It’s non-stop EPL action as Matchday 19 of the Premier League season kicks off on Monday morning. The race for places in the top half of the table continues to be tight, with plenty of crucial fixtures across the new year period. Jack Tobin is back as always to bring you his three best bets for the round!
EPL 2024-25: Matchday 19 Preview & Betting Tips
West Ham vs Liverpool
London Stadium, Monday 30th December, 4:15am AEDT
Arne Slot’s side continue to sit pretty at the top of the Premier League table, and they’ll be looking to extend their gap on second place when they travel to London to take on West Ham. The Hammers have had a season to forget in the first season after the David Moyes era, with a mid-table finish looking like the best-case scenario and in a side that played in Europe last season.
At the time of writing Liverpool have a 12-3-1 record, are the best defensive team in the league (16 goals conceded), the second-best attacking team (37 goals scored) and ranked fourth for possession (56.5% possession). The Reds are the most consistent side across all three phases of the game, and have all the makings of a side destined to win the title. In contrast, West Ham are in the bottom eight for all three of those categories, highlighting the massive gulf in performance between the two teams this season.
This has been a one-way matchup over the past seven years, absolutely dominated by the Reds. In the last fourteen Premier League matches played between the two sides, Liverpool have had 12 wins, two draws and only one loss. West Ham have had a lean run over the past six weeks, which has largely come down to having one of the worst defences in the league. It’s difficult to see West Ham containing Liverpool’s front three and making this game competitive.
Liverpool -1
$1.95 (2 Units)
Aston Villa vs Brighton
Villa Park, Tuesday 31st December, 6:45am AEDT
Aston Villa and Brighton go head-to-head in a crucial clash in the makeup of the top ten of the Premier League table. Villa were handed a comprehensive 3-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle during the week, and have fallen to ninth place on the Premier League table. Brighton will be looking to work their way back into contention for a European position, after what has been a disappointing month for the Seagulls.
Brighton have gone winless from their last six games, and have been struggling at the back for an extended period of time. The Seagulls have only recorded one clean sheet over their last ten Premier League fixtures. Brighton couldn’t convert a dominant performance in general play against Brentford winning the shot count 24-8, and recording 59% possession, however they couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net and had to settle for a draw. Converting in the front third has been an issue for Brighton across their last six games, and they can’t afford to miss opportunities against a dangerous Villa side.
Aston Villa have well and truly had Brighton’s number in recent seasons, winning five of the last six Premier League fixtures between the two sides. Villa Park has been a difficult place for opposing sides to come to this season, with Unai Emery’s team having a 5-3-1 record at home. Brighton have struggled on the road this season, winning only three of their nine away games this season. Villa have been a resilient side this season, and will bounce back at home.
Aston Villa to Win
$1.94 (1.5 Units)
Brentford vs Arsenal
Gtech Community Stadium, Thursday 2nd January, 4:30am AEDT
Arsenal bounced back from consecutive draws with a win over Ipswich that has seen the Gunners move to second on the Premier League table. Mikel Arteta’s side will be looking to bridge the gap on league leaders Liverpool, when they take on fellow London side Brentford. Brentford have struggled over the last few weeks, going winless in their last three games, only narrowly avoiding a third straight defeat thanks to a wasteful Brighton on Saturday morning.
Arsenal have been so consistent throughout all facets of the game, which has them one again amongst the hunt for the title. The Gunners are the number one ranked defensive side in the league (16 goals conceded), the fourth ranked attacking side (35 goals scored) and are ranked fifth for possession (54.9%). Their defence is going to give Brentford plenty of issues in this matchup given Brentford’s inability to generate chances in their front third.
The Gunners have enjoyed playing Brentford since the Bees promotion to the top flight three years ago, with a 4-1-1 record in the six Premier League matches played between the two clubs. Brentford are sliding at the moment and do not look capable of challenging the best defensive teams in the league. Brentford have only scored two goals across their last four league games, and they won’t provide enough of a threat to the Gunners.
Arsenal -1
$2.20 (1 Unit)
