Top Soccer Pick: Forest +½ Point Spread (-150) [1.50u for 1u] at Heritage Sports (visit our Heritage Sports Review)
We’ve studied the EPL odds to formulate the best betting picks at the main offshore sportsbooks for this weekend’s fixtures involving Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester United, Aston Villa vs. Burnley, and more.
Continue reading for this weekend’s top soccer betting picks from across the Premier League fixtures set to occur on December 30 and December 31.
Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester United FC
Match Info
- When: Saturday, December 30, 12:30 PM ET
- Where: The City Ground
- Win/Loss Record (Last 5): Forest L/L/D/L/L – Man Utd L/W/L/D/L
Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester United Stats, Odds, & Prediction
- Man Utd have won just 1 of their last 6 games in all competitions.
- Man Utd have conceded 10 goals in their last 6 games in all competitions.
Nottingham Not as Bad as Advertised
After a surprising 3-1 triumph over Newcastle, this was Nottingham's first victory of the month. Except for the 5-0 loss to Fulham, the results have not been terrible.
In addition to securing a valuable point against Wolves, their defeats to Everton and Bournemouth were both decided by a single goal. Furthermore, their other loss of the month occurred against an improving Tottenham.
Forest made the City Ground their stronghold during the previous campaign, and they will be determined to impress their supporters in their final game of the year. I wouldn’t oppose backing the hefty moneyline price to prevent loss to a United squad that has struggled on the road this year and has failed to win five of nine contests.
A Concerning Slump in Manchester
A 3-2 Boxing Day success against Aston Villa was a pleasant surprise for Manchester United, and supporters will anticipate that this victory can initiate a positive change in performance for the Red Devils; nevertheless, it is important not to overlook the outcomes prior to the triumph at Old Trafford.
In December, Erik ten Hag's team suffered defeats against Newcastle, Bournemouth, Bayern Munich, and West Ham in all competitions. However, they managed to secure a 2-1 victory over Chelsea and a 0-0 draw against Liverpool in their other two matches prior to Boxing Day.
The club supports Ten Hag as the manager, and it is accurate to state that the issues extend beyond the criticized Dutchman in the coaching area. The victory over Villa will alleviate some of the strain, but Manchester United has been burdened with several injuries and has struggled to handle the situation well.
EPL Matchday 20 Betting Odds & Predictions
Unsurprisingly, the EPL odds have placed the plus-money value at both ends, as neither squad can be trusted for this matchup.
Three of Manchester United's last four matches have finished with fewer than 2.5 goals, so a 1-1 draw appears to be a respectable correct score prediction, alongside a Forest point spread of plus-half a goal.
Score prediction: N’Ham Forest 1 – Man Utd 1
Soccer Pick: Forest +½ Point Spread (-150) [1.50u wager returns 1u of profit] at Heritage Sports
Aston Villa FC vs. Burnley FC
Match Info
- When: Saturday, December 30, 10:00 AM ET
- Where: Villa Park
- Win/Loss Record (Last 5): Villa L/D/W/D/W – Burnley L/W/L/D/L
Aston Villa vs. Burnley Stats, Odds, & Prediction
- Burnley have lost 5 of their last 7 EPL away games.
- Burnley have lost 4 of their last 6 EPL games by more than 1 goal.
- Villa have won 12 of their 14 home games in all competitions this term.
Reigniting Their EPL Title Chase
If Arsenal defeats West Ham United this evening, Emery's team could be four points behind his former club topping the division. Villa, who had their impressive 15-game winning streak in the Premier League broken by a draw to Sheffield United at Villa Park, is seeking redemption in Sunday’s New Year's Eve matchup.
The Lions must end a rather unattractive streak to strengthen their chances of winning the title. They have not won any of their last nine matches played at home on the final day of the year. In these matches, they have drawn four times and lost five times since their impressive 3-0 victory over Fulham two decades ago.
Relegation Continues to Loom
Aston Villa has been consistently earning points in their home matches this season, while Burnley continues to struggle at Turf Moor, as seen by their two-goal defeat against Liverpool on December 26.
The Clarets, currently positioned 19th, will not be able to escape the relegation zone until the year 2024 arrives. Everton, now in 17th position, have a five-point advantage. Yet if Sheffield United manages to defeat Manchester City, Everton may potentially finish the year in last place in the league.
However, Burnley secured four points out of a possible six in their recent away matches against Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion. This provides a small glimmer of hope for Burnley, considering their impressive record of avoiding defeat in their last four visits to Aston Villa's home ground. It is worth noting that Aston Villa emerged as 3-1 winners in their previous encounter at Turf Moor eight months ago.
EPL Matchday 20 Betting Odds & Predictions
The EPL betting odds have placed Aston Villa as the significant betting favorite, and it’s hard to argue the oddsmaker's stance. Despite failing to overcome Burnley at Villa Park since 2010, this year’s squad under the leadership of Emery is a different beast.
With a 15-game win streak at Villa Park obtained before the Sheffield tie, we do not doubt that Kompany’s men will struggle to handle Villa in the final third. In addition, Burnley has the second-worst defense (38 conceded) in the EPL, and we expect a two or three-goal deficit can cover the point spread.
Score prediction: Aston Villa 3 – Burnley 0
Soccer Pick: Aston Villa -1 ½ Point Spread (+108) [1u wager returns 1.08u of profit] at Heritage Sports
Extra Premier League Bets to Beat the Bookie
Tottenham Hotspur FC vs. AFC Bournemouth
Sunday, December 31, 09:00 AM ET
- Tottenham Moneyline (-143 odds) at Everygame (visit our Everygame Review)
Liverpool FC vs. Newcastle United
Sunday, January 01, 03:00 PM ET
- Both Teams to Score (-175 odds) at Everygame
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
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