EPL Matchweek 18 betting preview, top tips & predictions

The silly season is upon us in the English Premier League, with Matchweek 18 kicking off a hectic stretch where teams will play three games in the space of a week. There are plenty of interesting fixtures that could affect either end of the EPL table, especially Liverpool’s clash with Arsenal at Anfield. These are BettingPlanet’s top EPL picks for Matchweek 18.

Crystal Palace vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Friday, December 22 – 7am AEDT – Selhurst Park

Remarkably, Brighton’s 2-0 loss to Arsenal last time out was their first game this season that ended with one of the teams keeping a clean sheet. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City means they have failed to score in only one of their last eight games. Form says both teams should score, and there is value in tying that into over 2.5 total goals as well.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

Saturday, December 23 – 7am AEDT – Villa Park

If there were any doubts about how Aston Villa’s home form would stack up when faced with quality opposition, they erased them with back-to-back wins against Manchester City and Arsenal. Coming up against the worst team in the EPL, it is hard to envisage a scenario where the Villans don’t make it eight from eight on their own deck. The match odds with the top soccer bookmakers are lopsided, so throw in the total goals market to fatten up the price.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton

Sunday, December 24 – 2am AEDT – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

After picking up just one point in their first five games, Everton have roared into form with four wins on the bounce. Malian midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has been central to that revival, scoring three goals in his past six league games. With Spurs coming off back-to-back wins, this game could go either way, but Doucoure is excellent value to find the back of the net at some stage.

Livepool vs Arsenal

Sunday, December 24 – 4:30am AEDT – Anfield

With third-placed Aston Villa expected to put away Sheffield United, the top two teams in the EPL will both be eager to win this monster matchup. Both sides come into this clash in good form, although Liverpool will be fuming after a 0-0 draw with Manchester United spoiled their perfect home record. These are the two best defences in the Premier League by a streak, so there is super value in backing the unders on total goals.

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