Weekend Tips & Predictions – 14/2-16/2
If you are not busy this Valentine’s day then the EPL encounter at the Molineux between Wolves (2.55) and Leicester (3.00) is where your attention should be diverted to this Friday night. Take a break on Saturday and focus all your attention on the Sunday fixtures, with Aston Villa (4.25) hosting Tottenham (1.91) and Newcastle (8.20) travelling to London to take on Arsenal (1.45). Late in the evening the game you should put your winnings on is the Serie A top of the table clash between Lazio (2.35) and Inter (2.95).
14.02.20 – Wolves vs Leicester – EPL
Market: Match Result – Wolves (2.55)
Wolves find themselves level on points with Manchester United, who they drew against at Old Trafford last time around. They have been consistent all season and are one of the most feared teams in the EPL, especially at the Molineux. With a rock solid defence, compact midfield and devastating forward talent they can beat anyone on their day. Leicester have been somewhat inconsistent lately, conceding soft goals against Chelsea with signs of tiredness creeping in this second part of the season. A worrying factor considering the devastating intensity at which Wolves play their games at home.
Market: Anytime Goalscorer – Raul Jimenez (2.60)
The Mexican forward has been in devastating form all season, scoring 11 and assisting 6 in the EPL alone. A feat that has attracted interest from Europe’s elite clubs with major bids expected in the summer. He relishes a physical battle and is a nuisance in the box. A torment to any defence.
Market: Anytime Goalscorer – Jamie Vardy (2.94)
Despite missing a few games through injury Jamie Vardy still finds himself as leading goalscorer of the EPL with 17 goals to his name. He has not scored in the league since Leicester’s away trip against Manchester City back in December and will be adamant to stop the dry streak on Sunday. A gamble worth taking at that price.
16.02.20 – Aston Villa vs Tottenham – EPL
Market: Match Result – Draw (3.80)
Aston Villa’s issues this season have mostly been away from Villa Park, whilst if you consider away form alone Spurs would be sitting 14th in the table. The result of this one is not as straightforward as one would think and the Villans certainly do have it in their locker to cause a major upset here. Since Jose Mourinho joined, Tottenham have had their best performances when they were the underdogs and could catch the other teams on the break while struggling to break down oppositions that deploy a low block. Something that Villa will certainly do. For me, the draw is the most likely outcome here.
Market: Anytime goalscorer – Heung Min Son (2.44)
The South Korean has been Jose Mourinho’s most lethal weapon since Harry Kane succumbed to a hamstring injury. He is a very good technician with pace to burn and can shoot with both legs, attributes which make him a nightmare for any defence. If Spurs are to find the net, he is the one most likely to do so. Assurance.
Market: Anytime goalscorer – Jack Grealish (3.60)
The Villas captain could very easily have been playing this fixture on the other side was it not for a failed transfer a few years back. He has since then developed into one of the most exciting talents in English football, so far single-handedly keeping his boyhood club Aston Villa with a chance of staying in the EPL for next season. An England call-up is surely around the corner with huge bids from the likes of Manchester United expected in the summer. Talisman.
16.02.20 – Arsenal vs Newcastle – EPL
Market: Result + Both teams to score – Draw + Yes (5.90)
This market has been paid out in 3 out of the last 4 games Arsenal were involved in and there is a big likelihood that it will once again. These two teams find themselves on equal points with the Gunners edging it with a better goal difference. Newcastle are a tough team to crack down physically and deploy a low block with fast attacking players on the counter. Something that the Gunners need to be wary of having suffered to break teams down in the past and given their susceptibility of making defensive mistakes. An odd definitely worth putting some money on.
Market: Anytime goalscorer – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (1.68)
The Gabonese striker has scored goals for fun since he joined the Gunners and is currently on 14 EPL goals for the season. He is the one most likely to break the deadlock despite being deployed as a wide forward since Arteta took over, with Lacazette occupying the no. 9 role. Yet, as the odds suggest, if Arsenal score in this one he will be the first name on the list.
Market: Anytime goalscorer – Allan Saint-Maximin (5.70)
A punt worth taking at that price! The flamboyant Frenchman has been terrorising defences across England since he moved to Tyneside in the summer, with his electric pace and upper body strength making him a nightmare for opposing defenders. His finishing product was his achilles heel, something he is getting better at slowly with the F.A Cup winning goal against Oxford United a sign of things to come.
16.02.20 – Lazio vs Inter – Serie A
Market: Result + Both teams to score – Home Wins + Yes (4.15)
There is very little difference in quality between these two teams as the table shows with Inter just 1 point above Lazio. What will probably tip the scales in the favour of the latter will be the fact that they are playing in front of their home crowd with the added benefit of having rested an extra couple of days, as Inter played in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday against Napoli. With 101 goals scored between them and the likes of Immobile and Lukaku on the pitch, it is hard to see either goalkeeper keep a clean sheet especially with Inter finding themselves without their captain and indisputed number one between the stick, Samir Handanovic, who is ruled out with an injury.
Market: Anytime goalscorer – Ciro Immobile (2.05)
Ciro Immobile is currently on 25 goals in Serie A, 5 more than Cristiano Ronaldo to put it in perspective. He has been lethal in the league this season and is Lazio’s designated penalty taker. As close to a guaranteed return on your money as you’ll find all day.
Market: Anytime goalscorer – Romelu Lukaku (2.25)
Not quite as prolific as Immobile but close. The Belgian striker has scored 17 goals in Serie A this season, with his last big goal against Milan in the Derby. Conte’s system is built around him and the team functions to put Lukaku in the best position to score goals. If Inter are going to score in this one, his name will be on the scoresheet. Reborn.
