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Premier League Preview: Aston Villa host league leaders Arsenal, Manchester sides face tricky bottom-half opposition

MAVERICK GAMES

Our soccer expert shares betting tips and previews some huge games in matchday 16 including a clash between league leaders Arsenal and high-flyers Aston Villa.

 

 

Crystal Palace vs Liverpool (Saturday 12:30 UTC)

Selhurst Park gears up for a showdown as Crystal Palace host Liverpool in the first game of the weekend. Liverpool, sitting second in the table, face the Seagulls who currently find themselves in midtable. The Reds are in pursuit of the league leaders, Arsenal, and they need a win to keep pace in the title race. Liverpool comes from a victory 2-0 win over Sheffield United, with their Virgil Van Dijk scoring a header after 37th-minutes and their summer signing Dominik Szoboszlai in the 94th minute to assure them of all three points.

Crystal Palace aims to pose a challenge to the high-flying Liverpool side. While the Reds boast an impressive run, they don’t have the home advantage, making this encounter intriguing. However, Palace comes from a 2-0 defeat against Bournemouth, making the match a must-win for Roy Hodgson’s side.

Expect a thrilling battle as the Seagulls look to soar high and the Reds strive to maintain their dominance. For Liverpool, it's not just about three points; it's about keeping their league title dreams alive. We have Liverpool priced at 1.598 and Crystal Palace at 4.89, with the over goals 3 priced at 1.90.

 

Manchester United vs Bournemouth (Saturday 15:00 UTC)

Old Trafford braces for a clash between two teams with a rich run of form, with just one defeat each in their last five league games. Much has been made of the home side's performances in front of their fans, so they’ll be hoping their midweek win can spur them on.

Bournemouth come into this game following a fantastic win as a visitor against Crystal Palace with goals from their defender Marcos Senesi after 25 minutes and another goal from substitute Kieffer Moore in the 91st minute. A brace from Scott McTominay saw Erik ten Hag’s side edge past Chelsea with a much-improved display overall after their defeat to Newcastle United.

The Red Devils, despite struggling with team dynamics and a shaky goalkeeper in Andre Onana, are only three points behind their Manchester rivals in the league standings. Some fans are calling for the return of David De Gea to bolster their defence, but this seems unlikely with the Dutch manager sticking by his summer signing.

Manchester United is priced at 1.598, and the Cherries are priced at 4.890.

 

Aston Villa vs Arsenal (Saturday 17:30 UTC)

Villa Park becomes the stage for a captivating duel as Aston Villa hosts Arsenal. The home side are the Cinderella story of the season, fighting for a spot in next year's Champions League or even the title. While Arsenal, in pursuit of their first league title in 20 years, needs a win to stay top of the table.

Under the guidance of Unai Emery, Aston Villa has transformed into a competitive force. Arsenal, with their attacking prowess, can’t afford to underestimate the Villains on their home turf. After a fantastic win against the mighty Manchester City in midweek, they now sit third in the table, and Arsenal comes from a late victory at Luton, with a late header from their summer signing Declan Rice to snatch all three points. The race for points is intense as both teams have their eyes set on similar goals.

Arsenal is priced at 2.030, while the Villains, as the host team, are priced at 3.320. Also, the over is at 2.75, priced at 1.793.

 

 

Luton Town vs Manchester City (Sunday 14:00 UTC)

A unique clash awaits at Kenilworth Road as Luton Town hosts the mighty Manchester City. Luton, playing in a stadium with a capacity of 10,000, faces the formidable challenge of stopping City, who are in pursuit of a record fourth consecutive league title. 

Luton comes from a narrow home defeat against Arsenal; they played really well scoring three goals but couldn’t quite hold on for another hard-fought point. Manchester City are surprisingly winless in their last four games following their midweek defeat in the Midlands and are desperate for a win to keep up with the pacesetters at the top of the table.

Luton Town finds themselves in a relegation battle, making a victory crucial for their survival. However, they face a team led by the prolific goal-scorer Erling Haaland. City needs a win to maintain their push for the Premier League title, but it’s no easy feat as other teams have already found out this season in a compact ground.

A thrilling battle between the underdog Luton Town and the powerhouse Manchester City. Luton, as the underdog, is priced at 15.010, and Pep Guardiola’s men are priced at 1.122.

 

Full list of Premier League fixtures - Matchday 16

Saturday 9th December

Crystal Palace vs Liverpool (12:30)

Brighton vs Burnley (15:00)

Manchester United vs Bournemouth (15:00)

Sheffield United vs Brentford (15:00)

Wolves vs Nottingham Forest (15:00)

Aston Villa vs Arsenal 17:30

 

Sunday 10th December

Everton vs Chelsea (14:00)

Fulham vs West Ham United (14:00)

Luton Town vs Manchester City (14:00)

Tottenham vs Newcastle United (16:30)

 

**Odds are subject to change. Odds accurate as of 11:00 UTC Thursday 7th December**

To view more expert sports content and previews, view all our latest articles here.

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