Chelsea continue to head the 2014-15 Premier League table, and will look to make it six wins from seven matches when they host London rivals Arsenal this weekend.
While that's the biggest match on this weekend's Prem slate, several other fixtures offer betting interest.
Here's a look at where the best betting value lies among the following five Premier League matches this weekend.
[h=3]Chelsea (home) vs. Arsenal[/h]
Asian handicap: Chelsea -0.75 (-115) vs. Arsenal +0.75 (+108)
3-way line: Chelsea -149 / Arsenal +464 / Draw +310
PickCenter public consensus money line pick: 92 percent Chelsea
Total: 2.75 (Over +101, Under -110)
As Chelsea continue to defy critics and entertain fans with a series of high-scoring performances, an "over" bet on the total market appears to be the smart pick on this London derby against Arsenal. Chelsea's 3-0 win at Aston Villa last weekend means they have scored 19 goals in six Prem games (3.17 goals per game), with Spain international striker Diego Costa taking his tally to eight goals in six appearances thanks to a clean strike last weekend.
Chelsea have kept only two clean sheets in six matches, so Arsenal ought to get scoring chances. Danny Welbeck scored a hat trick in the Gunners' 4-1 Champions League win over Galatasaray on Wednesday, and Arsenal's Prem stats point toward a high-scoring encounter: The Gunners have scored and conceded in five of six games, with an average goals-per-game count of 3.0.
If there are three goals or more -- something that's occurred in eight of the 12 Prem games involving these two sides this season -- you'll make a profit.
The pick: Over 2.75 (+101)
[h=3]Aston Villa (home) vs. Manchester City[/h]
Asian handicap: Aston Villa +1 (+114) vs. Manchester City -1 (-122)
3-way line: Aston Villa +664 / Manchester City -201 / Draw +351
PickCenter public consensus money line pick: 78 percent Manchester City
Total: 2.75 (Over -104, Under -104)
Aston Villa started the season strong but got exposed the minute they came up against some of the Prem's stronger sides. A fortnight ago they hosted Arsenal and lost 3-0, and last weekend they suffered the same outcome on their visit to Chelsea. After those consecutive heavy defeats, it's impossible to make a case for Villa this weekend, especially as a number of other stats surrounding this game also point to a City win.
The visitors have an excellent 5-1-0 record in their last six visits to Villa Park and arrive in fantastic form: Man City have scored in 18 of their last 19 Prem games and at least twice in each of their last six away games, and have won 11 of their last 16 (69 percent) Prem away games. Villa have failed to score in four of their last five league games against Manchester City and, perhaps most damning of all, have managed just nine shots on target in six games this season.
If, like us, you believe City will win, but find their price on the three-way line too short, consider City on the Asian handicap. With this pick, you'll get your stakes back if City win by a single goal and make a profit if City win by two goals or more.
The pick: Manchester City -1 Asian handicap (-122)
[h=3]Leicester City (home) vs. Burnley[/h]
Asian handicap: Leicester City -0.75 (+100) vs. Burnley +0.75 (-106)
3-way line: Leicester City -130 / Burnley +419 / Draw +282
PickCenter public consensus money line pick: 69 percent Leicester City
Total: 2.5 (Over +104, Under -114)
If it wasn't clear before, Burnley's 4-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion last weekend spelled out just what an almighty task Burnley face to stay in the Prem. Newly promoted from the Championship, they have failed to win any of their opening six matches (0-3-3) and have gone eight hours and 46 minutes of action without scoring.
Wondering which side to take? Check out Prem PickCenter and do your research before making that critical decision. PickCenter
Many other stats point to a Leicester win. The hosts have won five and drawn two of their last seven league meetings against Burnley, have an excellent home record (12-1-5) and have scored at least once in each of those last 18 home matches. Leicester have hosted much better opposition than Burnley this season and have done well: They drew versus Everton (2-2) and Arsenal (1-1) before recording that thrilling 5-3 win against Manchester United.
Back Leicester on the three-way line or Asian handicap.
The pick: Leicester City -0.75 Asian handicap (+100)
[h=3]Swansea City (home) vs. Newcastle United[/h]
Asian handicap: Swansea City -0.5 (-114) vs. Newcastle United +0.5 (+107)
3-way line: Swansea City -114 / Newcastle United +360 / Draw +270
PickCenter public consensus money line pick: 88 percent Swansea City
Total: 2.5 (Over +103, Under -112)
Newcastle United's misery continued with their 1-0 defeat at Stoke City on Monday night. They have gone seven games without a win (0-4-3), their worst start to a Prem season in a decade. Alan Pardew's side have picked up just 19 points in 26 matches since Christmas, and their 2014 away record (2-9-2) points toward another defeat.
