every team has played one game following their return from the World Cup. So far, every game has gone somewhat as expected and there weren’t any big surprises at the top of the table. Regardless, teams like Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal will be in action on Friday and Saturday and they promise to be a part of some great games. Here are our best picks for those games and more.

West Ham vs Brentford

This is projected to be an even game between two perennial mid table teams. While this year hasn’t gone to plan for 16th place West Ham, Brentford have been very strong and they sit in 10th place this season. Because of that, we think Brentford can win or draw this game. Brentford haven’t lost a game in their last four matches and they had an impressive draw against Tottenham in their last time out. Also, West Ham have been struggling as of late and they only have one win in their last six contests. West Ham’s once staunch defense has been beatable this season and as a result, West Ham have kind of lost their way. We expect that to continue in this battle as Brentford should keep grinding out strong results.

Liverpool vs Leicester

This should actually be a pretty fun game. Liverpool have been great on the attacking side of the field all season and while Leicester have struggled to score, they can break down a Liverpool defense that has leaked goals over the course of this season. Due to that, we think both teams will get at least one goal. Simply put, Liverpool should create a ton of chances on the backs of stars like Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nuñez. The question will be if Leicester can score. Considering Liverpool have conceded at least one goal in each of their last five Premier League games, we think they will. Take both teams to score at -122 and watch what should be a fun, open game.

Wolves vs Manchester United

Maybe we’re falling into the trap, but United feel like they are destined for a top four finish. In their first game back from the international break, United flashed the attacking potential they possess and Marcus Rashford was brilliant. When the attack plays as they did against Nottingham Forest, United will be nearly unstoppable and there is no reason that they can’t do that in this game. Wolves have struggled to stop opposing offenses all season and have conceded 25 goals in 16 matches. United boast attackers like Antony, Rashford and Bruno Fernandes should dominate possession in this game and create a steady flow of United chances in this match. It will just come down to finishing those chances and considering the form of United, we think they will. Take United to win and keep up their impressive return from World Cup battles.

Well, after talking about how Rashford’s form is a big reason for our pick of Man United, it only makes sense to pick Rashford to score. Rashford followed up a good World Cup for England with a goal and assist in United’s return to Premier League play. He is playing very well and the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo means the 25-year-old is even more important. Rashford should once again be the focal point of the United attack and these odds are far too high considering the form he is in.

Newcastle v Leeds

Miguel Almiron is an ascending star for Newcastle who is a big reason for their success this season. As of right now, Newcastle are in third place in the Premier League and while they don’t feel like a title contender, they are playing like a top-four team. While this team’s goals are spread around, Almiron has been the main man recently and he is up to nine goals in 16 contests. Against a Leeds side that has conceded 29 goals in 15 matches, Newcastle should be able to score multiple goals. And, recently, that has meant Almiron should grab one of them. Take the Paraguayan to score his tenth of the season for this surprising Newcastle team.

Brighton vs Arsenal

Arsenal simply aren’t getting the respect they deserve at this point in the season. While Brighton have won three of their last four games, and are at home, there is no reason Arsenal should be plus money to win this game. Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, seem to have figured it out and they have an impressive team. Against this inferior Brighton team, Arsenal should win with ease. The Gunners have eight wins in their last nine contests and have only conceded once in their last four battles. The Gunners are simply in too good of form to pick against and they should show that in this contest. While Brighton have been playing well, they don’t match up to Arsenal’s talent and we expect the Gunners to get their 14th win in 16 Premier League battles.

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