Fulham vs Middlesbrough
Friday 17th January 2020

SkyBet Championship – Craven Cottage

Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off 19:30 GMT

Fulham and Middlesbrough will lock horns in SkyBet Championship action this Friday night.

The hosts are enjoying a strong season under Scott Parker’s leadership and are trying to close the gap on the top two places. Meanwhile, the visitors are successfully climbing away from the relegation zone and are building a stronger side in the league after recent performances.

Fulham are priced at 17/20 to win the match by SkyBet and make it three victories in a row. The Cottagers are aiming to at least cement a play-off place this season and their home form is helping them reach that goal. They have won three of their last four matches on home turf against tougher opponents than Middlesbrough.

Middlesbrough are priced at 29/10 to win the match and pull off a pretty big shock. Boro have become a much stronger outfit and only just narrowly lost to Spurs in the FA Cup in midweek. They are unbeaten in their last five league matches and are capable of bringing that form to Craven Cottage, despite being the underdogs.

Going forward, Ashley Fletcher is enjoying the most fruitful time of his career and has six league goals this season. SkyBet are offering 2/1 for the Middlesbrough frontman to score anytime.

The referee for this match will be David Webb. The official has been one of the more lenient this season in the second division – with an average of 30 booking points from his 14 matches. Both sides have also averaged over 20 booking points per match.

The match will be televised on Sky Sports Football HD and kicks off at 19:45.

Prediction: Fulham 2-1 Middlesbrough

The hosts have been very strong at home this season. They do have some frailties at the back but should overcome their visitors.

Suggested Tips – Fulham vs Middlesbrough – (BET 365)

  • Correct Score – Fulham to win 2-1 – (link no longer available).
  • Anytime Goalscorer – Ashley Fletcher – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Fulham vs Middlesbrough – (SKYBET)

  • Correct Score Group Betting – Fulham to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 21/10.

Markets last updated on Friday 17th January 2020 at 16:11.

Aston Villa vs Manchester City
Sunday 12th January 2020
FA Premier League – Villa Park

Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-off – 16:30 GMT.

Aston Villa return to Villa Park on Sunday afternoon as they host Manchester City in the Premier League.

Both sides will be keen to return to Premier League action following their recent exploits in the domestic cup competitions. Both sides picked up promising midweek results in the Carabao Cup, Villa drew 1-1 away to Leicester, meanwhile Manchester City cruised to a 3-1 win over neighbours Manchester United.

Villa currently sit 17th in the league and are only one point above the relegation zone. Dean Smith’s sides form of late has been inconsistent and have lost five of their last eight Premier League matches. Villa were 2-1 winners in their last Premier League outing over Burnley.

Their win came at a cost however following the injuries sustained to striker Wesley, and Goalkeeper Tom Heaton. Both have since been ruled out for the remainder of the season, which has prompted Villa to consider dipping into the January transfer market for replacements.

Manchester City on the other hand will be keen to close the gap between Liverpool and Leicester at the top of the top of the Premier League. City are currently fourteen points behind Liverpool who sit top of the pile. Last seasons Champions have won their last two Premier League matches and will be keen to avoid any more slip-ups to keep their title aspirations alive.

Manchester City were comfortable 3-0 winners in the last meeting between the two sides in October. Aston Villa are without a win in their last seven meetings against Manchester City, with their last coming in September 2013. City on the hand have won six of the last seven and boast the far superior record between the two.

The referee for this fixture is Jonathan Moss. The 49-year old has taken charge of fourteen Premier League matches this season and has awarded fifty-five yellow cards, and two red cards. This considered I would recommend a minimum of 30+ booking points for this fixture.

Moss has taken charge of both sides twice this season. He oversaw Villa’s 3-2 defeat to Arsenal where he awarded seven yellow cards, and their 2-1 defeat to Liverpool where three yellow cards were awarded. He was also the man in the middle for City’s 4-0 win over Brighton where two yellow cards were awarded, and their 4-1 win at Burnley where he issued two yellows again.

