Premier League Matchday 12 Preview
The final international break of 2024 is in the rear-view mirror and it means football fans can settle in for an uninterrupted run of club games all the way into the spring.
Matchday 12 of the Premier League sees Liverpool leading the way at the top ahead of a visit to basement boys Southampton, while champions Manchester City are seeking to stop a run of four straight losses in all competitions as they welcome Spurs.
There are a number of other intriguing clashes and we have picked out our best bets for the weekend’s Premier League action.
Tip 1: Chelsea to win and BTTS v Leicester @ 37/20
The Saturday lunchtime offering is at the King Power Stadium, where hosts Leicester have managed only one win in five attempts in the league. Chelsea have won three out of five on the road, with the exceptions coming at Anfield and Old Trafford. This, by contrast, is less daunting.
Only three teams have scored more goals than Chelsea, while Leicester's defence has conceded 21 times in 11 games. The Foxes have scored in all bar one of their 11 Premier League games and can contribute in what may be a losing effort as Chelsea bid to make it four wins in their last five visits to the King Power.
Tip 2: Manchester City to win BTTS v Tottenham @ 29/20
Pep Guardiola agreed a contract extension with Manchester City this week but the Spaniard finds himself in uncharted waters. The Citizens return from the international break tasked with ending a four-game losing streak in all competitions – the first time Guardiola has endured such a streak of defeats (excluding shootouts) in his managerial career.
Tottenham are probably welcome visitors despite the north London outfit having a decent record against City, with four wins since 2021 in all competitions.
Ange Postecoglou's side are struggling for consistency and were beaten by Galatasaray and Ipswich before the break. Only Southampton have failed to find the net in five City home league outings and Spurs should get on the scoresheet, but the Lilywhites are unlikely to keep things tight at the back.
Tip 3: Liverpool -1 vs Southampton @ 4/5
Arne Slot's reign as Liverpool boss is exceeding expectations and his side head into the weekend with a five-point lead. The Reds have conceded a miserly six goals in the league and make the trip south to face a Southampton side who have managed just seven goals in 11 games.
There was a dramatic 4-4 draw at St Mary's between these teams in May 2023 but Liverpool have won four of the last six meetings on the south coast.
With the Reds’ rearguard looking strong, they should prove too strong for the hosts. Manchester United were 3-0 winners here in September and Liverpool should have clear breathing space by the final whistle.
Tip 4: Manchester United HT/FT vs Ipswich @ 7/5
The latest new dawn at Manchester United sees Ruben Amorim take charge of the Red Devils for the first time at Portman Road.
The Portuguese coach has a daunting job ahead and will surely need some time, but the Tractor Boys may offer a good chance for his side to make a positive start.
Kieran McKenna's side have played well in several games but are winless in five at home. They stunned Tottenham last time on the road, a result that says more about Spurs than anything.
United lack consistency, but they were decent in four games under Ruud van Nistelrooy and the 'new manager bounce' should see them hit the ground running on Sunday. The visitors are odds-on to win and it's worth having them to get in front by half-time en route to three points, as they did last time at home to Leicester.