Swansea have won two of three home games this season and four of their last five Prem encounters against Newcastle, and look an altogether more solid side at the moment.
The pick: Swansea City (-114)
[h=3]Hull City (home) vs. Crystal Palace[/h]
Asian handicap: Hull City -0.5 (+108) vs. Crystal Palace +0.5 (-115)
3-way line: Hull City +108 / Crystal Palace +292 / Draw +254
PickCenter public consensus money line pick: 67 percent Hull City
Total: 2.25 (Over -113, Under +104)
The stats say Crystal Palace stand a decent chance of picking up a point. Hull have failed to win any of their last five Prem matches (0-3-2) and also failed to win any of their last five home games. This season, they've dropped points at home to mid-ranking sides Stoke City (1-1) and West Ham United (2-2).
Crystal Palace have lost just one of their last seven Prem away games (4-1-2) and are unbeaten in their last four games. Away from home, they have already impressed this season, beating Everton (3-2) and drawing at Newcastle (2-2). Palace also have an excellent head-to-head record: They're unbeaten in their last eight matches against Hull (four wins, four draws).
By supporting Palace on the Asian handicap, you'll make a profit as long as Neil Warnock's visitors avoid defeat.
The pick: Crystal Palace +0.5 Asian handicap (-115)
While that's the biggest match on this weekend's Prem slate, several other fixtures offer betting interest.
Here's a look at where the best betting value lies among the following five Premier League matches this weekend.
[h=3]Chelsea (home) vs. Arsenal[/h]
Asian handicap: Chelsea -0.75 (-115) vs. Arsenal +0.75 (+108)
3-way line: Chelsea -149 / Arsenal +464 / Draw +310
PickCenter public consensus money line pick: 92 percent Chelsea
Total: 2.75 (Over +101, Under -110)
As Chelsea continue to defy critics and entertain fans with a series of high-scoring performances, an "over" bet on the total market appears to be the smart pick on this London derby against Arsenal. Chelsea's 3-0 win at Aston Villa last weekend means they have scored 19 goals in six Prem games (3.17 goals per game), with Spain international striker Diego Costa taking his tally to eight goals in six appearances thanks to a clean strike last weekend.
Chelsea have kept only two clean sheets in six matches, so Arsenal ought to get scoring chances. Danny Welbeck scored a hat trick in the Gunners' 4-1 Champions League win over Galatasaray on Wednesday, and Arsenal's Prem stats point toward a high-scoring encounter: The Gunners have scored and conceded in five of six games, with an average goals-per-game count of 3.0.
If there are three goals or more -- something that's occurred in eight of the 12 Prem games involving these two sides this season -- you'll make a profit.
The pick: Over 2.75 (+101)
[h=3]Aston Villa (home) vs. Manchester City[/h]
Asian handicap: Aston Villa +1 (+114) vs. Manchester City -1 (-122)
3-way line: Aston Villa +664 / Manchester City -201 / Draw +351
PickCenter public consensus money line pick: 78 percent Manchester City
Total: 2.75 (Over -104, Under -104)
Aston Villa started the season strong but got exposed the minute they came up against some of the Prem's stronger sides. A fortnight ago they hosted Arsenal and lost 3-0, and last weekend they suffered the same outcome on their visit to Chelsea. After those consecutive heavy defeats, it's impossible to make a case for Villa this weekend, especially as a number of other stats surrounding this game also point to a City win.
The visitors have an excellent 5-1-0 record in their last six visits to Villa Park and arrive in fantastic form: Man City have scored in 18 of their last 19 Prem games and at least twice in each of their last six away games, and have won 11 of their last 16 (69 percent) Prem away games. Villa have failed to score in four of their last five league games against Manchester City and, perhaps most damning of all, have managed just nine shots on target in six games this season.
If, like us, you believe City will win, but find their price on the three-way line too short, consider City on the Asian handicap. With this pick, you'll get your stakes back if City win by a single goal and make a profit if City win by two goals or more.
