This time last week we landed a huge 79/1 winner to provide the perfect end to 2016. Will this Monday see us start 2017 in equally perfect fashion?
Once more, we’ve picked three teams to win their respective matches without keeping a clean sheet. With odds of nearly 75/1, that has to be worth an early year punt!
Everton v Southampton
With the top six showing no signs of relenting, Everton and Southampton are two of the chasing pack that will be aiming to seal a seventh placed finish come May. Opening the calendar year with a win could be huge for either side at Goodison Park on Monday afternoon, but Ronald Koeman also has the incentive of beating his former club. And that factor could be crucial.
For all their problems with consistency, the Toffees have lost just once on home turf in the league. And with Romelu Lukaku leading the line, there’s every chance that the hosts will increase their tally of 12 home goals, especially as the Saints have shipped 11 on the road.
Southampton ended 2016 with back-to-back home losses. However, they did score on both occasions and also have nine goals on their travels. There’s no reason to think they can’t find the target for a fourth consecutive Premier League game. We’re just not sure it’ll be enough to see them end their mini losing streak.
The Saints registered a 1-0 win in the reverse clash but the trip to Merseyside is never easy. On this occasion, we’re backing the Toffees to prevail, even if they do concede in the process.
BTTS & Everton Win @ 15/4 with BetVictor
Sheffield Wednesday v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Sheffield Wednesday have undoubtedly been one of the Championship’s most consistent home teams, winning eight of their 11 league games at Hillsborough thus far. That form sees them enter 2017 in the play-off zone and they’ll be eager to keep hold of that with another home victory here. However, they shouldn’t expect to have things entirely their own way against a Wolves side that does score goals.
Carlos Carvalhal’s men have scored 16 home games, though, while they additionally boast a number of attacking options in the form of Gary Hooper, Steven Fletcher, and Fernando Forestieri. If they play to their potential, the Owls have more than enough quality to seal the three points.
Wednesday have conceded 11 times at home, however, which should give confidence to the visitors. Paul Lambert’s side can also take confidence from their recent 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest, as well as their overall tally of 15 away goals.
Nevertheless, the added quality of Wednesday should prevail as it did at Molineux. Back the home side to win, but with Wolves grabbing a goal in the process.
BTTS & Sheffield Wednesday Win @ 31/10 with BetVictor
Carlisle United v Grimsby Town
The League Two title race is shaping up to provide plenty of excitement, and Carlisle United are undoubtedly one of the leading candidates for the crown. They’ll be looking to start 2017 in the same way that they’ve performed throughout the first half of 2016-17, and that’s with a win.
Keith Curle’s Cumbrians have been superb at Brunton Park this season but, while they remain unbeaten at home, they do tend to concede. This is something Grimsby must look to capitalise on by increasing their tally of 14 away goals. With Omar Bogle in attack, they’ve always got a chance.
Having said that, Carlisle’s attacking quality often bails them out. They’ve already scored 24 home goals, which is why they’ve won eight and drawn three. Even though Grimsby don’t concede that many, it’s hard to see Charlie Wyke and co. failing to score against a team that has lost each of its last two away games.
The teams shared a 2-2 draw at Blundell Park in November. There should be goals again here but, with home advantage on their side, we’re backing the hosts to edge it.
BTTS & Carlisle United Win @ 29/10 with BetVictor
A £10 treble returns £759.50 with BetVictor
