With all the COVID-19 problems, the English Premier League New Year’s Day could be in jeopardy. Still, we believe in the high standards and impeccable organization of all the Premiership clubs, which is why we decided to write this article, assuming that the games will be played.
Welcome to the preview of the EPL’s first round in the new 2021.
Everton vs. West Ham
The Toffees are in excellent shape, with four straight Premier League wins, during which they’ve allowed just one goal. Meanwhile, the Hammers are looking pretty undetermined so far, with three draws and one defeat in the past four, following a solid stretch they had during November. In this case, we are backing up the hosts.
Pick: Everton 0.90 at BetXChange
Manchester United vs. Aston Villa
The Red Devils look red-hot. They beat Wolves with an injury-time stunner that saw them extending the unbeaten streak up to six games. Equally impressive is Villa’s five-game defeatless stretch, with them allowing just one goal during that period. This should be an interesting match, with two, maybe three goals.
Pick: Moderate efficiency, 2 or 3 goals, 1.00 at BetXChange
Tottenham vs. Leeds
The Spurs need to win this one and get back on track following several disappointing results. They haven’t won an EPL game since December 6. Leeds won two in a row without a goal conceded, with Bielsa’s boys flying high on morale after a 0-5 win on the road against WBA. Still, we need to back up the home team here.
Pick: Tottenham 0.75 at BetXChange
Crystal Palace vs. Sheffield United
Two teams who are in a crisis. Palace is in a bit better position, but the past few matches exposed all of their weaknesses in the ruthless possible way. A 1-1 draw against Leicester might be a spark that pushes them ahead, we’ll see. Sheffield is the worst team in the league, and even though their defense is solid, the attack is the main reason for finding them at the bottom of the standings.
Pick: Crystal Palace 0.95 at BetXChange
Brighton vs. Wolves
The Seagulls have just one win in the past 10 games and are coming in this match heavily handicapped with several of their best players injured. The Wolves are struggling too, but we need to add that they had a pretty tough schedule recently. We don’t see them losing this event.
Pick: draw or Wolves 0.44 at BetXChange
WBA vs. Arsenal
Here is the perfect chance for the Gunners to win back-to-back matches on the road, and capitalize on their win over Chelsea. WBA is in disastrous shape, allowing 8 goals over the past two games at home and not scoring a single one. So, if there is a chance for Arteta’s team to create some momentum, this should be the one.
Pick: Arsenal 0.60 at BetXChange
Burnley vs. Fulham
The Clarets are going upwards, as they have just one loss in the past six games. In the latest four at Turf Moore, they won three and posted a draw, which bosts their morale before meeting the pale Fulham. The cottagers have four straight draws, three at home. The current form is suggesting that anything else but Burnley’s win would be a surprise.
Pick: Burnley 1.25 at BetXChange
Newcastle vs. Leicester
The Magpies haven’t scored in three games in a row, and are without a win in five. Something is definitely troubling Steve bruce’s side. Leicester snapped one point from Man United first, and then from Crystal Palace, both with late goals. They should be capable of coming back from north unbeaten as well. We will risk it here and bet on their victory.
Pick: Leicester 0.61 at BetXChange
Chelsea vs. Manchester City
The derby of the round. We still don’t know will there be some notable absences due to COVID-19 infection, but regardless, our pick won’t be compromised if there are any. Over 2.5 goals in this match are more than realistic, having in mind the offensive potential of both sides.
Pick: Over 2.5 goals 0.72 at BetXChange
Southampton vs. Liverpool
Even though the recent results suggest that this should be a low-scoring affair, we have to go against that. Both Southampton and Liverpool struggle to score, with the Saints having three games without a goal, and Liverpool netting just once in the past 180 minutes. The mentality of these two sides is pretty much similar, and when such two crews clash, goals are usually there.
Pick: Over 2.5 goals 0.64 at BetXChange
