Premier League Game Week 16 Betting Preview

The Tyne/Wear derby headlines this weekend’s intriguing Premier League fixture card, as we hurtle towards the midway point of the season. Approximately 24 hours before Newcastle United visit the home of arch rivals Sunderland, Chelsea and Everton go head-to-head in West London and Liverpool welcome Brighton to Anfield.

The Saturday teatime kick-off sees relegation-threatened Burnley host an inconsistent Fulham outfit, before winless Wolves face runaway leaders Arsenal as top meets bottom at the Emirates. There are four matches on Sunday afternoon, with Leeds United versus Brentford scheduled for the 4.30pm slot. Earlier on in the day, Manchester City travel to the capital to take on high-flying Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, Nottingham Forest and Spurs clash in the East Midlands and West Ham try to subdue in-form Aston Villa on home soil. 

Manchester United then play on a Monday evening for the third time in 21 days, as the Red Devils entertain spiralling Bournemouth in front of the Sky Sports cameras. We’ve analysed the stats and scanned the odds markets ahead of this latest instalment of Premier League action, enabling us to provide you with a handful of expert betting tips for gameweek 16. 

Plenty of drama, but little goalmouth activity

A few months ago, Newcastle fans would have been rubbing their hands together at the prospect of a rare meeting with their noisy neighbours, but a combination of Sunderland’s blistering start to the campaign and the Magpies’ shocking recent away form leaves them feeling vulnerable. Local derbies are invariably tense affairs and therefore often produce limited scoring opportunities, but there is further evidence to suggest we won’t see too many goals on Sunday.

There are only four teams to have found the net on fewer occasions than the Black Cats this term, while Newcastle netted just three away goals before last month’s 4-1 thrashing of Everton on Merseyside. With Sunderland desperate to preserve their unbeaten home record and Eddie Howe’s men yet to rediscover their attacking mojo this term, we expect a low-scoring contest amidst a boisterous atmosphere at the Stadium of Light. 

Tip 1: Under 2.5 Goals @ 17/20 with BetMGM

Foden poised to deliver another attacking masterclass

After enduring a challenging few months, Phil Foden now appears to be back to his scintillating best. The Man City ace found himself out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, as he continued to experience issues with both his form and fitness during the season’s early exchanges. However, this is certainly no longer the case. No Premier League player has recorded more direct goal involvements since the beginning of November, while Foden’s recent dazzling displays have helped propel the Citizens to within two points of Arsenal.

Having already bagged a brace in each of his previous two league outings, the 25-year-old playmaker claimed a goal and an assist in last weekend’s routine home victory over Sunderland. Therefore, don’t be surprised if he once again makes a decisive contribution on Saturday afternoon. 

Tip 2: Phil Foden to score or assist @ 11/10 with bet365

Chelsea and Everton to cancel out one another?

Chelsea would typically head into a meeting with Everton as overwhelming favourites, but the form guide indicates that we may be in for a tight battle at Stamford Bridge. Enzo Maresca’s side had almost reached the summit of the Premier League table ahead of last month’s pivotal clash with Arsenal, but a run of four matches without a win has left them occupying fifth place. 

Furthermore, the Blues have only managed to accumulate 11 points on home soil this term, while their first and most recent league contests ended as 0-0 draws. Meanwhile, the Toffees are in buoyant spirits after winning four of their last five fixtures. Despite Everton’s modest league position, Jordan Pickford already has six clean sheets this season, just one fewer than Chelsea’s Robert Sánchez. Given Chelsea’s recent woes and the fact that 11 of Everton’s 18 Premier League goals have been scored at their newly constructed home, a stalemate could certainly be on the cards.  

Tip 3: Correct Score 0-0 @ 12/1 with AK Bets