EFL Cup: Fulham Are Still Alive And Kicking

Fulham vs Liverpool

EFL Cup favourites Liverpool are bound for Craven Cottage on Wednesday when they meet Fulham in the semi-final second leg with the tie still very much in the balance.

Jurgen Klopp’s Reds won the first leg 2-1 and are at SBOTOP odds of 1.72 to do the double and march to Wembley for the showcase final in February. But Marco Silva’s Fulham are still in the game and are a hard side to read at times, beating title hopefuls one week and then losing games they’d expect to win the next.  

The Cottagers come into the game on the back of a 1-0 defeat away to Chelsea while Liverpool thumped Bournemouth 4-0 at the Vitality Stadium. Both teams are in FA Cup action at the weekend; Fulham at home to Newcastle United and Liverpool at home to Norwich City.

It’s a packed agenda but this tie is a biggie…every fan wants a trip to Wembley and they are now just 100 minutes away.         

Talking Points

Fine margins cost Fulham dearly

Since beating Arsenal on New Years Eve and negotiating their FA Cup Round Three clash against Rotherham Marco Silva’s team has lost twice, once in the first leg of this tie and then, at the weekend, Fulham’s visit to Chelsea was decided by a penalty converted by Carlton Cole in first half injury time. The Cottagers had more shots on target but they couldn’t break the Blues’ defence down and that made it four league defeats in five, before which Fulham whacked West Ham United 5-0.

The Cottagers’ performances have been better than their results. They were really impressive when they met Liverpool in the league and only when Trent Alexander-Arnold scored an 88^th minute winner did they finally succumb. And in the first leg of this tie the Cottagers led for much of the game until quick-fire goals from Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo turned the match on its head.

Silva will put out as strong a side as he can, with Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi away at the Africa Cup of Nations. Palhinha will lead the midfield, where Fulham will aim to stop the supply to Liverpool’s strikers, and he will be partnered by Harrison Reed or Tom Cairney, while former Liverpool youngster Harry Wilson, who can play out wide as a replacement for Iwobi, will be pushing for a start.        

Nunez will be itching to play   

The EFL Cup 2024 betting odds price Liverpool at 1.10 to make it through this semi-final and they are hot favourites to win the first silverware of the season, but Klopp will match Silva with a strong side and I suspect he will see the upcoming match against Norwich as an opportunity to rest players.  

Darwin Nunez celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Bournemouth

We expected goals when Liverpool met Bournemouth on Sunday but not necessarily all in one end but Liverpool’s front men were outstanding in the second half. Darwin Nunez is loved by the Reds fans, despite not scoring as many goals as he or they would like but he showed just what he could do against the Cherries and he’ll be confident of making some more EFL Cup 2024 highlights if he gets the nod.

Nunez has made plenty of assists this term but he grabbed an impressive double on Sunday, the second a clever finish in injury time and there were two goals also for Diogo Jota, who was preferred to Cody Gakpo, with Mo Salah away at AFCON. 

Gakpo, who has already scored four goals in the competition, will hope to start against Fulham and either Jota or Luis Diaz could make way, while in midfield Dominik Szoboszlai is nearing a return after shaking off a hamstring injury.  

History

With 21 wins to seven Liverpool have had much the better of their encounters with Fulham and they have won the last three, including the first leg of this tie and the 4-3 thriller at Anfield in December.

In terms of recent form the Cottagers have been patchy, winning two and losing four while the Reds come into the game on the back of a five match winning run.  

Betting Tip

Fulham VS Liverpool

January 25, 04:00 (GMT+8)

First Half 1X2 Draw @2.28

Fulham are priced at 3.78 to get the win they so desperately want while the Double Chance, Fulham or Draw is at 2.11; so Silva’s boys have an uphill struggle. The Reds are five points clear at the top of the Premier League and have only lost once in domestic competition this season.

I think Liverpool will come through this tie but Fulham have shown twice they can push them hard and I expect the hosts to still be in the game when the second half starts.

FA Cup: Spurs and City Both have a Huge Prize in Mind

Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City

Manchester City’s FA Cup defence continues in North London on Friday when Pep Guardiola takes his champions to meet Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur.

The Sky Blues are hoping to repeat their treble winning season and re-write the record books and they are in good shape in the Premier League and Champions League. Meanwhile, Tottenham have been playing superb football under their Aussie coach and their fans are as hopeful as ever of ending their trophy drought which stretches back to 2008.

City have won seven league titles and three FA Cups is that time, plus six Carabao Cups; but Guardiola and his men want more and this match promises to be a cracker.       

The FA Cup 2024 betting odds have installed the Sky Blues as favourites to win the trophy at a SBOTOP price of 4.00 and if City win this game, you will see that offer fall. The champions come into the game on the back of a 3-2 victory away to Newcastle United while Spurs drew 2-2 against Manchester United at Old Trafford. 

There are some mouth-watering clashes to come this weekend, with Chelsea hosting Aston Villa and Fulham welcoming Newcastle United; but this is the tie of the round.    

Talking Points

Richarlison finally settles at Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison in action against Burnley goalkeeper Arijanet Muric in the FA Cup third round

Since his £50m transfer from Everton in 2022, Brazil star Richarlison has struggled on and off the pitch. He only scored one league goal in his first full campaign at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and has suffered mental health issues since, seeking professional help early in the 2023/24 campaign. But the 26 year old is in a good place now and he’s clearly enjoying his football. He looks as lively as ever, confident on the ball and his focus on goal scoring is as sharp as ever. Richarlison’s opener in the 2-2 draw with the Red Devils was his sixth goal in six appearances and now he looks every bit the £50m striker.       

The arrival of Timo Werner, on loan from Red Bull Leipzig, has given Spurs more options up front and he put in a strong performance on his debut, making the assist for Rodrigo Bentancur’s equaliser. And the promise of form from both Richarlison and Werner will take some pressure from the shoulders of skipper Heung-Min Son when he returns from the Asian Cup. The return from long term injury of Bentancur is a huge boost too; he is a commanding presence in the middle of the park and gives this exciting Spurs team some steel.     

Bodies back for Sky Blues  

Manchester City enter the second half of the campaign in good shape, second in the Premier League and with a game in hand on leaders Liverpool. And the worrying thing for their rivals is that some key players are coming back from injury. Kevin de Bruyne had been out since the opening game of the campaign but the midfield maestro made a re-appearance in the 5-0 FA Cup win over Huddersfield, before putting in a man-of-the-match performance in the win over Newcastle, scoring a stunning goal and then assisting the winner.

The pre-match FA Cup 2024 news coming out of the Etihad suggests another first teamer could be in the reckoning as utility man John Stones has returned to training following a lay-off with an ankle injury, picked up during a win over Everton late in December. With centre back Manuel Akanji still sidelined, the return of Stones, who joined his teammates in warm weather training in Abu Dhabi, is a boost and he could feature against Spurs on Friday. But the frustration goes on for top scorer Erling Haaland who has been out for six weeks with a foot injury and the big Norwegian is apparently getting rather bored.      

The Sky Blues have already won the FIFA World Club Championship, beating Fluminese in the final. They are on the hunt for three more trophies and when Haaland joins the returning players Manchester City’s charge could become irresistible.    

History

Spurs have won 29 of the head-to-head encounters, with Manchester City winning 21 and there have been nine draws in all competitions since 1993.

The last meeting, at the Etihad Stadium in December ended in a 3-3 draw, as Dejan Kulusevski scored a 90^th minute equaliser.   

City are unbeaten in nine games and have won the last six while Tottenham have won four, drawn one and lost one of the last six. But the Sky Blues have failed to win on their last five visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Spurs have won four home games in a row.

Betting Tip

Tottenham Hotspur VS Manchester City

January 27, 04:00 (GMT +8)

Total Goals 4-6 @ 2.58

Even though Spurs are so strong at home, they are priced at 4.17 to win this game with City at 1.56 and the draw at 3.76.

I think there will be goals in this one and a 3-2 win for City would pay big… at odds of 18.38.   

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 23-Jan-2024 at 1:57 PM

Premier League: Perils of Points Looms Large & Hodgson Deserves Respect

It’s long been the case that time is of the essence in the unforgiving environment of the Premier League.

That will certainly ring true again for some between now and the end of the season with near weekly Premier League highlights regularly punctuated by pressures, controversies and, who knows, perhaps one of two managerial casualties.

Yet now there is another threat to throw into the mix; one which adds another dimension to the SBOTOP Premier League betting odds – the peril of points deductions.

The two clubs who must be most concerned right now are Everton and Nottingham Forest who were recently referred to an independent commission over alleged spending breaches.

Both clubs, along with each of their top-flight rivals, were required to submit accounts for the financial year that ended last summer by December 31 so the league could review the figures.

What happens next is anyone’s guess but, if found guilty by the commission, punishments could well be on the way.

In the case of Everton, further punishment.

November’s announcement that the Toffees had been docked 10 points (subject to appeal) had barely subsided when it emerged that the Merseysiders could face another deduction.

Reeling from the unprecedented punishment two months ago, they rallied superbly, winning four games in the top flight and drawing the other, but now the threat of relegation looms large again.

After breaching rules which say clubs can only overspend by £105 million over three seasons – they were ruled to be £19.5 million in excess of that – surely, they cannot be hit any harder?

It is another storyline in the all-consuming, hostile world of top flight football in England.

While we await the outcome of that, it appears the league’s profitability and sustainability rules are catching up on clubs higher up the standings too.

Certainly, it would appear billionaire owners are not preventing financial regulations from reaching Tyneside.

It’s widely reported Newcastle United need to sell before they can buy and that could see their captain and/or a fan favourite leaving for pastures new before the month is out.

As I write, the club is said to have turned down a bid from Bayern Munich for Kieran Trippier.

Newcastle’s first signing following their Saudi Arabian-backed takeover two years ago, and the first under manager Eddie Howe, has proved an inspired arrival and they will be reluctant to let him depart.

Perhaps then, they can stave off financial scrutiny by selling Miguel Almirón, supposedly the subject of interest from the Saudi Arabian team Al-Shabab.

If the Riyadh club comes up with an attractive offer for a player who turns 30 next month, it will leave Newcastle’s majority Saudi owners with a dilemma.

Selling Almirón would certainly make financial sense as they strive to create room to invest in new players while remaining within the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.

How Crystal Palace must wish they could have some of Newcastle’s issues.

Roy Hodgson given ultimatum to save his job after discussions with Crystal Palace chairman

It’s less than a year since veteran Roy Hodgson came in and turned around their fortunes, having an instant impact.

Despite one or two ludicrously suggesting his appointment, as a replacement for the sacked Patrick Vieira, demonstrated a lack of faith in black managers, let’s not forget Vieira won just one of his final 14 league games.

However, there can be short memories in this game.

Ten months on and some fans of the Eagles are showing a lack of respect towards the septuagenarian who is surely in his final job in football.

It wasn’t Hodgson who crossed the line at the Emirates on Saturday lunchtime and was responsible for naïve defending.

It wasn’t Hodgson who decided to down tools twice with seconds left on the clock which turned a disappointing but respectable 3-0 reverse into an embarrassing 5-0 hiding.

The reaction of supporters who held up banners criticising Palace’s direction during the defeat at Arsenal will have hurt chairman Steve Parish in particular.

“Wasted potential on and off the pitch. Weak decisions taking us backwards,” stated one banner, aimed at the chairman, although it was Hodgson who had to answer the barrage of questions about his own future after the match.

Injuries to key players such as Michael Olise and Cheick Doucouré, who is out for the entire campaign, have laid bare the lack of investment in the past few seasons and sacking the manager would be too easy. He deserves respect.

From Newcastle to Nottingham, Everton to the Eagles, it is clear that each and every club is in a different moment right now with different pressures, but that clock continues to tick nevertheless.

I suppose that is why the Premier League is such a worldwide spectacle – on and off the pitch.

This message was edited by SBOTOP on 24-Jan-2024 at 12:58 PM

FA Cup: The Blades and Seagulls Tussle at Bramall Lane

Sheffield United vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton are set to play their second cup game this month, as they’ll visit Sheffield United at Bramall Lane this Saturday in the fourth round of the ongoing FA Cup.

The Seagulls managed to dispatch Stoke City in the previous round in what was a high-scoring affair (4-2), but their momentum was slightly halted after they were held to a goalless draw by the Wolves last night.

Sheffield United got this far in a similar fashion, as they routed Gillingham 4-0 earlier this month. But like Brighton, they were also held to a draw by West Ham United last time out.

Despite the talent gap between these two sides, this particular fixture has been close in the past few years, so there’s a possibility that an upset is on the cards.

Talking Points

Diaz off to a good start at Sheffield United

Sheffield United’s Ben Brereton Diaz celebrates after scoring during their Premier League match against West Ham

Ben Brereton Diaz is back in English football, and he has made himself at home right away at Bramall Lane by scoring in his Premier League debut against West Ham United on Sunday. Prior to that, he made his Blades debut as a substitute in their FA Cup game against Gillingham.

Diaz’s goal against the Hammers was his first club goal since May, when he notched a brace for Blackburn on the final day of the 2022-23 Championship campaign.

The Chilean forward moved to Villarreal in a four-year deal last summer, but it hasn’t worked out for him there because he only started in two La Liga games while coming off the bench 12 times, and he hasn’t scored at all.

Diaz’s move to Sheffield United is via a loan agreement they had with the La Liga side, which will last for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.

Adding Diaz to their ranks is a shrewd move to further strengthen Sheffield United’s attacking corps because he gives the likes of Oli McBurnie, James McAtee, and Cameron Archer competition up front.

With more firepower at Chris Wilder’s disposal, maybe there’s a chance that the Blades can claw their way out of the Premier League relegation zone.

Pedro and Groß will be key for Brighton

Brighton’s goalless draw against the Wolves means that they have failed to score at home for the first time this season, which is a bad look considering they dominated possession in the said match.

The Seagulls clearly miss the likes of Kaoru Mitoma and Solly March, and with the two of them still unavailable, head coach Roberto De Zerbi will have to get creative in churning out FA Cup 2024 highlights from the others.

Facundo Buonanotte is one of them, but for this particular game,

Pedro is currently the team’s leading scorer with 15 goals. De Zerbi has spoken highly of Pedro, and the manager wants him to stay aggressive.

Moreover, Groß has been involved in five goals in his last six FA Cup appearances, including two assists against Stoke City.

History

Sheffield United and Brighton will meet in the FA Cup for the third time ever, and these two clubs have split their two previous meetings, with the Seagulls winning the first one in the first round in 1921-22, while the Blades won in their third round replay in 1986-87.

Interestingly, Brighton are winless in seven league matches against Sheffield United (D3, L4) since winning 2-1 at Bramall Lane in January 2005 during a Championship contest.

And the Blades managed to progress from each of their last four FA Cup fourth round ties since losing in a replay to Preston in 2014-15.

Under Roberto De Zerbi, Brighton have won all three road matches in the FA Cup, which is their joint-longest away winning run in the tournament since they last did so in December 1932.

Betting Tip 

Sheffield United VS Brighton & Hove Albion

January 27, 23:00 (GMT+8)

Brighton Asian Handicap -1.00 @2.02

The SBOTOP FA Cup 2024 odds have Brighton moving on to the next round, as they’re priced at 1.53, while Sheffield United are 4.83 underdogs, and a draw is at 3.81 odds in the 1X2 market.

There have been zero clean sheets in three of their last five meetings, so we’re also confident with Total Goals 2-3 at 1.97, although Under 2.75 at 1.99 is also a huge possibility.

A Correct Score 1-1 – the result of their Premier League encounter last November – is on offer at 7.60. But if you fancy the Blades winning this one, then take a look at Correct Score 1-0 in favour of Sheffield United since it has a staggering price of 16.00.

This message was edited by SBOTOP on 25-Jan-2024 at 1:51 PM

FA Cup: Can Villa Halt Chelsea’s Momentum?

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

Cup action returns to Stamford Bridge on Friday when FA Cup: Chelsea vs Aston Villa is the mouth-watering action on offer. 

This is a clash between two teams with starkly contrasting form in the first half of the season, but there has been a notable shift in recent weeks. Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, who have been one of the form sides of 2023 and have been jostling for the top spot in the Premier League, have won just once in four games and are now in fourth place and looking over their shoulders.

Chelsea had a dreadful opening three months of the campaign, but three wins in four and progress in the cups signal a change in fortune, and Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues are upwardly mobile and are primed for strong FA Cup 2024 results.

Villa come into the game on the back of a goalless draw away to Everton, while Chelsea have been busy in cup action this week, hammering Middlesbrough 6-1 to reach the Carabao Cup final, and the latest Chelsea vs Aston Villa betting odds say that ‘Blue will be the Colour’ again on Friday. 

Talking Points

Poch is getting it right at Chelsea

After a difficult start to his career as Chelsea boss Pochettino’s team finished strongly in 2023 and they have continued to progress in the new year. The Chelsea manager rotated his squad and entrusted his young players against Michael Carrick’s Boro, who had won the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg 1-0.

Boro captain Jonny Howson scored an own goal to set the young Blues on their way, and they were four up by the break with goals from Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, and Axel Disasi. Palmer bagged a second, and Noni Madueke scored a late sixth before brave Boro snatched a consolation.

The Young Blues were dynamic and have brought Pochettino within 90 minutes of winning his first trophy in England. And credit goes to the manager, who is working tirelessly to mould a team out of a huge group of expensively assembled players.

It’s starting to work.

And the Chelsea squad will strengthen when some key players return. Summer marquee signing Christopher Nkunku has been desperately unlucky, having just recovered from a long term knee injury he has picked up a hip problem. Wing back Reece James is a long term absentee and striker Nicolas Jackson is at AFCON.

On the plus side attacking midfielder Palmer has been superb since his arrival from Manchester City and he gives the Blues a match-winning quality. The SBOTOP FA Cup 2024 odds say they can beat Aston Villa and I’m inclined to agree.

Villa sweating on Torres

Emery’s Aston Villa have played some scintillating, attacking football this season and often on the break. But two of the biggest factors in Villa’s rise, from bottom half side to Champions League hopefuls, is Emery’s managerial and tactical skills and the signing of Spanish centre back Pau Torres.

Aston Villa defender Pau Torres has suffered an ankle injury during their Premier League match against Brentford

He has been imperious in defence and his distribution is excellent, launching attacks with accurate long balls. Torres has been trying to shake off a minor injury, and he made a return against Burnley, the one league game Villa have won recently, before missing out against Middlesbrough and Everton.

Confidence in the back four helps the attacking group to thrive and while Villa’s trip to Everton was never going to be easy, a 0-0 draw was a disappointing return. Emery has some speedy and skilful strikers up front, led by Ollie Watkins but he is looking to strengthen in that area too.

