Premier League Matchday 18

Soccer returns this weekend in England with a full slate of matches for Premier League Matchday 18.

The schedule kicks off with the M23 Derby on Thursday night between Crystal Palace and Brighton. This is followed by Aston Villa hosting Sheffield United on Friday.

Saturday has six fixtures, headlined by Arsenal’s trip to Anfield to face Liverpool. Meanwhile, Chelsea closes out the weekend by playing at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Last weekend was a tough week for the best bets, but we’re looking to get back on track with two more for Premier League Matchday 18.

Premier League Matchday 18 – Preview and Best Bets

Crystal Palace vs. Brighton – Who doesn’t love a feisty derby on a Thursday? Palace just about makes the card this week, but I am ultimately staying away.

Aston Villa vs. Sheffield United –  I would think Villa is in every parlay this week. Even with how dominant they are at home, this is a big number to cover.

West Ham vs. Manchester United – West Ham Draw No Bet (-116) FanDuel

We are back fading Manchester United away from home after a few weeks off. Yes, the Red Devils got a great result at Liverpool, but the underlying numbers still show their struggles.

In that draw, United lost the expected goals battle 0.8-2.3, according to fbref.com, which has been a common theme for the club on the road.

Manager Erik ten Hag’s team has been beaten on xG in every league match on the road except for one. In fact, the Red Devils rank 15th in xGDiff away from home.

They have also allowed an average of 2.16 expected goals in their last five road trips in all competitions. I like the Hammers here to take advantage of a leaky defense.

Nottingham Forest vs. Bournemouth – Does Forest get the new-manager bounce with Steve Cooper gone? This variable makes this game an easy pass.

Fulham vs. Burnley – Fulham at home against the smaller clubs has been a profitable play under Marco Silva. This number has drifted a bit too far, though.

Luton Town vs. Newcastle – This is the perfect combination of Newcastle’s poor road form with Luton being tough to beat at home. I don’t want any part of this.

Spurs vs. Everton – Everton +0.75 (-117) BetRivers

All of the attention on Everton’s point deduction is hiding the fact that the Toffees are playing great soccer at the moment.

Manager Sean Dyche’s side has won five of its last six on the road, which includes solid victories at Brentford and West Ham. Only Spurs have picked up more away points this season than Everton’s 16.

Speaking of Tottenham, only Sheffield has allowed more expected goals and big chances at home this campaign. So, Everton should get opportunities to find the back of the net.

Beyond James Maddison and Micky van de Ven, Spurs will also be without Iyenoma Udogie and Yves Bissouma, who are both suspended. I feel this price is too good to pass up with an in-form Toffees team.

Liverpool vs. Arsenal – This a huge game in the title race. I see a little value on Liverpool at home, but it’s not enough.

Wolves vs. Chelsea – Pedro Neto could be back for Wolves here, which would be huge. I still don’t trust Chelsea as road favorites.