The Scout: EPL Matchday 26

Posted on February 8, 2019February 8, 2019 | Posted by The Scout

Fulham vs Manchester United 
9^th February, 11pm WST

Fulham (19^th) flashed their potential with an impressive 4-2 win over Brighton at the end of January, but followed that performance with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace. They’re now seven points (and goal difference) away from relegation safety.

Manchester United are on fire and back in the running for a prestigious top four finish – a feat that appeared out of reach prior to the hiring of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær. 5^th on the table, only two points behind Chelsea, United are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League matches.

Fulham are in the midst of a defensive crisis. They have let through a League worst 55 goals for the season, with 12 coming in their first five matches of 2019. A red-hot Manchester United outfit does not look like the opponent to play a part in stemming the flow.

United’s new manager has made a number of changes to the starting XI, none bigger than making Marcus Rashford the number one striker. Solskjær has given Rashford the freedom to play his style of football, resulting in five goals in the team’s last six matches.

Suggested Bet: Anytime Goalscorer Marcus Rashford $2.50*

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Huddersfield vs Arsenal 
9^th February, 11pm WST

Dead last on the table and having won just two games all season, Huddersfield will need a minor miracle to avoid relegation. They boast the League’s worst goal differential (-33) and have lost 13 of their last 14 matches.

Arsenal have slipped to 6^th (below Manchester United) but are still well positioned for a top four finish if good enough. The Gunners’ attack has been solid to start 2019, with nine goals in four matches. They shouldn’t have any problem creating chances here against the equal-second worst defense in the League (46 goals conceded).

This fixture looks a perfect opportunity for Arsenal to regain their confidence with a big haul of goals. Against the Premier League “big six” this season, Huddersfield have conceded an average of three goals per game.

The Gunners are yet to win a match away from home in 2019, but a big victory here looks the play of the round.

Suggested Bet: Match Result Arsenal & Over 2.5 Goals @ $2.35*

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Manchester City vs Chelsea
11^th February, 12am WST

The race for the Premier League title is well and truly alive as Manchester City welcome Chelsea to Etihad Stadium.

The visitors had a disastrous end to January, losing back to back games to Arsenal and Bournemouth without scoring a goal. Manager Maurizio Sarri made no secret of his desire to sign a striker with the Blues scoring just one goal in four matches to start the year.

Enter Gonzalo Higuain (on loan from Juventus). His first game in blue saw Chelsea destroy Huddersfield 5-0, with the Argentinian scoring two of his own in a much-needed win. It must be noted they were playing the worst side in the Premier League, but Chelsea looked revitalized and full of confidence.

Having played an extra game, Manchester City are momentarily back right on top of the League table. Injuries have plagued their squad, but they’re almost back to 100% health, including Sergio Aguero who appears back to his best (three goals last weekend against Arsenal).

Manchester City’s last nine matches in the Premier League have seen over 2.5 goals and I don’t see that streak ending here. Chelsea should get their chances, but they simply aren’t on the same level as the defending champions.

Suggested Bet: Match Result Manchester City & Over 2.5 Goals @ $2.03*

*Odds correct as at 9am WST 8th February 2019.

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