Villa have been tracking Middlesbrough striker Morgan Rogers, who scored a beauty of a consolation against Chelsea on Tuesday night, and the Championship side are willing to sell at a reported fee of £10 million.

But for Friday, the Villains’ key players are Watkins and Torres, if he makes it.

History

Both teams come into the game in reasonably good shape, but the Blues are stronger. Chelsea have five wins and one defeat from the last six games, while Villa have won three, all by a one-goal margin, drawn two, and lost one.

The Blues have had the better of the head-to-head Chelsea vs Aston Villa results, with 32 wins to 16 in all competitions since 1993, but the Villains have won the last three, including a 1-0 triumph at Stamford Bridge in September. But Chelsea have since made their home a fortress, unbeaten in eight and with six consecutive victories.

Betting Tip

Chelsea VS Aston Villa

January 27, 03:45 (GMT+8)

1X2 Chelsea @ 2.12

Aston Villa are at odds of 3.00 to win this tie and the draw is 3.00 as well. This is a tough game to call; but I’m going with momentum and home advantage to give Chelsea and their manager another route to silverware.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 25-Jan-2024 at 1:54 PM

FA Cup: Fun for Fulham would mean Horror for Howe

Fulham vs Newcastle United

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle make the long trip down to West London on Saturday for a fascinating clash when Craven Cottage will be packed to the rafters to watch FA Cup: Fulham vs Newcastle United. 

Newcastle come into the game on the back of a 3-2 defeat at home to Manchester City and they have had a week to prepare, while their hosts are in EFL Cup action in midweek when they take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final. Only three places separate the two teams in the league, the Cottagers are 13^th and Newcastle tenth, and that’s a position which puts Howe under a lot more pressure than Fulham boss Marco Silva.

A home win on Saturday would continue the feel-good factor at the Cottage, while it could spell disaster for Howe and his Magpies. 

Talking Points

Jimenez resurgence can fire Fulham to success

There were plenty of worried faces around Craven Cottage when Alexandar Mitrovic headed off to Saudi Arabia in the summer and the first few weeks of the campaign brought a mixture of flowing football and wastefulness in front of goal. The recruitment of former Wolves striker Raul Jimenez looked like a cut price option but the player, seriously injured when he was at Molineux, has looked like his old self over the past couple of months, leading the line and giving defences plenty to think about.

The Mexican notched in Fulham’s defeat to Aston Villa in November and, after scoring less than a goal a game from their first 12 outings, the Cottagers went on to score 16 in their next four, including 5-0 wallopings of  Nottingham Forest and a very strong West Ham side. Now the 32-year-old is top scoring with five goals while co-striker Bobby Decordova Reid and winger Willian has four. He scored the opener in Fulham’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal with Reid scoring the second and both are certain to line up against the Magpies.  

The Fulham vs Newcastle United betting odds say Fulham will have to work hard to beat the Geordies but Silva is ambitious and his team always plays with confidence: “Last season we were promoted and we played in the FA Cup quarter final and our aim is always to go further,” he says. And his captain Tom Cairney is equally excited by the prospect of cup success, admitting that he thinks about leading the team out at Wembley.

Money can’t help Newcastle right now

Eddie Howe is in a precarious position following Newcastle United’s recent slump

While the Saudi investment and Howe’s superb management helped the Magpies to avoid relegation in 2022, and then qualify for the Champions League in 2023, the Premier League’s Financial Fair Play rules are starting to bite and, as Everton have already found out the authorities seem to have, belatedly, found some teeth. And the timing is isn’t great for Newcastle who, over half way through the season are 14 points off the top four and 19^th in the Premier League form table. The league’s profitability and sustainability rules could mean Newcastle will have to sell, and reports in the UK press have been circulating that suggest influential wingback Kieran Trippier could be on his way, with Bundesliga giants FC Bayern making a move for the England star. 

Howe is in the unfortunate situation that he might have to make some sales before he can buy and he is already struggling to use the loan market to make reinforcements. A long term injury to Joelinton is another blow and defensive problems have seen the Magpies concede ten goals in the last four games; the only respite being a 3-0 Cup win over local rivals Sunderland.

In my SBOTOP preview last week I predicted Manchester City would heap more misery on the Magpies and so they did; but not until Newcastle went into a 2-1 lead. This is a team which can play great football when it clicks and with attacking options including Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron they can hurt any side. But it is Howe’s team which is hurting at the moment.     

History

The head-to-head Fulham vs Newcastle United results are matched at 14 wins each in all competitions since 2001, but the Magpies have won the last four encounters, including a 3-0 win at St James’ Park just before Christmas, when they scored three second half goals after Raul Jimenez had been sent off early in the game.

This has been a happy hunting ground for the Magpies as the Cottagers’ last home win against Newcastle came back in 2016.    

In terms of recent form, Fulham have two wins and four defeats from the last six games while Newcastle have won one and lost five.

Betting Tip

Fulham VS Newcastle United

January 28, 03:00 (GMT+8)

Fulham Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.16

Fulham are at 2.66 to win this game with the draw at 3.08 and Newcastle at 2.22; so the Geordies have the edge with the SBOTOP odds. Howe has longer to prepare and that is in his favour, but I think the pressure on Newcastle to win will be a huge weight on their shoulders and Fulham could take advantage.     

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 25-Jan-2024 at 1:56 PM

The FA Cup Brings Back Rare Black Country Derby

West Bromwich Albion vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

With a rivalled past running through their veins, the FA Cup showdown between West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers will grace the football world once again with a proper Black Country Derby.

The Baggies advanced to the 4th round of the FA Cup after thrashing National League outfit Aldershot Town with a 4-1 score line. Meanwhile, Wolves took the longer route, having to face the resilient Brentford in the 3rd round and in the 3rd round replays.

Nonetheless, these rivals will once again share the pitch and will have a chance to finally settle their last derby, which ended in a 1-1 draw way back in 2021.

There are still 32 teams left in the FA Cup with notable matchups in place, but the Black Country derby will definitely squeeze its way into the FA Cup 2024 news outlets all over the football world.

PREMIER LEAGUE

Nottingham Forest

Arsenal

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Talking Points

Rayan Ait-Nouri back in time for the Black Country Derby

Gary O’Neil openly expressed his praises for his 22-year-old ace, Ait-Nouri. But his exclaims were hurriedly muted when the left-back departed the club earlier in the month to join Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations.

“He has an incredible talent and ability, and I feel the biggest improvement can be made with him just by coaching and him understanding his roles and responsibilities better for each game,” O’Neil stated.

At only 22 years of age, Ait-Nouri is already displaying skill and maturity in a position that requires immense poise and football IQ.

His stellar showing with Wolverhampton even piqued the interest of multiple Champions League-calibre outfits such as Arsenal, Liverpool, and even Ligue 1 champions PSG.

Ait-Nouri poses as much importance to the Wolves as he does for Algeria. Unfortunately for Les Fennecs, their aspirations for a deep run in the Africa Cup of Nations were cut short after a disappointing run in the group stages.

Algeria finished dead last in their cluster with a 0-2-1 record, forcing an early exit from the tournament. But Algeria’s woes turned out to be Wolverhampton’s fortune. With Algeria’s elimination, O’Neil’s star defender will be able to suit up for his Premier League outfit sooner than they expected.

Actually, it came at the most opportune time. The rest of the Wanderers did their part, bracing the Premier League without Hwang Hee-chan and Ait-Nouri and doing so proficiently, mainly because of Matheus Cunha’s emergence. Now, the 22-year-old could give his teammates a much-needed boost against their rivals, West Bromwich.

Carlos Corberan making the difference for West Brom

West Brom manager Carlos Corberan acknowledges the fans after their EFL Championship match against Norwich City

The former Olympiacos head coach, Carlos Corberan, has transformed the Baggies from a mediocre Championship outfit into a relevant contender.

Ever since their relegation from the top flight after the 2020–21 season, the Baggies haven’t made a significant run to set them apart from the Championship table. Since 2020, West Brom have scoured the corners of the football world in search of the right manager.

Sam Allardyce, Valérien Ismaël, Steve Bruce, and Richard Beale all took a crack at being the man at the helm for the distressed Baggies, finishing 10th and 9th in the Championship ever since their most recent relegation.

It was not until Carlos Corberan took reigns as head honcho that the Baggies started to make a significant improvement.

With a 13-6-9 record after 28 games, the Baggies are poised to finish with their best record since going back to the Championship. And after a 4-1 thumping of Aldershot in the 3rd round of the FA Cup, the Baggies could be a force to be reckoned with, even against top-flight adversaries.

History

Both outfits have shared time in both the Premier League and the Championship, which is why they have played a total of 13 games since 2006. In those 13 games, the Baggies have won eight, while the Wolves have only managed to win two and tally three draws to boot.

Their last head-to-head was back in 2021 at the Hawthorns, where Wolves were leading right before halftime. But the scrappy Diagne manages to equalise in minute 62. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, and fans are surely excited for these clubs to break their stalemate since 2021.

Betting Tip 

West Bromwich VS Wolverhampton

January 28, 19:45 (GMT+8)

1X2 Wolverhampton Wanderers @1.98

With the Premier League side priced at 1.98 against a Championship outfit, punters would surely see this as a value offer.

Gary O’Neil and his men are ramping up in the English top flight, winning three of their last five in the Premier League, with a victory over Brentford in the FA Cup in between. A price of 1.98 should have punters salivating, and their Asian Handicap of -0.50 at 1.98 is looking like a good deal as well.

West Brom are the underdogs at 3.36, and with these upset-riddled tournaments, brave punters would consider this line as well. But to have the favourites at 1.98 should pose enough value to undermine West Brom’s price.

Their offencive capabilities are a bit streaky as of late, so I personally would stray away from their over/under. But if asked to choose, this SBOTOP writer would go for total goals under 2.75 at 1.70.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 26-Jan-2024 at 12:50 PM

Premier League: Manchester City Slowly Ramping Up

Manchester City vs Burnley

The long wait could finally be over. Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne have a chance to play together for the first time since KDB’s injury in their Premier League opener five months ago.

Despite missing one or both Haaland and De Bruyne, Pep has managed to keep the ship afloat, keeping it within dangerous striking distance from the league-leading Liverpool. The treble winners can be in for a dominant second half of the season if they get their key players back together on the field.

Meanwhile, Kompany’s Clarets can’t seem to catch a break, suffering exits from the FA Cup and EFL Cup while simply failing to garner points in the top flight.

Both sides have polar opposite narratives and goals for the second half of the season, but their clash at Etihad Stadium is still must-see TV. Expect Premier League 2024 highlights and fireworks.

Talking Points

Sky Blues may be in full force against the Clarets

City’s No. 9 has been sidelined since injuring his foot against Aston Villa in November, and De Bruyne has been out for the majority of the season due to a hamstring injury during their opening day win against Burnley.

KDB returned to action during City’s FA Cup third-round clash as a substitute. The Belgian winger immediately made his presence felt by dishing out a beautiful assist, which came from a patented KDB cross to Jeremy Doku, to give the Sky Blues their fifth and final goal against Huddersfield.

As for Haaland, manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that his striker may make his return against the Clarets at Etihad Stadium.

“We tried to avoid it but now he feels good, we’ll give him three or four days and hopefully he can play against Burnley and he can play his first minutes, we’ll see.”

To give credit where credit is due, Pep and the rest of the Sky Blues kept their grace and form even without their world-famous one-two combo.

Man City are slowly climbing their way back to the summit of the Premier League table, where they’re currently sitting in the second spot with 43 points with a game in hand, just five points behind league leaders Liverpool.

“We are stronger with Kevin and Erling, but we cannot cry and wait five months (when they are missing)—we have to move forward, and we have done that,” Pep boasted.

Unfortunately for the former City skipper, Vincent Kompany, and his Clarets, they may be so lucky to be the first outfit to face Manchester City in full force since KDB’s fall on Matchday 1.

Burnley can’t catch a break

By the looks of it, Kompany’s boys are poised for relegation by the end of the season. The Clarets are the second-worst team in the top flight, bragging just 12 points after 21 matches this term.

They did have a convincing run in the EFL Cup, where they managed to reach the Round of 16 by demolishing Nottingham Forest and Salford City without conceding a single goal. They were abruptly pulled back to earth by the Toffees, who gave them a taste of their own medicine, crushing the Clarets with a 3-0 clean sheet win.

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany applauds fans after their Premier League match against Luton Town

It seems like there’s a strong scent of desperation from the Clarets to survive this campaign without being relegated when the season ends. To their defence, Kompany’s boys have been playing competitive football since their 0-2 win against Fulham before Christmas. But that’s when their luck ran out.

They were poised to draw with the scorching Aston Villa before the new year, but a penalty during the last minute of regulation cost them the match.

Adding insult to injury, they were primed to bag three points during the bout against Luton Town, where they found themselves leading by the end of regulation, but Luton’s controversial equaliser in added time forced Kompany and his boys to settle for one league point.

It doesn’t help their cause that they’ll face treble winners Manchester City in their next Premier League clash.

History

Burnley have been able to win just one bout against the Sky Blues since 2009, while City triumphed 17 times in their 21 head-to-heads, which is probably why SBOTOP slapped City with such a dominant price tag.

In terms of goal scoring, they’ve managed to tally a total of 78 goals in just 21 head-to-head matches, with Manchester City scoring 66 goals and Burnley scoring a respectable 17 goals.

With a total of 20 goals in their last five contests, my betting tip of over 3.5 gives light to how big of an aggregate these outfits can produce when facing each other.

Their most recent matchup was back in August of last year, when Manchester City pulled off a 0-3 clean sheet victory, piercing the hearts of Burnley fans in their own stadium. Haaland was the main culprit in the thrashing, scoring a brace, while Cascante put the nail on the coffin with a goal in minute 75.

Betting Tip

Manchester City VS Burnley

February 01, 03:30 (GMT+8)

Over 3.50 @1.94

Given the disparity in their calibre, the Premier League 2024 odds ruthlessly priced the Sky Blues at 1.097 to win, which, may be a sure thing for most, but holds little to no value if punters would want to maximize their winnings.

If you’re really keen on betting on the money line, the draw price for this match is 8.50, which may be pushing it, but it’s not as farfetched at Burnley winning at 14.00.

Given Manchester City’s offencive potency and Burnley’s inability to defend, the total goals of over 3.5 at 1.94, in my opinion, is the sweet spot for both value and excitement.

The Sky Blues have scored 12 goals in their last five Premier League bouts, while Burnley netted five in their last five and conceded eight as well. Which just shows that a score line of over 3.5 goals isn’t as lofty of an ask as it seems.

This message was edited by SBOTOP on 31-Jan-2024 at 11:55 AM

Premier League: Points at a Premium for Spurs and Brentford

Tottenham Hotspur vs Brentford

Premier League action returns to North London on Wednesday when top four chasing Tottenham Hotspur welcome Brentford for a mouth-watering capital city clash. 

Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs come into the game on the back of a 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City while Thomas Frank’s Brentford got back to winning ways with a 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest. And this game, Premier League: Tottenham vs Brentford gives both teams a chance to earn three vital points. Tottenham are in fifth place while Brentford, currently in 14^th are in the relegation mix.

There’s a full programme of top flight football this week and this clash is one of SBOTOP’s top picks; so let’s take a closer look at the two teams and gauge the mood on the training pitch.   

Talking Points

Angry Spurs vow to make amends  

Any hopes that Ange Postecoglou’s exciting start as Tottenham manager would bring some long-awaited silverware were quickly ended by Manchester City on Friday night.

Now the remaining objective is for Spurs to claim a top-four position, and that battle will be extremely competitive. The Whites were outplayed by the Sky Blues for much of the game, though it looked like City’s five-year run of failing to score away to Spurs was about to continue until Nathan Ake popped up with an 88th-minute winner.

Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski, back from injury, shared his frustration after the defeat, insisting his team-mates were all frustrated and vowed to make it up to the Spurs fans: “One thing that this result gives us is the hunger – because nobody wants to lose, “ he said. “You’re very angry and ready to come back stronger. Now we only have the Premier League. We are still there, and have players coming back. We have two very important games coming next and need to take six points.”

As well as Kulusevski, creative midfielder James Maddison made a comeback from long term injury and he is sure to start against the Bees.   

Toney is back, so what does that mean for the Bees?

One swallow does not make a summer, but the return of Ivan Toney to the Brentford front line last week breathed life into the Bees’ campaign, which looked in serious danger of falling off the rails.

Five consecutive league defeats and an FA Cup exit made it a miserable festive period for the Bees, and so to pick up a win in a relegation six-pointer against Forest was huge.

Toney scored a goal on his return, and he is sure to make some Tottenham vs Brentford highlights on Wednesday. His 19th-minute free kick sailed into the net, and the roof almost came off the Gtech Community Stadium roof.

Brentford’s Ivan Toney during their home match against Nottingham Forest

There has been a lot of speculation around Toney’s immediate future, with the player linked to Arsenal. But Frank is keen to keep him at Brentford, and the club has just made an audacious move in the market to agree to a £25 million deal with Club Brugge to sign winger Antonio Nusa, a player Spurs were considering a move for.

Back to the current squad, while Toney’s return has made the headlines, centre-back Ben Mee is also back in action and that is arguably just as important to the Bees’ survival campaign.

He scored Brentford’s second goal against Forest and Mee is one of the Premier League’s best defenders, a tough tackler with superb positional sense. If the Bees can win the battles in each penalty area they will be just fine.          

History

Tottenham Hotspur have won two of the six previous encounters while Brentford have won one and there have been three draws. The two teams drew 2-2 on the opening day of this season as Spurs started life without Harry Kane.

Spurs are yet to draw at home, winning seven and losing three of their ten home matches while the Bees have lost their last five games on the road; and the pre-match Premier League 2024 betting odds say both trends are likely to continue.

Betting Tip

Tottenham Hotspur VS Brentford

February 01, 03:30 (GMT +8)

Tottenham Hotspur Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 2.07

At odds of 1.56 Tottenham are backed to win this game and I’m inclined to agree. Postecoglou’s side were outclassed at times by Manchester City but that is no disgrace, and his players did produce some high intensity and quick passing football and they are not about to stop.

Brentford, with Toney back in the fold, can’t be ruled out at a price of 4.32 and the draw is at 3.90, and I think this will be an entertaining game with goals, but a comfortable win for the hosts.

This message was edited by SBOTOP on 31-Jan-2024 at 7:03 PM

Premier League: Is this the End of Rashford’s Manchester United Career?

Erik Ten Hag’s attempts to clean up his rather dysfunctional Manchester United squad has another challenge this week, as he now has forward Marcus Rashford to deal with.

