The holiday season is over, which means the hectic pace in the English Premier League should be getting back to normal. Round 21 of the most entertaining soccer league in Europe brings us a full slate of matches to discuss. With 8 matches scheduled to be played on Saturday and 2 more games on Sunday, we are guaranteed to have some fun and make some money.
I have picked two featured matches for Saturday and one match for Sunday and I hope that my predictions will be on the mark to fill up your piggy bank!
Here are all match-ups and odds for Round 21:
Saturday, January 14 – 2 Featured Matches
Tottenham vs West Bromwich Albion
3-Way: 1: Tottenham -278 Home ; X: +455 Draw ; 2: West Bromwich Albion +1255 Away
Total 2.5: Over -111 ; Under +110
Analysis and Prediction:
The Round 21 starts of with the early match on Saturday between the Tottenham Hotspurs and the West Bromwich Albion at the White Hart Lane Stadium. After losing to Manchester United 1-0 on December 11 on the road, the Hotspurs have not looked back since, winning 6 straight games (5 in the EPL and 1 in the FA Cup). During the stretch, the Hotspurs have scored a total of 15 goals in the 5 EPL games, with Delle Ali scoring 7 goals. However, going head-to-head against the West Brom, the Hotspurs have not seen a lot of success at home recently, with their latest win dating back to Jan. 1st when they won with 1:0.
Coach Toni Pullis has the West Brom squad tuned up and performing surprisingly well in the EPL, as they are currently holding the 8th spot with 29 points to their name. West Brom has not been shy on the road this season, scoring at least 1 goal in all but 2 games. Out of the 10 games played on the road, West Brom has won 3 games and lost 4, while finishing 3 games with a draw.
I expect the Hotspurs to open the Round 21 with a convincing win, extending their winning streak in the Premier League competition to 6. West Brom might have been a tough cookie for the Hotspurs in the past, but the Hotspurs will use the momentum and score enough goals to hit the Over, which is offered at -111.
Swansea vs Arsenal
3-Way: 1: Swansea +600 Home ; X: +377 Draw ; 2: Arsenal -189 Away
Total 3: Over -102 ; Under -104
Analysis and Prediction:
It has become a tradition now that the Arsenal Gunners perform poorly during the month of December and the Boxing Day special. During the stretch, the Gunners have recorded 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses, slipping down all the way to the 5th position on the table. Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud, who combined for 19 EPL goals this season, will be the main threats for the hosts. Giroud will have a special motive to shine, considering that he, along with Coquelin and Koscielny have signed new long-term contracts with the Gunners.
Swansea has finally snapped their 4-game losing streak in the EPL, taking down Crystal Palace on the road, 2 – 1. However, with a mixed up lineup, the Swans appeared in the FA Cup Round of 32, losing to the Hull City on the road 0 – 2 on January 7th. In the last 5 EPL games against the Gunners, the Swans have been victorious 3 times, while losing twice. What hurts the Swans the most is their defense, which has allowed 14 goals in the last 5 games. The Swans have conceded a total of 45 goals, which is most in the league.
For the Swans, this will be a great chance to win some points and come out of the relegation zone, while the Gunners cannot afford to give away more points if they want to keep their chances of winning the title alive. Although I expect the Gunners to shoot down the Swans and win this game, I am more confident to see a lot of goals on both sides, which is why I am picking the Over at -102.
SUNDAY, January 15th – 1 Featured Match
Manchester United vs Liverpool
3-Way: 1: Manchester United +121 Home ; X: +240 Draw ; 2: Liverpool -287 Away
Total 2.5: Over +100 ; Under +104
Analysis and Prediction:
The last match-up of Round 21 is a real treat for all soccer fans as the #6 Manchester United host the #2 Liverpool at the Old Trafford on Sunday. The Red Devils enter this match with a phenomenal winning streak, having won their last 9 games in all competitions and staying undefeated in their last 15 games. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been superb during the stretch, scoring 6 goals in the 9 consecutive wins for the Devils.
On the other side, the Liverpool Reds are 5-3-2 in their last 10 games, counting all competitions. In their last three games, the Reds have not recorded a win, slipping to Southampton in the EFL Cup (0- 1) and recording 2 draws, one in the FA Cup (0 – 0 vs Plymouth) and one in the EPL (2 – 2 at Sunderland). The Reds will be without Sadio Mane who will play for Senegal at the African Cup of Nations. Sane has scored 9 goals in 13 EPL appearances.
In the last 8 meetings of these two teams, Manchester United has won 5 matches and Liverpool was victorious only once with two draws. With that being said, I am picking Manchester United at +120, as I don’t expect them to give away points at the legendary Old Trafford.
To get in on the action, be sure to jump over to our featured Sports Book to place a bet on Premier League. They also accommodate all European league in action this weekend.
