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.

It’s a quick turnaround in the Premier League. Another round is coming up, and I’ve taken a look ahead to a few of the games during midweek. Here are my Premier League Tips for Round 19.

Let’s Start On Thursday

Chelsea-Manchester City

I have a lot to say about this game, so let me get it “out of the way”. Man City were terribly disappointed to only pick up a single point on Saturday when hosting Everton at home. I, as everybody else, I would suspect, predicted an easy and comfortable home win without Everton threatening much at all. The Toffees managed only a couple of shots in this game. One was an optimistic finish from 30 yards, while the other found a way behind Ederson and into the goal.

Can The Citizens bounce back and respond rapidly from the disappointing New Years Day game? Yes, I believe so. The best teams are usually the best for a reason. Although City have no right to go to Stamford Bridge and get something, I just feel like they always bounce back after a bad result and performance. 1.70 is a bit short away from home against a big and strong club, but I actually think it’s a good enough price to take.

Incredible Gunners

Arsenal-Newcastle

I’m surprised that Arsenal are priced so high as 1.83 at home to Newcastle. Yes, The Magpies have been very solid and a team that I actually think is a bit underrated at the moment (by the market), but Arsenal are not looking any worse than Manchester City do. I can’t imagine that Pep’s men would be priced at 1.83 to beat Newcastle on their home soil. But at the same time, without Jesus in their team and having looked fragile for the last half hour against Brighton, there’s some reason for concern for a Gunners team who have been incredible this season.

I watched the match with a good friend of mine who watches every Arsenal game. I pointed out that a little blip (without it resulting in a loss of points), might be the best thing to happen to them. It sends a wake-up call and a reminder that no game is easy in this division. Teams have to to “stay humble” and alert, even though they are 3-0 up.

I imagine this match being a bit cagey between two sides with a lot to lose (although both are performing above expectations). Under 2.5 goals at 2.03 is my pick.

Dead Men Walking

Leeds United-West Ham United

My original title for this game was “a dead man walking”, but I changed it up when I reminded myself that actually, Jesse Marsch and Leeds are not giving me very good vibes. But in West Ham’s case, things are not looking bright at all. I follow a few West Ham fans on Twitter and the overriding emotion is unequivocally clear: they want Moyes out, and quickly, it seems.

I worried for The Hammers when they signed players like Scamacca and Paqueta in the summer, not because there’s any debate about the quality that they possess as footballers, but because I just don’t think they are David Moyes’ type of players. Things have “escalated quickly” for them, and it’s difficult to see where a big revival will come from.

Every game brings a lot of pressure in itself. By winning one game, they’re just another bad result (or performance) from another “meltdown” of people calling for Moyes’ head. A few weeks back, I picked Moyes to be the next manager to leave his position at 5.00. That price looked very appealing, and was probably higher than it is today (no price currently available for that market). 

I feel Leeds have also been looking very fragile ever since getting promoted. Very average players in a few positions doesn’t help their case. They are certainly capable of beating anyone on their day, but I just think that it’s very ambitious to play the way they do (with so many bottom-end Premier League/high-end Championship players) and expect it to produce a steady flow of points. I fear for them, although I don’t think Jesse Marsch is the problem. The players are suited to a particular style of football and I’d really worry for them if they brought in a manager with a completely different brand of football midway through a season. 

It’s a game that the bookies don’t feel very confident about, either. 2.63 for Leeds to win and 2.75 for West Ham is interesting, and I’m more tempted by the away team’s odds. I’ve already taken Leeds over 11.5 shots at 1.65, so if you could get on that bet, I would recommend it.

Conclusion

Here are my Premier League Tips for Round 19:

• Arsenal-Newcastle. Under 2.5 goals @ 2.03
• Chelsea-Manchester City. Manchester City to win @ 1.70.