Having shipped Jadon Sancho out to Borussia Dortmund earlier in the window the Manchester United boss was making progress. But with a key Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday to prepare for he had a meeting with his latest errant star on Monday. The boss has said he will deal with Rashford after he missed the 4-2 FA Cup win over Newport County on Sunday in uncertain circumstances. Rashford was allegedly seen in a bar in Northern Ireland the day before training last week.

The club said the England international was ill but United fans were not convinced, while Newport fans caused hysteria on social media after holding up a sign asking for a week of Rashford’s wages. The player is unlikely to oblige, as rumours are circulating that the club is ready to slap a £650k fine on him, two weeks wages and, when he arrived at the training ground in his £180,000 Lambourghini on Monday morning he looked in a serious mood.

Over the weekend the player was apparently spotted in a Belfast club for the second time, before reporting an illness to the club; and that is unlikely to amuse Ten Hag. Rashford’s form has been patchy for a number of seasons now, though he excelled in his first season under the Dutch manager, but it seems clear to me that his future at Old Trafford is now in serious doubt.

The latest Premier League 2024 betting odds here at SBOTOP reckon the eighth placed Red Devils will struggle to make a top six place this season, likely battling it out with Newcastle United and West Ham United while they watch Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal contest the Premier League title. And that is not a situation Manchester United fans will be happy with.

Ten Hag needs his players to fall in line; otherwise next season might be as difficult as this one has turned out to be.                         

Chelsea and Benzema continue to be linked

Al Ittihad’s Karim Benzema celebrates scoring their third goal against Auckland City in the Club World Cup

One potential move which would grab all the Premier League 2024 news headlines is the possibility of Al-Ittihad striker Karim Benzema moving to the English top flight. Big spenders Chelsea have been linked with a deadline day move for the France legend, who is reported to be unhappy in Saudi Arabia and would be open to a move back to Europe. A precedent has already been set following the switch of Jordan Henderson from Al-Ettifaq to Eredevisie club Ajax of Amsterdam and, as the Saudis didn’t stand in the England man’s way, that may embolden Benzema.

But the former Real Madrid star has been in fine form this season, scoring nine goals and making five assists in 15 appearances and Al-Ittihad would love to keep hold of their marquee signing. His contract is worth over £170m a year and he would have to take a chunky pay reduction should he move to Chelsea, who are in need of a proven striker. The Blues have Nicolas Jackson who has scored seven; but he has been inconsistent and is away at the African Cup of Nations, so head coach Mauricio Pochettino has been relying on the superb form of young midfielder Cole Palmer who has scored nine goals. 

At 36 year of age Benzema clearly still has what it takes and this story might well carry on bubbling until Thursday.

Hammers still hoping for a striker

After completing the loan signing of Manchester City’s defensive midfielder Kalvin Philiips, West Ham boss David Moyes is still searching the market in the hope of bringing a goal-scorer into the club to share the load carried by Jarred Bowen and Mohammed Kudus. Much like Chelsea, the Hammers have plenty of creative midfielders but they don’t have an attacking spearhead to step into the shoes of Michail Antonio. 

The British press have reported that West Ham are keen to sign FC Nordsjaelland forward Ibrahim Osman and they have already offered £16m to bring the 19 year old to East London. The Danish side are holding out for £18m so you would think there is a deal to be done here and, with Brentford and Brighton and Hove Albion also circling I should think Moyes would want to get this one over the line. As an alternative West Ham are monitoring Celtic striker Jota…and maybe they should give Benzema’s agent a call!         

The Hammers were primed for a strong start to the new year, but draws with Brighton and Sheffield United have slowed their progress a little and they will be keen to pick up momentum to hold on to their sixth place.

This message was edited by SBOTOP on 31-Jan-2024 at 7:09 PM

Premier League: League Cup Final Dress Rehearsal has Many Sub-Plots

Liverpool vs Chelsea

The long goodbye has begun.

This Premier League encounter—a dress rehearsal for next month’s League Cup Final—will mark the first home league match at Anfield since Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp announced his intentions to step down at the end of the season.

In this SBOTOP writer’s view, the German is the best manager the club has had since the halcyon days of Bob Paisley.

So, as the shock amongst the red half of Merseyside subsides, the question is: can his team send him out on a high?

Talking Points

Premier League 2024 highlights against an inconsistent Chelsea would certainly keep them at the top of the table.

The backdrop, of course, remains that a universally adored figure at the club will soon be bidding them ‘auf wiedersehen’ and the wider impact that could have.

Certainly, they could have done without the public admission from their captain, Virgil van Dijk, this week that he is unsure if he will stay at the club once the manager who recruited him in 2018 departs.

Talk about a double whammy in a little over 48 hours for Liverpool fans.

They have had better news with Trent Alexander-Arnold and another regular this season, Dominik Szoboszlai, both making the substitutes bench for the FA Cup win over Norwich after a few weeks out with injury.

Left-back Andy Robertson also made his return in that game, which suggests Klopp should have a near-full-strength squad to select from.

Although it doesn’t necessarily feel like it, Chelsea are actually enjoying their most consistent spell of the season and have won seven of their last 10 fixtures in all competitions.

They travel north without a host of first-team players and a lengthy injury list, which includes Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, and Reece James.

Romeo Lavia is also doubtful.

The young Belgian was one of two midfielders to turn down a move to Anfield in the summer, and it will be interesting to see what reaction the other, Moises Caicedo, receives.

Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo in action with Preston North End’s Alan Browne

Liverpool agreed a British record deal with Brighton in August for the Ecuadorian player, but Caicedo’s preference was always for west London and Stamford Bridge.

Certainly, while he has not enjoyed a dominant start to life at his new club – no surprise given the sheer turnover of players over the past 18 months – he has the potential to become one of the world’s greatest defensive midfielders, an area where Liverpool are arguably lacking a top-class operator.

When the sides met on the opening day of this season, a highly entertaining encounter showcased the attacking qualities of both sides, while the defensive deficiencies illustrated why Caicedo had become such a prized target.

He will have a key role to play if Chelsea are to continue their fine run against their fellow big boys this term (draws at home to Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City and victory away to Spurs).

It could also set the tone for what could be a feisty League Cup encounter in a little under a month from now.

History

Since the two domestic cup finals two seasons ago, when Liverpool both times defeated Chelsea in a penalty shoot-out, there have been three draws between the sides in the league.

Both games last season ended goalless, and it was also honours even on the opening day of this campaign.

Then Luis Diaz opened the scoring for the Merseysiders before Chelsea, in their first game under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, rallied and drew level with an equaliser from new signing Axel Disasi.

As a result he became the 26^th different Chelsea player to score on his Premier League debut.

Overall, Chelsea have 65 victories in all competitions in their head-to-head meetings, Liverpool have 84 successes and there have been 47 draws.

Betting Tip

Liverpool VS Chelsea

February 1, 04:15 (GMT+8)

Total Goals 2-3 @ 2.15

The Premier League 2024 betting odds naturally make the home side clear favourites.

Liverpool are priced 1X2 @ 1.60 and Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 1.97.

Chelsea, on the other hand, are available 1X2 @ 4.49 and Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 2.42.

A fourth successive draw between the sides is on offer @ 3.95, with another 1-1 paying out @ 8.50 with Correct Score.

If you count the League and FA Cup finals of two seasons ago, over 90 minutes the teams have played out goalless draws in four of their last five meetings, and another one will earn you a pay day @ 20.00

If you fancy a few goals instead, then look at total goal 0-1 @ 5.10, 2-3 @ 2.13, 4-6 @ 2.50 or over 3.25 @ 2.04.

This message was edited by SBOTOP on 31-Jan-2024 at 7:13 PM

Premier League: Wolves Plan to Bite the Red Devils

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester United

11^th plays eighth in the Premier League big match on Thursday when Erik ten Hag leads Manchester United to Molineux to take on Gary O’Neil’s Wolverhampton Wanderers. The host can draw level on points with their visitors if they win, and that makes this game such a tantalising prospect.

While the Midlands team has been going along nicely in the league, the Red Devils have been lurching from one crisis to the next this season, and ten Hag will be hoping for a relative period of calm as he attempts to steer his team into the European places.

Both teams come into the match on the back of an FA Cup victory, as Wolves won the Black Country derby by beating Championship club West Bromwich Albion 2-0, while the Red Devils saw off a brave challenge from fourth-tier side Newport County 4-2.

Both teams will be determined too build on their cup success, and the pre-match Premier League 2024 betting odds say we have a cracker on our hands.

Talking Points

No Hwang, no problem for Wolves

After being potted by Bournemouth, Gary O’Neil has done a fine job as Wolves head coach. His team is unbeaten in seven matches, scoring 15 goals and conceding just five.

That run for form has lifted them to 11^th with 29 points, and a victory over Manchester United could well lift O’Neil’s men into the top half of the table.

Top scorer Hwang Hee Chan is at the Asian Cup with South Korea, who have a match against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, and he is likely to be out for the next couple of games.

Hwang Lee Chan has been ruled out in their next Premier League matches due to his international duties

But in the striker’s absence, Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha has stepped up impressively, and he has now contributed to 11 goals in the Premier League, scoring three goals and making three assists in December alone.

Cunha scored the second goal against the Baggies after the livewire Pedro Neto had given Wolves the lead.

The hosts will also be without Boubacar Traore when they face the Red Devils. He is at the African Cup of Nations, but there is better news elsewhere, as Rayan Ait-Nouri and Joao Gomes have returned to the squad.

Rashford available for Manchester United

Up in the North West, the pre-match Premier League 2024 news has been dominated by off-field matters.

Forward Marcus Rashford is on the naughty step after he was spotted in a Belfast club the day before training before reporting in sick for the Newport clash.

He returned to training at Carrington on Monday, and the club has issued a short statement which reads: “Marcus has taken responsibility for his actions. This has been dealt with as an internal disciplinary matter, which is now closed.”

I guess we’ll see about that.

For now, the England man is available for this crunch league match against Wolves, but I will be surprised if he is in the starting lineup.

Rashford was replaced by Antony in the FA Cup tie, and the young Brazil star assisted the first goal and scored the crucial third goal before Rasmus Hojlund made the tie safe deep into injury time.

Wide-man Alejandro Garnacho was impressive too, so I would expect to see those three line up against Wolves.

At the other end of the pitch, Andre Onana will be back between the sticks after Cameroon crashed out of the AFCON. And in central defence, Lisandro Martinez will line up alongside Raphael Varane.

The Red Devils have been short of leaders at times this season, and the Argentine World Cup winner is just the sort of character they need to grab hold of a game.

Licha is brilliant on the ball and tough in the tackle, so Martinez is one player ten Hag can always rely on.

History

Manchester United have won 16 of the last 25 head-to-head encounters, while Wolves have picked up five victories, and there have been four draws.

When the two teams met at Old Trafford on the opening day of the campaign, the Red Devils ran out 1-0 winners as Varane headed the only goal of the game.

In terms of recent form, Wolves have been stronger with four wins and two draws from the last six games to Manchester United’s three wins, one draw, and two defeats.

And Erik ten Hag’s men have lost three of their last four away Premier League games, scoring just once.

Betting Tip

Wolverhampton VS Manchester United

February 02, 04:15 (GMT+8)

Wolves Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 1.98

This is a really tight game to call with Wolves at SBOTOP odds of 2.56, Manchester United at 2.32, and the draw at 3.24.

I think momentum and home advantage gives the hosts the edge against a team which has laboured on the road. More misery for Manchester United? There could well be.

This message was edited by SBOTOP on 31-Jan-2024 at 7:17 PM

Premier League: Can Anybody Beat Haaland?

He’s been injured and out of action since the 6^th December but Manchester City’s goal machine Erling Braut Haaland is still joint top in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot.

Both Haaland and Liverpool talisman Mo Salah have 14 goals, though the big Norwegian has reached that tally in 15 games, five fewer than the Egyptian.

But while Haaland is ready to return to action when the Sky Blues take on Burnley on Wednesday, Salah picked up an injury at the start of the African Cup of Nations and he is doubtful for the Reds’ next two games.

Elsewhere, Spurs captain Heung-Min Son and Bournemouth hitman Dominic Solanke both have 12 goals from 20 games, while Newcastle’s Alexander Isak has ten goals from 16 games.

So which, if any, of these players can beat Haaland to the Premier League’s top scorer prize? It will certainly take some doing. In his first season as a Manchester City player, the Norway star scored the most goals in a Premier League season with 36 in 35 games, and he plundered 50 goals in all competitions.

He was also the fastest player to score two, three, four, and five hat-tricks in the competition and the first to score three consecutive hat-tricks in league games.

He’s been out injured for a while, and before that, he missed a host of chances that you would expect him to convert, and so the return of a hungry and frustrated Haaland could spell disaster for opposition defences.

The latest Premier League 2024 betting odds make the Sky Blues odds on favourites to retain their league title, priced here at SBOTOP at 1.71. And with Kevin De Bruyne already back in the fold after being out since August, the thought of these two linking up is terrifying.

Alexander Isak

Swedish striker Isak is outscoring Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron at Newcastle United, and with a one goal in two games ratio with the Magpies, he has the potential to be a Golden Boot winner.

Still only 24 years of age, Isak started the season with a brace in a 5-1 win over Aston Villa, and he has been a bright light among the gloom that has shrouded the Magpies’ campaign as they currently sit tenth in the Premier League table.

Isak is quick and powerful and, at 6 feet 4 inches, a real handful in the air. He is in the race, but as an outsider.

Dominic Solanke

Cherries forward Solanke is having the season of his life, and he’s been the subject of speculation about a big move, with the top clubs all looking for the next big goal scorer.

A former Liverpool squad player and Chelsea academy graduate, Solanke has always shown plenty of promise, which he is now fulfilling.

He bagged the last goal in Bournemouth’s 5-0 destruction of Swansea City in the FA Cup and Solanke plundered a hat-trick when the Cherries won a 3-2 thriller against Nottingham Forest and if he keeps up the momentum Solanke could keep pace with the leaders.     

Heung-Min Son

Tottenham Hotspur’s early season Premier League 2024 results were simply outstanding, and with the new look, Spurs stormed to the top of the league. Without his old sparring partner, Harry Kane, Son took on the role of captain and chief goal scorer.

He is currently away at the Asian Cup, and that has interrupted his Premier League scoring run, and he will miss Tottenham’s game against Brentford on Wednesday.

A quick runner with a sharp mind, superb footwork, and clinical finishing skills, Son has become South Korea’s best player and one of the Premier League’s finest, and, alongside Richarlison and with service from James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, he will get plenty of chances.

The fluid Spurs attack does share the goals around, though, and that might just leave Son a little short.

Mo Salah

Mohamed Salah during Egypt’s AFCON match against Mozambique

And that leaves Liverpool legend Mo Salah, who has been one of the Premier League’s best goal scorers, racking up 151 goals in 238 games for the Reds in his seven sparkling seasons at Anfield.

At 31 years of age, he is still in prime, and Liverpool fans were delighted that he resisted the lure of the Saudi Pro League, and they hope he will fire their team to glory in Jurgen Klopp’s final season as head coach.

Salah was missing when Liverpool met Norwich, but the Reds ran out 5-2 winners with Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota both on target. Nunez is quickly becoming a fans favourite and he has been a superb partner for Salah up front.

If anyone can beat Haaland to the Golden Boot I reckon it will be Salah; but I suspect he’ll need to get near 30 to stay in the hunt.

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

This message was edited by SBOTOP on 31-Jan-2024 at 7:27 PM

Premier League: Klopp’s Shock Departure Leaves a Massive Void at Liverpool

Fans over at Anfield are not in the best of mood despite their team currently standing on top of the Premier League table because of the recent Premier League 2024 news that their manager, Jurgen Klopp, is leaving them at the end of this season.

In his latest appearance on LFCTV, the German gaffer said that one of the main reasons he has decided to step down is because he is “running out of energy” after being in charge for the last nine years. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean that he has a serious health problem, although his admission meant that he was burned out.

Tributes will pour in for Jurgen Klopp in these next few weeks, and SBOTOP will try to do the same by chronicling his amazing adventure on the red side of Merseyside.

PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool

Chelsea

1X2 Chelsea @ 5.30

Liverpool Asian Handicap -1.25 @ 2.14

Over 3.50 @ 2.05

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

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Klopp’s journey before England

Jurgen Klopp started his football journey back at home in Germany, where he spent most of his playing career at Mainz. Upon retiring for good in 2001, Klopp became the club’s manager and managed to secure Bundesliga promotion in 2004.

Unfortunately for the 05ers, they couldn’t maintain their German top-flight status in the 2006-07 season, which led to Klopp moving on to Borussia Dortmund.

It was at Dortmund that Klopp emerged as one of the most talented managers in Europe.

In his seven years at Signal Iduna Park, Klopp led BVB to their last Bundesliga titles in 2010-11 and 2011-12. He also guided them to the 2012-13 Champions League final, as well as two DFL-Supercups (2012-13 and 2013-14) and one DFB-Pokal (2011-12).

In 2015, Klopp left Borussia Dortmund as their longest-serving manager. With everything he has done for the club, he got his fitting farewell, which left him visibly emotional.

What Klopp achieved in Liverpool

When he was appointed Liverpool manager in 2015, Jurgen Klopp called for patience from the supporters, as he was overseeing a full-scale rebuild. That was evident in his first year in charge since the Reds only finished sixth in the table.

However, slowly but surely, things fell into place for Klopp and the Reds, with the help of several key signings like Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Allisson, Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, Fabinho, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

With these stalwarts, Klopp successfully installed his “heavy metal” football, which was borne out of the Gegenpressing that he learned in Germany. This particular style of football has brought out the best of his players, like Salah and van Dijk, both of whom were once top candidates for the Ballon d’Or.

Since 2016-17, Liverpool have only been out of the top four once in 2022-23. That includes numerous trips to the Champions League, where they went to the finals three times and eventually won it in 2018-19.

And they won the 2018-19 edition in magical fashion, as during the semi-finals, Liverpool pulled off a miraculous four-goal comeback, capped off by Divock Origi’s last-gasp goal, to vanquish Barcelona via a 4-3 aggregate tally.

After beating Tottenham in the final, Liverpool managed to win the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. The Reds also won the FA Cup, EFL Cup, and Community Shield in 2022.

Liverpool players celebrate after winning the Premier League

But arguably the biggest achievement for Liverpool under the German manager was when they finally won their first Premier League trophy in 30 years.

After coming up short against Manchester City in 2018-19, the Reds flexed their dominance the following season, as they finished with at least an 18-point lead to secure the once-elusive crown amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Klopp will never walk alone

Winning a second Premier League title this season is certainly going to be the icing on the cake for Klopp’s long tenure at Liverpool, and the updated Premier League 2024 odds like their chances of doing so.

