Another profitable weekend for the column thanks in no small part to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Juventus. The festive action continues thick and fast with a busy Boxing Day programme, including Liverpool’s clash with Newcastle.
Running total: +£7.89
The Banker
Liverpool are top at Christmas for the fourth time in the Premier League era but will perhaps never get a better opportunity to go on and win the title having taken 48 points from of a possible 54 so far. It’s Newcastle next and surely even the most optimistic Toon fan would struggle to make a case for them winning at Anfield.
With Mo Salah on fire up front and Virgil van Dijk purring like a Rolls Royce at the back the Reds should cruise past the Magpies, and taking the 11/10 with bet365 that they win by more than two goals looks a rock solid call given how Newcastle have struggled to find the net for the most part this season. Liverpool just look too solid in all areas and could run up a rugby score if they are in the mood on Merseyside.
Selection: £5 on Liverpool (-2) to win at 11/10 with bet365.
The First Goal Flutter
Marcus Rashford wasted no time in getting Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign as Manchester United boss off to the perfect start against Cardiff, and the England man looks a big price at 9/2 to score first against Huddersfield Town.
Rashford has scored three in his last four games and should again get the nod in attack at Old Trafford. The Terriers will try to play a containing game but could struggle to deal with a United side who are suddenly keen to be positive and attack post-Mourinho.
Selection: £2 on Rashford to score first at 9/2 with bet365.
The Tasty Treble
Manchester City (2/5) have suddenly lost two out of three and are having a bit of a wobble, but they can get back on track by beating Leicester City. They can’t afford to lose any further ground on Liverpool, and with Tottenham now breathing down their necks look for them to get back to winning ways at the King Power.
Crystal Palace (4/6) can see off a Cardiff City side who are leaking goals and should win without much fuss if Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend are in the mood.
Finally back the draw when Burnley face Everton. The Toffees will be licking their wounds after shipping six against Spurs while Burnley should be able to claim a share of the spoils against them at Turf Moor. The treble is paying better than 7/1 with bet365.
Selection: £2 on the treble at 7.16/1 with bet365.
The Euro Wager
Napoli face Inter Milan at the San Siro on Boxing Day and look worth a bet at 13/8. The Partenopei are still the most likely challengers to runaway Serie A leaders Juventus and if they can keep the brilliant Ivan Perisic quiet they can claim a huge festive win and keep the pressure on Juve.
Selection: £4 on Napoli to win at 13/8 with bet365.
The Wildcard Tip
Chelsea were legitimate title contenders just a few short weeks ago but are paying the price for being far too reliant on Eden Hazard in attack. They were terrible against Leicester last time out and surely only the brave or foolhardy would consider a punt on them at odds-on to beat Watford? The Hornets are a very good side and sit just two points behind Manchester United at Christmas. They have been underrated by bookmakers several times this season and might be worth a small interest at 17/2 to beat Chelsea without conceding at Vicarage Road.
18+ / begambleaware.org / Terms and conditions apply.