Aston Villa vs Manchester City will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event with kick off at 16:30 GMT.

Prediction: Aston Villa 0-3 Manchester City

Suggested Tips – Aston Villa vs Manchester City – (BET 365)

  • Correct Score – Manchester City 3-0 – (link no longer available).
  • Anytime Goalscorer – Riyad Mahrez – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Aston Villa vs Manchester City – (SKYBET)

  • Correct Score Group Betting – Manchester City – 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 3/1.

Markets last updated on 12 January 2020 a 12:23 GMT.

Bournemouth vs Watford
Sunday 12th January 2020
FA Premier League – The Vitality Stadium

Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-off: 14:00 BST.

Bournemouth return to the Vitality Stadium on Sunday afternoon as they welcome Watford in the Premier League.

This fixture is being dubbed the classic ‘relegation six-pointer’ as both sides will be hoping to put breathing space between themselves and the Premier League relegation zone. Bournemouth are 18th, while Watford currently sit 19th.

Bournemouth will be eager to kick on from their 4-0 FA Cup win over Luton Town. Watford on the other hand were stunned at Vicarage Road, as they squandered a 3-0 lead to League one side Tranmere Rovers to draw 3-3.

Eddie Howe’s side have won only two of their last eleven Premier League encounters, form which has seen them slump towards the drop zone. Bournemouth have lost their last two Premier League games and are without a win in their last five. The Cherries form has become a cause for concern and has them nervously looking over their shoulder.

Watford on the other hand have been reinvigorated following Nigel Pearson’s introduction as manager. Pearson has seen his side win three of their last four Premier League matches, and they are yet to lose in the league under Pearson’s guidance.

It’s been quite the turnaround at Vicarage Road considering it took the Hornet’s eleven matches to register their first Premier League win. Nigel Pearson is threatening to complete yet another great escape, following his magic to keep Leicester in the Premier League in the 2014/15 season.

Nine of the last twelve fixtures between these wo sides have resulted in draws, and SkyBet are offering odds of 12/5 for another draw on Sunday afternoon.

The referee for this fixture is Mike Dean. The 51-year old has taken charge of sixteen matches in the league this season, accumulating a total of seventy-five yellow cards and two red cards. This considered, I would recommend a minimum of 30+ booking points.

Incidentally, Dean took charge of the reverse fixture at Vicarage Road. Both sides played out a 0-0 draw, with eight yellow cards awarded.

Bournemouth vs Watford will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick off at 14:00 GMT.

Suggested Tips – Bournemouth vs Watford – (BET 365)

  • Correct Score – Draw 1-1 – (link no longer available).
  • Anytime Goalscorer – Ismaila Sarr – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Bournemouth vs Watford – (SKYBET)

  • Correct Score Group Betting – Draw – 1-1, 2-2 or 3-3 – 3/1.

Markets last updated at 12:10 GMT on Sunday 12 January 2020.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool
Saturday 11th January 2020
FA Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick off 17:30 GMT.

 

Tottenham Hotspur will play host to Premier League leaders Liverpool this Saturday evening.

Spurs have just been hit with some bad injury news – Harry Kane is out until April with a hamstring problem. They are currently sixth in the league standings, six points from the Champions League places. Meanwhile, Liverpool are still unbeaten in the league and are 13 points clear at the top with a game in hand.

Tottenham are priced at 18/5 to win the match by SkyBet and end the Reds incredible unbeaten run. Liverpool are priced at 4/6 to win the match and continue their incredible pursuit of their first ever Premier League title. The visitors are quite clearly the in-form side and are coming up against an inconsistent Spurs side. Jose Mourinho’s arrival has steadied the ship, but they look rather vulnerable in defence. They have also lost their most recognised goal scorer whilst Liverpool’s front three are firing on all cylinders.

As mentioned, Liverpool should assert their dominance in this match with ease but do face a tougher opponent than usual. It is unlikely they will run away with the score line. Spurs could find a goal on the break as Jurgen Klopp’s side have had some shaky moments at the back.

