Last weekend, two bets came through for us here at Balls.ie, including a 6/1 shot. As we said, we're beginning to get to grips with the league. Sixteen Premier League teams will feature this Monday as the division starts to take shape. We'll try our very best to make it through the St.Stephen's Day bets without mentioning the old 'Christmas cracker' cliche.
Arsenal to win by two goals vs West Brom @3/1
Arsenal have lost two consecutive Premier League games for the first time since the beginning of March (Manchester United & Swansea). A spineless performance by Arsene Wenger's team was met with criticism from the terraces. Many viewed the Man City game as one which would test the gunners mettle - to which they failed miserably. However, they welcome West Brom to North London who are also recovering following defeat.
Tony Pulis' side are sitting pretty in eight place with little fear of relegation this season. They can enjoy their football as they aim to establish themselves as a solid Premier League outfit. Interestingly, West Brom have not won three games in the same month since November 2012 - this December, they've two victories under their belts.
Arsenal haven't lose three Premier League games in a row in almost five years - Man United and Swansea involved, once again - and that shouldn't change come Monday. Expect Alexis Sanchez and company to recover well and convincingly beat the Baggies by two goals.
Everton to come from behind and draw vs Leicester @6/1
Last weekend, Leicester had us in the money as they came from two goals down to draw level with Stoke. On the contrary, we reckon it'll be the Premier League champions who will drop a lead on St.Stephen's Day. In the past these sides have been quite evenly matched as they both won twice while drawing on nine occasions.
Yet, it shouldn't be glossed over that despite looking promising in recent weeks, Leicester are still a team in poor form. When coupled in with the fact that the Foxes have failed to win a game (D1 L5) on the 26th of December since 1998, it doesn't make for a positive outlook in the build up to the match.
Everton have also found themselves under the microscope as pundits and supporters alike examine their potential - or lack thereof. The Toffees are yet to win a game on the road since defeating Sunderland on the 12th of September at the Stadium of Light. It's a team lacking substance away from Goodison but they should have enough about them to claim a point at the King Power Stadium.
Paul Pogba last goalscorer vs Sunderland @5/1
David Moyes returns to Old Trafford with a rejuvenated Sunderland side. While they are still in the relegation zone, few can deny that the Wearsiders have something about them in recent weeks. A shape. An identity. A chance of staying up (once again). Sunderland will be aiming to replicate their performance against Manchester United last February when Lamine Kone's header went under the body of David De Gea to secure victory for the Black Cats.
That being said, United are beating teams with ruthless efficiency. Nothing spectacular but effective nevertheless. Regardless of the amount of promising talents on display at Old Trafford, two veterans of the game will undoubtedly be the biggest threat for either side - Jermain Defoe and Zlatan Ibrahimovic who are 34 and 35 respectively. Combined they have 18 Premier League goals this season but it may be Paul Pogba's day to shine. Expect the French midfielder to be patient as a rigid Sunderland defence eventually give way late in the game.
Swansea and West Ham to draw @23/10
The Hammers have taken a point from their past three visits to Swansea but failed to beat the Welsh side away since 1983. However, West Ham have won two successive games to somewhat stabilise their season while silencing the 'boo boys' temporarily. Another win for East London outfit will put them in a favourable position entering the new year.
Realistically, there is no reason that West Ham shouldn't come away with all three points, as quite frankly, Swansea have been remarkably poor under Bob Bradley's 'guidance'. Since Bradley has assumed the role as manager at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea have conceded 25 goals in three months - more than any other team in the Premier League.
Yet, we have an inkling that the Swans will offer a spirited performance to finish off the calendar year. Expect both teams to share the spoils.
Over 4.5 goals in Hull vs Manchester City @3/1
The last time Hull and Manchester City played each other on St.Stephen's Day the game finished 5-1 to the Citizens in 2008. Since the 4-2 loss to Leicester two weeks ago, City have been in convincing form having defeated both Watford and Arsenal.
Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling's cohesion in recent fixtures has been vital for City as they make an unlikely bid to dismantle Chelsea's title ambitions. Hull on the other hand are rock bottom of the table and may very well stay there for the remainder of the season if the side doesn't click soon. The Tigers have conceded as many goals as Man City have scored this league season - 36. It's fair to expect a goalfest at the KC Stadium but it'll more than likely be David Marshall picking the ball out of the net on multiple occasions.
