With a quick turnaround this week, we shift our focus to a rare evening of Friday Premier League action. We take a closer look at two key fixtures, offering insights and betting perspectives to consider.
Before we proceed, let’s take a look at the outright market prices for the title race. At the time of writing, Liverpool remain the favourites to lift this season’s trophy at 11/20, closely followed by Arsenal at 7/2. Chelsea continue to impress, as reflected in their current odds of 13/2, while Manchester City’s slump continues, with their odds priced at a staggering 33/1. The rest of the field is priced at 500/1 or greater.
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BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION v BRENTFORD – Click here to bet
Brighton & Hove Albion welcome Brentford to the Amex Stadium this Friday, aiming to end their recent slump in form. Fabian Hürzeler’s side have struggled to capitalize on opportunities in their last five league appearances, securing just three points from a possible 15. Their most recent outing saw them earn a 1-1 draw away to West Ham, leaving them in 10th place with 25 points after 17 matches (W6 D7 L4).
At home, Brighton have been relatively solid, collecting 13 points from a possible 24 across eight matches (W3 D4 L1). However, they’ve failed to secure maximum points in their last two league games at the Amex. The Seagulls have been consistent in front of goal, scoring 13 times at an average of 1.62 per game, but defensive frailties have seen them concede 12 goals, averaging 1.5 per match.
Brentford, meanwhile, arrive on the back of a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, placing them 12th in the standings with 23 points after 17 matches. That loss marked their first home defeat of the season. However, it’s their away form that remains a significant concern. The Bees have the worst away record in the league, managing just one point from eight matches (W0 D1 L7).
Thomas Frank’s side have struggled for goals on their travels, netting just six times at an average of 0.75 per game. Their defensive record on the road has been even more troubling, with 16 goals conceded at an average of two per match.
With both sides desperate to bounce back after underwhelming results, this fixture presents an opportunity for Brighton to exploit Brentford’s vulnerabilities on the road while aiming to rediscover their winning touch at home. For the Bees, it’s a chance to reverse their away-day woes and regain some momentum in what has been a challenging campaign.
Head-to-Head
Last season, Brighton secured a 2-1 victory in this fixture, while the reverse encounter ended in a 0-0 draw, with both teams sharing the spoils.
Betting
Brighton & Hove Albion 7/10
Draw 7/2
Brentford 7/2
Verdict:
Brighton’s strong home record against a Brentford side struggling on the road suggests the Seagulls might edge this one, although the recent form of both teams makes it difficult to rule out a result for either side.
Suggested Bet: Totals and Both Teams to Score, Over 2.5 and Yes at 8/11
ARSENAL v IPSWICH TOWN – Click here to bet
Arsenal host Ipswich Town at the Emirates Stadium this Friday, aiming to extend their impressive unbeaten run. Mikel Arteta’s side are in fine form, having gone ten matches without defeat across all competitions, recording seven victories and three draws during this stretch. The Gunners will be buoyed by their emphatic 5-1 away win against Crystal Palace last weekend, which consolidated their position in 3rd place with 33 points after 17 matches (W9 D6 L2).
Arsenal remain six points adrift of the league leaders but will take confidence from their formidable home record. The Gunners have yet to lose at the Emirates this season, securing 18 points from a possible 24 across eight matches (W5 D3 L0). Arteta’s men have been clinical in front of goal at home, scoring 17 times at an average of 2.13 per game, while remaining resolute defensively, conceding just six goals at an average of 0.75 per match.
Ipswich Town, by contrast, continue to struggle in their return to top-flight football. Kieran McKenna’s side registered their fourth defeat in five matches last weekend, suffering a heavy 4-0 loss at home to Newcastle United. This poor run has left Ipswich in the relegation zone, sitting 19th with 12 points from 17 matches (W2 D6 L9). Despite the club’s struggles, McKenna appears to retain the backing of the board for now, though pressure could mount should results fail to improve.
On their travels, the Tractor Boys have shown slightly more resilience, collecting eight points from eight away matches (W2 D2 L4). Ipswich have managed to score ten goals on the road at an average of 1.25 per game but remain vulnerable defensively, having conceded 16 times at an average of two goals per outing.
Head-to-Head
These two sides last met in the league as far back as the 2001/2002 season, where Arsenal secured a double by registering a 2-0 victory in the first encounter, followed by the same score line in this fixture.
Betting
Arsenal 2/13
Draw 15/2
Ipswich 17/1
With Arsenal keen to close the gap at the top end of the log and Ipswich desperate to climb out of the relegation zone, this clash presents contrasting stakes for both sides. The Gunners’ home advantage and current form make them overwhelming favourites, while Ipswich will need a monumental performance to secure a result at the Emirates.
Verdict
Arsenal’s attacking firepower and defensive stability at home should see them ease past Ipswich, as the visitors are unlikely to pose a significant threat to the Gunners’ backline.
Suggested Bet: Arsenal To Win To Nil, Yes at 8/10
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
