Liverpool have full ascendancy in the title race with six points and a game in hand on second place, with Arne Slot’s side looking like they will cruise to the title. The Reds take on old rivals Manchester United in the headline fixture of Matchday 20. Check out our best bets for the key game below!
EPL 2024-25: Matchday 20 Preview & Betting Tips
Tottenham vs Newcastle
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Saturday 4th January, 11:30pm AEDT
Four straight wins has breathed life right back into Newcastle’s season, as the Magpies have moved into fifth place on the table and they are within three points of the top four. Newcastle travel south to take on a struggling Tottenham side that have had two losses and a draw from their last three games. The heat is right on Ange Postecoglou after their 2-2 draw with 17th placed Wolverhampton, who scored in the 87th minute to deny Spurs three points.
Newcastle have been in rich goal scoring form across their four-game winning streak. Newcastle also haven’t conceded a goal across their last four games. Newcastle have the fourth ranked defence (21 goals conceded) and have scored 32 goals (ranked 6th). They are arguably the most in form side in the league with what they have produced over the last month, and their consistency across all facets of the game is going to give Tottenham massive problems.
Newcastle have well and truly had the best of Tottenham across the past few seasons. Newcastle have won four of the last five Premier League matches played between the two sides, with the last three wins producing score lines of 6-0, 4-1 and 2-1. Spurs are all over the place at the moment, and a prime for the picking against an opposition that has well and truly had their number over recent seasons.
Newcastle to Win
$2.20 (2 Units)
Brighton vs Arsenal
American Express Stadium, Sunday 5th January, 4:30am AEDT
Arsenal continue to press Liverpool in the race for top spot, and they have a crucial away fixture against tenth placed Brighton on Sunday morning. The Gunners have won three straight games after their 3-1 win at home against Brentford. The Gunners dominated proceedings, recording 14 shots to 5, as Arsenal faced no struggles without Bukayo Saka.
Brighton’s winless streak extended to seven games after their 2-2 draw against Aston Villa, with their last Premier League win coming on the 21st of November. The Seagulls defence has been below par this season, ranking 13th in the Premier League, which is a major concern coming up against Arsenal. The Gunners have been the third most prolific side in front of goal this season, scoring 38 goals across 19 games.
Arsenal have had three wins, one draw and one loss in their last five Premier League matchups against Brighton. Mikel Arteta’s side have their work cut out trying to make up ground on Liverpool, so there will be plenty of desperation from the Gunners week after week to stay in the title race. Brighton have struggled to defend over the last two months, which leaves them vulnerable in this clash and will be the decisive factor in this matchup.
Arsenal to Win
$1.73 (1.5 Units)
Liverpool vs Manchester United
Anfield, Monday 6th January, 3:30 AEDT
Liverpool and Manchester United, two famous rivals currently experiencing two different scenarios. Liverpool are sitting six points clear at the top of the table, with a 14-3-1 record and red hot favourites to win the league. Manchester United on the other hand are in complete crisis with a brand-new manager, and having lost five of their last six league games. The Red Devils are in fourteenth place on the table, and haven’t scored in their last three games.
Liverpool have been utterly dominant in all facets of the game this season. The Reds are the best defensive team in the league (17 goals conceded), and the best attacking team in the league (45 goals scored). Mo Salah leads the Golden Boot with 17 goals and has the most assists in the league with 13. It has been a remarkable season for Salah, who continues to generate goals for Liverpool week after week, and will no doubt give Manchester United’s defence plenty of issues.
The Reds have had their way against Manchester United since the beginning of the Klopp era. Since December 2018, Liverpool have a 7-5-1 record against Manchester United in the Premier League, with the last four wins by score lines of 3-0, 7-0, 4-0 and 5-0. Liverpool have a prime opportunity to inflict some more pain on Manchester United, who have been nothing short of woeful this season. If the Reds score early this game could get very ugly.
Liverpool -2
$2.50 (1.5 Units)
