The first Premier League match of the weekend sees Chelsea travel to the south coast to take on Brighton.
The defending Premier League champions have had a tough start to the new year, they have won only one away game (league and cup) since the middle of December and could fail to win at least one of their first three league away games in a calendar year for the first time for 23 years.
Brighton have only lost two of their 11 home league fixtures, a pretty good star for a newly promoted team. Brighton have never beaten the reigning league champion, but it’s debatable Chelsea are playing at that level – and they are missing some key players due to suspension and injury.
We’ll take Chelsea’s troubles to continue, with the home team hanging on for a draw.
The final game Saturday sees leaders Manchester City host Newcastle. City suffered their first league loss of the season last weekend, but they lost nothing in defeat in a tremendous game at Anfield.
Now they return to the Etihad seeking to start a new run with Newcastle cast as the sacrificial lamb.
The Magpies are winless in 20 Premier League games against City, their longest streak against a top flight side, and we think this run will continue. In fact City are likely to win this one going away.
Fabian Delph was injured last weekend and this should mean a starting place for Danilo. The Brazilian is an attacking fullback and with City likely to have lots of the ball he could frequently find himself in the opposition’s penalty area. We’ll take the 10/1 that he scores at any time during the game.
Recommendation:
Brighton/Chelsea to draw, 1 pt, at 11/4, widely available
Danilo to score at anytime for Man City, 1 pt, at 10/1, Paddy Power
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