
Written by Cornermanden. The author’s opinions and predictions are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Unibet. Odds and details may change between the time of writing and when placing a bet – always check before betting.
The Christmas football chaos is about to kick in. However, we have one more “normal” round to take care of before that. Here are my best bets ahead of Premier League round 17.
The Sean Dyche Derby
Burnley v Everton
Sean Dyche is yet to return to Turf Moor after being “relieved of his duties” at the back end of the winter of 2022. He did come up against them at Goodison in the league cup earlier in the campaign, but this game is special for several reasons.
I think Everton are starting to look like an improved version of Sean Dyche’s Burnley. He will take that as a compliment, and so he should, because the football that the Blues are rocking up is impressing us all. Only two teams have less possession than The Toffees, but who cares? They are producing chances and are a team to be proud of for every Bluenose out there. It’s high-octane stuff with a flying tempo and plenty of crosses and shots. It suits the personality of Merseyside, I think, and Everton supporters absolutely love it!
Burnley, on the other side, aren’t in the same feel-good flow as Everton. They did pick up a good point away to Brighton last week, but it was backs against the wall for the most of it. Three points (one win) is the reality from eight home games so far, which is a disappointing return, and something you typically get relegated from.
I think Everton are correct favourites, but disagree with how big. They are priced at 2.12 to go to Burnley and win, which, to me at least, is a bit short.
I do like the shots line here. Over 24.5 shots at 1.85 is my bet of the game, because I think it’s a game where both teams need to get a result before more difficult tests ahead.
A Firefighter Without A Hose
Liverpool v Manchester United
I have to preview this one.
I can vividly remember sitting at my sister’s house and writing the preview for this exact game a year and some months ago, where I proposed a bet on Man United not to score at around 3.10, I think.
Things have happened since that. Liverpool are priced at 1.35 to beat their rivals from Manchester, which is shorter than they were against Brentford, Everton and West Ham. Crazy to think about, and it’s even more crazy that I’m tempted by the price.
Why? Let’s start with Manchester United. I’m saying that Erik ten Hag is like a firefighter without a hose, because his team is struck by a horrible injury situation. Bruno Fernandes is suspended, Rashford, Lindelöf, Martial, Shaw and Maguire are all doubts, and longer term absentees like Eriksen, Casemiro, Mount, Martinez and Sancho are all worth mentioning. There aren’t many options going forward on the pitch, and defensively it looks really light.
I could continue in making a case against United: they’ve just looked abhorrent. They only picked up one point in the away games against the top 9 last season, and so far this campaign they’ve been well beaten by other top teams. The Red Devils have conceded three goals on five occasions at Old Trafford this season, and have lost 3-0 in four of them.
This game is at Anfield, which doesn’t help the case for United. I just think Liverpool are – without even mentioning them in this blogpost – a much, much better side. If you call Manchester United for Fulham, there’s no way that Liverpool would be priced up so nicely.
I want to take a couple of bets in this match. Firstly, I think Klopp and co. will crush United by many goals. -2 asian handicap (meaning we get our stake back if they win by exactly two goals) at 2.32 is my first one.
My second one is that United won’t score. The price is 2.50, and I like it. They will probably start with Højlund, Antony and Garnacho, which is ok, but not enough to be odds on to score against a much better team.
I also like Liverpool corners here. Over 6.5 at 1.87 is good enough for me.
Conclusion
These are my bets for Premier League round 17: