Chelsea’s first stumble of the Premier League season resulted in its lead atop the table being cut down to just three points. And, of course, all that resulted in all sorts of headlines suggesting that the end is near simply because they lost a game. While the news was bad on their front because of a loss, it was not all smiles when second-place Manchester City earned a win either.
Although they closed the gap to the top spot (to three points) with a win over Everton, they also suffered a potentially devastating blow with an injury to one of their best players in Sergio Aguero. City will try to fight on without its superstar striker with a very favorable match up this weekend while Chelsea looks to get back on track against another team that has dabbled near the bottom of the table.
Chelsea vs. Hull — Saturday, 10:00 AM ET
Odds: Chelsea -707, Hull +1762, Draw +616
Chelsea’s dominance at home and away this year might have convinced fans it was destined to run the Premier League table without a loss. How realistic is that? As unrealistic as it was, fans were still surprised when they finally stumbled in a 2-1 defeat at Newcastle last week. Jose Mourinho blamed bad bounces and poor luck for his team’s falter but he will feel much more comfortable back home at Stamford Bridge than he did at St. James Park (where he’s never won).
The Blues had scored two goals or more in four of their five previous games before last week’s loss and will have an excellent chance to bounce back against a Hull side that hasn’t won a game since the opening week of October. Chelsea’s hold on the Premier League lead isn’t as strong as it was even a week ago but don’t expect them to concede it this weekend. They’re a massive favorite on the betting lines and if Hull can even manage a draw, that would still be a win for them. Pick: Chelsea
Leicester vs. Manchester City — Saturday, 10:00 AM ET
Odds: Manchester City -225, Leicester +536, Draw +354
Losing a superstar striker as talented as Aguero is never a welcomed situation, but while Manchester City mourns their loss, they also have to consider themselves fortunate the injury happened in time for a dip in their schedule. City will play out the rest of December against some of the worst teams in the Premier League beginning this weekend against a Leicester side that seems bound for relegation. They have just two wins on the season and enter this contest on a seven-game losing streak.
For City, Edin Dzeko is back healthy and he will team with Yaya Toure to help make up for the loss of Aguero up front as City looks to keep the pressure on Chelsea in the race for a league title. Taking a look at the odds, there’s a good chance they do that. They shouldn’t be challenged much this week. Pick: Manchester City
Manchester United vs. Liverpool — Sunday, 6:30 AM ET
Odds: Manchester United -130, Liverpool +320, Draw +275
While all eyes will be on Chelsea and Manchester City and how they respond on Saturday the focus will turn to the feature match of the week between United and Liverpool on Sunday. Robin Van Persie’s return has sparked United’s climb towards the top of the table and they are right there in the third spot heading in to this weekend.
A lack of consistency up front has hurt Liverpool both at home and abroad this season but any hope of turning things around will have to come from within as Daniel Sturridge remains out and the Reds don’t appear imminently set to make a move. Look for the better team to come out on top at Old Trafford again this weekend as United looks to put together a fifth straight win after outscoring its opponents 10-3 over the course of that Premier League run. Pick: Manchester United
