THERE’S ANOTHER ROUND of midweek Premier League fixtures coming up, so soccer journalist Johnny Ward has brought his tips, along with the latest odds from William Hill…
Brighton v Liverpool, 8.15pm Wednesday
Johnny’s tip: An away win for Liverpool at 11-20 with William Hill
Liverpool seemed to shrug off their hangover, probably an actual hangover in many respects, by beating Aston Villa Sunday.
The champions’ 4-0 reverse in Manchester was hardly a major shock and illustrated the ruthless nature of the top level when you are a little bit off 100%, or at least 10% off in Liverpool’s case. Still, they strolled to victory against Villa and should have too much against Brighton at effectively a neutral venue with no fans.
William Hill goes 11-20 about Liverpool, a price that might seem slightly short since the Pool are playing out their season but so are Brighton and it hardly needs to be said that there is a huge gulf in class here. Jurgen Klopp will have been eager that Liverpool recover properly from the City defeat: he seemed to be smarting afterwards.
West Ham v Burnley, 6pm Wednesday
Johnny’s tip: Back Burnley to win at 29-10 with William Hill
With Burnley ninth, 15 points ahead of West Ham, it does not make much sense that West Ham are just even-money, given the near-irrelevance of home advantage.
True, they are in the dogfight and beat Chelsea, but Burnley remain in decent form and in the hunt for a place in Europe, such that this looks more of a 50-50 game than that implied by the odds. Burnley look cracking value at 29-10.
Man City v Newcastle, 6pm Wednesday
Johnny’s tip: One or neither team to score at 4-7 with William Hill
The final game on Wednesday sees Manchester City host Newcastle, with City pretty much unbackable odds. Take the chance they keep a clean sheet, with one or neither team to score a fair bet at 4-7. City only lost to Southampton due to a freak of a goal and they were utterly dominant thereafter. They cough up little chances in matches of this nature.
Bournemouth v Tottenham, 6pm Thursday
Johnny’s tip: Take a chance on Bournemouth to win at 17-4 with William Hill
Tottenham look a bit of a mess at the moment, even if the same could be said for Bournemouth. Spurs fell apart after an absurdly harsh VAR decision against Sheffield United. Bournemouth are desperate for points and can at least take some comfort from their scoring twice against Manchester United. They look worth a chance at 17-4 on Thursday against Spurs, who look to have already plateaued under Jose Mourinho.
Everton v Southampton, 6pm Thursday
Johnny’s tip: Go for a Southampton victory at 11-4 with William Hill
With Everton and Southampton split by a single point in the standings, the Saints, fresh from a shock win over Manchester City, should hardly be 11-4 to win on a good pitch with no fans present at Goodison. Saints were blessed to beat Manchester City in a game the visitors predictably dominated but, even so, but it was a hell of an achievement and they have had an excellent second half to the season.
Everton have become a somewhat different animal under Carlo Ancelotti, playing Liverpool, Manchester United and Leicester at home in their last six games and conceding just two goals — although they lost 1-0 away to Spurs on Monday night. This should be pretty close.
William Hill odds above correct at the time of writing. New online customers get €30 in free bets when they bet €10 with William Hill. Just use the promo code P30. For all the latest prices, visit williamhill.com. 18+, always gamble responsibly. For more information, see BeGambleAware.org
