EPL Matchday 23 Picks, Predictions, Odds
Toby Maxtone-Smith is back for best bets, predictions and picks for EPL Matchday 22 fixtures that begin on Friday, January 14 and conclude on Sunday, January 16.
EVERTON VS. ASTON VILLA
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 22
- Time: 7:30 a.m. ET
- Venue: Goodison Park
- Location: Liverpool, England
Score Prediction: Everton 2, Aston Villa 2
Best Bet: BTS - Yes (3/4)
The post-Rafael Benitez era begins at Goodison Park as Everton welcome Aston Villa. Benitez was a hugely unpopular figure among the Everton support and the appearance of interim manager and club legend Duncan Ferguson in the dugout will lift spirits. Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are both available for this match, and Everton are a hugely more potent attacking force with both of them in the side.
This should, then, be a high-scorer. All three of Villa’s last games have seen both teams hit the back of the net. Gerrard started by improving their defence, but they are now scoring plenty of goals and creating good chances.
BRENTFORD VS. WOLVES
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 22
- Time: 10:00 a.m. ET
- Venue: Brentford Community Stadium
- Location: Brentford, England
Score Prediction: Wolves 1, Brentford 0
Best Bet: Wolves DNB (8/11)
Wolves are making a quiet but very solid push for the European places. They sit eighth with 31 points from 21 games and have the best defensive record in the league after Manchester City. They do, however, have the third worst attacking record, so any bet on them should keep the draw onside, but they are worth backing away at a Brentford side that has lost five of its last six.
The Bees were a bit unlucky to lose 3-1 to Manchester United on Wednesday night, but they have been iffy in both boxes of late. Wolves had the week off after convincingly beating Southampton 3-1 last weekend, and at 8/11 they should oblige on the draw no bet.
MANCHESTER UNITED VS. WEST HAM
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 22
- Time: 10:00 a.m. ET
- Venue: Old Trafford
- Location: Manchester, England
Score Prediction: Manchester United 2, West Ham 1
Best Bet: Manchester United ML (17/20)
There have not been many occasions this season where Manchester United have been good value but this may be one of them. They are available at 17/20 against a West Ham side that has won only four of their last 11 games following a great start to the season. They were beaten 3-2 by Leeds last time out and have struggled away to big teams this season.
The 2-0 loss at Arsenal was particularly bad. Results have been slightly better than performances under Ralf Rangnick, which is definitely a worry for United, but that run can continue as they are likely to edge this one.
SOUTHAMPTON VS. MANCHESTER CITY
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 22
- Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
- Venue: St. Mary's Stadium
- Location: Manchester, England
Score Prediction: Manchester City 3, Southampton 1
Best Bet: Manchester City ML & BTS - Yes (7/4)
Southampton caused City some problems in the reverse fixture, winning by a goal to nil, and while City have stepped up a few gears since then, the Saints can play their part in what should be an entertaining away win. City were excellent in a 1-0 home win over Chelsea last time out, but their opponents could easily have taken the lead shortly after half-time.
Southampton’s attack has excelled in recent weeks, with 11 goals in their last five matches. On loan forward Armando Broja in particular looks an excellent prospect. City will play with some freedom and that could allow the Saints to nick a goal.
ARSENAL VS. BURNLEY
- Date: Sunday, Jan. 23
- Time: 9:00 a.m. ET
- Venue: Emirates Stadium
- Location: London, England
Score Prediction: Arsenal 1, Burnley 0
Best Bet: Arsenal ML & Under 2.5 (11/5)
Arsenal are facing a trophy-less season after being eliminated by Liverpool in the League Cup semi-finals on Thursday, but a focus on the league may be a good thing for Mikel Arteta’s men, and they can strengthen their top four credentials against Burnley. Burnley, incredibly, have only played two games since 12 December, so it is somewhat hard to judge what condition they will be in.
The long rests, however, have seemingly not done them much good as they lost both of those matches. While their condition is unpredictable, their approach is not. They will look to keep it tight. Arsenal have struggled in the final third in recent matches but should have enough to break Burnley down.
CHELSEA VS. TOTTENHAM
- Date: Sunday, Jan. 23
- Time: 11:30 a.m. ET
- Venue: Stamford Bridge
- Location: London, England
Score Prediction: Chelsea 1, Tottenham 0
Best Bet: Chelsea ML & Under 2.5 (10/11)
Chelsea suddenly find themselves in a top four battle after a draw-strewn winter and this match takes on extra importance beyond the usual rivalry. Spurs secured a remarkable late comeback away at Leicester last time out, winning 3-2 with two goals after the 95th minute. However their record at Stamford Bridge is famously woeful, with only one league win since 1990.
They were soundly beaten in the other League Cup semi-final 3-0 over two legs, with the first leg 2-0 at Stamford Bridge being particularly one-sided. There are problems with Chelsea’s attack and how they fit Romelu Lukaku into their team, but they remain a better team than Spurs and they can prove that on Sunday.
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