Graham Ruthven: The Weekend’s Best Bets

Player to score – Darwin Nunez (Liverpool v Leicester City) 10/11

Darwin Nunez might not have worn his shooting boots for Liverpool’s Boxing Day victory over Aston Villa, but the Uruguayan striker still managed to get himself into dangerous positions and finished the match with a higher Expected Goals value of any other player on the pitch. He will carry a threat against Leicester City too.

Liverpool are undefeated in their last 12 home matches against the Foxes in all competitions. On top of this, the Reds have scored two or more goals in six of their last seven meetings with Leicester City at Anfield. The omens are good for Jurgen Klopp’s team and it’s only a matter of time until Nunez finds the back of the net.

Player to be carded – Rodri (Manchester City v Everton) 11/2

Manchester City returned to action following the World Cup break with a comfortable 3-1 away win over Leeds United and now face relegation-threatened Everton at the Etihad Stadium. The Premier League champions have won their last 10 matches against Everton in all competitions and there’s no reason to believe that streak won’t reach 11.

Rodri is unlikely to be rotated out of Pep Guardiola’s starting lineup due to the Catalan’s displeasure at Kalvin Phillips’ fitness. The Spanish midfielder is a good bet to pick up a yellow card having been booked in his last two outings – against Liverpool and Leeds United.

Match to be a draw – West Ham v Brentford 13/5

Sitting just one point above the relegation zone in the Premier League table, West Ham are on a dreadful run of form having lost their last four matches in succession. David Moyes’ side desperately need points, but face a tricky home match against a Brentford team that has beaten Manchester City and drawn against Tottenham Hotspur in their last two outings.

Despite this, Thomas Frank’s team have won just one away from home in the Premier League this season while West Ham’s home record (three wins and one draw from eight fixtures) suggests they might take something from Friday’s match. The Hammers will have the aerial advantage over the Bees.

Both teams to score – Brighton v Arsenal 13/20

Brighton returned to Premier League action in style, scoring three times in a comprehensive dismantling of Southampton. They now host table-toppers Arsenal at the Amex Stadium in what promises to be one of the most entertaining matches of the festive period. The form book suggests there will be goals in this one.

There have been over 2.5 total goals scored in Brighton’s last five Premier League matches while only Manchester City have scored more goals than Arsenal in the division this season. Roberto Di Zerbi has unleashed the Seagulls as an attacking force. They have the threat to trouble the title race frontrunners.

1x 3 or 4 line combo bet builder

Manchester United have found some form under Erik ten Hag with the Old Trafford outfit now on a run of seven wins from their last eight matches in all competitions. However, United have earned themselves a reputation for being wasteful in front of goal, leading to a low goal-scoring rate of just 23 goals in 15 league fixtures.

Marcus Rashford is the only dependable goalscorer currently in Manchester United’s ranks with the England international scoring in his first two matches after the World Cup break. Wolves, meanwhile, are still settling following the appointment of Julen Lopetegui as their new manager. This match could be decided by a single goal.

*Click image to add directly to betslip. Prices subject to change.