Oh, sports betting fans!
Do you remember the heady days of summer? The opening football games of the season when hope sprung eternal at each of the 20 top flight clubs?
Ahead of a shortened programme of reverse fixtures, it is interesting to consider how accurate or otherwise the expectations and Premier League betting tips have developed.
The fact five of the eight clubs in action this weekend have changed managers since those balmy sunny days tells its own story.
WEEK 31 SATURDAY:
Bournemouth vs West Bromwich Albion
This is a mixed bag here to be honest.
Bournemouth can be more than pleased with their campaign, one in which they are mid-table and have secured notable victories, not least defeating Arsenal and a successful raid on the home of the reigning champions Chelsea.
Eddie Howe continues to work wonders on the south coast and, even last weekend, their 4-1 defeat to Spurs was a scoreline which didn’t reflect the match.
In contrast, the Baggies’ term to date has been a nightmare.
Sacking Tony Pulis in November after nearly three years in charge was understandable given, at that point, they had not won a match since August 22 (after winning their first three on the bounce).
Yet it was said at the time it was still harsh – the club weren’t even in the relegation zone.
They are firmly entrenched at the bottom now and, even if they parted company with Pulis’ successor Alan Pardew – whose only highlight has been a famous FA Cup win at Liverpool. Their perilous position means managers must be reluctant to take on a futile survival mission.
Huddersfield Town vs Crystal Palace
I’m sure we can all remember the opening day meeting between these two clubs.
When newly-promoted Huddersfield stormed Selhurst Park and were on top of the table after the first afternoon’s action.
The Terriers have since had a mid-winter dip but have overcome it and are now currently four points above the drop zone. In the words of coach David Wagner, they are ‘confident’ of staying up’.
Palace, who sacked their manager Frank De Boer after just 77 days and four Premier League matches (all defeats) in charge, are currently in the drop zone but have shown enough under successor Roy Hodgson to suggest they can move onwards and upwards.
The return from injury of Wilfried Zaha could well change the dynamic in their favour.
Stoke City vs Everton
Here are two clubs who have suffered – in fact, one still is.
For Stoke, who replaced Mark Hughes with Paul Lambert in January, are in the bottom three and their fortunes have not really improved, nor worsened it must be said, since the Welshman’s departure.
A match like this is crucial for either’s survival.
Everton won the opening day clash at Goodison Park, courtesy of the returning boyhood hero Wayne Rooney. Although far from outstanding, he has still been one of Everton’s better players in a largely disappointing season.
Sam Allardyce, who replaced Ronald Koeman in November, may not be popular amongst the majority of Everton supporters but they must acknowledge he has steadied the ship significantly.
That was well below expectations at the start of the season but a far better position than the one he inherited.
WEEK 31 SUNDAY:
Liverpool vs Watford FC
Who can forget their dramatic 3-3 draw on the opening weekend? Things looked bright for Watford then.
A bright, buzzing (excuse the pun) Hornets outfit under bright young manager Marco Silva.
Whether Everton’s overtures to him, following Koeman’s dismissal, affected his approach is unclear but Watford’s fortunes dipped and Silva was duly replaced.
Liverpool have largely maintained their consistent free flowing attack and an inconsistent defence which was summed up in that six-goal thriller.
Jurgen Klopp is a popular figure on Merseyside but needs to start winning trophies soon if potential is to be fulfilled.
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