If you are looking to back a goal scorer, then look no further than Liverpool’s Sadio Mane. The recently crowned African player of the year has scored eleven goals this term along with six assists and is at the heart of everything they do. He is up against Spurs’ Serge Aurier, who he should have on toast for 90 minutes.

The referee for this match will be Martin Atkinson. The official is one of the more lenient in the topflight with an average of 34.2 booking points from his 18 Premier League matches in charge. The match will be televised on Sky Sports Main Event HD and kicks off at 17:30 GMT.

Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 0-2 Liverpool

Suggested Tips – Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool – (BET 365)

  • Correct Score – Liverpool to win 2-0 – (link no longer available).
  • Anytime Goalscorer – Sadio Mane – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool – (SKYBET)

  • Correct Score Group Betting – Liverpool to win- 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 21/10.
  • @FootyAccums RequestABet – Mane to score and Aurier, Dier & Alexander-Arnold to be carded – 125/1.

Markets Last Updated on Saturday 11th January at 11:07 AM.

Brentford vs QPR
Saturday 11th January 2020
SkyBet Championship – Griffin Park

Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off 12:30 GMT

Brentford return to Championship action on Saturday as they welcome QPR to Griffin Park.

Both sides will be keen to carry on their winning ways after securing places in the fourth round of the FA Cup last weekend. Brentford were 1-0 winners over Stoke, meanwhile QPR gave fellow Championship side Swansea a 5-1 thumping at Loftus Road.

Thomas Frank’s Brentford side currently occupy third position in the Championship and trail the automatic places by a substantial nine points with Leeds and West Brom leading the way. The Bee’s have lost one in their last seven matches in all competitions, form which has seen them climb to the summit of the play-off places.

QPR meanwhile have been plagued by inconsistency this season, which sees them currently fifteenth in the league. Mark Warbuton’s side have lost three of their last five league encounters, and in the defeats have shipped eight goals.

There’s added importance ahead of this fixture for Warbuton as he travels to the club where he established himself as a manager, and spent two successful years before moving on to pastures new.

Despite QPR’s varying form, they have demonstrated they are no strangers to finding the back of the net and have scored eleven goals in their last two outings.

These sides last met at the end of October where Brentford ran out comfortable 3-1 winners at Loftus Road. In fact, the Bee’s have lost only once in the last eight meetings between the two sides. QPR’s last win in this fixture came in November 2018, and you’ll have to date back to April 2003 to find their last victory at Griffin Park.

The referee for this clash is John Brooks. The 30-year old has taken charge of fifteen Championship matches this season, accumulating a total of forty0-six yellow cards. This considered, I would recommend a minimum of 20+ booking points for this fixture.

Brooks has taken charge of one match apiece involving these sides this season. He oversaw Brentford’s 2-2 draw with Wigan where he awarded three yellow cards, and QPR’s 2-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday where he awarded seven yellow cards.

Brentford vs QPR will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick-off at 12:30PM GMT.

Prediction: Brentford 3-1 QPR

Suggested Tips – Brentford vs QPR – (BET 365)

  • Correct Score – Brentford 3-1 – (link no longer available).
  • Anytime Goalscorer – Josh Da Silva – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Brentford vs QPR – (SKYBET)

  • Correct Score Group Betting – Brentford to win – 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 4/1.

Markets Last Updated on Saturday 11th January at 10:23 AM.

Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
Saturday 11th January 2020
FA Premier League – Selhurst Park

Live on BT Sport 1 – Kick Off: 12:30 GMT

Crystal Palace return to Premier League action on Saturday lunchtime as they welcome Arsenal to Selhurst Park.

Roy Hodgson’s side will be eager to return to action following their disappointing defeat to Derby County in the FA Cup. Arsenal on the other hand managed to progress to the fourth round following their 1-0 victory over Leeds on Monday night.

In the Premier League however, Palace are in a good way and are unbeaten in their last three. In fact, the Eagles have lost once since November which has seen them rise as high as ninth in the League.

