English Premier League (EPL) Best Bets: Soccer Picks, Predictions to Consider on DraftKings Sportsbook for January 16, 17 and 18

Manchester United’s trip to Liverpool on Sunday is not only the standout fixture of the weekend, it’s the biggest fixture of the season so far. And for the first time in the history of the EPL, the two giants of English football meet with both sides occupying the top two places in the standings. Between them, they have been crowned champions of England 39 times and victory for United would open up a six-point lead over the defending champions. Anfield may be empty because of COVID-19, but the contest promises to be full of drama. Here are some soccer bets that stand out to me on DraftKings Sportsbook for the upcoming English Premier League (EPL) games.

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Wolves v West Brom

Under 2.5 goals (-157)

Wolves have been one of the biggest disappointments of the season so far that promised lots but is in danger of fizzling out. Nuno Espirito Santo received plenty of plaudits last season for guiding the Molineux side to a seventh place finish and a top four challenge was expected this time around. Wolves head into this game 14th in the table. West Brom’s ambitions were not as lofty, as staying in the league was their primary goal. That aim is fading fast after back-to-back losses by a combined 9-0 score leaves them in grave danger of being relegated. They’re currently 19th, six points from safety. This game should get Wolves’ season back on track after five EPL games without a win. An early goal should erase any nerves, but this may not be a high-scoring game.

Fulham v Chelsea

Under 2.5 goals (+112)

Don’t be surprised if this contest ends in a draw. Fulham seem determined to grind their way to safety by drawing every game they play. Their last five EPL games have ended in ties and for good measure, their FA Cup tie at Queens Park Rangers finished goalless before they won the tie in extra-time. Chelsea has taken one point from from their last three EPL games and they will demand nothing less than a win from this fixture against their west London neighbors. Fulham has not won any of the last 18 meetings with Chelsea and Scott Parker’s side will happily take a sixth successive stalemate. Chelsea will be grateful to win this game by the slimmest of margins. For that reason, under 2.5 goals might be the bet worth considering.

Sheffield United v Tottenham

Under 2.5 goals (-130)

If this fixture was played a month ago, the smart money would be on an away win. But recent events have made this contest a much closer game than it should be. Tottenham’s title hopes were dealt another blow when they were the latest side to be frustrated by Fulham in a 1-1 draw. It was the fifth game this season the Spurs failed to win after scoring the opening goal. Tottenham has lost five of the last six EPL second halves they have played and if that trend continues, they might struggle to secure a top four finish. Sheffield United set all sorts of unwanted records by failing to win any of their opening 17 EPL games but they got their first win at home to Newcastle on Tuesday to keep alive their slim hopes of avoiding relegation. It was the fifth straight game in which under 2.5 goals landed while three of Tottenham’s last four EPL games have produced two goals or fewer.

Liverpool v Man United

Under 2.5 goals (+120)

The standout fixture this weekend takes place at Anfield where Manchester United are the visitors. Remarkably, United tops the standings by three points following their 1-0 win at Burnley on Tuesday. Liverpool’s league form has taken a dip with just two points gained in their last three league games. As for United, they are the league’s most in-form side with 29 points won from a possible 33. That form has seen Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side wipe out a nine-point deficit on their rivals and turn it into a three-point advantage at the top of the standings. History suggests that meetings between the top sides are low-scoring affairs and this could fall into that category. United will happily take a 0-0 draw and move on, while Liverpool may show caution as the last thing they want is to fall six points behind their bitter rivals.

Arsenal v Newcastle

Arsenal to win to nil (+125)

When these two sides have met in recent years, the games have followed a familiar pattern. Last weekend’s 2-0 win in the FA Cup was the fourth successive meeting in all competitions in which the Gunners have beaten Newcastle without conceding a goal. And with the form Newcastle are currently in, that pattern could continue on Monday. Without a win in their last seven league and cup games suggests Newcastle’s trip to the capital could be a fruitless one against an Arsenal side that extended its unbeaten run to five with a goalless draw at home to Crystal Palace on Thursday. Newcastle have dropped to 15th in the standings, a position held by Arsenal only a few weeks ago, and the Magpies are struggling for goals drawing blanks in three of their last four EPL games. Arsenal, who are now 11th, have not scored a league goal before the 23rd minute since the opening day win at Fulham. If Arsenal can find an early goal, then they should be able to see the game out for another valuable win and continue their climb up the standings.

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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is CharliePMullan) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.

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