But more than the victories and the trophies, Reds fans will certainly miss Jurgen Klopp’s energy and enthusiasm on and off the pitch. He’s right when he says that managing a big club like Liverpool took a lot out of him, which is why he plans to take a sabbatical this summer.

Regardless of what happens from here on out, it’s mission accomplished for Jurgen Klopp, as he will bequeath the squad in much better shape than he first came in nine years ago. Klopp will leave the Premier League with the distinction of being one of the greatest managers ever. He should be at least in the top five alongside the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, and Arsene Wenger.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 31-Jan-2024 at 7:32 PM

João Palhinha: From Journeyman to Premier League Star

Fulham’s João Palhinha has caught the Premier League by surprise ever since he signed with the Cottagers last season. Marco Silva struck gold and found a reliable cornerstone for his backline in the form of a budding 28-year-old defencive specialist from Portugal.

Admired and well-loved by Fulham fans, the former journeyman has become a staple and a hot commodity in the toughest and most competitive top flight in the football world.

So, it seems only fitting that, courtesy of SBOTOP, we look back on Palhinha’s determined journey from a Liga Portugal 2 substitute to a Premier League star.

Palhinha’s journey to Craven Cottage

Like most promising footballers, Palhinha started his playing career when he was just a teenager. At the young age of 17, the budding Portuguese joined Sporting CP’s youth academy in 2012.

He debuted as a professional as a substitute for Sporting’s B team in a 3-2 home win against Portimonense in 2014.

Palhinha’s route to the big leagues wasn’t as smooth as that of other starlets, as he jumped from club to club as a loanee before he emerged as one of the best young talents in football.

In 2015, he was loaned to Moreirense and Belenenses, making Liga Portugal his home until 2017. He made his debut in the Portuguese top flight as a substitute during a 0-2 home loss to Arouca. Palhinha made 29 appearances for Moreirense before departing for Belenenses for another stint as a loanee.

There, he netted his first top-flight goal in a 1-1 draw against Vitória de Guimarães. After 13 appearances for O Belém, he went back to where it all started and made his first team debut for Sporting CP in January 2017.

It was not until October that he scored his first goal for Sporting. But the wait was definitely worth it, as he produced a brace against Oleiros that secured their win with a 4-2 score line.

Palhinha spent the next two seasons on loan, but this time it was with S.C. Braga. There, he managed to carve his way to relevance and became one of the pivotal pieces for the outfit, making 76 appearances and a third-place finish in 2019-20 to boot.

With his emergence with Braga, Palhinha’s name has caught the attention of clubs like Al Nassr and CSKA Moscow, both formidable clubs in their domestic leagues and both aspiring to acquire Palhinha’s services.

Amidst the interests of other top-flight outfits, the defensive midfielder ultimately spent the term with Sporting, where he made 32 appearances and was named in the Primeira Liga Team of the Year alongside some of his comrades.

In the 2021–22 season, Palhinha remained sturdy with Sporting, appearing in 95 contests, but he began to face friction in the Lions lineup due to the signing of Uruguayan international Manuel Ugarte.

He took the league by storm

After years of being a journeyman, the budding midfielder has found his way to the most competitive top flight in the football world. On July 20, 2022, Palhinha agreed to a five-year spell with the mighty Cottagers for £20 million.

“I’m very glad to be here. It’s a big opportunity for me, for my career, to play in what is – in my opinion – the best league in the world.” Palhinha exclaimed.

“I’ve signed with a great Club. The Club wanted me, and I chose the Club, so I promise the fans that I will do my best, and I hope we can win so many things in this season.”

In his maiden season with Fulham, Palhinha made 35 Premier League appearances and scored three goals. But it wasn’t his offencive prowess that made him the talk of the town. The talented midfielder made a living with his stellar defencive capabilities and his sharp football IQ.

The Portuguese stunned Premier League rivals with his impeccable timing, precise positioning, and mastery of tackling.

Getting the ball from a defencive stop is one thing, but converting it into an offencive opportunity is a skill only a few possess. In the 2022–23 season, Palhinha topped the Premier League with his next possession xG after tackles.

Palhinha is a novel concept for the game, but it is undeniable that Palhinha is the crème of the crop when it comes to creating by tackling.

Fulham manager Marco Silva greets fans ahead of their FA Cup match against Newcastle United

He led all players in the Premier League in tackles with a total tally of 147, and his meteoric rise as a pivotal player for Fulham helped Marco Silva’s newly promoted outfit to a respectable 10th-place finish.

His brilliance in the Premier League wasn’t left unnoticed, as the German League champions Bayern Munich showed determination in acquiring the defensive midfielder.

During the summer transfer, Palhinha was poised to sign with the Bavarians with a transfer worth €65 million. The 28-year-old already had his medical tests in Germany, but the deal never transpired due to Fulham’s inability to find a replacement before the transfer window closed.

He’s now a Craven Cottage favourite

Fulham’s Pit bull is striving with the Cottagers, making 19 appearances while netting two goals and dishing out one assist in the Premier League campaign thus far. His attraction to other top-flight contenders has not simmered down, as he headlined the Premier League 2024 news stories during the winter transfer window.

At 28 years of age, Palhinha is still in his prime and will be a critical part of Marco Silva’s roster as long as he remains a Cottager.

After a tepid start to the 2023-24 season, Fulham are still capable of pulling off a tail-end resurgence, and a back-to-back win against struggling Burnley and Bournemouth could bend the Premier League 2024 odds in their favour.

This message was edited by SBOTOP on 01-Feb-2024 at 1:32 PM

Premier League: A Timely Burnley Victory Will Cure Fulham’s Ills

Burnley vs Fulham

It’s back to the drawing board for the Cottagers after a brief resurgence in December, when it felt like the floodgates had finally opened for them.

Since their 2-1 upset over Arsenal on New Year’s Eve, Fulham have only won one of their next six games across all competitions, with the lone victory being a 1-0 result against Rotherham in the third round of the FA Cup.

And after being held to a goalless draw by Everton yesterday, Fulham will play another Premier League game against Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday.

Fulham are in 12^th place with 25 points, while Burnley are the 19^th seed with only 12 points. Similar to the Cottagers, the Clarets will be looking for more points to try and stay alive in the English top-flight.

Talking Points

Burnley’s youngsters stepping up

Burnley may be an inexperienced team compared to their counterparts, but their future looks bright given the talent of their young core.

Three of their leading scorers are under 25 years old, with Zeki Amdouni leading the way with five, while Lyle Foster and Wilson Odobert have four apiece.

Burnley full-back Ameen Al-Dakhil scores a goal during their Premier League match against Manchester City

Meanwhile, 21-year-old full-back Ameen Al-Dakhil managed to score his first league goal of the season during their 3-1 defeat to Manchester City last night. He has now made 13 appearances for Burnley, including back-to-back starts in January.

And then there’s their goalkeeper, James Trafford, who is coming of age. He is currently second in terms of the number of saves here in the Premier League, with 86, which is quite impressive for a 21-year-old.

These players are the main reasons why manager Vincent Kompany still has hope for his squad. They are likely to get relegated after this season, but they should be able to win the Championship and return to the English top-flight right away.

Fulham scoring woes re-emerge

During Fulham’s five-game winless run, they have only scored three times while conceding six times, providing another headache for Marco Silva and the rest of his coaching staff.

Their draw against Everton is an encapsulation of their wastefulness, as they had zero goals despite posting 25 total shots with six of them on target.

And that is why Fulham are looking for another striker in the winter transfer window because Raul Jimenez has been inconsistent, while backup forward Rodrigo Muniz has yet to open his account this season.

As it stands, Bobby Decordova-Reid, Willian, and Raul Jimenez have five goals apiece to lead the Cottagers in scoring.

According to the Premier League 2024 updates, Fulham are pushing to get Armando Broja from Chelsea ahead of the transfer deadline.

But despite his modest output of two goals so far this season, Broja might not leave Stamford Bridge anytime soon since Chelsea reportedly values him for at least £50 million.

History

Burnley and Fulham met a few weeks ago, right before Christmas Day. In the said match, the Clarets came away with a 2-0 victory over the Cottagers at Craven Cottage, as Wilson Odobert and Sander Berge found the back of the net in the second half.

Since they were defeated 3-0 by Swansea in March 2012, Fulham had not lost a Premier League home match against a promoted team without netting a goal, which made this Burnley loss a bad look for Marco Silva’s side.

In the same game, Wilson Odobert became the youngest Burnley player to both score and assist in a Premier League contest (19 years, 25 days).

The Clarets have now won nine of their last 14 games against the Cottagers across all competitions (D3, L2). Burnley will be looking to stay undefeated against Fulham for the sixth consecutive match.

Betting Tip

Burnley VS Fulham

February 03, 23:00 (GMT+8)

Total Goals 2-3 @1.91

The SBOTOP Premier League 2024 odds predict that this is a close game, which is in stark contrast to their reverse fixture not too long ago. Fulham still hold the edge at 2.37, but Burnley aren’t far behind because they’re priced at 2.74, and a draw is at 3.18 in the 1×2 market.

Just like in their previous encounters, there should be enough goals to go by, regardless of who wins or not, so going for Total Goal 2-3 at 1.91 appears to be the safest bet out there.

Moreover, a Correct Score of 2-0 in favour of Burnley – the result of their last encounter – is priced highly at 15.00. But if you think that Fulham can bounce back with the same exact scoreline, the difference in the payout is not far off since it is offered at 12.50.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 03-Feb-2024 at 8:42 PM

Premier League: Title Challengers Come Face to Face

Arsenal vs Liverpool

All roads lead to North London on Sunday for the Premier League match of the weekend when Arsenal take on league leaders Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium. 

The Premier League 2024 betting odds say these two teams will finish second and third this season, with Manchester City odds on to retain their title, but both Arsenal and Liverpool have their eyes on the main prize. Jurgen Klopp’s Reds are five points clear of City and Arsenal at the moment, but a home win will cut the gap to two.  

The Gunners come into the game on the back of a 2-1 victory away to Nottingham Forest, while Liverpool continued their impressive form with a 4-1 victory at home to Chelsea on Thursday, and both will start the game confident of picking up another win.

Fans of Manchester City and Spurs will be watching the Premier League 2024 updates closely on Sunday evening, and the Sky Blues will be hoping for Arsenal to get a result.  

Talking Points

This is the Gunners’ biggest moment

Last season, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal played fantastic, flowing football and led the league for much of the campaign. They have more solidity and dynamism in midfield this season following the recruitment of Declan Rice, and the Gunners are in the title race on merit.

After a stumble before the break, Arsenal have returned from warm weather training in Dubai to pick up two wins, a 5-0 hammering of Crystal Palace and a hard-earned 2-1 win away to Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.

Arteta has been looking for a striker in the transfer window to bolster his attack, but Gabriel Jesus showed his worth when he eventually broke the Forest resistance in the second half, and Bukayo Saka seemingly made the points safe before Taiwo Awoniyi halved the deficit in the last minute of normal time.

This could be a pivotal point in Arsenal’s campaign. While a win will lift them to within two points of the summit, a defeat would deal a near fatal blow to their hopes. A draw would keep those hopes alive but the Gunners must be brave.       

Take a bow Conor Bradley

Liverpool’s Conor Bradley celebrates scoring their second goal against Chelsea at home

Nobody at Anfield dare think about the post-Klopp era since it’s simply too painful for the fans, players, and directors of Liverpool Football Club.

But any tears shed before their game against Chelsea on Wednesday were quickly wiped away when a new star shone brightly above Merseyside, as wing-back Conor Bradley burst onto the scene.

The 20-year-old put in a Man-of-the-Match performance with his first Liverpool goal and two assists to add to the assist he made on his Premier League debut against Bournemouth last week. He looks a real prospect, full of energy, and with superb distribution, and Bradley is sure to have a bright future.  

Liverpool shared the goals against the Blues as Diogo Jota opened the scoring before Bradley got his goal with a well struck shot into the bottom corner.

Dominik Szoboszlai and Luis Diaz made it four, while Christopher Nkunku grabbed a consolation for Chelsea. It was difficult not to feel sorry for Darwin Nunez, who broke a Premier League record by hitting the woodwork four times in one game.

He clipped the crossbar with his first effort and then hit a beauty which bounced back off the upright. He even smashed a penalty against the post before halftime, and managed to crash a thundering header against the crossbar late in the game.

He assisted Diaz’ goal and Liverpool fans love Nunez, but I’m sure the Uruguayan will think his 10 shots against the woodwork is enough for one season.

And I’m sure he’ll start at the Emirates alongside Jota and Diaz, with leading scorer Mohamed Salah due to return from his hamstring injury by mid-February. 

It’s all looking good for Liverpool, but anything other than a win against Arsenal will open the door to Manchester City.              

History

In all competitions since 1993, Liverpool have beaten Arsenal 28 times, while the Gunners have won 22 of the encounters. This season, the two teams drew 1-1 at Anfield in December before the Reds won an FA Cup third round tie 2-0 at the Emirates. 

Arsenal’s home record is superb, with eight wins, two draws and one defeat and Liverpool have been strong away from home, with six victories, four draws, and a single defeat .

Liverpool have won five and drawn one of the last six, while Arsenal have won two, lost three, and drawn one.

Betting Tip

Arsenal VS Liverpool

February 05, 00:30 (GMT +8)

Correct Score 2-2 @ 12.00

The Gunners are at SBOTOP odds of 1.99 to win this huge clash, and Liverpool are at 3.02 with the draw at 3.35.

I do think this will be a stalemate and, as this is a traditionally high-scoring game, so I’m sticking my neck out on a 2-2.

This message was edited by SBOTOP on 03-Feb-2024 at 8:45 PM

Premier League: Villa and Spurs are Big Winners in January Transfer Window

Well, I’ve never known such a quiet January Premier League transfer window.

By my reckoning, it’s 20 years or so since the late summer deadline day madness was given a New Year slot to match.

And while the drama/panic-buying of late August/early September can rarely be beaten,  January has brought its own narrative in the football world.

For example, who could forget the window of 2011 when Fernando Torres, prolific at Liverpool up to that point, was lured away to Chelsea for a tint at title and European glory (they secured neither as it turned out, although Torres played a part in their European success a year later).

There have been some other notable successes – not least Virgil van Dijk (Southampton to Liverpool where he became captain) and Bruno Fernandes (Sporting Lisbon to Man Utd where he also became captain) – and it’s not always been about the money either, although here’s a reminder of the five most expensive January signings of all time.

Yet January 2024 has proven to be a much more subdued affair and, for me, there is only one reason why – Financial Fair Play regulations.

In a season which has already seen one team docked 10 points and threats over others, it seems clubs simply aren’t prepared to risk potential sanctions further down the line.

That suggests to me that the unprecedent punishment dished out to Everton so far, may only be the tip of the iceberg.

How else could you explain the situation at the country’s biggest club with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag this week admitting the club cannot afford to replace Anthony Martial in attack, despite the Frenchman being ruled out for virtually the remainder of the campaign.

With Jadon Sancho out of favour and on loan at Borussia Dortmund, it means the Red Devils’ attacking options have been reduced by a third at a stroke.

So, if there are one or two potential losers this month, who have done well to recruit smartly without, presumably, breaking the bank.

Well Aston Villa, I think, after manager Unai Emery landed his reported No 1 transfer target with a package worth about £15 million accepted by Middlesbrough for the winger Morgan Rogers.

The 21 year-old became Villa’s second signing of the month after right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic arrived in the Midlands from Red Star Belgrade.

Rogers, who joined Middlesbrough on a permanent deal last summer, was earmarked by Emery as a player who could instantly bolster Villa’s frontline.

Manchester City, whom Boro paid about £1m for Rogers last summer, stand to benefit from a sell-on clause.

What of elsewhere – well, another club in the Midlands has caught my eye too.

Nottingham Forest appear to have recruited smartly by bringing in United States midfielder Giovanni Reyna on loan from Borussia Dortmund.

They have also added another loan move in Sporting Lisbon striker Rodrigo Ribeiro, although at 18 years-old, he seems a recruit more for the longer-term.

If there were SBOTOP Premier League betting odds on who had the best January window, my money would be on Spurs.

Ange Postecoglou has guided the North Londoners to a fair few Premier League highlights this term and the club acted quickly in the month to back its man.

Timo Werner playing for Tottenham Hotspur against Manchester City

He brought in centre back Radu Dragusin from Genoa for £25.5 million, a deal which could prove very beneficial long-term, while former Chelsea attacker Timo Werner joined up with the Lilywhites on a loan deal until the end of the season.

With key players returning from injury and international duty, strength in depth could be key and I expect Spurs to pip their challengers to seal a top four place this term.

It’s reported the club is also considering a move for Conor Gallagher.

The Chelsea midfielder, a product of the youth set-up, is out of contract in 17 months’ time and the west London club are willing to listen to offers as selling an academy product would help their financial fair play position.

It would not be a popular move with Chelsea fans, though. Gallagher has been an important player for ­Mauricio Pochettino this season and has ­captained the team on occasion. He is also from a family of Chelsea fans.

If Spurs land him too, they will be the biggest winners of the window.

As for the losers, any side which has been weakened and not replaced key men may come to rue their inability to act before the end of 2023-24.

At the time of writing, there is still a few hours left for one more tasty deal, but I’m not holding my breath.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 03-Feb-2024 at 8:46 PM

Premier League: Race for Europe Heats Up at Old Trafford

Manchester United vs West Ham United

This may be only a battle between the sides currently placed seventh and sixth in the Premier League, but the outcome of Sunday afternoon’s encounter at Old Trafford could prove very important come the final standings.

Just a point separates the teams as they chase a European berth.

For Manchester United, a top four finish is a big ask but remains the aim and, with the return of key players such as Casemiro, Luke Shaw, and Lisandro Martinez in the past week, can still be achieved.

While failure to secure that would be a big blow, qualification for European competition of any kind would be a fine achievement for West Ham, and they will know that sixth spot guarantees a spot in the Europa League (a competition they are already in this season) next term.

Talking Points

The only goal in the corresponding fixture last term was scored by Marcus Rashford so how fitting would it be if he could prove the matchwinner again after a few days when he has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons.

He certainly has some making up to do to boss Erik ten Hag who has backed him in good and difficult times.

Rashford’s form has been patchy for a number of seasons now, though he excelled in his first season under the Dutch manager and can do so again.

He returned to the starting XI with a goal at Molineux on Thursday night in a contest full of Premier League 2024 highlights.

To say their 4-3 success at Wolves was dramatic would be an understatement.

Academy product Kobbie Mainoo scored the winner in the 97^th minute, just two minutes after Wolves had drawn level from 3-1 down with five minutes of normal time remaining.

