Sports

The Scout: EPL Week 18

Aston Villa vs Burnley

Aston Villa (10th) have won three out of their last five matches with the two losses coming from Liverpool and Manchester City. Burnley (18th) have not found a win in five matches and are looking likely to be relegated this season.

Steven Gerrard has had a fantastic tenure so far as Aston Villa’s manager and has his team playing great football. Most impressively, Gerrards men were able to withstand the ferocity of the Liverpool attack and hold them to only 1 goal. To add to the achievements Villa’s performance against Manchester City was excellent, narrowly losing 2-1 but most importantly finding a goal against the league’s best defense.

This match is only going one way as Burnley are having all sorts of problems and cannot score goals. Burnley are goalless in three straight Premier League fixtures and coming up against an Aston Villa side that has defended well, a fourth game without a goal is likely.

Suggested Bet: Aston Villa Win To Nil @ $2.88


Leeds vs Arsenal

Leeds (16th) enters this match off the back of their worst defeat this season a 7-0 drubbing by Manchester City while Arsenal (4th) are coming off a huge 2-0 win over London rivals West Ham.

The Gunners had their biggest win of the season last matchday, completely shutting out West Ham in an impressive performance. This win secured a top four position for Arsenal who will not want to look back and a fixture against Leeds is a great opportunity for them to cement themselves in their place.

Manchester City were fantastic against Leeds, but it was poor and lazy defending that was the catalyst for the big score line. Arsenal may not be as polished as City but they still have plenty of attacking power, expect the Gunners to take full advantage and put up a big score.

Suggested Bet: Arsenal Over 2.5 Goals @ $3.60


Newcastle United vs Manchester City

Newcastle (20th) have had the toughest back-to-back fixtures you can have after losing 3-1 last matchday to Liverpool they now must take on league leaders Manchester City. With only 10 points accumulated for the season and only one win, the Magpies are looking a likely relegation side.

Manchester City (1st) are starting to peak at the right time and their 7-0 demolition of Leeds United was their seventh win in a row this season. Pep Guardiola has his team in a fantastic position and has welcomed back players from injury including Kevin De Bryune.

Belgium midfielder De Bryune is arguably one of the best players in the world and his biggest asset is his play making ability and space he creates for his teammates. This allows players such as Phil Foden the opportunity to play deep in attack and attract less defenders as all eyes are on De Bruyne.

Foden is an exceptional talent and is the best young player not only in England but arguably the world. The midfielder has been given the opportunity to play deepest in attack, a strategy that Guardiola has adopted many times. I expect Foden to have plenty of chances in the box and continue his fantastic season by finding a goal.

Suggested Bet: Phil Foden To Score A Goal @ $2.20

*Odds correct as at 7am, 17th December 2021.

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