Christmas is well and truly in the rear-view mirror and the race towards the end of the Premier League season is in top gear.
Week 22 is underway in London when West Ham host Arsenal, while Liverpool are offered a great opportunity to atone for their first loss of the season when they travel to Brighton.
The match of the round comes way of London early on Monday morning when Spurs host the resurgent Manchester United.
West Ham
Last 5 Matches: WLWLD
Ladder Position: 10th
Goal Difference: -3 (GF 29, GA 32)
Arsenal
Last 5 Matches: LWDLW
Ladder Position: 5th
Goal Difference: +15 (GF 46, GA 31)
A London Derby launches Week 22 and neither West Ham, nor Arsenal have been particularly consistent of late, or trustworthy from a betting perspective. The Gunners did return to winning form at the expense of Fulham last week, but I am happy to stay out of this one from a betting perspective.
Leicester
Last 5 Matches: LWWLW
Ladder Position: 7th
Goal Difference: +2 (GF 25, GA 23)
Southampton
Last 5 Matches: WWLLD
Ladder Position: 18th
Goal Difference: -17 (GF 21, GA 38)
Leicester have been in decent form of late and they represent terrific value to continue a winning run past cellar dwellers Southampton. It will take a big effort from the Saints to compete effectively away from home.
Palace
Last 5 Matches: WWDLW
Ladder Position: 14th
Goal Difference: -7 (GF 19, GA 26)
Watford
Last 5 Matches: WWLDD
Ladder Position: 8th
Goal Difference: -1 (GF 30, GA 31)
An interesting match between Palace and Watford at Selhurst Park and a case to be made for both clubs. The Eagles have beaten Manchester City, Leicester and Wolves recently, and a repeat of any of those performances would surely see them winning again.
Brighton
Last 5 Matches: LLDWD
Ladder Position: 13th
Goal Difference: -5 (GF 24, GA 29)
Liverpool
Last 5 Matches: WWWWL
Ladder Position: 1st
Goal Difference: +39 (GF 49, GA 10)
Brighton have recorded several great results this season, but they’ve been pretty inconsistent of late and face a huge task in the form of Liverpool this week. The Reds will be eager to respond after suffering their first loss of the season to City last week and realistically, they should be taking this one comfortably.
Cardiff
Last 5 Matches: LLDWL
Ladder Position: 17th
Goal Difference: -22 (GF 19, GA 41)
Huddersfield
Last 5 Matches: LLLLL
Ladder Position: 20th
Goal Difference: -24 (GF 13, GA 37)
A meeting of the minnows will see Cardiff City host Huddersfield in Wales early on Sunday morning and this looms as a must win, particularly for the down-and-out away side. Cardiff simply have been the better side recently, however and I’m happy to take them at anything over even money in head-to-head betting.
Burnley
Last 5 Matches: LLLWW
Ladder Position: 16th
Goal Difference: -21 (GF 21, GA 42)
Fulham
Last 5 Matches: LDDWL
Ladder Position: 19th
Goal Difference: -28 (GF 19, GA 47)
Another match between two clubs caught in the relegation dogfight, but home side Burnley have managed to string together a couple of decent wins over West Ham and Huddersfield most-recently and as long as they hold their form, should be making it three-in-a-row here.
Chelsea
Last 5 Matches: WLWWD
Ladder Position: 4th
Goal Difference: +22 (GF 38, GA 16)
Newcastle
Last 5 Matches: WDLDL
Ladder Position: 15th
Goal Difference: -14 (GF 15, GA 29)
A bit of a mismatch will see Chelsea host the inconsistent, largely disappointing Newcastle on Sunday morning. Simply put, this is two different classes of club and while they are unders in head-to-head betting, it’s tough imagining Chelsea being too worried in Week 22.
Everton
Last 5 Matches: LLWLL
Ladder Position: 11th
Goal Difference: 0 (GF 31, GA 31)
Bournemouth
Last 5 Matches: LWLLD
Ladder Position: 12th
Goal Difference: -9 (GF 31, GA 40)
This is set to be one of the better contests in Week 22 and there is a case to be made for both clubs. Neither have been in world-beating form through the Christmas break and both were disappointing losers in Week 21. Everton are under the odds as $1.75 favourites and I am happy to sit on the fence.
Spurs
Last 5 Matches: WWWLW
Ladder Position: 3rd
Goal Difference: +25 (GF 46, GA 21)
United
Last 5 Matches: LWWWW
Ladder Position: 6th
Goal Difference: +11 (GF 43, GA 32)
This easily looks like the best fixture in Week 22 and we’re set for an outstanding contest between Spurs and United in London. Spurs have been in great form all season but are without Son for this one who is on duty for South Korea in the Asian Cup, while United have been in terrific form recently and are seeking a fifth-consecutive win.
City
Last 5 Matches: WLLWW
Ladder Position: 2nd
Goal Difference: +39 (GF 56, GA 17)
Wolves
Last 5 Matches: WLDWL
Ladder Position: 9th
Goal Difference: -2 (GF 23, GA 25)
City recorded their biggest win of the season over Liverpool last weekend and have cut the Reds’ lead down to only four points. They are full of confidence and should simply dispatch a Wolves side that has been quite inconsistent of late.
Tip: Over 3.5 Goals ($2.08)