Arsenal on the other hand will be keen to kick on from their victory over Manchester United prior to their FA Cup exploits; which was Mikel Arteta’s first win since becoming Gunners boss. Arsenal have lost one of the Spaniard’s four matches in charge so far, and will be hoping to come away with something from Saturday’s encounter if they are to keep their faint hopes of securing European football next for next season alive.

Crystal Palace have lost seven games this season, and four of them have come at Selhurst Park. SkyBet have priced a Palace win at 3/1 to win on Saturday.

These two sides played out a 2-2 draw at the end of October. Palace came from 2-0 down to leave with a share of the spoils thanks to Jordan Ayew’s second half leveller.

Palace’s last win at Selhurst Park over Arsenal came in April 2017. Arsenal on the other hand have lost twice in their last twenty matches against Palace, with both defeats coming in the last three years.

The referee from this game is Paul Tierney. The Englishman has taken charge of fifteen Premier League matches this season, accumulating a total of forty-three yellow cards. Tierney is yet to award a red card in the league this season. I would recommend a minimum of 30+ yellow cards for this fixture.

The 38-year old has taken charge of matches involving Palace twice this season. He awarded six yellow cards in their 2-1 win at Old Trafford against Manchester United, and four yellow cards in their 2-0 defeat to Leicester City. Tierney has taken charge of one Arsenal match and awarded three yellow cards in their 2-2 draw with Norwich.

Crystal Palace vs Arsenal will be televised live in the UK on BT Sport 1 with kick off at 12:30 GMT.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal

Suggested Tips – Crystal Palace vs Arsenal – (BET 365)

  • Correct Score – Arsenal to win 2-1 – (link no longer available).
  • First Goalscorer – Alexandre Lacazette – (link no longer available)

Suggested Tips – Crystal Palace vs Arsenal – (SKYBET)

  • Correct Score Group Betting – Arsenal to win- 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 15/8.
  • Player Stat RequestABet – Crystal Palace to score a penalty and Lacazette to score a header – 80/1.

Markets Last Updated on Saturday 11th January at 11:07 AM.

Sheffield United vs West Ham United
Friday 10th January 2020
FA Premier League, Bramall Lane

Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick off 20:00 GMT.

Premier League football returns on Friday night as Sheffield United host West Ham United at Bramall Lane.

Both sides will be eager to return to league action following their wins in the FA Cup last weekend. Sheffield United were 2-1 winners over non-league AFC Fylde, meanwhile West Ham were 2-0 winners away at Gillingham.

Sheffield United are more than holding their own in their first top-flight campaign since 2007, and currently sit eighth in the table. The Blades will be keen to return to winning ways in the Premier League however, following back-to-back defeats to Manchester City and Liverpool before their FA Cup affair.

West Ham on the other hand are adjusting life under new management following David Moyes appointment at the beginning of the year. The Scot returns to the London Stadium for his second stint with the Hammers, following an uninspiring reign two year ago. Moyes’ main goal will be to distance West Ham from the relegation places, where they currently sit two points above.

Moyes kicked off his second spell in London with a 4-0 win over Bournemouth, a victory which ended five consecutive defeats in the league.

Sheffield United have lost one of their last five home matches and are priced at 21/10 on SkyBet to get the three points.

These two sides lined up at the end of October and played out a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium. Robert Snodgrass’ opener for the hosts was cancelled out by Lys Mousset’s second half strike.

West Ham have won only once of their last eight against Sheffield United, with their last win coming in November 2006. Their winless run at Bramall Lane extends back to September 2004, where they ran out 2-0 winners in the Championship.

The referee for this encounter is Michael Oliver. The 34-year old has taken charge of sixteen matches in the league, accumulating a total of fifty-five yellow cards. Oliver is yet to award a red card in the Premier League this season.

Oliver has yet to take charge of Sheffield United so far this season but has overseen matches involving West Ham twice this season. He awarded five yellow cards in the Hammers’ 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace, and five more in their 3-2 defeat to Spurs.

Sheffield United vs West Ham United will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event with kick-off at 20:00 GMT.

