A huge year of football begins with a couple of matches in the Premier League on Friday evening as 2021 kicks off with a bang with three of the top five in the league in action looking to get their New Year off to a flying start.
As with all the Premier League matches this month, these two games are both on TV for us to enjoy in the UK so there is no reason not to stick our feet up with the remainder of the alcohol left over from Christmas and New Year and watch a couple of great games.
Everton vs West Ham United (17.30 – BT Sport 1)
The first Premier League match of 2021 sees the fourth placed Everton looking to move up to second in the table for a few hours at least when they entertain their former manager David Moyes and his improved West Ham United team.
Everton were always going to have a bit of an advantage in this match as they were due to play on Monday night while West Ham played on Tuesday, however the Toffees’ match with Man City was called off so they have gone six days since their last match. At this time of year that can be very significant, especially as West Ham have played twice since then. Everton also go into this match having won their last four games whereas the Hammers have just started to flatter to deceive a little. With all the advantages on their side I’m happy to back Everton to come out on top in this one.
Special Offer
Open up an 888sport account before Chelsea vs Man City kicks off on Sunday to get either 16/1 on a Chelsea win OR 11/1 on Man City to win! Click the image below to get the enhanced odds. New accounts only. 18+ T&Cs apply. Gamble Aware.
Qualifying bet must be placed at the normal odds • max bet £5 • Extra winnings paid in FREE BETS and added within 72 hrs of qualifying bet settlement • Free bet stakes not included in bet returns • Free bets expire 7 days after credit • This offer may not be combined with any other offer • Full T&C’s apply
Manchester United vs Aston Villa (20.00 – Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League)
The second match of the night sees the second placed Manchester United looking to move level on points with Liverpool at the top of the table when they host an Aston Villa side who are really making a name for themselves at present.
There has been a lot of negatives written about Man Utd this season but they go into this one with just one defeat in their last 12 in the Premier League and have won seven of their last nine. Admittedly they haven’t all been convincing but in this season of all seasons winning is all that matters. Villa have been no less impressive, especially on their travels this season where they have only dropped points at West Ham and Chelsea, the former when VAR mugged them off and the latter being a good draw on Monday evening. They look nicely organised but with a goal threat on their travels.
I’m not as down on United’s chances this season as some others are but we should remember that Villa played their latest match more than 24 hours before United so they might be stronger for that. For all their improvement in recent times, United have only won three games at Old Trafford this term, against goal shy West Brom and Wolves and a Leeds side who played right into their hands. Villa fit neither of those categories so I like them on the Asian lines here.
Tips
Back Everton (-0.25AH) to beat West Ham United for a 3/10 stake at 1.92 with Bet365
PUSH – Back Aston Villa (+1AH) to beat Man Utd for a 3/10 stake at 1.73 with BetVictor
Back them here:
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2021
