With the holidays just around the corner, it’s time to stack up some betting profits. Three of the top leagues in Europe are in full action, so we have plenty of top-notch betting opportunities. In the Premier League, West Ham hosts Man United, and it will be interesting to see if the Red Devils continue their slide having gone scoreless for three games straight. The big game on Saturday, however, is between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield, and we will include it in our free betting parlay. We will also head south to Italy as Inter plays Lecce at the Meazza without Lautaro Martinez.
Bet On The Goals As Struggling United Visit London
Manchester United have been sliding for years now. Just when you think they might start to improve, they put down a stretch of miserable results. Ten Haag is not the answer for them, but it’s funny to see how long it’s taking them to realize it. I guess the underwhelming Dutchman has a huge payout clause if he gets sacked, and that’s why the management at Old Trafford is putting up with him.
I mean, for all their terrible results for the past couple of years (and more), they do have some quality players and should be able to get much better results consistently. That’s where the manager’s role comes into play. He is the one that’s responsible for the performance of the players, and if the players are not performing good enough, it has to be THE MANAGER’s fault.
But anyways, back to our top betting picks for today and this West Ham v Man United prediction. As mentioned, United have failed to score in each of their last three games! That’s nearly five astronomical hours of zero production on the pitch for a team that’s worth hundreds of millions, at least on paper. Just to remind you, they splashed over 50 million pounds on Onana, and he has been an absolute bust, and another 70 million on Mason Mount who’s been an even worse signing.
Having said all that, I do expect the Red Devils to at least score a goal against West Ham here. I mean, that would be the very least they can do. It will be ridiculous for them to on a 4-game goalless streak.
🚨 Erik has confirmed @ChrisEriksen8 will be fit for #WHUMUN 💪#MUFC || #PL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 22, 2023
On the other hand, West Ham are a very good team. Kudus, who they bought from Ajax just a few months ago, has paid off his transfer fee already with plenty of goals and great performances. He is just an excellent young player and he is always looking like a threat when they go forward. Lucas Paqueta is another really fun player to watch. A typical Brazilian with real magic in his feet, technical and able to give the finish pass or score himself. They are also solid in midfield with James Ward Prowse, Tomas Soucek and Edson Alvarez. Therefore, I firmly believe the Hammers will score at least once too.
Free Betting Pick, West Ham v Man United Prediction: Bet On Over 2.5 Goals at 1.70
Goals Expected At Anfield
Without a doubt, the biggest game this weekend will be played at Anfield as Liverpool take on Arsenal in a direct fight for the top spot. The Gunners are currently first with 39 points, but Pool are just a point behind. Traditionally, these two sides have produced some spectacular games over the years, and usually go over the 2.5 goal line. In fact, it’s not rare to see them score 4, 5 or even more goals, so putting your money on the goals in this one is a really solid betting pick.
Liverpool is contending with several absentees including Stefan Bajcetic, Thiago Alcantara, Joel Matip, Andrew Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister, Diogo Jota, and Ben Doak due to injuries.
Ryan Gravenberch, sidelined in the midweek Carabao Cup victory over West Ham due to muscle soreness, is anticipated to return to the matchday squad.
Full focus on Liverpool ✊
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 22, 2023
📸 Check out today's training gallery here 👇
Arsenal faces absences from Jurrien Timber, Fabio Vieira, and Takehiro Tomiyasu. However, there’s a possibility Thomas Partey could recover from a thigh issue to make an appearance.
Mohamed Elneny and Jorginho are both in a fitness battle and will undergo closer assessment before the event.
Liverpool remains undefeated at Anfield in all competitions this season, except for a point-splitting 0-0 draw against Manchester United last weekend. Their last defeat on Merseyside in the league dates back to October 29, 2022.
While Arsenal has amassed 16 points away from home in this campaign, they’ve hit a roadblock, securing no wins in their last two away games. Their recent track record includes a defeat at Aston Villa and a draw at PSV.
In their last five away fixtures in the top flight, Arsenal drew against Chelsea and then suffered losses at both Newcastle and Villa, signifying a pattern of dropped points on their travels.
With Arsenal’s vulnerabilities on the road, Liverpool is poised with confidence to tackle a team that has shown inconsistencies away from home.
Bottom line is that we have a game between two attacking sides that play a really positive brand of football. Always looking to create chances rather than focus on defending. That’s why I do expect to see loads of goals here, and perhaps Liverpool have a slight edge in terms of end result.
Free Betting Pick, Liverpool v Arsenal Prediction: Bet On Over 2.5 Goals at 1.70
Inter Will Have a Difficult Time Against Lecce
Inter crashed out of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday. What’s even worse, it took them extra time to do so. They took the lead in the 105th minute, and qualification for the next round looked pretty much wrapped up. However, Bologna did not give up and Zikree produced two magical assists to set up two shocking goals to eliminate Internazionale.
To add to Inter’s misery on the night, Lautaro Martinez suffered an injury in the Extra Time after missing a penalty that could have decided everything late in the second half. Thus, Simone Inzaghi will not be able to rely on the team’s captain who just broke the record for most goals scored by an Inter player in a calendar year. Lautaro’s loss will be huge for Inter going in the match against Lecce.
What has to be underlined here is that unlike what most people think, Lecce are actually a decent side. If you look at their last five games, they’ve been on a run of four straight draws followed by a win in the last round against Frosinone. The draws includes a 2:2 comeback against Milan, 2:2 draw against Verone, and two 1:1 draws against Empoli and Bologna. Banda has loads of speed on the left wing and he will trouble Inter’s defense.
Free Betting Pick, Inter v Lecce Prediction: Bet On Both Teams to Score at 2.30
Here is our top football betting parlay for this weekend:
West Ham v Man United Over 2.5 at 1.70
Liverpool v Arsenal Over 2.5 at 1.70
Inter v Lecce – Both Teams to Score at 2.30
Total Odds = 6.64
You can also include our top betting pick for Sunday, December 24 with the most accurate Wolves v Chelsea prediction.