Prediction: Sheffield United 1-1 West Ham United

Suggested Tips – Sheffield United vs West Ham United – (BET365)

  • Correct Score – Draw 1-1 – (link no longer available).
  • Price Boost – David McGoldrick – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Sheffield United vs West Ham United  – (SKYBET)

  • Correct Score Group Betting – Draw – 1-1, 2-2 or 3-3 – 10/3.

Brighton and Hove Albion vs Chelsea
Wednesday 1st
January 2020
FA Premier League, AMEX Stadium

Live on BT Sport 1 – Kick Off: 12:30 GMT

Brighton and Hove Albion will host Chelsea in Premier League action on New Years Day.

The hosts are hoping to keep the relegation zone in arm’s length as they are currently 14th, five points from the drop as it stands. Meanwhile, Chelsea are looking to cement their place in the top four places as they aim for more consistency in Frank Lampard’s debut season at Stamford Bridge.

Brighton and Hove Albion are priced at 5/2 to win the match by SkyBet and start the new decade off with a shock victory. The Seagulls have played some good stuff under Graham Potter with the aim of midtable mediocrity for this campaign. They are also struggling for consistency during the hectic December schedule but pulled off a convincing 2-0 victory over Bournemouth on the 28th.

Striker Neal Maupay is proving he was worth the risk when they signed him in January and has seven goals this term. He is priced at 7/5 to score anytime.

Chelsea are priced at 1/1 to win the match and build on from their dramatic winner in the London derby last time out. The Blues beat Arsenal with two late goals a couple days ago and will hope to continue totting up points heading into the new year. Lampard’s men are struggling for form at times due to their lack of topflight experience; with a record of two wins and two losses in their last four.

Striker Tammy Abraham is doing a great job spearheading the club’s attack and scored the last gasp winner at the Emirates Stadium. It was his 12th goal of the season and he’s priced at 1/1 to score anytime at the AMEX Stadium.

The referee for this match will be Stuart Attwell. The official could have his work cut out for him on Wednesday, as the last time these two met, 50 booking points were brandished.

The match will be televised on BT Sport 1 HD and kicks off at 12:30.

Prediction: Brighton and Hove Albion 1-2 Chelsea

– This could be a tight one, but the visitors showcased great character in their previous outing.

Suggested Tips – Brighton and Hove Albion vs Chelsea – (BET 365)

  • Correct Score – Chelsea 2-1 – (link no longer available).
  • Anytime Goalscorer – Neal Maupay – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Brighton and Hove Albion vs Chelsea – (SKYBET)

  • Correct Score Group Betting – Chelsea – 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 9/4.
  • Both Players To Score – Neal Maupay and Tammy Abraham – 4/1.

Markets last updated a 12:11 on 1st January 2020.

Leicester City vs Liverpool
Thursday 26th
December 2019
FA Premier League, King Power Stadium

Live on Amazon Prime – Kick Off: 20:00 GMT

Liverpool return to Premier League action when they travel to Leicester on Boxing Day.

The newly crowned ‘Club World Cup’ champions will be hoping to return to business as usual in the Premier League, where they have not yet lost, and set the pace in this year’s division.

Boxing Day’s clash will be yet another test of Jurgen Klopp’s sides title credentials as they face the team closest to them in the pursuit for Premier League glory.

Leicester meanwhile will be keen to bounce back from their last Premier League outing, where they were well beaten by last seasons Champions, Manchester City. Brenden Rogers’ side will be hoping to return to winning ways having failed to do so in their last two games.

Jurgen Klopp will be expecting more of the same from his Liverpool side, who are unbeaten in the league this season. Liverpool have won sixteen of their seventeen matches in the league this season, and a win would see them go thirteen points clear of second placed Leicester, with a game in hand.

Leicester have lost three times in the league this season but have not yet lost on home soil. Liverpool will have to be at their brilliant best if they are to overcome their latest Premier League obstacle.

