It’s matchday 18 in the football Premier League and BetVictor Brand Ambassador Michael Owen is here to provide his best bets ahead of the midweek action.
Draw
Sheffield United v Newcastle United 1-1
It’s fair to say both these sides are in need of a win. Newcastle have failed to win their last 5 Premier League matches, whilst Sheffield United are still searching for their first 3 points of the season.
The Blades only just managed to scrape through in the FA Cup at the weekend, but a win is a win and it will do them no harm.
With both sides so out of form, I can see this being a cagey affair. With that in mind, it would be no surprise to me if it ended all square.
Under 2.5 Goals
Wolves v Everton 1-1
Everton have been a little inconsistent lately in the Premier League, however, they have picked up 10 points from their last 12 on their travels.
Wolves are without a win in their last four league matches, although they were victorious at the weekend when defeating fellow top-flight side Crystal Palace in the FA Cup.
Again, I think this could be tight. Neither are scoring a tremendous amount of goals just now, so I’ll be siding with a low scoring draw at Molineux.
Manchester City HT/FT
Manchester City v Brighton 3-0
Manchester City are back challenging on all fronts. They’ve ominously gained ground in the Premier League and are now favourites for the title. It’s some turnaround after such a sluggish start to their season.
Brighton have the potential to cause most sides problems, however, they have proven to be toothless in front of goal all season and I fear that could cost them dearly in the end.
To me, this looks like a straightforward win for City as they ramp up their pursuit of another Premier League title.
Burnley v Manchester United 0-2
Manchester United to win to nil
Burnley got through on penalties against MK Dons on Saturday and now have a quick turnaround to prepare for the visit of Manchester United.
Back on league duty, United will be hoping to keep their momentum going after an impressive run of results has seen the Reds surge into second spot.
The big news for me here is the return of Edison Cavani. United create so many chances and I think the Uruguayan will benefit hugely from that.
Despite Burnley’s recent upturn in form, I think United will have more than enough to pick up another 3 points on the road.
Spurs to win -1 goal
Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham 2-0
Fulham travel to Tottenham having drawn their last four Premier League matches.
Spurs have scored ten goals in their last 3 games, and despite two of those matches coming up against opposition from leagues below them, it’s never a bad habit to fall into.
I was impressed with Spurs in their last home match against Leeds, and if they can recapture that form, I think they’ll win.
Lacazette to score anytime
Arsenal v Crystal Palace 2-1
Arsenal seem to be growing in confidence. They notched up their fourth win in a row at the weekend with an extra-time win in the FA Cup against Newcastle. The mood certainly seems better at the Emirates and I’d expect them to keep improving.
Palace are still too inconsistent for me. They have only won once in their last seven matches and that came against a struggling Sheffield United.
With the positive vibes now back at the Emirates, I think the home side will continue on their upward curve and take the points.
