Premier League Betting Preview – Matchday 20

Right after celebrating the new year of 2015, the Premier League will get underway and showcase many exciting encounters.

On the 1st of January, 2015, a total of 20 teams will square off against each other in what looks to be some great football action for the start of the New Year. UK gambling news reports that the first game of the day will take place between Stoke City and Manchester United, while Manchester City will try to do everything in their power against Sunderland in order to close the gap between them and leaders Chelsea, who are three points ahead of them.

Southampton will face Arsenal, a match that will probably have a lot of superb plays and provide punters with a chance to seal big wins. The final game of the day will see Tottenham host Premier League title contenders Chelsea in the London Derby.

Stoke City vs Manchester United and Manchester City vs Sunderland

After 19 rounds, Stoke City find themselves in 11th place with a total of 25 points. At times this season they have struggled to find their way in games, which has resulted in their current position. They will next host Manchester United, who are undergoing a period of transformation under new manager Louis van Gaal. Unlike last season which was disastrous for the Red Devils, this year they have performed much better and are now sitting in 3rd place with 26 points.

Online sportsbooks in UK retain confidence in Man United to pull off a win against the lower side. Unibet have assigned odds of 1.90 (9/10) for the Red Devils, while Stoke City have been given outsider odds of 4.15 (31/10). A tie between the two is rather unlikely 3.50 (5/2) despite the fact that Louis van Gaal’s men have drawn on 5 separate occasions while playing on the road.

• Manchester United should be able to surpass Stoke City
• Southampton vs Arsenal looks like an uncertain game
• Tottenham don’t have high chances of success against leaders Chelsea

Manchester City have been trailing behind Chelsea all season long, so their next encounter against Sunderland will provide them with an extra opportunity to capture the essential points and close in on the summit of the Premier League. The Sky Blues have won 6 times, drawn twice and lost only once at their home ground the Etihad stadium. Sunderland on the other hand have an unconvincing record away which consists of 2 wins, 5 draws and 2 losses.

For this reason Unibet has given the visitors minimal chances of success 13.00 (12/1), whereas the hosts will be able to enjoy home field advantage 1.22 (11/50). Considering the abundance of attacking talent within City’s squad, this should be an easy win for them, which will see them have a total of 46 points after the game concludes.

Southampton vs Arsenal and Tottenham vs Chelsea

Ronald Koeman has been credited with uplifting Southampton this season, which has seen them fight for a top four finish. Overall, they have managed to record 10 wins, 3 draws and 6 losses from 19 encounters, while their home record stands at 6 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses. They are now in 4th place with 33 points, however their position may be somewhat compromised as they will play against Arsenal, who are 5th and are level on points with them.

The Gunners have experienced a slow season, which has resulted in many ups and downs. The star of their team is undoubtedly Alexis Sanchez, a player that has saved on many occasions. While on the road Arsenal have struggled quite a bit to perform on a high level and have recorded 4 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses. Unibet believes that both teams are somewhat equal by giving a draw 3.40 (12/5). The Gunners have been given 2.35 (27/20), while Southampton have 2.95 (39/20).

The most thrilling clash of the first day of 2015 will see Tottenham and Chelsea go head to head. Since losing Bale over a year ago, the Spurs haven’t performed quite as well. Their unconvincing results have led them to 7th place until this points and a total of 31 points. Their record at White Hart Lane stands at 4 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses, stats that re not that great. Chelsea on the other hand are seen as serious contenders for the title this year.

The Blues have recorded 5 wins, 4 draws and 1 loss while on the road, however many sportsbooks still hold them in high regard for this match. As per UK gambling laws, Unibet is offering odds of 1.74 (37/50) for Jose Mourinho’s men to seal victory, while the Spurs have been assigned chances of 4.75 (15/4). A draw between them have been set at 3.75 (11/4), but considering Chelsea’s great run so far this season, the upcoming game should result in the visitors’ win.