The pick: Manchester City -1 Asian handicap (-122)
[h=3]Leicester City (home) vs. Burnley[/h]
Asian handicap: Leicester City -0.75 (+100) vs. Burnley +0.75 (-106)
3-way line: Leicester City -130 / Burnley +419 / Draw +282
PickCenter public consensus money line pick: 69 percent Leicester City
Total: 2.5 (Over +104, Under -114)
If it wasn't clear before, Burnley's 4-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion last weekend spelled out just what an almighty task Burnley face to stay in the Prem. Newly promoted from the Championship, they have failed to win any of their opening six matches (0-3-3) and have gone eight hours and 46 minutes of action without scoring.
Wondering which side to take? Check out Prem PickCenter and do your research before making that critical decision. PickCenter
Many other stats point to a Leicester win. The hosts have won five and drawn two of their last seven league meetings against Burnley, have an excellent home record (12-1-5) and have scored at least once in each of those last 18 home matches. Leicester have hosted much better opposition than Burnley this season and have done well: They drew versus Everton (2-2) and Arsenal (1-1) before recording that thrilling 5-3 win against Manchester United.
Back Leicester on the three-way line or Asian handicap.
The pick: Leicester City -0.75 Asian handicap (+100)
[h=3]Swansea City (home) vs. Newcastle United[/h]
Asian handicap: Swansea City -0.5 (-114) vs. Newcastle United +0.5 (+107)
3-way line: Swansea City -114 / Newcastle United +360 / Draw +270
PickCenter public consensus money line pick: 88 percent Swansea City
Total: 2.5 (Over +103, Under -112)
Newcastle United's misery continued with their 1-0 defeat at Stoke City on Monday night. They have gone seven games without a win (0-4-3), their worst start to a Prem season in a decade. Alan Pardew's side have picked up just 19 points in 26 matches since Christmas, and their 2014 away record (2-9-2) points toward another defeat.
Swansea have won two of three home games this season and four of their last five Prem encounters against Newcastle, and look an altogether more solid side at the moment.
The pick: Swansea City (-114)
[h=3]Hull City (home) vs. Crystal Palace[/h]
Asian handicap: Hull City -0.5 (+108) vs. Crystal Palace +0.5 (-115)
3-way line: Hull City +108 / Crystal Palace +292 / Draw +254
PickCenter public consensus money line pick: 67 percent Hull City
Total: 2.25 (Over -113, Under +104)
The stats say Crystal Palace stand a decent chance of picking up a point. Hull have failed to win any of their last five Prem matches (0-3-2) and also failed to win any of their last five home games. This season, they've dropped points at home to mid-ranking sides Stoke City (1-1) and West Ham United (2-2).
Crystal Palace have lost just one of their last seven Prem away games (4-1-2) and are unbeaten in their last four games. Away from home, they have already impressed this season, beating Everton (3-2) and drawing at Newcastle (2-2). Palace also have an excellent head-to-head record: They're unbeaten in their last eight matches against Hull (four wins, four draws).
By supporting Palace on the Asian handicap, you'll make a profit as long as Neil Warnock's visitors avoid defeat.
The pick: Crystal Palace +0.5 Asian handicap (-115)
After the international break, Premier League play resumes this weekend. Which teams will be tired owing to players traveling around the globe during the past fortnight? Which teams will lack focus following a weekend off? Who can take advantage of the slip-ups of others?
Here's a look at where the best betting value lies among the following four Premier League matches going on this weekend.
West Bromwich Albion (home) vs. Manchester United
Asian handicap: West Brom +0.75 (-105) vs. Man Utd -0.75 (-101)
3-way line: West Brom +381 / Man Utd -131 / Draw +308
PickCenter public consensus moneyline pick: 76 percent Man United
Total: 2.75 (Over -113, Under +104)
Asian Handicap
Asian handicap betting eliminates the draw and provides the possibility of getting your stakes back (depending on the bet you place). For example, if you back a team at 0 Asian handicap, your stakes will be returned if the game ends in a draw (as the handicap has been equaled).
If you back a team at minus-1 Asian handicap and it wins by a single goal, your stakes will be returned (as the handicap has been equaled). This safety net of having your stakes returned is the primary difference between Asian handicap and handicap betting. PickCenter
For bettors, Manchester United remain a risky selection. The United roster is studded with star names, and there are signs the side may eventually become a force to be reckoned with under manager Louis van Gaal this season. Yet at this stage in the team's development, United are still unreliable, evidenced by the fact they have won only three of their opening seven fixtures and needed an outstanding performance from goalkeeper David de Gea to clinch a 2-1 victory over Everton in their last fixture a fortnight ago.
