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Followers of the English Premier League enjoy another busy weekend, with the competition's 20 teams all in action. Play begins on Saturday afternoon in Birmingham, where Aston Villa plan to topple big-name opponents Arsenal in a clash you can follow live on TV from 12:30 GMT. Will the locals continue their impressive form by collecting a vital three points?
Elsewhere on Saturday, we have games of note at the Etihad Stadium, St James' Park, and Elland Road. Super Sunday presents a double-header, as Brighton host West Ham United, before Fulham and Crystal Palace go toe-to-toe in a London derby at Craven Cottage. Wolves and Man Utd wrap things up at Molineux on Monday evening, with both desperately needing a win.
The legal and licensed online bookmakers showcased on the Flashscore app and website offer over 100 markets on every fixture. You can study the stats, find the most generous odds, use the standout promotions, and place your bets. Experienced football betting writer Frank Monkhouse relies on the data at Flashscore to settle on his six weekend picks. Why not create an acca?
Aston Villa v Arsenal, Saturday, 12:30 GMT
Aston Villa didn't enjoy the kind of start to the season fans had been dreaming of in the summer, but they appear to have found their feet. Unai Emery's men are back in the hunt for the prize places and find themselves in contention for a top-four finish. Consistency is key for the hosts, and they take confidence from recent wins over Leeds and Bournemouth.
Arsenal make the tricky trip to Villa Park, aiming to continue the stunning form that has led them to pole position in the Premier League. Things are going well for Mikel Arteta and his side, with the Gunners also leading the way in the UEFA Champions League. They sent shockwaves across Europe when thrashing the mighty Bayern Munich 3-1 at the Emirates in round five.
Arsenal may be the best team in Europe at the moment, but it's never wise to write off Aston Villa, especially on their patch. The visitors conceded at least one goal against Chelsea, Munich, Tottenham, and Sunderland last month. In the same four-match period, Aston Villa scored four past Bournemouth, two against Leeds and Young Boys, and one when hosting Wolves.
Tip: Both teams to score @ 19/20 (bet365)
Bet explanation: You want Aston Villa and Arsenal to score at least one goal each.
Man City v Sunderland, Saturday, 15:00 GMT
Manchester City host Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium in the traditional start time. Neutrals hope for more of the same after Man City were involved in a simply stunning nine-goal game on Tuesday evening. Pep's high-earners were well clear of Fulham and coasting towards the points at Craven Cottage. 3-1 up at half-time, City eventually won the match 5-4.
The Sunderland coaching team will know Saturday's opponents carved Fulham open in midweek, scoring some lovely goals. The visitors will also be aware that Fulham were able to score four goals, coming agonisingly close to getting something from a match that seemed dead and buried. The Black Cats hope the City defence remains in a generous mood this month.
Looking at Man City's recent form, we see they've scored 12 goals and conceded 10 in their previous five games in all competitions. Switching to Sunderland, Regis Le Bris has watched his team beat Bournemouth 3-2, share four goals with Arsenal, and draw 1-1 with Everton and Liverpool. A bet on both teams to score landed when Man City last hosted the Black Cats.
Tip: Both teams to score @ 19/20 (bet365)
Bet explanation: The home and away team must score at least one goal each.
Newcastle v Burnley, Saturday, 15:00 GMT
Switching to St James' Park, we have high hopes for an in-form Newcastle United when they play Burnley before a bumper audience. The locals have gifted their loyal fans some fantastic wins of late, taking major scalps in the Premier League and Champions League. The Magpies were unlucky to only draw with Tottenham on Tuesday after going ahead near the end.
Burnley travel to Tyne and Wear on a dreadful run of results, with the Clarets dragged into an ugly relegation battle. Scott Parker's team were promoted as runners-up from the Championship last season, but have struggled to adjust to life at the top tier. Burnley lost all four games in November, conceding 10 goals in the process, and scoring only three.
The Newcastle team may be beginning to feel the effects of a hectic period fighting for points at home and on the continent. They certainly didn't show it in midweek when playing their part in a four-goal thriller with Spurs at this venue. Newcastle are unbeaten in three, while Burnley's recent form makes them almost impossible to trust. Keep it simple and take a home win.
Tip: Newcastle win @ 3/10 (bet365)
Bet explanation: If Newcastle beat Burnley at St James' Park, you beat the bookies.
Leeds v Liverpool, Saturday, 17:30 GMT
Our final bet from Saturday's EPL schedule is the pick of the bunch as Leeds United and Liverpool renew rivalries at Elland Road. The stadium will be packed to capacity, with millions more lovers of the beautiful game following live on TV. Fans hope these bitter rivals serve up another match worthy of the occasion, and we're confident they'll get their wish.
Leeds and Liverpool won a game each in the two meetings in 2022/23. Leeds left Anfield with all three points following a surprise 2-1 win, achieved with goals from Rodrigo and Summerville. Liverpool gained their revenge in some style with an astonishing 6-1 victory. Another goal-fest would suit us just fine. With neither side boasting a strong defence, it's certainly possible.
Sticking with the stats, it's worth knowing that Leeds and Liverpool have shared 28 goals in their last six meetings, a run stretching back to September 2020. In that time, we've seen Liverpool win 3-0 and 6-1 in their last two visits. The Reds aren't exactly secure picks this winter, but there are more goals in this fixture. Back over 2.5 goals as a single or add to your accumulators.
Tip: Over 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (bet365)
Bet explanation: You need this fixture to produce a minimum of three goals.
Brighton v West Ham, Sunday, 14:00 GMT
Switching our attention to the first of a double header on Sunday, we're at Falmer Stadium in East Sussex for Brighton vs West Ham United. The Seagulls are holding their own in the top division and contesting the European places as we approach the all-important festive period. The home team take confidence from an unbeaten November, taking 10 points from 12.
West Ham arrive from London, struggling at the wrong end of the table. The Hammers have been sucked into a relegation battle after losing 2-0 at home to Liverpool seven days ago. They are fine going forward, scoring eight goals in four starts last month, but problems remain in defence. West Ham conceded seven goals in the same period, which is a major concern.
Brighton are much easier to trust ahead of Sunday's meeting with West Ham. They're playing good football, winning matches, and pushing for the prize places. The Hammers lack consistency, continue to leak goals at an alarming rate, and face the threat of relegation to the Championship. Play it safe and back a home win at a fair price in your weekend multiples.
Tip: Brighton win @ 11/20 (bet365)
Bet explanation: If Brighton out-score West Ham, you'll secure a profit.
Fulham v Crystal Palace, Sunday, 16:30 GMT
The main attraction on Sunday afternoon pits two ambitious London teams against each other, both of whom believe they're good enough to secure a valuable three Premier League points. Fulham scored back-to-back wins over Sunderland and Tottenham, but were beaten at this venue on Tuesday evening by Man City. In a remarkable match, City held on to beat Fulham 5-4.
Crystal Palace have been involved in a few high-scoring matches themselves this term. The Eagles beat Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield, shared six goals with Bournemouth, and netted three times at Villa Park without reply. They appear to lack the consistency needed to challenge for a top-six spot, but Oliver Glasner has his men playing attractive, exciting football.
Checking the latest form at Flashscore, we see both teams have scored plenty of goals this term. The head-to-head reminds us that a bet on over 2.5 goals would've banked you a profit when Fulham and Crystal Palace last met at this venue back in March. I expect another exciting 90 minutes, with a few goals scored. Over 2.5 looks well-priced, and we're happy to take a chance.
Tip: Over 2.5 goals @ 1/1 (bet365)
Bet explanation: Fulham and Crystal Palace must score a combined three or more goals to win you this wager.
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The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.