After a break for international action, the English Premier League gets back underway this weekend with its ninth round of matches.
It has been a very entertaining and unpredictable season so far. There have been several surprising results, and a number of teams occupy unexpected spots in the Premier League table (good for Aston Villa and Southampton, not good for the two Manchester clubs). Liverpool look well placed to defend their title, but Leicester City currently sit atop the table.
That may not be the case after this weekend, as those two teams face off on Sunday. The biggest match of the weekend takes place on Saturday, with Tottenham hosting Manchester City in the latest meeting between Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola.
Elsewhere, Manchester United will be aiming to ease the pressure on their embattled manager, and Sheffield United and Burnley, both at home, are hoping to find their first wins of the season.
All odds via FanDuel as of November 20 (10:00 am ET).
Saturday, November 21
Newcastle United vs. Chelsea
Match Odds: Newcastle +550, Draw +360, Chelsea -210 | Total: Over 2.5 (-152), Under 2.5 (+126)
Newcastle have had some success in this fixture in recent years, picking up five wins and two draws in Chelsea’s last eight trips to St. James Park. Frank Lampard’s side returns to action on an eight-match unbeaten run in all competitions, but this is a tricky trip to navigate coming out of an international break.
Tip: Chelsea’s recent form is tough to look past, but Newcastle have a knack for producing unexpected results. Newcastle +1 and the Newcastle/Draw double chance are the best value plays for this match.
More tips for betting on the Premier League.
Aston Villa vs. Brighton
Match Odds: Aston Villa +115, Draw +250, Brighton +230 | Total: Over 2.5 (-134), Under 2.5 (+110)
Aston Villa have been one of the league’s biggest early surprises and have a pivotal stretch of winnable games ahead. It starts at home against a Brighton team that has won only one of its first eight league matches.
Tip: Villa’s home results since their 7-2 win over Liverpool are back-to-back defeats to Leeds and Southampton. But the home side is the way to go here, with some pretty favorable odds at that.
Tottenham vs. Manchester City
Match Odds: Tottenham +300, Draw +300, Manchester City -125 | Over 2.5 (-166), Under 2.5 (+136)
Here’s an opportunity for Spurs to show that they are indeed to be taken seriously as a title contender. City have looked better in Europe than they have in the league, but they need a win to avoid falling further behind in the Premier League standings.
Tip: This one has 1-1 or 2-2 written all over it. Spurs +1 has favorable odds, if there is a side to take in this one.
Manchester United vs. West Bromwich Albion
Match Odds: Manchester United -320, Draw +440, West Brom +900 | Over 2.5 (-152), Under 2.5 (+126)
Manchester United have failed to win any of their first four home matches in the league. West Brom have failed to win a single league match period. Whose run ends Saturday? The Baggies have won three times in their last five visits to Old Trafford.
Tip: It remains to be seen how their recent injury list will affect their lineup. But United should take the three points here. Over 2.5 goals is also a good option given United’s trouble with keeping clean sheets.
Sunday, November 22
Fulham vs. Everton
Match Odds: Fulham +290, Draw +280, Everton -115 | Over 2.5 (-138), Under 2.5 (+112)
After four straight wins to open the season, Everton have hurtled back down to earth and are a questionable VAR call away from having lost four in a row. Fulham appear to be in a fight to beat the drop, but they did win their last home match against struggling West Brom.
Tip: Stay away from picking a result. Neither team is worth backing. Each side has only one clean sheet this season, so both teams to score is worth backing.
Sheffield United vs. West Ham
Match Odds: Sheffield United +200, Draw +220, West Ham +140 | Over 2.5 (+116), Under 2.5 (-140)
After impressing last season, Sheffirld United have yet to win this season and currently sit bottom. West Ham have navigated a tough slate fairly well by holding their own against quality opposition.
Tip: The Hammers are unpredictable, but how impressive they have looked against expected contenders is worth noting. Small stake on an away win.
Leeds United vs. Arsenal
Match Odds: Leeds +210, Draw +260, Arsenal +115 | Over 2.5 (-148), Under 2.5 (+122)
It’s been a feast or famine start for Arsenal with four wins and four draws. Leeds have won only once in four home matches and shipped eight goals in their last two games before the break after winning at Aston Villa.
Tip: The over 2.5 is the best play to back here. Arsenal have been inconsistent in attack, but Leeds also have yet to prove that they can be consistently competent defensively.
Liverpool vs. Leicester City
Match Odds: Liverpool -115, Draw +290, Leicester +270 | Over 2.5 (-178), Under 2.5 (+144)
The reigning champions host the league leaders in Sunday’s biggest match.
Tip: Liverpool at home at these odds is just too good to pass up. They seem to always find a way to win at Anfield.
Monday, November 23
Burnley vs. Crystal Palace
Match Odds: Burnley +175, Draw +200, Crystal Palace +180 | Over 2.5 (+142), Under 2.5 (-174)
Palace have shown decent form thus far with four wins in eight matches, while Burnley are still in search of their first win.
Tip: Palace have the edge here. Burnley have struggled to score, so it’s good news that Palace haven’t had a clean sheet in their last seven games. Both teams to score has favorable odds.
Wolves vs. Southampton
Match Odds: Wolves +130, Draw +220, Southampton +220 | Over 2.5 (+126), Under 2.5 (-152)
Southampton went into the break on fire, with five wins and a draw in their last six. Wolves have been up and down thus far, but they had won three of four prior to a loss at Leicester in their last match.
Tip: Southampton’s form is very impressive, but Wolves are tough to beat at home and should be backed to pick up the three points.