Premiership Betting Tips – 29-30 December
Leaders Manchester United extended their lead at the top of the table to seven points following Manchester City’s loss against Sunderland.
The misery continued for Aston Villa as Tottenham ran out 4-0 winners, whilst European hopefuls Everton and West Brom both picked up wins.
Chelsea maintained their recent momentum thanks to Juan Mata’s wonder strike at Carrow Road.
Elsewhere QPR moved back to the bottom of the Premier League after Reading picked up a point against high-flying Swansea.
This weekend our Premier League predictions come from London as Arsenal welcome Newcastle to the Emirates Stadium and the Potteries as Stoke entertain Southampton.
Premier League Predictions
Arsenal (1.44) v Newcastle (7.00); Draw (4.50)
Newcastle’s late defeat at Old Trafford on Boxing Day edged the Magpies closer to the relegation zone, as Newcastle slipped to their seventh league defeat in nine games.
Alan Pardew will be keen to use the January transfer window to resurrect his ailing side, who have had to contend with a host of injuries recently. Jonas Gutierrez and Vurnon Anita are the latest casualties, so the return from suspension of midfielder Cheik Tiote is a timely boost.
Newcastle’s form on the road has been alarming and the Magpies are yet to taste victory. Newcastle have conceded at least two goals in eight of their last 10 away games in the Premier League, so the trip to the Emirates Stadium is one that is being met with some apprehension by the Toon Army.
Hosts Arsenal should be suitably rested ahead of Saturday’s game after their Boxing Day game against West Ham was called off due to a Tube strike.
The Gunners have had a week’s rest and preparation for the match against Newcastle and even Oliver Giroud and Tomas Rosicky have recovered from illness.
Arsenal go into the game in good form after winning their last three matches in the Premier League, with Santi Cazorla, Mikel Arteta and Jack Wilshere looking increasingly impressive for the club.
A win for Arsenal could move the Gunners up to fourth in the league and Arsene Wenger’s side should be too strong against the depleted Magpies.
Recommended Bets
Arsenal to win @1.44
Stoke (1.80) v Southampton (4.75); Draw (3.50)
Stoke’s 3-1 victory over Liverpool on Boxing Day lifted the Potters to eighth in the league, leaving Tony Pulis to believe he is currently managing his best ever side in the Potteries.
Stoke’s record at the Brittania Stadium is hugely impressive and the Potters are now unbeaten in their last 16 games at home in the Premier League. Steven Gerrard’s second minute penalty was only the fourth goal Stoke have conceded at home this season and the possibility of another shut out against newly promoted Southampton remains a distinct possibility.
Ryan Shawcross and Geoff Cameron are both serving one match suspensions, so Matthew Upson and Ryan Shotton are likely to deputise.
Visitors Southampton have tightened up their play recently and have lost just twice in their last eight league games.
One victory in their last five league games points to a lack of cutting edge up front, but the Saints were fully deserving of their point at Craven Cottage last time out.
Adam Lallana remains sidelined with a knee injury for Southampton, who continue to miss the English midfielder’s quality on the ball.
The trip to the Britannia Stadium will be a new challenge for Neil Adkin’s side, but Stoke remain on course to extend their unbeaten run in the league at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.
Recommended Bets
Stoke to win @1.80
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