Stoppage of play: Saturday, February 18, at 3:59 p.m
1. Newcastle – Liverpool, 1X
Very interesting match from the Premier League, where it is difficult to know if Liverpool’s last win was a one-off or if the team has woken up now. It is at least clear that “Pool” are really weak away from home, with a scoreline of 2-2-6, and that Newcastle have not lost a single home game (scoreline of 6-5-0) this season. We don’t think the streak will be broken, but could very well see a draw ahead. We play 1X here.
2. Chelsea – Southampton, 1X
Chelsea played a surprisingly good game against Dortmund last time out, but still lost. It is not wanted for the London club at the moment, and it is clear that they have problems with scoring goals. Against the old Southampton, only victory should count, but those with a good memory will remember that Southampton actually won the autumn match against Chelsea. Chelsea have three straight crosses, and are not to be trusted at the moment. We play the 1 but guard with the X. 1X
3. Nottingham Forest – Manchester City, 2
Manchester City stepped up when it was needed most and defeated Arsenal in Wednesday’s league final. Now they face a much easier task, against newcomer Nottingham Forest. We believe that City will ride on the victory last time, by winning again. Nottingham have had a strong season but fell flat against Fulham last time out, and won’t find it any easier here. We leave the 2 alone.
4. Everton – Leeds, 12
Everton won immediately after new manager Sean Dyche was appointed, but then suffered another defeat in Dyche’s second game, away to Liverpool. However, Liverpool away is anything but easy, and you can probably make another, good match when Leeds is the opposition here.
Leeds are also on fire, just one position and one point above Everton. We think this game can go either way, especially given that it’s hard to know where you have Everton after the change of manager, playing a “gubbardering”, 12.
5. Brighton – Fulham, 1
The two big surprise teams of the season meet at The American Express Community Stadium this afternoon. Brighton is the team that impressed the most, and even though they are on the same points, we must remember that Brighton have played two fewer games. Here, the home team is not actually beaten very hard, and with only 56 percent of the Swedish people, we see value in the spike.
6. Brentford – Crystal Palace, 1
Brentford continue to deliver good results, and last played 0-0 away to Arsenal. At home, they have three straight wins, including one against Liverpool. For Crystal Palace, things look darker, and the team has not won a single match in the year 2023. Here we think Brentford will win, and we single the 1st.
7. Wolverhampton – Bournemouth, 1
Wolves have won three of their last four games, and after what has been a lackluster season look to have sorted things out now. Bournemouth have nine straight games without a win, and are second last in the table. Here we think Wolves will take another win, and we nail the 1st.
8. Blackburn Rovers – Swansea, 2
Swansea don’t look very good in terms of play, and here you are up against a Swansea who play really well and who are actually the team in the entire Championship with the most possession. Here, in our opinion, it is an almost completely open match in terms of outcome, but the Swedish people have really favored the home team Blackburn. Then we play the 2, which is only drawn to 24 percent despite a 36 percent chance of winning according to the odds.
9. Hull – Preston, X2
Two middle teams meet, in what will be an even battle. The teams are on the same score, and both have half the form curve. However, Preston is one of the league’s best away teams, with an 8-4-5 record on the road. Among other things, they won last season’s away game against Hull. We still choose to stick with the tied result, and thus play X2.
10. Luton – Burnley, 1X2
Top match between fourth-placed Luton and top-of-the-table Burnley. Burnley, who have lined up victories throughout the season, only got 1-1 at home against Watford last time, after they then equalized in the 95th minute. You are already more or less ready for promotion, and maybe a little comfort can sneak into the team? Here you meet a strong Luton who are fighting for a playoff place, and who will be anything but comfortable. It feels like it can go a little either way, and this match we are guarding.
11. Rotherham v Coventry, X2
Rotherham are fighting for survival, while Coventry are struggling to enter the playoff battle seriously. Coventry are the stronger team here, but they haven’t been very consistent this season and struggle away from home. We choose to half-guard, and play X2.
12. Sunderland – Bristol City, 1
Sunderland won the autumn meeting against the newcomer Bristol with 3-2, and here most things say that they will win again. The team is higher up in the table – in a playoff spot – and has more to play for. Bristol is in pretty good shape, but we don’t think that’s enough here. We play the 1st.
13. Wigan – Norwich, 2
Newcomers Wigan will have a tough time here, when facing a Norwich side with a clearly stronger player base. The Canaries are coming off a confident win against Hull, and we expect them to win again. We play the 2nd.