These two sides last met at the beginning of October, where a stoppage time James Milner penalty secured all three points for Liverpool. In fact, the Reds are unbeaten in the last five meetings between these two sides, with their last Premier League defeat to Leicester coming in February 2017.

The referee for this encounter is Michael Oliver. The 34-year old has taken charge of fourteen Premier League matches so far this season, accumulating a total of fifty-one yellow cards. This considered, as well as the magnitude of this affair, I would recommend a minimum of 40+ booking points. Oliver has taken charge of Liverpool on three occasions this season; their opening day 4-1 won against Norwich where three yellow cards were awarded, their 2-1 win away at Chelsea where he issued six yellow cards, as well as their 3-1 triumph at home to Manchester City, where two yellow cards were brandished. Oliver has taken charge of Leicester once, their 4-1 win away to Aston Villa where he awarded eight yellow cards.

This match will be shown live on Amazon Prime Video, with kick-off scheduled to take place at 20:00 GMT on Boxing Day.

Prediction: Leicester City 1-1 Liverpool

Suggested Tips – Leicester City vs Liverpool – (BET 365)

  • Correct Score – Draw 1-1 – (link no longer available).
  • Player to be booked – Jamie Vardy – (link no longer available).
  • Half-time/Full-time- Draw/Draw – (link no longer available).
  • First Goalscorer – Jamie Vardy – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Leicester City vs Liverpool – (SKYBET)

  • Correct Score Group Betting – Draw – 1-1, 2-2 or 3-3 – 9/4.
  • Price Boost – Virgil Van Dijk to score a header – 18/1.
  • Mane to score, BTTS, 12+ match corners, and Gomez to be carded – 28/1.

Reading vs QPR
Thursday 26th December 2019
The Championship, Madejski Stadium

Live on Sky Sports Football HD – Kick Off: 19:30 GMT

Reading return to the Madejski for the second time in a week when they welcome QPR for some Boxing Day Championship action.

The Royals will be hoping for another positive result to extend their unbeaten run in the Championship. Reading are unbeaten in their last three and have lost once in their last five league encounters.

QPR on the other hand were pegged back late on by Charlton Athletic in their last Championship affair. QPR led twice but had to settle for a share of the spoils thanks to Mouhamadou Sarr’s 95th minute leveller. Mark Warbuton’s side are without a win in their last two matches and will be hoping to put that right on Boxing Day.

Since Mark Bowen’s arrival at Reading, it’s no secret that their form has improved. Since Bowen’s introduction, the Royals have lost four, drawn three and won five. Before his arrival, Reading had only managed two wins in their opening eleven matches of the season.

These sides last locked horns at the end of October and played out an entertaining 2-2 draw. Sam Baldock struck a late equaliser for Reading to ensure a share of the spoils at Loftus Road. It’s QPR who have the superior recent record in this fixture and have lost once in the last nine. Reading’s last win came in this fixture came in March 2018.

The referee for this encounter is James Linington. The Englishman has taken charge of eleven Championship matches so far this season and has awarded thirty-eight yellow cards and three red cards in these fixtures. This considered, I would recommend a minimum of 30+ booking points for this clash. Linington took charge of Reading’s 3-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in August, where he awarded three yellow cards and a red card to Wednesday’s Kieron Westwood. Linington has also been in charge of a game involving QPR too; their 2-1 defeat to Fulham in November where one yellow card was brandished.

This match will be shown live on Sky Sports Football, with kick-off scheduled to take place at 19:30 GMT on Boxing Day.

Prediction: Reading 1-1 QPR

Suggested Tips – Reading vs QPR – (BET 365)

  • Correct Score – Draw – 1-1 – (link no longer available).
  • First Goalscorer – George Puscas – (link no longer available).
  • Half-time/Full-time – QPR/Draw – (link no longer available).
  • Player to be booked – Andy Rinomhota to be carded – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Reading vs QPR – (SKYBET)

  • Correct Score Group Betting – Draw – 1-1, 2-2 or 3-3 – 9/4.
  • Price Boost – Jordan Hugill to score a header – 11/1.