It was a match which showed United at their best and worst and, while they deserved to win, inconsistencies will need to be ironed out if they are to start climbing the table.

The Hammers were also in action on the same evening as James Ward-Prowse’s second-half penalty rescued a point for West Ham against Bournemouth.

That cancelled out an early opener for Dominic Solanke after he capitalised on a poor back pass by debutant Kalvin Phillips, on loan from champions Manchester City.

West Ham United’s Kalvin Phillips during the warm up before their match against Bournemouth

He seems a shrewd acquisition for the remainder of the campaign and strengthen the Hammers’ midfield, especially given they have lost Lucas Paqueta to injury.

The Hammers have now failed to win any of their opening five games in a calendar year for the first time since 2010, though they are still in a very credible sixth spot in the table.

At the time of writing, it remains to be seen if there are any doubts after Thursday night’s matches and a quick turnaround may well be pivotal to decide who emerges victorious in a fixture littered with history and tradition.

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History

Overall, United have 73 victories in their clashes compared to West Ham’s 48 with a further 32 draws.

West Ham enjoyed a 2-0 home victory over an injury-hit United last month when Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus scored twice in six second half minutes.

They also beat them at home 1-0 in the league last season, while United won at Old Trafford in both the Premier League (1-0, courtesy of a Rashford header) and FA Cup (3-1) – the second time in three years they had sent them packing in the competition.

The last time they won at Old Trafford in the league was on the final day of the 2006-07 season when future Red Devil Carlos Tevez scored the only goal of the game to ensure West Ham’s top-flight status with United already crowned champions.

Betting Tip

Manchester United VS West Ham United

February 4, 22:00 (GMT+8)

Half Time Full Time Draw Home @ 5.00

Looking at the SBOTOP Premier League 2024 betting odds, I fancy a repeat of last season’s 1-0 home win, which is available @ 8.50 with Correct Score.

Or can West Ham secure a league double over the Red Devils for the first time since that 2006-07 campaign?

United can also be backed 1X2 @ 1.70 and Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 1.98.

The draw is on offer @ 3.73.

Given there’s only been three goalless draws between the sides since 1987, it’s worth looking at Over 3.00 goals @ 2.08, Total Goals 0-1 @ 4.15, 2-3 @ 1.99, and 4-6 @ 2.77.

The Hammers can be backed 1X2 @ 4.10 and Asian Handicap +0.75 @ 1.92.

I am going to plump for a home win.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 03-Feb-2024 at 8:48 PM

Premier League: Chelsea and Wolves Eager to Get Into the Top Half Mix

Chelsea vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

Two teams that are on the outside looking in are planning to make their inroads into the top half of the Premier League standings as Chelsea host the Wolves at Stamford Bridge on Sunday night.

As it stands, the hosts are currently in 10^th place with 31 points, while their visitors are right behind them with 29 points.

Both sides were on the wrong end of the latest Premier League 2024 results. Liverpool easily defeated Chelsea, while on Thursday, the Wolves fell short against Manchester United.

But both of these teams were on a roll prior to their recent losses, highlighted by their respective three-game winning streaks, and one of them can get back on the winning track this weekend.

Read on below for a preview of this contest.

Talking points

Nkunku gives Chelsea reason to hope

Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku celebrates scoring their first goal against Liverpool

High-profile summer signing Christopher Nkunku has been in and out of the rotation for Chelsea in his debut season because of the injuries he has dealt with.

After being sidelined for a few weeks, the French striker made his return in their loss against Liverpool, and he scored his second goal of the campaign after coming off the bench.

Although Nkunku expressed his disappointment for their tough defeat, Chelsea fans have to be encouraged by his individual performance, and the hope is that he stays healthy throughout the rest of the 2023-24 campaign.

Starting player Armando Broja is going on loan to Fulham, so Nkunku will have more chances to establish his value at Chelsea. Cole Palmer and Nkunku will split the striker responsibilities, with Raheem Sterling, Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, and Noni Madueke providing assistance in the final third.

Because Chelsea are going to play their second league game this week just like the others, there’s a huge chance that Christopher Nkunku might get the starting nod as Mauricio Pochettino rotates his squad.

Wolves miss Hwang Hee-Chan

With South Korea already in the AFC Asian Cup quarter-finals, the Wolves will have to continue to cope without their star forward, Hwang Hee-Chan. And so far, they’re doing okay.

Hwang Hee-Chan is the team’s top scorer with 11 goals and three assists, but right behind him is Matheus Cunha, who is also having a solid campaign with eight goals and seven assists.

Pedro Neto and Pablo Sarabia have been valuable as well for Gary O’Neil, as they’ve combined for five goals and 16 assists thus far.

With three goals and one assist, Sasa Kalajdzic was supposed to take over for Hwang, but he was loaned to Eintracht Frankfurt early in the January transfer window.

As a result, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde has been the Wolves starting No. 9 lately, and he may very well be their x-factor moving forward. The Frenchman has recorded two goals and one assist this season, but he has yet to find the back of the net since their 4-1 victory against Brentford on December 28, 2023.

History

Chelsea and Wolves already met a few weeks ago, where the latter came away with a 2-1 victory at Molineux. Mario Lemina and Matt Doherty put the Wolves up 2-0, but Christopher Nkunku made sure that there wasn’t a clean sheet by scoring the last goal in the sixth minute of added time.

If the Wolves defeat Chelsea on Sunday, it’ll be the first time that they complete a league double over them since 1974-75.

However, the Blues are undefeated in their last 10 Premier League games against Wolves at Stamford Bridge (W6, D4), and their last league home loss in this particular fixture was a 2-1 result in March 1979.

And Mauricio Pochettino’s men have won each of their last four Premier League home matches, which is as many as they had in their previous 22 (D9, L9).

Betting Tip

Chelsea VS Wolverhampton Wanderers

February 4, 22:00 (GMT+8)

Over 2.75 @ 1.92

The Premier League 2024 odds are partial towards Chelsea because they’re installed at 1.62 to win, while the Wolves are 4.64 underdogs, and a draw is at 3.73 odds in the 1X2 market.

And the same is the case in the Asian Handicap market, as Chelsea were priced at -1.00 at 2.09.

Based on their recent performances and meetings together, there’s a big chance that SBOTOP football fans might get to see a shootout between these two sides, hence our recommended bet above of Over 2.75 at 1.92. Furthermore, if you fancy the result of their reverse fixture in December, a Correct Score of 2-1 in favour of the Wolves, check it out since it is being offered at 16.50.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 03-Feb-2024 at 8:50 PM

EFL Cup: Fulham Are Still Alive And Kicking

Aston Villa vs Chelsea

If the saying ‘you’re only as good as your last game’ is true, then there’s little point in Chelsea travelling to Villa Park for this FA Cup fourth round replay.

For they have just conceded eight goals in their past two games and were embarrassed 4-2 at home by Wolves on Sunday.

By contrast, Aston Villa hit five without reply at bottom club Sheffield United and are in the top four of the Premier League.

Yet we all know this competition is different and, as far as FA Cup highlights are concerned, few have had as many as Chelsea over the past 25 years.

Talking Points

The improvement in Villa under one of the best managers in the game, Unai Emery, has been well documented by this SBOTOP writer.

In 17^th position when took over 16 months ago, the club has been transformed since his arrival and he has turned Villa Park into a fortress.

Indeed, last week’s reverse at home to Newcastle was only their second defeat in 18 home league games.

In Leon Bailey, they also have a prime example of the benefit of patience.

His arrival from Bayer Leverkusen was accompanied by a reputation for thrilling fans. Bailey’s home debut saw him come on, score a belter, and leave again due to injury. It was a frustratingly brief glimpse at what the future might hold.

This season, just 1,015 league minutes have brought Bailey seven goals and six assists and he appears a player Vital to Villa’s FA Cup hopes and Champions League aspirations.

The club also appears to have recruited well in the January transfer window.

Morgan Rogers became Villa’s second signing of the month after right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic arrived in the Midlands from Red Star Belgrade.

The 21 year-old, who joined Middlesbrough on a permanent deal last summer, was earmarked as a player who could instantly bolster Villa’s frontline as Emery clearly plans for the longer term.

As for Chelsea, everything right now appears short term.

On paper, they have a squad which should be challenging for all the top prizes after the biggest quick-fire outlay in football history.

Perplexingly, not least to their fans, it is not working out like that and their manager who has inherited many of the issues, Mauricio Pochettino, apologised to supporters after Sunday’s reverse at home to Wolves.

They have the same number of points at this stage of the season as they did after 23 games last season, under a combination of Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter, and were booed at full-time.

Pochettino says it’s “a matter of time” before his young squad – which has reached the League Cup Final later this month – begins to show sustained progress, although he accepted “patience is not infinite”.

Going out of the FA Cup at the fourth round stage may stretch that patience further.

History

Chelsea players after their defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers

Until Roman Abramovich breezed into town in the summer of 2003 and shifted the landscape of English football, Villa held the upper hand in this fixture.

That quickly changed as the free-spending billionaire turned Chelsea from pretenders into the finished article. Indeed, in the 41 meetings between the sides in all competitions since then, Villa have only won on nine occasions.

Yet that includes two of the last three and there’s no doubt which club appears to be in the ascendancy.

As well as the drawn tie (0-0) at Stamford Bridge 10 days ago which has led to this replay, Villa have won on their last two visits to west London.

An Ollie Watkins goal earned them victory in September, while Watkins was also on target last April, along with John McGinn, in a 2-0 league success.

Villa have only defeated Chelsea at home twice in the past decade mind, most recently on the final day of the 2020-21 season when Bertrand Traore and an Anwar El Ghazi penalty secured a 2-1 success.

Last season Chelsea were 2-0 winners in this league fixture, courtesy of two goals from Mason Mount.

Overall, Villa have triumphed 60 times in their meetings with 68 Chelsea victories and 36 draws.

Betting Tip

Aston Villa VS Chelsea

February 8, 04:00 (GMT+8)

Half Time Full Time Draw Home @5.20

Our FA Cup betting odds back Villa all the way as they are priced 1X2 @ 2.07 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 1.95.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are out at 1X2 @ 2.93 and Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.26.

The draw is on offer @ 3.14 with a repeat of the meeting earlier this term – Correct Score 1-0 – showing odds of @ 8.20.

I expect a few goals but not too many in this tie and total goal 0-1 @ 3.53 has caught my eye more than 2-3 @ 1.91, 4-6 @ 3.16 and over 2.75 @ 2.03.

I am going to go for Villa to edge this.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 07-Feb-2024 at 11:47 AM

Premier League: Fantastic Foden Puts City in the Box Seat

Manchester City climbed to within two points of the summit of the Premier League table on Monday as Phil Foden scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 win away to Brentford.

A trip to the Gtech Community Stadium can be a banana skin for any title-chasing team, but City’s Monday night clash with the Bees went petty much to plan, that was after Neal Maupay had given the hosts a surprise lead. It was their only real effort of the first half as keeper Mark Flekken made nine saves in the opening 45 and had an assist for the Brentford goal.

Thomas Frank’s team almost made it to the break, but City drew level in first-half stoppage time when Foden controlled superbly and fired a low shot past Flekken.

Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne had only played 23 minutes together all season, but they both started this game, and De Bruyne put in a trademark killer ball into the path of Foden and the midfield star headed the Sky Blues into the lead on 53 minutes.

He completed the second hat-trick of his career with 20 minutes to go when he collected a lay-off from Haaland and calmly slotted home his third.

It was Foden’s night as City laid down a marker to their rivals, and the Premier League 2024 betting odds on the title returning to the Etihad are shrinking day by day. Pep Guardiola’s team have the eye of the tiger, and they will take some stopping.    

Alisson and Van Dijk are the new Laurel and Hardy

Liverpool’s Alisson and Virgil van Dijk walk out onto the pitch before their match against Arsenal

My sub heading is meant in jest of course, and I hope the famously humorous Liverpool fans can now see the funny side. But the performance of the Reds’ two defencive legends was more like a comedy act on Sunday as they handed Arsenal a 3-1 win, a victory which dragged the Gunners back into the title race. 

With the score at 1-1 midway through the second half, Virgil van Dijk guided a long ball back towards Alisson, but then the Dutch defender cramped his keeper’s space.

And when Alisson took a swing at the ball, he missed it completely, and it settled for Gabriel Martinelli to pass into the empty net. And then, as the league leaders tried to get back into the game, Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard broke free and fired his shot between the legs of Alisson, but I’m sure it took a slight deflection off van Dijk on the way. 

To make matters worse van Dijk’s centre back partner, Ibrahima Konate had been sent off, and he’ll miss next week’s clash with Burnley, a match we’ll be previewing here at SBOTOP later this week.

And the Gunners’ celebrations must have irritated the Liverpool players too. Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta’s ran wildly down the touchline, while skipper Martin Odegaard took a picture of the club photographer as his teammates continued to celebrate.

The Gunners haven’t won anything yet, and Alisson and van Dijk will never have another afternoon like this, but it was a huge result. 

Lisandro Martinez out for eight weeks

Manchester United picked up an eye-catching 3-0 win at home to West Ham United on Sunday, but it came at a cost as centre-back Lisandro Martinez suffered an injury which has ruled him out for at least eight weeks.

The 26-year-old World Cup winner damaged his knee ligaments, and manager Erik ten Hag said the situation could be bad and it was a personal disaster.

In a team sometimes devoid of strong characters, Martinez is a key figure with charisma and leadership qualities in spades, as well as being a tough tackler who is superb on the ball.

But his clash with the Hammers’ full-back Vladimir Coufal has put him out for upwards of two months, and that’s a serious blow for the Red Devils. 

Chelsea are simply not good enough

And that’s the view of Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino, who is coming under mounting pressure after his team was slapped 4-2 by Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday. On the back of a 4-1 loss at the hands of Liverpool, it’s been a horrible week for Chelsea fans, who must be starting to wonder when things will improve.

The Blues seemed to have a post Christmas spring in their step as they registered three consecutive league wins, progressed in the FA Cup, and reached the Carabao Cup final.

But after Wolves dispatched his side on Sunday, a downtrodden Poch admitted: “I think we are not good enough, that’s the reality. Myself also, as the first person responsible. We are not good enough. 100 per cent.”

Chelsea need a big uptick in Premier League 2024 results or they’ll be missing out on Europe again next season. 

Wolves leapfrogged the Blues into the top half, thanks to their first win at Stamford Bridge in four decades, and they face Brentford next, who is another West London scalp they’ll fancy taking.

This message was edited by SBOTOP on 07-Feb-2024 at 11:52 AM

Premier League: Wolves Can Feast on the Winded Bees

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Brentford

Tenth faces 15th in a Molinuex rumble on Saturday when Premier League: Wolves vs Brentford is the box office draw in the Black Country.

The two teams are heading in opposite directions at the moment, as Gary O’Neil’s Wolverhampton Wanderers have climbed into the top half of the table thanks to an impressive win over Chelsea on Sunday. Meanwhile, Thomas Frank’s Brentford lost to Manchester City on Monday, a result that left the Bees just three points above the drop zone.

The two teams have met three times over the past two months, and Wolves are yet to lose, and the pre-match Premier League 2024 betting odds can’t see a change in fortunes next Saturday.

Talking Points

Cunha is just getting better

The absence of Wolves’ star striker Hwang Hee-Chan, away at the Asian Cup with South Korea, has put the spotlight on Brazilian striker Matheus Cunha and, boy, does he love it. Both Chelsea and Wolves were looking to get into the top half mix when they met on Sunday and it was O’Neil’s men who came out on top with a compact and patient display, with the added threat of Cunha’s lethal streak.

After the Blues had gone ahead through Cole Palmer, Wolves hit back immediately when Cunha’s deflected shot beat Dorde Petrovic in the Chelsea goal. Axel Disasi put through his own net to give Wolves a lead, and then Cunha took the game away from the beleaguered Blues.

Pedro Neta left Thiago Silva standing before squaring for Cunha’s second and Wolves’ third, and when Maio Gusto clattered into Wolves’ red-hot striker, the referee pointed to the penalty spot and he was coolness personified as he fired the penalty home.  

Cunha has moved up the list of Premier League top scorers, into 11^th place, with nine goals and six assists and when Hwang returns the pair will be a real handful for opposition defences, and with the brilliant Pedro Neto, with eight assists, and Pablo Sarabia on five there is no shortage of supply for the upwardly mobile Wolves.

The Bees are looking forward…but the view is daunting

After losing to Manchester City, Brentford’s excellent and ever-positive manager, Thomas Frank, said his team was looking forward to their next game rather than over their shoulders.

But they have one heck of a run coming up with games against Liverpool, Manchester City again, West Ham United, Chelsea, and Arsenal after their trip to Molineux. If they fail to pick up a win from that daunting fixture list, they will be right in the relegation mix.  

Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken applauds fans after their Premier League match against Manchester City

Brentford’s Monday night date with the Sky Blues was always going to be an uphill battle but they attacked the game with gusto, Neal Maupay giving them a surprise lead; but the champions were relentless, raining in 25 shots and 15 on target on Mark Flekken’s goal and only a series of spectacular saves kept his team in it, until Phil Foden scored his third, midway through the second half.    

While they were on the back foot for much of the game the Bees do have an attacking threat. Try to keep star striker Ivan Toney out of the Premier League 2024 highlights. He scored two goals in his first two games back after suspension and is desperate to keep his team away from trouble.

With top scorer Bryan Mbeumo out injured, the onus is on Toney, and he has the tools to deliver with his pace, strength, and usually lethal finishing.

But I suspect the Bees will be under the cosh again on Saturday, and defenders Ethan Pinnock and the experienced Ben Mee are sure to have a busy afternoon as they try to protect Flekken from another onslaught. 

These two teams have met 17 times over the past ten years, and Wolves have the edge, with nine wins to Brentford’s four, and there have been four draws. This season, Wolves have beaten the Bees twice already; they won 4-1 in the league match at the Gtech Community Stadium in December and then beat Frank’s boys again in an FA Cup third round replay.

In terms of recent form, Wolves are stronger too, with four wins, one draw, and one defeat over the past six league games, while their visitors have won one and lost five, and Brentford have lost six away games on the bounce.

Betting Tip

Wolverhampton Wanderers VS Brentford

February 10, 23:00 (GMT+8)

1X2 Wolverhampton @2.11

This is not a foregone conclusion by any stretch of the imagination, with Brentford at SBOTOP odds of 3.13 and the draw at 3.21, with the Double Chance, Brentford of Draw at 1.66.

But I think the rampant Wolves can continue their charge against a team which struggles on the road, and I can see plenty of goalmouth action, with Over 2.50 goals an alternative bet at odds of 1.89.

