Soccer Picks

EPL Betting Picks 2021-22: Matchday 18

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Total Sports Picks
December 17, 2021

EPL Betting Picks 2021-22: Matchday 18

Covid once again has caused chaos for the EPL, with half of this weekend’s fixtures postponed. Even with only five games on, there’s plenty for fans to be excited about and we’ve got you covered with our best picks for Matchday 18!

Leeds United vs Arsenal

Saturday 12:30pm ET, Elland Road

An outstanding 2-0 win over West Ham during the week saw Arsenal leapfrog the Gunners into fourth place on the table, with a big chance to consolidate their position with Man United and West Ham’s games this weekend being postponed. Leeds come into this clash on the back of an embarrassing 7-0 defeat against Manchester City. The 7-0 loss is the latest in a horror run for Leeds, who have won only one out of their last seven games.

While Leeds are out of form, Arsenal have been in great touch, with nine wins from their last fourteen Premier League matches. The defence has been an area of major concern having conceded twelve goals in their last three games. The 32 goals Leeds have conceded is the third most in the Premier League, and coming up against an Arsenal outfit that has scored five goals in their last two games, this struggling defence is going to be put to the test.

Arsenal have had the wood over Leeds, with an 8-2-0 record their last ten games across all competitions against Leeds. The Gunners haven’t lost to Leeds since 2003. Arsenal have done an excellent job to work themselves into the top four, now comes the pressure to continue that consistency. The Gunners have an attacking style that can stretch a Leeds outfit that has been poor this season.

Wolverhampton vs Chelsea

Sunday 9:00am ET, Molineux Stadium

Chelsea slipped up once again during the week, failing to capitalise on a dominant performance against Everton. Chelsea registered 81% possession and wont the shot battle 23 to 5, but were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton. Wolverhampton put an end ended a four game winless streak with a tough 1-0 victory over Brighton.

Wolves’ attacking output has been poor all season ranking second last for goals scored this season, a remarkable stat given they’re in eighth position on the Premier League table. Wolves have scored only thirteen goals through seventeen games, and just two in their last seven games. In comparison, Chelsea have scored 39 goals this season, and have conceded only twelve – the second fewest in the league.

This Chelsea outfit is elite on both sides of the ball, and it’s hard to see Wolves finding a way to create enough opportunities to pose a threat. Chelsea will be seething after allowing a four point gap to open up between them and Manchester City, so expect a big response from Chelsea in this clash.

Tottenham vs Liverpool

Sunday 11:30am ET, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

The headline fixture of Matchday 18 is the final match of the weekend, as Spurs host Liverpool. Tottenham have suffered the most of any club with the current covid situation in the UK, having not played a game since December 6th. Nearly every team has played at least sixteen games, whereas Spurs have played just fourteen games. Liverpool extended their winning streak to six games with a 3-1 win over Newcastle during the week. Liverpool dominated the match registering 73% possession and 23 shots to Newcastle’s 4.

Liverpool’s outstanding attack looms as the key in this clash. Liverpool are the highest scoring team in the Premier League this season with 48 goals, while Tottenham rank are the fifth lowest scoring team in the league only fighting the back of the net 16 times this season. Liverpool’s defence has improved across the season, and has been the third best in the league, only allowing sixteen goals this campaign.

Tottenham are going to have a serious challenge trying to contain Liverpool’s all conquering front three. Mo Salah (15), Diogo Jota (9) and Sadio Mane (7) make up three of the top four goal scorers in the Premier League. Liverpool have enjoyed playing against Tottenham in recent years, with 6-1-0 in their last seven Premier League fixtures against Spurs. Liverpool haven’t lost to Spurs in the last four years since 2017, and given the form the Reds are currently in, it’s hard to see that changing.