Taking all factors into account, it's difficult to justify United's odds-on price away from home. West Brom are an improving team -- they have won two of their last three fixtures, at Tottenham (1-0) and at home to Burnley (4-0) -- and produced a creditable performance at Anfield a fortnight ago (2-1 defeat). I would give West Brom a better chance of getting something than the market suggests, so the hosts on the Asian handicap is the first pick.
The second pick is high goals. Four of West Brom's seven games and five of United's seven games have featured three or more goals. United's defensive problems are well documented and, after scoring four in their last home match, West Brom are unlikely to adopt a defensive approach. Go over on the total line.
The picks: West Brom +0.75 Asian handicap (-105) and over 2.75 goals (-113)
Burnley (home) vs. West Ham United
Asian handicap: Burnley 0 (-101) vs. West Ham 0 (-105)
3-way line: Burnley +178 / West Ham +170 / Draw +245
PickCenter public consensus moneyline pick: 74 percent West Ham
Total: 2.5 (Over +107, Under -117)
Burnley are without a win in their opening seven fixtures (0-3-4) and they have scored in only two of those seven games. They did well to get a 2-2 draw at Leicester City a fortnight ago but that was only a small step forward.
West Ham have lost just one of their last five fixtures. I would expect their priority this weekend will be producing a solid defensive performance. West Ham kept their first clean sheet of the season in beating QPR 2-0 a fortnight ago, and manager Sam Allardyce will be keen to see his players build on that.
Further, Burnley have failed to find the net in five of seven games and West Ham should be difficult to break down, so going low on the total market looks sensible. I was surprised to find under-2.5 goals close to even money.
As Burnley are yet to win and West Ham should avoid defeat, I would also support the visitors on the Asian handicap.
The picks: Under 2.5 goals (-117) and West Ham 0 Asian handicap (-105)
Newcastle United (home) vs. Leicester City
Asian handicap: Newcastle -0.25 (-110) vs. Leicester +0.25 (+103)
3-way line: Newcastle +120 / Leicester +237 / Draw +271
PickCenter public consensus moneyline pick: 65 percent Newcastle United
Total: 2.75 (Over +103, Under -112)
Soccer PickCenter
Newcastle United remain under great pressure near the bottom of the table. They are without a win from their opening seven fixtures (0-3-4), and playing at home -- where their record is 0-1-2 -- is an ordeal, as large numbers of fans are calling for the club to sack manager Alan Pardew. At times, Newcastle have shown good character to pick up points but their general performance standard has been low.
Newcastle's long-term form is a concern. They have won just five games this calendar year, have a goal difference of minus-28 since the start of 2014 and have conceded two or more goals in nine of their last 12 Prem home matches. That last stat highlights their frailties at St. James Park.
Leicester's form is average (2-2-3), but if the visitors can play on Newcastle's frailties, they should get something.
The pick: Leicester +0.25 Asian handicap (+103)
Arsenal (home) vs. Hull City
Asian handicap: Arsenal -1.25 (-109) vs. Hull +1.25 (+102)
3-way line: Arsenal -245 / Hull +769 / Draw +414
PickCenter public consensus moneyline pick: 75 percent Arsenal
Total: 2.75 (Over -112, Under +103)
Arsenal are obviously the stronger of these two sides, but based on results so far the value appears to lie with the visitors. Arsenal have won only two of their first seven fixtures, and only one of those two wins was by more than one goal (3-0 at Aston Villa). Hull have lost only two of their first seven fixtures, and only one of those defeats was by more than one goal (4-2 loss versus Manchester City).
Given those stats, the Asian handicap is the selection. By backing Hull you'll make money as long as the visitors avoid defeat by two goals or more.
The pick: Hull +1.25 Asian handicap (+102)
Here's a look at where the best betting value lies among the following four Premier League matches going on this weekend.
West Bromwich Albion (home) vs. Manchester United
Asian handicap: West Brom +0.75 (-105) vs. Man Utd -0.75 (-101)
3-way line: West Brom +381 / Man Utd -131 / Draw +308
PickCenter public consensus moneyline pick: 76 percent Man United
Total: 2.75 (Over -113, Under +104)
Asian Handicap
Asian handicap betting eliminates the draw and provides the possibility of getting your stakes back (depending on the bet you place). For example, if you back a team at 0 Asian handicap, your stakes will be returned if the game ends in a draw (as the handicap has been equaled).
