Advertisement
Tips

An Old Trafford return to forget, Hendrick to strike and other Premier League bets to consider

Plus, Arsenal and Swansea to earn vital wins.

Updated at 11.15

1. Benteke to score in Crystal Palace’s victory at Watford (9/2)

FORMER ENGLAND MANAGER Sam Allardyce takes over a Crystal Palace side on a miserable run of form, with the Eagles losing eight of their last 10 league games, a run that ultimately cost Alan Pardew his job.

But having said that, Palace have a good recent record in Hertfordshire and are unbeaten in their last five visits to Vicarage Road, picking up three wins and two draws.

Mid-table Watford haven’t fared much better in recent weeks either, with four defeats from their previous five Premier League games.

Summer signing Christian Benteke has yet to hit top form at Selhurst Park, but with six goals in his last seven away appearances, he could help end Big Sam’s turbulent year on a high note.

Sam Allardyce at Crystal Palace PA Wire / PA Images PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images

2. Arsenal’s win over West Brom to contain under 2.5 goals (6/4)

Consecutive league defeats for the Gunners has left Arsenal’s title aspirations hanging in the balance.

Before their loss at Everton though, Arsene Wenger’s side were 14 games unbeaten in the league and looked like a side with genuine hope of being in the mix at the end of the season. They must react positively and quickly to still be in contention in 2017.

Although the Baggies have kept just one clean sheet in their last 14 Premier League matches, Tony Pulis prides himself on steering a tight ship. But Arsenal should have too much firepower on Monday afternoon.

Arsenal v Stoke City - Premier League - Emirates Stadium PA Archive / PA Images PA Archive / PA Images / PA Images

3. Swansea to beat West Ham at home and BTTS (10/3)

Never has Swansea’s five-year Premier League stay been in more danger than it has been this season.

And with just two wins in their last 16 matches, the Christmas period could be vital in determining which division they play in next season.

However, those two victories have come in their last two home games, so there is some cause for optimism.

Their opponents, West Ham, are on the rise in the league table thanks to back-to-back wins. But with the post winning their man-of-the-match award against Hull last weekend after Mike Phelan’s men hit the frame of the goal three times, recent results may be masking some deficiencies in Slaven Bilic’s side.

Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United - Premier League - White Hart Lane PA Wire / PA Images PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images

4. Man United to win both halves against Sunderland (7/4)

Three Premier League wins on the spin has given United fans some much-needed festive cheer, but they need to maintain this winning momentum in the coming weeks and months to challenge for a Champions League spot.

On Monday, David Moyes visits Old Trafford for the first time since departing in 2014, and although the Black Cats could be running out of lives to stay in the Premier League, recent performances suggest that the Scot could be the right long-term appointment on Wearside.

But with Henrikh Mkhitaryan returning from injury and Zlatan Ibrahimovic on top form, Jose Mourinho’s team should steamroll Sunderland to make it a return to forget for Moyes.

Soccer - FA Community Shield 2013 - Manchester United v Wigan Athletic - Wembley Stadium PA Archive / PA Images PA Archive / PA Images / PA Images

5. Burnley to beat Middlesbrough at home and Hendrick to score (9/1)

Burnley fans know that their good home record needs to continue if they are to avoid a swift return to the Championship.

16 of the 17 points the Clarets have won so far this season have come at Turf Moor, and another three points against their relegation rivals, Middlesbrough, will be a significant psychological boost to Sean Dyche’s squad.

The home side are available to win at 9/4, but if you fancy an outside bet, then backing Ireland international Jeff Hendrick to score could be the way to go.

The midfielder has already shown he knows where the goal is this season, with two goals, including a sensational solo effort against Bournemouth earlier this month.

Another strike may not be as impressive, but could be just as important.

Burnley v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League - Turf Moor Martin Rickett Martin Rickett

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

Can you name these FA Cup winners from the clubs they played for?

All you need to know about the Championship striker linked with an Ireland call-up