A good friend of mine is a Bayern Munich supporter. On Tuesday in the Bundesliga they had 3 players come off injured to add to their already long list of casualties. He was bothered by this until I reminded him that after this week Bayern Munich don’t have to play another game until the end of January. As other European Leagues are getting ready for an extended winter holiday, Premier League teams have to negotiate several fixtures over the next couple of weeks.
Hull City vs. Swansea City
Swansea dominated the second half against the Spurs and were unlucky to lose. But they have no one but themselves to blame for the defensive error that opened the door for Eriksen’s late winner. Hull, however, don’t have the quality on the pitch to capitalize on mistakes like Tottenham do. Huddlestone is suspended which means that the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson won’t have to face the usual resistance that he provides in the midfield. Hull can play a scrappy game, as we saw at Stamford Bridge, but offer little in the way of actually getting a result. This game is Swansea’s if they want it.
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Pick: Swansea Draw No Bet (-140)
Southampton vs. Everton
The Saints are in free fall. They were just ousted from the Capital One Cup by Sheffield United and now are without Morgan Schneiderlin for the weekend due to suspension. I don’t know what to make of the line here. Either the books are overvaluing Southampton or I’m overvaluing Everton who are by no means a consistent team. That being said they are a good bet to come away from Saint Mary’s with at least a point. I’ll lay the juice.
Pick: Everton Win or Draw (-175)
Newcastle United vs. Sunderland
Random Footy Fact: Brazilian club Curitiba holds the record for consecutive wins with 24
The Tyne-Wear Derby always give us something to talk about, and not just on the field. Last year a Toon fan punched a horse. That’s not a euphemism – a Newcastle fan literally punched a horse . The Magpies have come back down to earth conceding 8 goals in their last 2 London fixtures against Tottenham and Arsenal. Now they return to St. James’ licking their wounds, and face a Sunderland side who have already drawn 10 games this season. In a match that expects to be hotly contested on the pitch and in the stands I see these unfriendly neighbors sharing the honors this Christmas.
Pick: Draw (+250)
Liverpool vs. Arsenal
Arsenal’s attack looks lethal at the moment and hopefully this game marks the return of Theo Walcott’s firepower. Liverpool themselves finally showed some signs of life midweek by battering Bournemouth and advancing to the Capital One Cup semis. Both teams know that they’ll be able to create chances and the only way to win this one will be to bury more than your opponent. Expect goals.
Pick: Over 2.5 goals (-120)
Last Matchday’s record: 2-0 with 1 push (+2 units)
Overall: 13-8 (+9 units)