There were two managerial departures last weekend, with both Gary O’Neill and Russell Martin shown the door from Wolves and Southampton respectively, in pursuit of Premier League survival. Away from the revolving door of managers, Manchester City’s struggles continued, and they visit Aston Villa this weekend, Arsenal will be looking to avoid another slip up, as they visit Crystal Palace whilst high-flying Nottingham Forest travel to Brentford.
Aston Villa vs Manchester City – Draw
14/5 at Rhino Bet
It has been an unprecedented barren spell for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City, who look to be seriously low on confidence and ideas currently. Their next assignment isn’t an easy one, on the road at Aston Villa, with Unai Emery’s side hardly pulling up any trees either. Villa are motoring along in the Champions League but are under the cosh if they want to crack the top 4 again this season and were disappointing in defeat to Nottingham Forest last weekend. A painful last gasp loss was also on the agenda for City, who were chaotic in defeat to Manchester United and they don’t seem to know where their next points are coming from. With both sides out of form, this could be a great watch for the neutral and this could end up being a draw here, representing value for most punters and EPL betting sites.
Brentford vs Nottingham Forest – Brentford to win
13/10 at Betzone
Few people would have predicted that Nottingham Forest would be sitting in the top 4 at Christmas but that is exactly where the Tricky Trees are. A home win against Aston Villa last weekend felt huge for Forest but Brentford away is currently one of the toughest tests in the division. The Bees have been rampant at home throughout the campaign, banging the goals in for fun and Thomas Frank is urging his side to try and compete for a European place come the end of the season. Both sides are confident, and goals look guaranteed, but Brentford could just carry the edge at home and could end up collecting all three points.
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal – Arsenal to win
5/8 at Rhino Bet
Arsenal will be looking to get back to winning ways, as they travel to South London to take on in-from Crystal Palace. The Eagles suffered a terrible start to the season but are starting to tick now for Oliver Glasner and are hoping to crack the top half of the table sooner rather than later. Arsenal meanwhile are stumbling a touch, as they manage competing on four fronts this season and Mikel Arteta will be seeking a creative spark from his men. This should be very watchable, with Arsenal most likely to pick up three important points.
EPL Result Acca – 21st December 2024
