Premier League betting tips: Declan Rice and Liam Delap to score; bank on Liverpool
Arsenal emerged from the festive feast of football as the main contenders to Premier League leaders Liverpool, who will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing Manchester United.
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners proved they are up for a title tussle with Arne Slot’s rampant Reds machine with a battling come-from-behind win at Brentford.
And the Bookie Basher, who has emerged from a Baileys-induced coma, feels Arsenal will brush Brighton aside, while also backing England star Declan Rice to lead the way.
Tottenham vs Newcastle is also on Sports News Blitz’s top-flight tipster’s radar, and he thinks Eddie Howe’s Magpies will soar to victory against the Londoners.
Ipswich Town’s surprise win over Chelsea properly dragged a freefalling Manchester United team into the survival mix, and Super Sunday is likely to give Ruben Amorim some sleepless nights as the Red Devils are heading to Anfield for a 4.30pm kick-off which could get messy.
That’s a wrap for 2024
So another year is over. You’ve been underwhelmed by unwrapping yet more Lynx Africa and your ‘Brexit means Brexit’ lunatic uncle has finally gone back to Cockermouth.
In 2024 I gave up gambling and alcohol. Worst 40 minutes of my life I’ll tell you.
In 2025, may luck be on your side in all your ventures, especially against the bookies.
To business then…
Tottenham vs Newcastle
The Geordies have won their last four and looked great last time out at Old Trafford. Spurs have picked up precisely one point from the last nine available.
Spurs are giving it a go but have a serious injury list and, in the circumstances, the away win looks a punt with the Lilywhites conceding 1.5 goals a game on average in the Premier League so far this season.
Add in the fact Newcastle have won four of their last five Premier League games against Tottenham, and it’s like this.
As my soul heals the shame/I will grow through this pain/Lord, I’m doing all I can/To be a better man/And backing Newcastle and BTTS.
Suggested bet: Newcastle to win & both teams to score at 9/4 (Betfair Sportsbook/Paddy Power)
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Brighton vs Arsenal
Should be a cakewalk for the Gunners this, based on recent form.
Arsenal have won three out of their last four in the league and looked to have unearthed another gem in 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who impressed on his first Premier League start on January 1.
Brighton, meanwhile, have not won since November 23, and seem to be lacking a bit of confidence.
The Seagulls seemingly don’t have the firepower and averaging 1.2 goals scored in their last five Premier League matches against 1.6 goals conceded is never going to end well longer term.
Arsenal’s bravura performance against Brentford was just what the doctor ordered, and they are back up to second, with Liverpool still very much in their sights.
I don’t hate the 15/2 on Declan Rice scoring on the south coast either. The England man is already a regular free-kick taker, but this is now likely to increase further in the enforced absence of Bukayo Saka.
Suggested bet: Declan Rice to score anytime at 15/2 (bet365)
Fulham vs Ipswich Town
The Tractor Boys celebrated their first Premier League home win in 22 years the other night.
Indeed, the last time Ipswich won a home match in the Premier League, Liam Delap and Omari Hutchinson weren't even born.
Delap was excellent against Chelsea. Cute in terms of his link-up play but very physical also when he needed to be. If Ipswich are going to stay up, much will rest on his young shoulders.
Delap is 11/1 to score first at Craven Cottage, and that’s too big given he has bagged seven times in 18 league matches so far this term.
Suggested bet: Liam Delap to score first at 11/1 (Betfair Sportsbook/Paddy Power)
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Liverpool vs Manchester United
This could get messy. First plays 14th and collectively the Red Devils have looked an absolute bag of custard in recent weeks.
Mr Amorim - if you are reading this (and we know you are) - a question. Was putting Eriksen and Casemiro - combined age 64 - up against Guimarães, Tonali and Joelinton the other night hands down the worst tactical decision by a manager in 2024?
Liverpool are an eye-watering ‘best price’ 2/7 to win this, which shows you just how far Manchester United have fallen.
However, you cannot ignore the stats. Liverpool have won their last three Premier League matches, scoring 3+ goals in each victory with 14 goals bagged in total.
Marcus Rashford looks to be out the door at United this month. Rashy is 100% a force for good off the pitch, using his platform to tackle child food poverty and make a difference in kids' lives.
A haul of 87 goals in 287 Premier League appearances at club level isn’t a bad return either.
But Bob Geldof also did loads of charity work, and some fans reckon even a 73-year-old Geldof would have made more of an impact than Rashford has at times this season, certainly out of possession.
The Reds have lost just one of their last 13 Premier League games against Manchester United.
On Amorim’s chinos, Liverpool are the banker of all bankers here.
Suggested bet: Liverpool (-1) First Half Handicap at 13/5 (Betfair Sportsbook/Paddy Power)