Premier League top picks & best bets | January 3 – 5, 2023

After a packed slate this past weekend, the Premier League is returning for a big midweek stretch of games. Teams will be fatigued and players who didn’t make the World Cup will have an advantage over those who participated. Every team will be in action over the next few days and these games will be very important as we approach the halfway point of the season. Here are our best picks for these midweek games.

Arsenal vs Newcastle

This top-of-the-table battle is one of the best games we have had all season. First-place Arsenal will host third-place Newcastle in a battle that has major implications for the title race. While Newcastle are playing extremely well and appear to be a legitimate contender, Arsenal should roll in this game. The Gunners have simply been way too good at home this season and that will be the deciding factor in this contest. Arsenal have 21 points through seven games at home this season and they are yet to drop any points at Emirates stadium. Newcastle have been solid on the road all year but this is a different challenge for the Magpies. Take Arsenal to win a huge game and extend their home winning streak to eight games.

Manchester United vs Bournemouth

Until these odds substantially shorten, Rashford to score will be an auto bet. Due to the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, United are in need of a goalscorer and it appears like Rashford is that man. After the international break, Rashford has scored in every game and looks like the best player on the pitch. United’s entire game plan has been centered around finding Rashford in dangerous positions and with the way he is finishing, it’s working. At +120, this is a great bet on a guy who is clearly comfortable taking on a bigger role within his team.

Leeds vs West Ham

On paper, this is a very even matchup. Both of these teams are middling and sit towards the bottom of the table. That being said, Leeds have been playing pretty well and they will be at home for this fixture. Leeds have only won three of eight home games but they do play markedly better at Elland Road. The biggest reason for picking Leeds, however, is West Ham’s recent form. The Hammers have lost five straight Premier League battles and only have one win from eight away contests. Leeds are simply the better team and they should find a way to win this battle.

Crystal Palace vs Tottenham

Tottenham are in the midst of a poor run of form but they should get a good result in this contest. Simply put, they have way more talent than a bad Palace team and even though Spurs are away, they should win this game with ease. Talented attackers like Harry Kane and Richarlison should make the difference in this contest as Palace do not have the defenders necessary to contain them. Palace will need to score in bunches if they want to win this game and considering they only have 17 goals in 16 games, we aren’t counting on them. Take Tottenham to win and end their mini-slide in their return from the World Cup break.

Chelsea vs Manchester City

Chelsea have a good defense but containing Haaland has proven impossible throughout the season. The Manchester City striker has 21 goals through 15 Premier League contests and he is simply unstoppable. The talent that City has behind him is creating a ridiculous amount of chances for the Norwegian striker and with his finishing ability, he is on pace to smash the Premier League single season goal scoring record. Haaland has four goals in his three games since returning from the World Cup break and he should easily add to that tally in this spot. While Chelsea are stronger than most Premier League teams, Haaland to score feels inevitable and anytime the odds are this long, it’s worth a bet.

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