By Our Reporter
Can SBA’s Mr. Predictor get all five predictions right this week? Here is a review of this Weekend’s matches, including Arsenal v Man City, and a Liverpool home game against Watford. You can bet on these and more at www.sba.co.ug
Liverpool 2 v 0 Watford – Saturday 14 December – Premier League – Liverpool Win with 0:1 Handicap (1.50)
This will be Liverpool’s last Premier League game before they go to the Club World Cup, so they will want to leave with a win. They currently have an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League and they can’t risk Leicester closing that gap. The Reds have won their last three games by at least two goals, though, while bottom side Watford have only scored once in their last four matches. They have lost 5-0 on their last two visits to Anfield and, although I don’t expect the same score this time, I can only see a straightforward Home Win.
Mainz 1 v 2 Borussia Dortmund – Saturday 14 December – Bundesliga – Over 2.5 Goals (1.45)
Dortmund can climb to within two points of top with victory here. They’re third in the Bundesliga right now and are on a run of three straight wins in all competitions. They have won 2-1 on each of their last two trips to Mainz, who have lost six of their last ten league games. I have to back another Dortmund Win here and I expect some goals. There have been Over 2.5 Goals in eight of Mainz’s last ten games, and in each of Dortmund’s last nine games overall.
Real Sociedad 0 v 2 Barcelona – Saturday 14 December – La Liga – Barcelona Win (1.65)
This season is going better than expected for Sociedad. They are now fourth in the standings, having only lost one of their last five games. This will be a true test, though. They used to have a very strong home record against Barcelona, but they have now lost seven times in a row to the reigning champions. Barcelona have won their last seven games in all competitions, including against Inter Milan in midweek. Several key players including Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique were rested for that game but they are expected to return here. I’m backing an Away Win.
Wolves 1 v 2 Tottenham – Sunday 15 December – Premier League – Both Teams to Score (1.70)
This should be a great game. Wolves are unbeaten in their last 11 league games but their defence has not been as solid as expected. Both Teams to Score has been a winning bet in eight of those games, in fact. Tottenham have won three of their four league games since Jose Mourinho returned to London. They lost at Bayern in midweek but Harry Kane and Dele Alli were among the players to miss out ahead of this game. Both of these players are in form and I think they will drive Tottenham to another win.
Arsenal 1 v 3 Man City – Sunday 15 December – Premier League – Man City Win and Over 2.5 Goals (1.70)
Arsenal’s win against West Ham on Monday was their first victory in the Premier League since October 6th. I can’t see them making it two in a row. It’s been four years since they beat Man City in 90 minutes and they have lost their last five games against Pep Guardiola’s side. They also haven’t won any of their last five games at the Emirates. City have dropped points in their last two league games and the title is out of sight. However, they returned to winning ways with a 4-1 victory over Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday. I think they will follow that with another three points.