Hello 2017. Hello sports betting fans. Hello Premier League betting.
What a potent mix to get the new year underway with.
A full programme of football games to whet the appetite for the second half of the campaign.
WEEK 20 MONDAY:
Middlesbrough vs Leicester City
It will be fascinating to see how Boro react after they came within six minutes of the ultimate ‘smash and grab’ victory at Old Trafford.
They battled valiantly yet ended up with nothing, and this encounter comes less than 48 hours after their hearts were broken.
They face the champions who are one place above them and go into 2017 after the most memorable year in their history.
Everton vs Southampton
When these sides met in late November, Charlie Austin scored the only goal within a minute to ruin Ronald Koeman’s return to St. Mary’s.
Austin is now absent through injury and the Saints are also missing their captain, the suspended Virgil van Dijk.
Koeman will want to avenge that defeat in what could be a busy month in the transfer window for the Toffees.
Manchester City vs Burnley
What a great Christmas it has been for Clarets’ frontman Andre Gray.
Two games, four match-winning goals and Burnley are suddenly mid-table.
This, however, is a must-win game for Manchester City who trail leaders Chelsea by 10 points after losing at Anfield.
Sunderland vs Liverpool
Sunderland were wretched at Turf Moor and could hardly face a tougher game than resurgent Liverpool.
David Moyes does not seem to be getting the extra out of his players – albeit with a further weakened squad – that Sam Allardyce managed last season.
After finishing the 2016 calendar year as the Premier League’s top scorers, Liverpool will relish taking on the Wearsiders right now.
West Brom vs Hull City
Following their victory at Southampton, West Brom go in search of a second win in just 48 hours.
Hal Robson-Kanu fired his first goal of the season as the Baggies moved up to eighth.
Can struggling Hull take advantage of their extra day of rest (they drew 2-2 with Everton on Friday night)?
WEEK 20 TUESDAY:
West Ham vs Manchester United
A third meeting between these two sides in little over five weeks.
And both sides are in form, even West Ham had 25 attempts on goal despite going down 1-0 to Leicester on New Year’s Eve.
After their thrilling late comeback against Boro, this is United’s first proper test since they overcame Spurs on December 11.
WEEK 20 WEDNESDAY:
Bournemouth vs Arsenal
Not only are Eddie Howe’s Cherries easy-on-the-eye, but they are in 10th place and, most of the time, proving tricky opponents.
Will they manage to lift their game further against an Arsenal side they ran close at the Emirates in late November?
The Gunners are up to third, even if I’m not convinced Olivier Giroud’s ‘scorpion kick’ that set them on their way to victory against Crystal Palace was intentional as many pundits make out.
Crystal Palace vs Swansea City
That Swansea begin the new year bottom of the Premier League may surprise few.
The fact they are on the verge of appointing a third manager with the season at only the halfway stage shows the upheaval they are in.
Palace may be struggling themselves but now have ‘Big Sam’ Allardyce in charge, and the signs are already promising that he can improve a talented but under-achieving squad.
Stoke City vs Watford
Stoke gave Chelsea a scare at Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Eve before emerging triumphant.
Meanwhile, Watford were run ragged at home by Spurs and now have just one win in their last seven games.
With a string of first-teamers missing, the Hornets have well and truly lost their sting – for now at least.
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