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Premier League: Wolves Can Feast on the Winded Bees

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Brentford

Tenth faces 15th in a Molinuex rumble on Saturday when Premier League: Wolves vs Brentford is the box office draw in the Black Country.

The two teams are heading in opposite directions at the moment, as Gary O’Neil’s Wolverhampton Wanderers have climbed into the top half of the table thanks to an impressive win over Chelsea on Sunday. Meanwhile, Thomas Frank’s Brentford lost to Manchester City on Monday, a result that left the Bees just three points above the drop zone.

The two teams have met three times over the past two months, and Wolves are yet to lose, and the pre-match Premier League 2024 betting odds can’t see a change in fortunes next Saturday.

Talking Points

Cunha is just getting better

The absence of Wolves’ star striker Hwang Hee-Chan, away at the Asian Cup with South Korea, has put the spotlight on Brazilian striker Matheus Cunha and, boy, does he love it. Both Chelsea and Wolves were looking to get into the top half mix when they met on Sunday and it was O’Neil’s men who came out on top with a compact and patient display, with the added threat of Cunha’s lethal streak.

After the Blues had gone ahead through Cole Palmer, Wolves hit back immediately when Cunha’s deflected shot beat Dorde Petrovic in the Chelsea goal. Axel Disasi put through his own net to give Wolves a lead, and then Cunha took the game away from the beleaguered Blues.

Pedro Neta left Thiago Silva standing before squaring for Cunha’s second and Wolves’ third, and when Maio Gusto clattered into Wolves’ red-hot striker, the referee pointed to the penalty spot and he was coolness personified as he fired the penalty home.  

Cunha has moved up the list of Premier League top scorers, into 11^th place, with nine goals and six assists and when Hwang returns the pair will be a real handful for opposition defences, and with the brilliant Pedro Neto, with eight assists, and Pablo Sarabia on five there is no shortage of supply for the upwardly mobile Wolves.

The Bees are looking forward…but the view is daunting

After losing to Manchester City, Brentford’s excellent and ever-positive manager, Thomas Frank, said his team was looking forward to their next game rather than over their shoulders.

But they have one heck of a run coming up with games against Liverpool, Manchester City again, West Ham United, Chelsea, and Arsenal after their trip to Molineux. If they fail to pick up a win from that daunting fixture list, they will be right in the relegation mix.  

Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken applauds fans after their Premier League match against Manchester City

Brentford’s Monday night date with the Sky Blues was always going to be an uphill battle but they attacked the game with gusto, Neal Maupay giving them a surprise lead; but the champions were relentless, raining in 25 shots and 15 on target on Mark Flekken’s goal and only a series of spectacular saves kept his team in it, until Phil Foden scored his third, midway through the second half.    

While they were on the back foot for much of the game the Bees do have an attacking threat. Try to keep star striker Ivan Toney out of the Premier League 2024 highlights. He scored two goals in his first two games back after suspension and is desperate to keep his team away from trouble.

With top scorer Bryan Mbeumo out injured, the onus is on Toney, and he has the tools to deliver with his pace, strength, and usually lethal finishing.

But I suspect the Bees will be under the cosh again on Saturday, and defenders Ethan Pinnock and the experienced Ben Mee are sure to have a busy afternoon as they try to protect Flekken from another onslaught. 

These two teams have met 17 times over the past ten years, and Wolves have the edge, with nine wins to Brentford’s four, and there have been four draws. This season, Wolves have beaten the Bees twice already; they won 4-1 in the league match at the Gtech Community Stadium in December and then beat Frank’s boys again in an FA Cup third round replay.

In terms of recent form, Wolves are stronger too, with four wins, one draw, and one defeat over the past six league games, while their visitors have won one and lost five, and Brentford have lost six away games on the bounce.

Betting Tip

Wolverhampton Wanderers VS Brentford

February 10, 23:00 (GMT+8)

1X2 Wolverhampton @2.11

This is not a foregone conclusion by any stretch of the imagination, with Brentford at SBOTOP odds of 3.13 and the draw at 3.21, with the Double Chance, Brentford of Draw at 1.66.

But I think the rampant Wolves can continue their charge against a team which struggles on the road, and I can see plenty of goalmouth action, with Over 2.50 goals an alternative bet at odds of 1.89.

This message was edited by SBOTOP on 07-Feb-2024 at 12:07 PM

Premier League: Fulham Keen on Overtaking the Cherries

Fulham vs AFC Bournemouth

Two of the most levelled teams in the Premier League will have the chance to break the tie and trend in the right direction as Fulham play host to Bournemouth in the iconic Craven Cottage for a trend-setting Matchday 24 clash.

Both teams have suffered the same fate in their last five top-flight matches, winning just once, losing two, and drawing twice.

As it stands, the Cherries are ahead of the Cottagers by just one point in the Premier League standings, but everything could change if Fulham manages to grab three points after their tie.

Talking Points

Super Solanke trying his best to keep the ship afloat

Not many strides have been taken by the Cherries to bolster their bid to be one of the best clubs in the top flight, but to their defence, they’ve managed to float above the relegation zone ever since their promotion back to the big leagues last season.

The brightest spot this season for the Cherries is the stellar season of Dominic Solanke. The 26-year-old forward is having a breakout season with Bournemouth, scoring 13 goals thus far. Only the Premier League legends Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah are ahead of Super Solanke in the EPL Golden Boot race.

“I don’t think there’s a centre-forward in the Premier League or the Championship who would be pumping out the physical numbers Dominic Solanke does in terms of a physical aspect,” former Bournemouth boss Scott Parker boasted.

To have a player of Solanke’s tier is something numerous clubs could only dream of, and now, it’s all up to Bournemouth’s higher-ups to one: keep Solanke happy, and two: give him support and build a team that can cater to and play off of his offencive prowess.

The question for Bournemouth now is: Is Solanke’s production enough to garner favourable Premier League 2024 results by the end of the season?

Raul Jimenez will miss time

Fulham’s Raul Jimenez in action against Chelsea’s Levi Colwill during a Premier League encounter

Medical scans revealed the severity of Raul JImenez’s hamstring injury against Everton last month and he is set to mess at least a month of action.

“When you have an issue in your hamstring, it is not a good sign. When you play three games in seven days, intense games, there is always a risk. It has not been easy to rotate. If we were short (in numbers) before the game, we will be shorter now.” Fulham manager Marco Silva stated.

The absence of Fulham’s veteran striker deals a significant blow to Marco Silva and Fulham, as Jimenez poses as their leading goal scorer alongside Willian and Bobby De Cordova-Reid with five goals apiece.

Fulham have already been quite tepid in their final third this season. Their conversion rate has dropped from 12.8 per cent last year to 12.4 per cent this term, and losing their centre-forward will pose a significant setback for their offence even more.

History

Since 2009, these outfits have jousted just 11 times, and in those matches, Fulham only managed to win once, while Bournemouth have won five times and were able to tally five draws as well.

Fulham haven’t won against Bournemouth in Craven Cottage since 2009, so that’s an aspect to consider when looking to bet on this match.

During their last matchup, the Cherries blew past the Cottagers with a 3-0 clean sheet win thanks to goals from Justin Kluivert, Dominic Solanke, and Luis Sinisterra.

In recent form, these clubs are neck-and-neck in the standings, tallying five points in their last five Premier League matches. The Cherries have just a one-point lead over Fulham, but that could all change after the smoke clears in Craven Cottage this Friday.

Betting Tip

Fulham VS Bournemouth

February 10, 23:00 (GMT+8)

Under 2.75 @1.90

Both Fulham and Bournemouth have shown somewhat of a pedestrian effort in the goal-scoring department in their last few Premier League matches. Bournemouth have just three top-flight goals since the new year, while the Cottagers only have two. Which is why my betting tip is Total Goals Under 2.75 neatly priced at 1.90.

In terms of their main lines, the SBOTOP Premier League 2024 betting odds have these outfits priced unsurprisingly close to each other. Fulham boast a slight favourites status with a price of 2.38, while Bournemouth are right there as the minor underdogs at 2.66. In my opinion, if punters would consider betting on their main lines, their draw price of 3.26 is the way to go. These clubs are virtually identical in terms of form coming into their Matchday 24 bout, and a price of 3.26 justifies just that. To go with either side is not much of a stretch, but a price of 3.26 to draw seems to be the soundest of options.

This message was edited by SBOTOP on 07-Feb-2024 at 6:10 PM

Premier League: Liverpool Will Do a Job on Burnley

Liverpool vs Burnley

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will aim to get their title challenge back on track this Saturday when Vincent Kompany’s Burnley head to Anfield in a huge game for both clubs.

Premier League: Liverpool vs Burnley is a clash between two teams desperate for a win but, of course, for very different reasons. The Reds are still at the top of the table but, after losing 3-1 to Arsenal last week they have seen their lead cut to two points, and favourites Manchester City also have a game in hand. Meanwhile, Burnley, who drew 2-2 with Fulham last weekend, are sitting in 19^th and seven points from safety.

It’s a must-win for both teams, but the Premier League 2024 betting odds say the hosts should do the business.        

Talking Points

Reds aim to give their fans a boost

At SBOTOP odds of 3.25 for the title, Klopp’s Liverpool are still the most likely team to challenge Manchester City, and they will expect to keep the pressure up when they return to Merseyside to play in front of their own fans.

And Anfield is set to see a new record attendance following the completion of a stand redevelopment, which will see the capacity increase to 60,000.

It was a bad day at the office for Liverpool in North London, particularly for their defence and the Reds will be determined to make amends in front of their fans. But, while some key players have recently returned, or are set to make a return, there are more selection concerns for Klopp.

Centre-back Ibrahima Konate was red-carded at the Emirates, and Jarrell Quansah is expected to deputise. And midfield ace Dominik Szoboszlai has picked up a hamstring injury, which could keep him out for a few weeks. Striker Mo Salah is stepping up his training, but he is unlikely to make the Saturday date with Burnley.

Scotland’s Andrew Robertson sustains an injury in their Euro 2024 qualifier match against Spain

On the plus side, Japan star Wataru Endo is back from the Asian Cup, and influential wingback Andy Robertson made a successful return against the Gunners. The Scot is a crucial player for Liverpool in attack and defence and the Reds fans will give him a rapturous welcome at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Time running out for the Burnley ‘project’

When Burnley were promoted to the Premier League, probably a season earlier than the club’s owners expected, it looked like the new look Clarets were on an upward trajectory.

But, instead of giving the players who fired the club to 100 points in the Championship a chance, the likes of keeper Aro Muric and winger Annas Zaroury, Kompany went back into the market and spent near £100 million on more young, exciting players who will invariably increase in value.

Players like Luca Koleosho, now injured, and Wilson Odobert have earned rave reviews, but, all too often, the young Clarets have looked hopelessly unready for the toughest league in the world.

Such a big overhaul of players will always take time to bed in, and after earning four points from the opening 13 league games, they have picked up nine in the last ten. But if they are to avoid a speedy return to the second tier, the Clarets probably need to collect upwards of 20 points from the last 15 games.

Yes, there is improvement, and Burnley have home games against the likes of Nottingham Forest, Brentford, and Bournemouth to come, but time is running out.

Kompany has dipped into the market again in January and has added pace and strength at both ends of the pitch.

David Fofana, with two goals and an assist in his opening two games, has made an explosive start and, alongside Lyle Foster, can form a dangerous front two, while centre back Maxime Esteve impressed in his 45 minute appearance against Fulham, as the Clarets came back from a 2-0 deficit to earn a point.     

History

The Reds have bossed this relationship in the Premier League era with 13 wins to Burnley’s three and there have been two draws. Liverpool have won each of the last four meetings, including a 2-0 triumph at Turf Moor in December.

But the Clarets did win at Anfield in 2021 to end a 68 unbeaten home run for the Reds as Ashley Barnes scored a late winner.    

In terms of very recent form the Reds are much stronger with four wins from six, while Burnley have mustered just two draws from their last six games.   

Betting Tip

Liverpool VS Burnley

February 10, 23:00 (GMT +8)

Burnley Asian Handicap +2.00 @ 2.23

Liverpool look nailed on to win this North West clash at odds of 1.16, with the draw at 6.37 and a Burnley win at 9.64.

The Premier League 2024 highlights of Liverpool vs Burnley could well be a case of attack versus defence for much of the game. But the Clarets visited Manchester City last week and came away from the Etihad Stadium with a 3-1 defeat.

Kompany’s young players are learning, and I believe that, while they are unlikely to pick up any points, they should avoid a serious whacking at Anfield.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 08-Feb-2024 at 12:45 PM

Premier League: Liverpool Will Do a Job on Burnley

Liverpool vs Burnley

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will aim to get their title challenge back on track this Saturday when Vincent Kompany’s Burnley head to Anfield in a huge game for both clubs.

Premier League: Liverpool vs Burnley is a clash between two teams desperate for a win but, of course, for very different reasons. The Reds are still at the top of the table but, after losing 3-1 to Arsenal last week they have seen their lead cut to two points, and favourites Manchester City also have a game in hand. Meanwhile, Burnley, who drew 2-2 with Fulham last weekend, are sitting in 19^th and seven points from safety.

It’s a must-win for both teams, but the Premier League 2024 betting odds say the hosts should do the business.        

Talking Points

Reds aim to give their fans a boost

At SBOTOP odds of 3.25 for the title, Klopp’s Liverpool are still the most likely team to challenge Manchester City, and they will expect to keep the pressure up when they return to Merseyside to play in front of their own fans.

And Anfield is set to see a new record attendance following the completion of a stand redevelopment, which will see the capacity increase to 60,000.

It was a bad day at the office for Liverpool in North London, particularly for their defence and the Reds will be determined to make amends in front of their fans. But, while some key players have recently returned, or are set to make a return, there are more selection concerns for Klopp.

Centre-back Ibrahima Konate was red-carded at the Emirates, and Jarrell Quansah is expected to deputise. And midfield ace Dominik Szoboszlai has picked up a hamstring injury, which could keep him out for a few weeks. Striker Mo Salah is stepping up his training, but he is unlikely to make the Saturday date with Burnley.

Scotland’s Andrew Robertson sustains an injury in their Euro 2024 qualifier match against Spain

On the plus side, Japan star Wataru Endo is back from the Asian Cup, and influential wingback Andy Robertson made a successful return against the Gunners. The Scot is a crucial player for Liverpool in attack and defence and the Reds fans will give him a rapturous welcome at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Time running out for the Burnley ‘project’

When Burnley were promoted to the Premier League, probably a season earlier than the club’s owners expected, it looked like the new look Clarets were on an upward trajectory.

But, instead of giving the players who fired the club to 100 points in the Championship a chance, the likes of keeper Aro Muric and winger Annas Zaroury, Kompany went back into the market and spent near £100 million on more young, exciting players who will invariably increase in value.

Players like Luca Koleosho, now injured, and Wilson Odobert have earned rave reviews, but, all too often, the young Clarets have looked hopelessly unready for the toughest league in the world.

Such a big overhaul of players will always take time to bed in, and after earning four points from the opening 13 league games, they have picked up nine in the last ten. But if they are to avoid a speedy return to the second tier, the Clarets probably need to collect upwards of 20 points from the last 15 games.

Yes, there is improvement, and Burnley have home games against the likes of Nottingham Forest, Brentford, and Bournemouth to come, but time is running out.

Kompany has dipped into the market again in January and has added pace and strength at both ends of the pitch.

David Fofana, with two goals and an assist in his opening two games, has made an explosive start and, alongside Lyle Foster, can form a dangerous front two, while centre back Maxime Esteve impressed in his 45 minute appearance against Fulham, as the Clarets came back from a 2-0 deficit to earn a point.     

History

The Reds have bossed this relationship in the Premier League era with 13 wins to Burnley’s three and there have been two draws. Liverpool have won each of the last four meetings, including a 2-0 triumph at Turf Moor in December.

But the Clarets did win at Anfield in 2021 to end a 68 unbeaten home run for the Reds as Ashley Barnes scored a late winner.    

In terms of very recent form the Reds are much stronger with four wins from six, while Burnley have mustered just two draws from their last six games.   

Betting Tip

Liverpool VS Burnley

February 10, 23:00 (GMT +8)

Burnley Asian Handicap +2.00 @ 2.23

Liverpool look nailed on to win this North West clash at odds of 1.16, with the draw at 6.37 and a Burnley win at 9.64.

The Premier League 2024 highlights of Liverpool vs Burnley could well be a case of attack versus defence for much of the game. But the Clarets visited Manchester City last week and came away from the Etihad Stadium with a 3-1 defeat.

Kompany’s young players are learning, and I believe that, while they are unlikely to pick up any points, they should avoid a serious whacking at Anfield.

This message was edited by SBOTOP on 08-Feb-2024 at 12:52 PM

Premier League: City have Swagger of Champs Again

Manchester City vs Everton

There have been ominous signs for Manchester City’s rivals in the 2023-24 Premier League title race in recent weeks.

For me, the most eye-catching result was their last-gasp win at Newcastle which was as much about character as class.

The introduction of Kevin De Bruyne – a twice footballer of the year – from the bench was not only a game changer but helped take the champions back to their exalted heights.

Fast forward a fortnight to an FA Cup tie at Spurs, and the sight of De Bruyne joined on the bench by John Stones was another true show of strength.

With Erling Haaland returning to action the following week and then Manuel Akanji named on the substitutes’ bench at Brentford on Monday evening, there is an inescapable feeling that the country’s top team are getting back to full strength at exactly the right time.

Talking Points

Another of their star men, Phil Foden, was quick to have his say in that match.

There is a growing maturity to his performances: more edge, more decisiveness, more of a determination to take games by the scruff of the neck. He already has 15 goals for club and country this season. He got 16 last year.

The challenge at City is to keep pushing the boundaries and victory on Saturday lunchtime would take them back to the top, even if only for a few hours.

Standing in their way of yet more Premier League 2024 highlights are Everton, for whom the boundaries are very different.

Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Tottenham Hotspur’s Richarlison after their Premier League match

Indeed, there is every chance their fight against relegation may ultimately be decided behind closed doors and not exclusively on the pitch.

Yet you have to admire how they refuse to accept their fate and chase survival. Certainly, their character rescued what could well be a valuable point against Spurs last weekend in the bid to remain a Premier League concern.

Jarrad Branthwaite’s late equaliser brought sheer joy to the majority of those inside the stadium. This followed another pre-match protest by home fans dismayed and angry over their 10-point deduction.

After breaching rules which say clubs can only overspend by £105 million over three seasons – they were ruled to be £19.5 million in excess of that –November’s announcement that the Toffees had been docked points (subject to appeal) had barely subsided when it emerged that the Merseysiders could face another deduction.

