EPL Matchday 21 Preview
2024 is off to a flying start with some enjoyable football action so far. The Premier League return for the first round of the 2024 games this weekend, and we`ve picked a couple of eye-catching clashes for you to get involved in!
Chelsea's year has been off to a strange start, as the Blues beat Preston 4-0 in the FA Cup but went on to lose 1-0 to Middlesbrough in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semifinal. They return to Premier League action with a London Derby. Before the first leg loss, the Blues displayed a promising form, having won 3 consecutive fixtures in all competitions, with 2 Premier League victories. Chelsea have also enjoyed a good run of form in front of the Stamford faithful, having won 3 consecutive EPL fixtures at home. Furthermore, Fulham have not beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge since 1979.
Fulham`s struggles this season are highlighted by their 13th position on the EPL table. Silva`s men go into the game on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in the first leg of the Carabao Cup, with just 2 wins in their last 5 Premier League games. Furthermore, in a daunting stat, Fulham have won just 1 of their 10 Premier League games on the road this season, and currently playing on a 9-game winless streak away from home. In recent years these fixtures have been decided by fine margins, with 4/5 PL meetings ending in under 2.5 goals, therefore, we expect under 2.5 goals and Chelsea to win.
Newcastle closed 2023 off in dreadful form but kicked off 2024 with a 3-0 win over Sunderland in the FA Cup. However, the Magpies have lost 5 of their last 7 Premier League fixtures, with a recent 4-2 defeat to Liverpool. To Howe`s slight advantage, Newcastle have already beaten City 1-0 in the Carabao Cup, although lost 1-0 in the reverse fixture in the Premier League. Unfortunately, the Magpies have not beaten City at home in the Premier League since 2019 and have won just 1 of their last 10 Premier League meetings against City at St. James` Park. The Magpies will require a drastic turn of form if they are to get anything from this game.
Man City held nothing back against Huddersfield in their FA Cup clash, winning 5-0 and marking their 5th consecutive victory in all competitions (including Club World Cup), and an overall 8-game unbeaten streak. The Citizens are still in a good position, with just 5 points away from 1st and a game in hand. They`ve also displayed strong defensive form, having conceded just 1 goal in their last 5 games. Going back to the H2H, it is hard to see City not securing a win here and with both sides playing attacking football we expect goals. Therefore, we expect Man City to win and over 2.5 goals.
Manchester United vs Tottenham
All eyes will be set on the Old Trafford on Sunday. The Red Devils kickstarted 2024 with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Wigan in the FA Cup, although ten Hag will be frustrated the score was not significantly higher, due to the lack of finishing ability at the Devils` front. Nevertheless, United`s Premier League form has been questionable as they`ve won just 1 of their last 5 Premier League games and are now sitting 9 points away from the Top 4. Ten Hag`s side have been highly unpredictable this season, so it is difficult to say how they`ll turn up on the day, although it is worth mentioning that Tottenham have already beaten them 2-0 this season.
Tottenham have enjoyed a strong run of form, having lost just 1 of their last 6 games in all competitions and have started 2024 with a 1-0 win against Burnley in the FA Cup. Spurs find themselves in a strong Premier League position – just 1 point off the Top 4 and 6 points of the league-leaders Liverpool. However, a trip to Old Trafford is never an easy one and their away form in the Premier League has been shaky as of late – just 2 wins in their last 5 road trips. Their last 2 visits to Old Trafford ended in defeat, although Spurs fans will always remember the 6-1 win back in October of 2020. Overall, it is difficult to pick a clear winner here, although we do expect a gulp of goals from 2 attacking sides that are vulnerable at the back. Therefore, we expect both teams to score and over 2.5 goals.
We wish you a great betting weekend!