There is no let-up in the Premier League over the next few days with the games coming thick and fast and there are two matches coming up on New Year’s Day, as West Brom host Everton before Sunderland entertain Manchester City.
West Bromwich Albion v Everton 1230pm
The action gets underway at The Hawthorns on Sunday in what has the feel of a ‘quiet before the storm’ scenario given the respective goalscoring records of the two sides in action.
West Brom have picked up seven points in their last three games with wins at Blackburn and Newcastle consolidated by holding Man City to a goalless draw last time out.
That run has pushed Roy Hodgson’s men up to ninth in the table but they have enjoyed greater success on their travels, picking up twice as many points.
Goals have been a distinct problem at the Hawthorns as West Brom are the worst home scorers in the division, having managed just seven in nine games in front of their own fans.
Everton have also had their own problems finding the back of the net with just nine scored on their travels, making this game look far from a goal-fest, although the Toffees will take confidence from the fact they have only let in five goals in the last seven games.
The Baggies are the slight 13/8 favourites in the match betting with David Moyes men priced at 7/4 but a draw could be the way to go in this one – and that is on offer at 9/4 – while backing No Goalscorer at 15/2 certainly looks good value.
Sunderland v Manchester City 3pm
Martin O’Neill has made an instant impact since taking over the Black Cats’ hotseat losing just one of his opening four games, winning two and unfortunate to pick up just one point last time out against Everton.
Sunderland have pulled four points clear from the relegation zone going into the weekend’s fixtures but are far from safe and look set to face a barrage from the free-scoring Citizens, still smarting from being held to a goalless draw at the Hawthorns which allowed neighbours United to join them at the summit.
Roberto Mancini’s men have banged in 25 goals on their travels and will be looking for more, particularly with the home side having fitness concerns over defenders Kieran Richardson, Phil Bardsley and Titus Bramble.
By contrast, Mancini has virtually a fully fit squad to choose from with Micah Richards and Aleksandar Kolarov available once more, so the City boss can juggle his star-studded squad to bounce back from the West Brom disappointment.
Edin Dzeko is back to full fitness and looks a good shout at 4/1 to add to his 10 goals with the first on Sunday, with the club’s leading goalscorer Sergio Aguero the 10/3 favourite to open the scoring.
With games coming up against Liverpool and Manchester United it is hard to see anything other than an away win, 8/15 in the match betting, while 10/11 on City/City in the Half-time/Full-time market offers a greater return.
Those perhaps still drunk from the previous night’s celebrations can get 6/1 on a Sunderland win – which would only be a fifth in 2011 – and 3/1 on the draw.
Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.