Reeling from the unprecedented punishment two months ago, they rallied superbly, winning four games in the top-flight and drawing the other, but now the threat of relegation looms large again as they have won only one of their past 10 games in all competitions.

Manager Sean Dyche and fans will know that, realistically, anything they can get from this fixture will be a bonus.

The outcome of the appeal hearing is due within the next week or so but, whether it is upheld or not, surely any further point penalty would almost certainly end their proud spell in English football’s top-flight – they have played at the highest level continuously since 1954.

Every point is precious for both City and Everton right now.

History

The overall history in this fixture could not be much closer. City have 80 wins to Everton’s 68 victories with 48 meetings ending all square.

However, there is no denying who has held the upper hand of late.

City have won 12 of the last 13 meetings in all competitions, including at Christmas when they overturned a half-time deficit to win 3-1 at Goodison Park, courtesy of goals from Foden, Julian Alvarez (penalty) and Bernardo Silva.

December 2010 was the last time Everton won at the City of Manchester Stadium – a 2-1 success when Tim Cahill and Leighton Baines scored in the first 19 minutes before Yaya Toure pulled one back.

Betting Tip 

Manchester City VS Everton

February 10, 20:30 (GMT+8)

Total Goals 2-3 @2.20

That Everton are priced 1X2 @ 9.80 with the SBOTOP Premier League 2024 betting odds tells you everything you need to know about who is expected to win this one.

The boys from Goodison are also on offer Asian Handicap +1.75 @ 2.14 with a repeat of their unexpected 1-1 draw in the corresponding fixture last term priced @ 13.00 with Correct Score.

City, meanwhile, are available 1X2 @ 1.20 and Asian Handicap -2.25 @ 2.33.

For goals aplenty, how about Total Goal 4-6 @ 2.39 or Over 3.50 @ 2.16, or will you opt for a more conservative 0-1 @ 5.50 or 2-3 @ 2.18?

For this contest, I am going for the latter as my prediction.

This message was edited by SBOTOP on 08-Feb-2024 at 12:54 PM

The Young Guns Have Caught Our Eye in the Premier League Lately

There were a lot of goals scored in the Premier League in the last few weeks, which was a sight to behold, and football fans can thank several forwards for that since they’ve found their form.

Rasmus Hojlund, Bukayo Saka, Matheus Cunha, and Rodrigo Muniz were among the few who have been in the Premier League 2024 highlights reel lately. And as a result, their respective teams managed to pick up some form.

While Manchester City’s Erling Haaland continues to lead the Premier League Golden Boot race with 16 goals and counting, his margin for error, as per the Premier League 2024 odds, is not as big as it once was. And if the four aforementioned forwards maintain their form, some of them might find themselves in the mix sooner than later.

Rasmus Hojlund, Manchester United

Many have already labeled Rasmus Hojlund a bust after having not scored a single Premier League goal in his first five months in the English top-flight. However, since scoring the match-winning goal against Aston Villa before the New Year, he has been on a purple patch.

This year, the 21-year-old poacher has scored five goals in his last six appearances across all competitions to move on top of the team’s scoring list with 11 goals and two assists.

Hojlund’s rise can be attributed to his growing chemistry with the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, and Marcus Rashford. It also helps that the Red Devils’ injury list has somewhat eased up compared to a few weeks ago.

Now that they’ve gone four consecutive league matches undefeated, Manchester United’s top four charge is back on, especially with Aston Villa wobbling. And if they’re going to make it at the end of the season, it’ll likely be on the back of Hojlund continuing to find the back of the net.

Bukayo Saka, Arsenal

After a brief stumble at the start of 2024, Arsenal are back in the title mix because they have rediscovered their shooting boots, with Bukayo Saka at the forefront.

As of this writing, the 22-year-old winger is the Gunners’ most productive scorer, with 13 goals and 12 assists overall. In the Premier League, Saka has 10 goals, which is good for joint-sixth in the Golden Boot race alongside the likes of Cole Palmer, Richarlison, Hwang Hee-Chan, and Alexander Isak.

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka celebrates after scoring a goal during their Premier League match against West Ham United

Bukayo Saka was instrumental in their big victories against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, and West Ham United, as he found the back of the net four times. In their 6-0 demolition of the Hammers last time out, Saka made it known that it was a huge statement game for them.

And suddenly Arsenal are level with the second-seeded Manchester City with 52 points apiece, only two behind table-leading Liverpool. Burnley will surely have their hands full in trying to contain Bukayo Saka this weekend.

Matheus Cunha, Wolves

My SBOTOP colleague Stuart was on point when he mentioned that Matheus Cunha keeps getting better and better in his preview of the match between the Wolves and the Bees last week.

With Hwang Hee-Chan absent because he was representing South Korea in the recently concluded AFC Asian Cup, Cunha has stepped up big, scoring five goals in seven games across all competitions since the turn of the new year.

The Brazilian hitman managed to score his first hat-trick for the Wolves during their 4-2 away victory against Chelsea, scoring off assists by Joao Gomes and Pedro Neto before his late penalty put the game beyond doubt.

Now that Hwang is about to return soon, a Top 10 finish is no longer out of the question for the Wolves. Right now, they’re in 11^th place with 32 points.

Rodrigo Muniz, Fulham

The last word belongs to Rodrigo Muniz, and Fulham supporters hope that he is on a similar path as Rasmus Hojlund.

Like Hojlund, the 22-year-old Brazilian was written off by most pundits after struggling mightily to start the 2022-23 campaign, although it’s not all his fault since he was mainly a backup striker behind Raul Jimenez.

With Raul Jimenez sidelined with a hamstring injury, Fulham could’ve chosen to start Armando Broja in his place because he was their top acquisition (via loan) during the winter transfer window. But instead, we saw Rodrigo Muniz leading the frontline, and he has delivered.

Muniz bagged his first Premier League goal in the Cottagers’ 2-2 draw against Burnley on February 3. After that, he tallied his first league brace in their 3-1 victory against Bournemouth.

As is often the case in football, patience pays off, and Rodrigo Muniz is the perfect example of that for Fulham.

This message was edited by SBOTOP on 13-Feb-2024 at 5:55 PM

Premier League: The Red Devils Are Ramping Up

While Manchester United’s claim for the Premier League title this year is unlikely at this point, they’re still making a considerable run to keep their Champions League dreams alive.

Manchester United and Ten Hag have gone through a rollercoaster ride during the first half of the season, dealing with a whirlwind of triumphs and defeats on and off the pitch.

After an abysmal start to the 2023–24 campaign, Ten Hag and his troops are starting to rally with a handful of favourable Premier League 2024 results. The Red Devils have been one of the hottest teams in the top flight since the start of the new year, currently riding on a three-game winning streak.

They catapulted up the league standings in the past few weeks and have successfully set themselves apart from the tight midfield. After their statement win against Aston Villa yesterday, the Red Devils now have a total of 41 points, enough to place them as the sixth-seed.

Now, they are within striking distance of overtaking Aston Villa in the fifth spot, who are currently five points clear of the striving Red Devils. But with how Manchester United have been ramping up in recent weeks, it could only be a matter of time until Ten Hag and his men are once again in European contention.

Pep Poised to polish Haaland

After missing some time due to injury, Manchester City’s No. 9 returned to the field and looked like he hadn’t lost a step.

Even after missing a stretch of games, Haaland remains the leader in the Premier League Golden Boot race with 16 goals, two goals ahead of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.

Their most recent triumph over lowly Everton stretches their winning streak to six games, and they remain the Premier League 2024 betting odds favourites to win the league once the season is done and dusted.

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland celebrates after breaking the deadlock against Everton

Haaland scored both goals for Manchester City in their 2-0 victory against Everton, and with this, he has now become the player with the most goals in his first 50 starts in the Premier League with 51, six goals ahead of the former record holder Alan Shearer of the Blackburn Rovers.

It seems like Haaland is doing everything perfectly out on the pitch, but Pep saw something the normal eye couldn’t.

Guardiola stated that Haaland’s body language during the first half of their match against Everton was “not good” after failing to score in the entire half.

“He has to learn that if he doesn’t score he has to have the right body language. He has to have this mood where he’s positive and he’s saying: ‘OK it will come, it will come.’” Guardiola stated.

The football world isn’t ready for a polished Haaland. No one is.

Arsenal remain undefeated in 2024

After a rough end to the 2023 calendar year, Arteta and his Gunners are once again on a stellar run that started after the new year.

The Gunners have won all four of their Premier League matches since Matchweek 21, where they obliterated the Eagles with a 5-0 clean sheet. They then managed to edge out the Tricky Trees 1-2, triumphed over Liverpool 3-1, and then thrashed the Hammers 0-6. That’s a total of 15 goals in four games for Arsenal.

The main catalyst for their impressive run to start the year has been Bukayo Saka. The 22-year-old winger managed to find the back of the net a total of four times in their bouts against Forest, Liverpool, and West Ham United. Thanks to this stretch, Bukayo has now scored 13 goals and claimed 12 assists overall.

Arteta and his men are currently tied with the Sky Blues with 52 points, but the Gunners have a good chance of overtaking Pep’s City with an upcoming match against struggling Burnley, who are currently stuck in the relegation zone.

Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal are pulling away in the title race, with fourth-placed Tottenham still five points behind. Although Spurs may have a good stretch of football coming their way as they’re Talisman, Son Heung-min, returns to Premier League action after a promising run with the Taeguk Warriors in the AFC Asian Cup.

Liverpool are making ends meet without Salah

The Reds are still the top dogs in the English league and have been successful in bagging wins without their leader, Mohamed Salah.

Salah had gone to the AFCON to represent Egypt but was immediately sent back to Liverpool after suffering a noteworthy injury during their match against Ghana in the group stages. He still remains on the sidelines as he watches the rest of the Reds fend off every adversary that tries to knock them off their throne.

Liverpool have won four of their last five top flight matches, and their current form makes them the best adversary to compete against Manchester City, as per the Premier League odds at SBOTOP. And if they continue to make strides and hold down the fort in the absence of their star, Mo Salah, the title race could be closer than most expected.

Thanks to their win against Burnley, Liverpool are still two points clear at the summit of the league standings, and they’re given good opportunities to widen their lead as they face off against struggling Brentford and Luton Town in their next Premier League ties.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 13-Feb-2024 at 6:11 PM

Premier League: Spurs on the March…and Wolves won’t delay them

Tottenham Hotspur vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

‘Tottenham, Tottenham; no one can stop them;’ goes the song by cockney legends and Spurs fans Chaz and Dave and, you know what, I think they’ll be right this weekend!

Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs have another chance to strengthen their top four challenge when all eyes will be on Premier League: Tottenham vs Wolves on Saturday afternoon. With a team which has recently welcomed back some key players and is on a good run of form, the head coach is confident of a strong run-in.

The outgoing Aussie has earned rave reviews for the way he has transformed Spurs into one of Europe’s best attacking sides. And he has even been linked with the Liverpool job, following Jurgen Klopp’s decision to leave Anfield at the end of the season. The North London club is extremely confident they will keep their man and it looks to me that Postecoglou is enjoying his time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and he has a vision for the club which the fans seem to share.             

Spurs come into this game on the back of a thrilling 2-1 victory at home to Brighton and Hove Albion while Wolves, surprisingly, lost 0-2 at home to Brentford. The visitors also have an upwardly mobile manager in Gary O’Neil. After being discarded by Bournemouth he has done a sterling job at Molineux and O’Neil is capable of keeping his team in contention for a top ten place.

The Tottenham vs Wolves betting odds reckon this will be Spurs’ weekend…and I agree.

Talking Points

Korea pals to re-unite?

The Republic of Korea was highly fancied to win the Asian Cup but they crashed out in a surprise loss to Jordan and that means Spurs and Wolves both have their star strikers back. With 12 goals and ten respectively, Heung-min Son and Hwang Hee-chan are the fourth and joint-seventh top scorers in the Premier League; and that’s after a month away at the Asian Cup. 

Son made a substitute appearance in Spurs’ win over the Seagulls and he played a huge part in the victory. With the score at 1-1 he climbed off the bench and set up Brennan Johnson’s 96^th minute winner, which all surely means Son is in line for a start against Wolves.   

South Korea’s Son Heung-Min celebrates scoring their second goal with Hwang Hee-Chan

Hwang had a minor fitness concern on his return from Asia and he missed out at the weekend but O’Neil believes the 28-year-old striker will make the date with his mate Son: “Channy should be fine,” said the Wolves boss,“ just some awareness in his calf and hopefully he’ll be available for the weekend.”

Tottenham back to full strength

As well as the return of Son from Asia, Spurs have been boosted by the recovery of some key players in recent weeks. Central defender Micky van de Ven’s pace and positioning has been missed and he has settled back in, along with midfield general Rodrigo Bentancur and attacking midfielder James Maddison.  

January recruit Timo Werner has made a good start too, so things are looking bright in the White half of North London. And much to the delight of their long-suffering fans Tottenham showed they are no longer a pushover when they come under pressure. Spurs fought back from a goal deficit to beat the Seagulls and that performance left them in fourth position. And that is exactly where the SBOTOP odds reckon they will stay, pricing the Whites at 56.00 to actually win the title.     

Cunha doubt for Wolves

After a pleasing run for O’Neil, Wolves’ game at home to Brentford looked like an ideal opportunity to keep the momentum going but they were stunned by the Bees and dropped to 11^th in the table.  

And in other Tottenham vs Wolves news there is a concern over the fitness of striker Matheus Cunha, who has been in superb form in the absence of Hwang. The Brazilian limped off with a hamstring injury with just 20 minutes gone in the match with Brentford and the absence of both him and Hwang left the Wolves rather toothless. Again, O’Neil is hopeful that Cunha’s injury is not as bad as first feared and that he will be able to line up alongside his Korean partner.          

History

Over the past 20 meetings, Tottenham have won ten matches to Wolves’ seven and there have been three draws. But there isn’t much to choose between the two teams in terms of recent form, with Spurs winning three, drawing two and losing one of the last six while Wolves have won three, drawn one and lost two.  

Spurs have won nine and lost three at home this season…     

Betting Tip

Tottenham Hotspur VS Wolves

February 17, 23:00 (GMT+8)

Spurs Asian Handicap -1.25 @ 2.17

Spurs -1.25 @ 2.19** …so that makes me inclined to leave the draw alone at odds of 4.09. Spurs are priced at 1.50 and Wolves at 4.61; and those figures are surely to be confirmed by a home win on Saturday.

This message was edited by SBOTOP on 14-Feb-2024 at 12:54 PM

Haaland vs Salah: The Premier League Golden Boot is Up for Grabs

The Premier League Golden Boot race has been pretty much looking the same since the season started, where two kings reigned supreme for the most part of the 2023–24 season.

As of now, the Premier League title race is shaping up to be a neck-and-neck sprint to the finish line, and to the delight of SBOTOP football fans, the rest of the campaign will surely hold tons of Premier League 2024 highlights, given that the Golden Boot race is as tight as the title race!

To everyone’s knowledge, Erling Haaland currently leads all the prolific scorers in the Premier League with 16 goals. Despite missing some time thanks to an injury, no one in the Premier League has been able to overtake the 23-year-old as the leading goal scorer in the English top flight.

Haaland is the lone leader with 16 top-flight goals after 25 matchdays with a game in hand, but someone, a lad in Liverpool, might dethrone Manchester City’s No. 9 from the race, as he just recently returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining an injury in the AFCON. It’s none other than Liverpool’s main man, Mohammed Salah.

The Egyptian skipper currently boasts 15 Premier League goals, just one goal behind the race leader, Erling Haaland, despite missing almost a month’s worth of football action.

Now, with both Haaland and Salah back on the field for their respective clubs, can either of them pull away in the Golden Boot race? Will Haaland maintain his lead, or will Salah blaze past the Norwegian golden boy?

Mo Salah returns and immediately delivers

After suffering a hamstring injury during Egypt’s 2-2 draw with Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations back in January 19, Mo Salah finally returns to action after a month-long rehab.

Liverpool marched to Brentford to get as many points as possible to fend off Arsenal’s threat to the top spot in the league standings.

The Reds immediately went to work and had the lead going into halftime. Mac Allister, Gakpo, and who else but Mo Salah scored one second-half goal apiece to secure the win for Liverpool and remain the Premier League leaders.

It seems like Salah hasn’t lost a step, scoring a goal and assisting on one to boot after being sidelined for one month of action.

Salah’s production for Liverpool is astronomical for their success, as Salah doesn’t only find the back of the net with ease, but he also consistently creates and orchestrates opportunities for his teammates.

The 31-year-old veteran boasts 15 Premier League goals, making him second in the Golden Boot race, and he has also managed to claim nine top-flight assists. He is currently tied with Brighton’s Pascal Groß and Wolverhampton’s Pedro Neto for third place in the Premier League Playmaker of the Season award.

Salah’s return to action for Liverpool came at the most opportune time for the Reds, as they’ve been perpetually pestered by Arsenal and Manchester City in the title race. 

With plenty of football left to be played in the Premier League season, given his pace of production, it’s not unrealistic for Salah to have the most goals, assists, and the Premier League title once the season is done and dusted.

Can City’s goal-scoring machine win back-to-back Golden Boots?

Manchester City’s Erling Braut Haaland in action against Chelsea in a recent Premier League match

Erling Haaland leads the entire English top flight with 16 goals, but his closest adversary, Mo Salah, has narrowed down the lead to just one goal.

But even with that being said, it would be extremely foolish to question Haaland’s goal-scoring capabilities and count him out of the race prematurely.

Manchester City’s lone striker won the Golden Boot award in the 2022–23 campaign, but this season, he’s a little off pace in mimicking or surpassing his winning performance, as he just has 16 goals in 19 appearances this 2023–24 campaign. But if you’ve been following Haaland in the past few seasons, you should know that the lad can score in bunches at a time.

Take his performance two weeks ago against Everton, where he scored two goals and singlehandedly carried City to a win, or his two-goal performance against Manchester United and Chelsea before he suffered a foot injury against Aston Villa.

Not to mention, Haaland is surrounded by a bunch of assassins who can score a hat-trick themselves on any given night. So the fact that the 23-year-old can still put up robotic numbers despite having multiple options to score as a team is a feat in itself.

Manchester City are still the Premier League 2024 odds favourites to win the title, and I personally think that their success as a team is directly proportional to Haaland’s success in the Golden Boot race.

This message was edited by SBOTOP on 20-Feb-2024 at 1:42 PM

Premier League: Thanks for the Memories Roy, You Deserved Better

So how was the Premier League weekend for you?

Of course it was compelling. Rarely does a full programme of fixture pass without being so.

