2024 is nearly upon us and we’re set for an exciting finale to the Premier League season with a full-blown title race as well as uncertainty around manager’s positions at several clubs. Here are my best bets for the matchweek from Saturday to Monday, including some tasty picks featuring the Premier League’s top teams.
Luton vs. Chelsea (Saturday, December 30)
Chelsea may head into this weekend in 10th position in the Premier League but they’re finally beginning to turn the corner under Mauricio Pochettino, winning two of their last three. One big boost has been Christopher Nkunku.
The French star was injured before the season began and his debut for the club was delayed following his move from RB Leipzig. He’s played twice so far, once from the start and once from the bench, and instantly improved the Chelsea attack. He’s already scored in 102 minutes of EPL action, and I think he will score against a Luton backline who have already allowed 34 goals this season.
Pick: Christopher Nkunku to score (+170)
Crystal Palace vs. Brentford (Saturday, December 30)
There’s just one point between 14th placed Brentford and 15th placed Crystal Palace in the Premier League table, and both clubs are in a bad way. Crystal Palace haven’t won a game since early November and blew three points against Chelsea.
All things considered, Palace are still in better shape than Brentford, who come into this match following four back-to-back losses and a 4-1 hammering at home to Wolves. They are in real need of Ivan Toney’s return to provide some much-needed scoring, and appear poised to lose again on Saturday.
Pick: Crystal Palace (+120)
Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester United (Saturday, December 30)
It’s been fun to not be a Man Utd fan lately, with every weekend providing opportunities to laugh at one of England’s greatest clubs. Given how bad Nottingham Forest have been this season you’d expect a club of United’s stature to be a very short price to win, but they are plus money, which says a lot about the Red Devils’ recent form.
That said, United showed serious character coming back from 2-0 down against Aston Villa to win and looked great in the second half. This club has shown real potential at times, and I’m backing them to carry that momentum into Saturday’s match.
Pick: Man Utd (+115)
Tottenham vs. Bournemouth (Sunday, December 31)
Nobody wants to play Bournemouth right now, as they’ve picked up more points in their past four games than anybody, winning all four. They’re riding the crest of a wave and meet a Spurs team who won three on the spin.
I’m not sure who comes out on top after 90 minutes but I know that Spurs have been winning in eight of their 18 games at halftime, the second highest total in the league, and they start games with real speed and purpose. I’m expecting another quick start from Ange Postecoglou’s team.
Pick: Spurs first half result (+115)
Liverpool vs. Newcastle (Monday, January 1)
Times are bad for Newcastle, who entered the weekend in eighth spot in the Premier League. There is real pressure on manager Eddie Howe after the club reached the Champions League spots last year and is now under new, demanding Saudi ownership.
His team have lost four of their past five and are devastated by injuries and suspensions. They now face a tough trip to Anfield to face Liverpool, who came into the weekend having lost just one game all year. I’m expecting the game to start tight, with the scores level at halftime before Liverpool seal the three points with a second half push to grab the win. They have far more quality on the bench right now and I think the ability to bring on great attacking players will push them over the edge against a well-organized Newcastle side.
Pick: Draw/Liverpool – halftime/fulltime (+120)
