As the Premier League approaches the halfway stage, the games are scheduled to come thicker and faster heading into and including the Christmas and New Year period. We have already had a campaign where it has become apparent that most teams can defeat another, resulting in just nine points separating the top seven teams and every team dropping points in at least four of their 14 matches. With injuries, suspensions and rotation becoming more frequent, it creates a scenario where more goals could be scored and surprise results may occur. It gives reason for punters to take their time in searching for value in each fixture, the next opportunity being matchday 16 on December 9 and December 10.
Just like punters can win real money online pokies instantly australia, they will see that there is value for money to be had in the early kickoff on Saturday as Liverpool travel to Crystal Palace. Jurgen Klopp's side are justifiably the favourites, yet consideration should be given to Joel Matip having been ruled out in the long term. With Ibrahima Konate's fitness issues making it uncertain whether he will be risked twice in three days, backing Liverpool to prevail with both teams scoring at Selhurst Park at betting odds of 2/1 should appeal, particularly given Palace's poor record on familiar territory this season.
Later in the day, Brighton & Hove Albion play host to Burnley at the Amex Stadium in a game that surely guarantees goals. Preceding the games earlier this week, there had been 56 strikes in Brighton's league games in 2023-24 and 47 in Burnley's. While betting odds of 11/8 cannot be deemed to be the most attractive, this is a game between teams that are focused very much on attack over defence, and it is a bet that has value.
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On Sunday, the most obvious game to focus on is Everton against Chelsea, the perception being that the Toffees will be backed to cause an upset against opponents who generally do not always enjoy trips to Goodison Park. Although Chelsea prevailed 1-0 last season, it was courtesy of a penalty on the opening day, and the Merseyside outfit had won on the previous four occasions. Changes have taken place at each club and the extra rest day may benefit Chelsea, yet you cannot ignore the 5/2 that is available for an Everton triumph.
Luton Town and Manchester City will be locking horns for the first time since the turn of the millennium, that fixture in question taking place in the old Division 2. Nevertheless, regardless of their statures being far more evenly-matched back then than they are now, City still boast an eight-match undefeated run over the Hatters and we have to back them to further extend that streak on Sunday. As you can imagine, City are extremely short odds, but 8/13 is on offer for City to be leading at half time and full time. That still represents value given the assumption is that City will have anywhere between 70% and 80% of the possession, and lessons will be learned from how Liverpool struggled at Kenilworth Road earlier in the season.
In the game between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, there is reason to throw more caution to the wind. Given the magnitude of Newcastle's injury issues and reliance of making minimal changes of late, it would come as no surprise if that eventually catches up with them. Furthermore, they play host to AC Milan in arguably their most important match of the season three days after their trip to London, and Eddie Howe has a duty to have one eye on that fixture, aware of the financial reward that is on offer and boost it would hand the club from a FFP perspective.
From Spurs' viewpoint, confidence is back on the up after scoring three goals in a draw at Manchester City and their reduced game time means that they should be better equipped to handle a busy week or so of Premier League games. With that in mind, taking a punt on Newcastle to be winning at half time and Spurs at full time at 22/1 could pay off.