Yet on this occasion, it seemed we were largely free of VAR controversies – so I take that as a win.

It ended on a sour note, though, as far as this SBOTOP observer is concerned.

Among the stories, a very welcome win for Nottingham Forest.

If there is a perfect time to score a goal, Forest managed it twice – in stoppage time at the end of each half.

In that instant, there was no time for the Hammers to respond as they went down to a 2-0 defeat.

They weren’t helped by the second half dismissal of on loan midfielder Kalvin Phillips which merely added to the pressure on manager David Moyes whose side, it must be remembered, remain in eighth position.

This was Forest’s day, however, as goals from Taiwo Awoniyi (who later went off injured) and one-time England hopeful Callum Hudson-Odoi, for the third consecutive game, sealed a deserved victory at the City Ground.

Staying with a Midlands club, it may well be that they have their best striker since fans’ favourite Dwight Yorke donned the famous claret n’ blue shirt.

Certainly, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery called Ollie Watkins “clinical” and “amazing” after the Villa striker scored twice at Fulham to help his side return to the top four.

Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring their second goal against Fulham in the Premier League

In a 2-1 win down by the Thames, the England forward slotted home the opener midway through the first half before doubling his tally when he buried a Youri Tielemans through ball just after the restart.

Watkins’ 23 goal involvements in the top-flight this season (13 goals and 10 assists in 25 games), are bettered only by Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (24).

In terms of goal involvements for Villa, only Yorke (27 in 1995-96) can boast more in a single Premier League campaign.

If Watkins has enjoyed Premier League 2024 highlights aplenty during the past 12 months – and with more to come I’m sure – then one man approaching the end of his had a moment in the spotlight at St James’ Park on Saturday.

That was 34-year-old Matt Ritchie, a regular at Bournemouth under Eddie Howe, and now a figure on the periphery at Newcastle, also under Howe’s tutelage.

Ritchie plays very rarely these days, but he retains Howe’s trust and, after stepping off the substitutes’ bench, his manager will be glad he did with a last-gasp equaliser to ensure the duo managed to avoid an embarrassing defeat at home to their former club.

As the player celebrated in a manner befitting someone without a goal since 2020, it was still a fine point for the Cherries who look set for a comfortable mid-table finish to defy the Premier League 2024 betting odds.

The final word goes to the final game of the weekend and what appears to be a sad end to Roy Hodgson’s distinguished managerial career.

Last week, the 76 year-old required medical treatment after feeling unwell during a training session and underwent tests in hospital.

Hours before Monday night’s clash at Selhurst Park with Everton, it was announced the veteran boss was standing down from his post for the last four months of his contract with Oliver Glasner almost certainly likely to succeed him.

A gentleman to the end, Hodgson said he had taken the decision to step aside so the club could bring forward its plans for a new manager, as intended for the summer.

However, the words of Chairman Steve Parish, as he praised the respected boss, didn’t sit comfortably.

Yes, the announcement came in a dignified statement with comments from both boss and chairman,

But it’s hard to remember the club chairman jumping to the defence of his manager during recent weeks of speculation which must have caused a lot of pressure on the septuagenarian.

It’s also easy to forget that it’s less than a year since Hodgson came in and turned around their fortunes, having an instant impact.

Injuries to key players such as Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, and Cheick Doucouré, who is out for the entire campaign, have laid bare the lack of investment in the past few seasons. Hodgson deserved more respect in deed, not just words.

That Glasner was announced officially as manager just a few hours later spoke volumes. Palace, who drew 1-1 at Everton, will stay up with or without the one-time England boss. Chances are, though, their general direction will not improve significantly under the tenure of Parish.

This message was edited by SBOTOP on 20-Feb-2024 at 1:45 PM

Premier League Posers Everywhere You Look

So, there’ll be no Kylian Mbappe in the Premier League – not for a few years anyway.

Today’s announcement that the French whizz is heading to the Spanish capital and Real Madrid has seemed destined for some time and will give extra kudos to La Liga at a time when even its spending power has been dwarfed by that of the English Premier League.

Instead, the focus in England is on seemingly less glamorous matters such as points deductions and moves for football recruitment experts.

You see, even in midweeks where top-flight league games are few and far between, the soap opera of the top flight rarely eases with Premier League 2024 highlights and posers aplenty.

Among the latest questions and challenges are those facing the likes of Everton and Nottingham Forest.

Both clubs were recently referred to an independent commission over alleged spending breaches. Should they be found guilty and docked points, the drop surely beckons and the SBOTOP Premier League 2024 betting odds may change dramatically.

Every point counts more than ever, and last weekend brought a very welcome win for Forest when, if there was a perfect time to score a goal, they managed it twice – in stoppage time at the end of each half.

How must Everton, who rescued a home point against Crystal Palace on Monday night, also feel. They are already awaiting the outcome of their appeal against a 10 point sanction imposed in November.

The club anticipates a decision this week from the independent commission that heard its appeal for breaching profit and sustainability rules by £19.5 million up to 2021-22.

The manager, Sean Dyche, has called for the uncertainty over the club’s position to be lifted as a matter of urgency and tried to focus his players on what they can influence since the punishment was handed down in November.

The Toffees would be 12^th in the table but for the deduction. Instead, they are above the relegation zone on goal difference ahead of Luton Town, who have played a game fewer and without a win in eight Premier League matches.

I read a few days ago that a senior figure at Luton has a league table in his office which does not account for the points Everton have been docked.

It is a wise move and the position could well change a number of times regardless of what happens on the football pitch.

Yes, there is no shortage of stars in the Premier League, but they only provide half of the story right now.

The times are changing in the boardrooms too it appears.

It’s hard not to feel some sympathy for Brighton who, once again appear to be about to lose one of their key men.

It’s reported Chelsea have agreed a deal to appoint Sam Jewell to a senior position in their recruitment team.

Jewell has resigned as Brighton’s head of recruitment, a position he landed when Paul Winstanley left for Stamford Bridge 16 months ago and is expected to serve out his notice period before starting his new role in November.

The 34- year-old is supposedly tempted to take up a new challenge after being offered a global role in Chelsea’s multi-club operation.

Brighton have made plenty of money from Chelsea in recent years.

They have sold them Marc Cucurella, Moisés Caicedo, and Robert Sánchez for big fees and, of course, also received compensation when their boss Graham Potter was lured to west London for what proved to be a short term partnership.

And what of another man who was initially at Brighton and has made impressive progress through the ranks.

Dan Ashworth inside the stadium before the World Cup round of 16 match between Colombia and England

That is Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth who the Magpies have placed on gardening leave.

He has been in the role at St James’ Park for just under two years, and Newcastle’s majority Saudi Arabian owners will not allow a man they poached from the south coast to depart ­ easily or cheaply.

Yet the lure of Manchester United is hard for most to resist and if Real are getting one of, if not, the best player in the world, United could be getting the best sporting director in the world.

The Premier League continues to attract headlines everywhere you look.

What happens next is anyone’s guess.

This message was edited by SBOTOP on 21-Feb-2024 at 4:09 PM

Premier League: These Gunners are Deadly

Title chasers Arsenal moved to within two points of the top of the Premier League table thanks to a ruthless 4-1 win over Newcastle United.   

Arsenal were gunning for revenge when they met Eddie Howe’s Geordies in the late Saturday kick-off, after losing the return match earlier in the campaign, and it took them 18 minutes to put their visitors to the sword as Sven Botman put through his own net under severe pressure.

It was a sixth consecutive win for the Gunners who had battered West Ham and Burnley over the past two games, scoring 11 unanswered goals, and the victory kept Mikel Arteta’s side in the thick of the title race. Kai Havertz fired in a deserved second as the Gunners were totally dominant and then Bukayo Saka danced his way into the penalty area before sweeping home a beauty of a left foot shot. Jakub Kiwior had help from a deflection to score the fourth before Joe Willock grabbed a consolation for the Geordies.           

There was no hiding the visitors’ problems in this game, or the Gunners’ strengths. Arteta’s team are serious contenders.     

But City will take some shifting

Even when they are not at their best Manchester City know how to win. Pep Guardiola’s side does it year in, year out and they picked up an eighth win in nine league games away to Bournemouth. The Sky Blues started slowly but when Erling Haaland’s shot was parried by Cherries’ keeper Neto, the red hot Phil Foden was on hand to tap home the winner.

Guardiola’s men dominated the rest of the first half but failed to put the game to bed and had to withstand a late Bournemouth rally.

Phil Foden after scoring for Manchester City against Bournemouth

The Sky Blues have a big two weeks coming up in the league with the Manchester Derby the next match of the weekend and they follow that up with a trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool. If they win those two games the Champions will be top and then, as the SBOTOP odds already tell us, they will be devilishly difficult to move.   

Red Devils are toothless without Hojlund

Fulham pulled off an impressive 2-1 win away to Manchester United on Saturday and, while it was one the more eye-catching Premier League 2024 results of the weekend, it was no surprise to Fulham boss Marco Silva who watched his side take the game to the Red Devils. Erik Ten Hag’s side had been in a rich vein of form, winning their last five games but they were second best for long periods against the ambitious Cottagers.

Fulham could have been out of sight when Calvin Bassey eventually broke the United resistance on 65 minutes, but then Harry Maguire levelled when Bernd Leno spilled a shot. It looked like hosts had escaped with a point until Alex Iwobi silenced the Old Trafford crowd with a winner deep into stoppage time.

It was a toothless display from Manchester United who were without injured striker Rasmus Hojlund. The Danish international started his Premier League career slowly following his summer transfer from Atalanta but he has recently found his feet, scoring seven goals in his last six games. Without him, Ten Hag gave a first start to young forward Omari Forson who looked a little out of his depth against a well run Fulham defence.         

It looks like Hojlund will miss the Manchester Derby and that is not good news for Red Devils fans, who have seen their team drop to eight points behind Aston Villa.  

Villa are fighting for fourth

United are looking upwards towards the race for Champions League places which sees Unai Emery’s Aston Villa in that fourth spot thanks to a 4-2 win over Nottingham Forest. The Villains moved five points above Tottenham Hotspur after taking Forest apart in a destructive first half.

Ollie Watkins bagged his 14^th goal of the campaign with just four minutes on the clock before the livewire Douglas Luiz struck twice before the break. The visitors were on the ropes but Moussa Niakhate gave them a glimmer of hope on the brink of half time.

Nuno must have done a good job in the Forest dressing room because his side came out with plenty of fight and they pulled another goal back when Morgan Gibbs White beat the offside trap, and Emi Martinez in the Villa net. Any thoughts of an upset soon disappeared though when Leon Bailey made it 4-2 on the hour and the hosts comfortably saw the game out.        

The latest Premier League 2024 betting odds reckon Villa may just edge Tottenham out of the Champions League places, but it’s going to be one heck of a battle. 

This message was edited by SBOTOP on 28-Feb-2024 at 3:06 PM

Antonee Robinson: Fulham’s Padawan Turned Premier League Jedi Master

Antonee “Jedi” Robinson has skyrocketed to football stardom thanks to his newfound form at Fulham. Lucky enough to play alongside proven defenders like Tim Ream and João Palhinha, Robinson quickly followed suit and is now one of the most sought-after defenders in the Premier League.

Carrying the United States flag over his shoulders every time he graces the pitch, the American footballer brings glory and pride not just to the patrons at Craven Cottage but to all the football fans in the U.S.

Only 26 years of age, Jedi has already seen his fair share of skirmishes that molded him into the star he is today, and SBOTOP is here to give a quick trip down memory lane of his young but blossoming career.

PREMIER LEAGUE

West Ham United

Brentford

1X2 Draw @ 3.36

Over 2.75 @ 2.04

Total Goals 2-3 @ 1.87

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

CLICK HERE

Robinson started his journey as a Toffee

Antonee Robinson was born on August 8, 1997, in Milton Keynes, England, just 50 miles north-west of London. At just 11 years of age, the young Robinson entered Everton’s academy and was signed to a scholarship in 2013, making him a full-time player.

His journey wasn’t all rainbows and daisies, as he struggled with injuries that had him sidelined for most of his time on Everton’s U-18 side. But he managed to suit up during the tail end of the 2014–15 season for the U21 side. As a result, he was awarded the club’s Under-18 Players’ Player of the Season.

It seemed like Robinson’s ascent to the big leagues was all set in stone, but during the 2015-16 season, he was sidelined yet again for most of the campaign due to a torn cartilage under his kneecap. Despite this hurdle, Jedi still managed to play in the EFL Trophy for the Everton U23 team, which was enough for him to sign a two-year extension at the end of the 2016–17 season.

He was then loaned to the Bolton Wanderers in 2017 until January 2018. There, his career gained traction, and thanks to his health being intact, Robinson established himself as a serviceable left-back with tremendous potential and a remarkable understanding of the game.

In July 2019, Jedi joined EFL Championship outfit Wigan Athletic on a three-year contract. There, his form and potential proved his claim as one of the best left-backs in the league, and top clubs from all over the continent took notice.

Fulham swoops in

Fulham’s Antonee Robinson in action with Burnley’s Lorenz Assignon during a Premier League encounter

After impressing in the EFL Championship, Robinson’s talents were on notice, garnering interests from the likes of Everton and Sheffield United, but he was set to sign with the Serie A giants, A.C. Milan for £10 million before the transfer deadline on January 31, 2020. Yet, the deal fell through due to Robinson’s failed medical examination in Milan.

On August 20, 2020, Fulham swooped in and Robinson became a cottager after signing a contract that was understood to be in the region of £2 million. Jedi made his debut as a Cottager during a league cup game against Ipswich Town on September 15, and his Premier League debut was on October 4 against Wolverhampton.

Unfortunately for Fulham, they got relegated to the Championship by the end of the 2020–21 season. But all hope wasn’t lost for the Cottagers, as they dominated the Championship and made their way back to the top flight in the following season.

Robinson was a big part of their promotion back to the Premier League and still plays a vital role in Marco Silva’s system to this day. Because of this, Fulham signed Robinson to a hefty contract in July 2023 that would span until 2028.

The Padawan is now a Jedi master

Robinson’s ceiling as a player has been an enigma, due to the fact that his potential just keeps on rising after every season. But during this current campaign, he became one of the biggest Premier League 2024 news stories, as he’d taken a big leap forward in terms of his development and skillset, making him one of the hottest commodities in the top flight.

His pace and attacking contributions from the left flank adds depth to Fulham’s gameplay. Silva would often go to his talented left-back to funnel Fulham’s push into the attacking third, and Robinson’s innate ability to push the ball forward continually causes problems for opposing teams.

Jedi’s fruitful carries, improved crosses, recoveries, and take-ons make him one of the most polished defenders and his all-around defencive skillset grants him the title of one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

Despite being just 26-years-old, Jedi has already proven that he can be an integral cog for a team’s success, and the Cottagers could sleep soundly at night knowing that Antonee Robinson is wearing “Fulham” on his chest.

Fulham may be one of the underdogs this season in the Premier League 2024 betting odds, but things could surely turn around for the them if Robinson and the rest of Fulham’s core stay intact.

This message was edited by SBOTOP on 28-Feb-2024 at 3:11 PM

Premier League: Everton’s Penalty Reduced

The ten point deduction handed out to Everton for breaches of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules has been reduced by six points on appeal.

The adjustment leaves the Toffees five points clear of the drop zone and up into 15^th place and the news has been welcomed by the Merseyside club. The crux of the matter is that Premier League clubs are not allowed to make a loss exceeding £105m over the previous three seasons and Everton were found guilty for the three campaigns ending 2022.  

The club released a statement to say they were satisfied with the reduction and were particularly pleased that the appeal committee accepted that the club had acted in good faith…and that’s an argument which could rage on for a while. It’s a point of principle for the club and they hope it will work in their favour when they face another penalty at the end of the current campaign.

While this is good news for Sean Dyche’s team today, it may not look so bright in May when the next set of charges will have been heard. Now that a precedent has been set both Everton and Nottingham Forest might expect a six point penalty, but any further deduction will only come after the end of the campaign. It’s an odd situation and one which could well affect other clubs around the relegation zone. Luton Town are the team in 18^th, four points behind Forest and five behind the Toffees and manager Rob Edwards has spoken out today, saying: “We can’t bank on that or use it. What it is, is how hard we work and commitment to what we’re trying to do. These are difficult questions. I’ve not experienced this before. It’s hypothetical. We’ve got to concentrate on ourselves.”

Luton Town boss Rob Edwards during their match against Liverpool

The latest Premier League 2024 betting odds reckon the Hatters will join Burnley and Sheffield United in a swift return to the Championship, while Everton and Forest are still in the frame.  

So, this is a good day for Everton, but their fans will still be looking enviously across to Stanley Park where Liverpool supporters are celebrating their dramatic Carabao Cup win. Jurgen Klopp has won his first piece of silverware of his final campaign at Anfield and his young players did him proud. Without stars such as Mo Salah, Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota, Liverpool relied on a clutch of teenagers and they stood up magnificently. But the victory over Chelsea told us everything we need to know about the genius of Klopp. 

After the match Academy sensations Conor Bradley and Bobby Clark hailed their boss and fans are dreaming of an historic treble. The Reds are in FA Cup action, with a fifth round tie against Southampton on Wednesday, a match we previewed here at SBOTOP.

Ten Hag back in the spotlight

In other Premier League 2024 news Manchester United’s defeat to Fulham has put Red Devils manager Erik Ten Hag under a little more pressure and, inevitably, questions are being asked whether he is still the man for the job at Old Trafford. The arrival of Ineos boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe on the United board has put every aspect of the club under increased scrutiny, including the head coach.

Ratcliffe has already said that he wants to see Manchester United close the gap to the top of the league within the next three years and ‘knock City off their perch’, a bold statement which has caused amusement in the Sky Blue half of Manchester. But Ratcliffe is clearly a successful businessman who knows how to get results and he will have been as dismayed as anyone by the way the Red Devils were outplayed by Fulham in their first win at Old Trafford since 2003. To make matters worse Aston Vila’s 4-2 win over Nottingham Forest meant United drifted eight points behind fourth placed Villa in the race for Champions League places and, at the start of the campaign that would have been the bare minimum for the club.

Champions League football means a club is more attractive to top players and that will be a cornerstone of Ratcliffe’s strategy; but it does look a long way away.             

After defeat to Marco Silva’s Fulham Ten Hag said: We fought ourselves back into the game and we get a draw, and at that point I think we deserved to win the game.” I’m not sure which match the Dutchman was watching, but the common view is that the Cottagers were the better team and, while he was missing his top striker Rasmus Hojlund, Ten Hag needs to see his team return to form without delay.

But there is the small matter of the Manchester Derby looming, and another defeat could make the United boss a little more uncomfortable.