If you back a team at minus-1 Asian handicap and it wins by a single goal, your stakes will be returned (as the handicap has been equaled). This safety net of having your stakes returned is the primary difference between Asian handicap and handicap betting. PickCenter
For bettors, Manchester United remain a risky selection. The United roster is studded with star names, and there are signs the side may eventually become a force to be reckoned with under manager Louis van Gaal this season. Yet at this stage in the team's development, United are still unreliable, evidenced by the fact they have won only three of their opening seven fixtures and needed an outstanding performance from goalkeeper David de Gea to clinch a 2-1 victory over Everton in their last fixture a fortnight ago.
Taking all factors into account, it's difficult to justify United's odds-on price away from home. West Brom are an improving team -- they have won two of their last three fixtures, at Tottenham (1-0) and at home to Burnley (4-0) -- and produced a creditable performance at Anfield a fortnight ago (2-1 defeat). I would give West Brom a better chance of getting something than the market suggests, so the hosts on the Asian handicap is the first pick.
The second pick is high goals. Four of West Brom's seven games and five of United's seven games have featured three or more goals. United's defensive problems are well documented and, after scoring four in their last home match, West Brom are unlikely to adopt a defensive approach. Go over on the total line.
The picks: West Brom +0.75 Asian handicap (-105) and over 2.75 goals (-113)
Burnley (home) vs. West Ham United
Asian handicap: Burnley 0 (-101) vs. West Ham 0 (-105)
3-way line: Burnley +178 / West Ham +170 / Draw +245
PickCenter public consensus moneyline pick: 74 percent West Ham
Total: 2.5 (Over +107, Under -117)
Burnley are without a win in their opening seven fixtures (0-3-4) and they have scored in only two of those seven games. They did well to get a 2-2 draw at Leicester City a fortnight ago but that was only a small step forward.
West Ham have lost just one of their last five fixtures. I would expect their priority this weekend will be producing a solid defensive performance. West Ham kept their first clean sheet of the season in beating QPR 2-0 a fortnight ago, and manager Sam Allardyce will be keen to see his players build on that.
Further, Burnley have failed to find the net in five of seven games and West Ham should be difficult to break down, so going low on the total market looks sensible. I was surprised to find under-2.5 goals close to even money.
As Burnley are yet to win and West Ham should avoid defeat, I would also support the visitors on the Asian handicap.
The picks: Under 2.5 goals (-117) and West Ham 0 Asian handicap (-105)
Newcastle United (home) vs. Leicester City
Asian handicap: Newcastle -0.25 (-110) vs. Leicester +0.25 (+103)
3-way line: Newcastle +120 / Leicester +237 / Draw +271
PickCenter public consensus moneyline pick: 65 percent Newcastle United
Total: 2.75 (Over +103, Under -112)
Soccer PickCenter
Newcastle United remain under great pressure near the bottom of the table. They are without a win from their opening seven fixtures (0-3-4), and playing at home -- where their record is 0-1-2 -- is an ordeal, as large numbers of fans are calling for the club to sack manager Alan Pardew. At times, Newcastle have shown good character to pick up points but their general performance standard has been low.
Newcastle's long-term form is a concern. They have won just five games this calendar year, have a goal difference of minus-28 since the start of 2014 and have conceded two or more goals in nine of their last 12 Prem home matches. That last stat highlights their frailties at St. James Park.
Leicester's form is average (2-2-3), but if the visitors can play on Newcastle's frailties, they should get something.
The pick: Leicester +0.25 Asian handicap (+103)
Asian handicap: Arsenal -1.25 (-109) vs. Hull +1.25 (+102)
3-way line: Arsenal -245 / Hull +769 / Draw +414
PickCenter public consensus moneyline pick: 75 percent Arsenal
Total: 2.75 (Over -112, Under +103)
Arsenal are obviously the stronger of these two sides, but based on results so far the value appears to lie with the visitors. Arsenal have won only two of their first seven fixtures, and only one of those two wins was by more than one goal (3-0 at Aston Villa). Hull have lost only two of their first seven fixtures, and only one of those defeats was by more than one goal (4-2 loss versus Manchester City).
Given those stats, the Asian handicap is the selection. By backing Hull you'll make money as long as the visitors avoid defeat by two goals or more.
The pick: Hull +1.25 Asian handicap (+102)
