As the Premier League season passes the halfway point, it looks like the title race may already be over. However, there are certain clubs – and individuals – in the top flight who seem to be specialists in throwing away a strong position, whether that be a commanding lead in the table or a cup run.
Inter Milan are 3/2 favourites to sign Christian Eriksen during the current transfer window after Jose Mourinho admitted the Tottenham midfielder’s future remains uncertain. The 27-year-old Denmark international is free to talk to other clubs after failing to agree on a new contract with Spurs.
Norwich begin the new year at the bottom of the Premier League table but will be hoping to kick-start their survival bid by beating Crystal Palace at Carrow Road. The Canaries have gone seven games without a win, while Palace have won just once in five, so a tight tussle looks to be on the cards.
Sheff Utd have a great chance to continue their fairytale campaign by securing a fourth straight Premier League success when entertaining Watford. The Hornets are coming off a win over Manchester United but that was only their second victory of the season and they remain bottom of the table.
Preston will travel to Leeds in good spirits on Boxing Day and we feel it may be worth backing the visitors to get something out of this game. North End have picked up seven points from their last three Championship matches, while United are coming off a couple of patchy performances.
Norwich have fond memories of Villa Park and can give their Premier League survival hopes a boost at the expense of fellow strugglers Aston Villa. The Canaries lifted the Championship title following a 2-1 win here on the final day of last season and will again hope to leave with all three points.
Having not played for Manchester United since the end of September, the latest Paul Pogba transfer news and rumours suggest a move to Real Madrid may be imminent. The 26-year-old was first sidelined due to an ankle injury that has restricted him to just six appearances for the Red Devils this season.
Gary Rowett has got Millwall going in the right direction and they are fancied to edge out Nottingham Forest in Friday night’s Championship clash. The Lions have won this corresponding fixture for the past couple of seasons and may be facing the Reds at a good time following their loss to Cardiff.
This West Yorkshire rivalry is renewed on Saturday lunchtime when Championship high-flyers Leeds make the short trip to neighbours Huddersfield. The Terriers claimed the bragging rights two years ago when they did the double over their rivals on the way to promotion to the Premier League but it is the Whites who are on course for the top flight this time.
Jose Mourinho returns to Old Trafford for the first time since being sacked a year ago when Tottenham take on Manchester United in the Premier League on Wednesday night. In an exclusive bwin interview, Louis Saha shares his thoughts on the game between two of his former clubs. The former France international also discusses the fortunes of Everton, whether Fulham can return to the Premier League and latest developments in the top flight of English football.
Preston have lost ground in the race for automatic promotion recently and Monday night’s Championship clash is a big test of their credentials for a top-two spot. These teams had contrasting fortunes in midweek and two successive defeats for North End have seen them drop eight points behind Albion.
With Unai Emery axed after a poor run of results, we’re tracking the Arsenal next manager odds to see who is set to succeed him. The start of this season has proved a challenge and a club statement said: “The decision has been taken due to results and performances not being at the level required.”
Swansea and Fulham are both pushing for promotion from the Championship and a cagey contest could be on the cards in Wales. City are far from prolific up front on home turf, netting 11 times in nine games at Liberty Stadium, while the Cottagers have claimed just nine goals in eight away matches.
Watford finally have a win on the board and are favourites to make it back-to-back victories when they host Burnley. The Hornets have produced some better performances lately and got their reward with a 2-0 win at fellow strugglers Norwich.