Man Utd, Spurs and Saints in Premier League afternoon action

Holly Thackeray | January 22, 2016

Manchester United v Southampton

Red Devils to squeeze past Saints

Man Utd square-up to Southampton on home turf, having already beaten the south coast side this season in a thrilling Premier League fixture which produced five goals, and are odds-on at 20/23 to emerge victorious again.

Louis van Gaal’s guys may need a moment of magic to ease past compatriot Ronald Koeman’s side, but skipper Wayne Rooney (5/1 to have the final say) is in fine form again with five goals in his last four, while Anthony Martial (5/1 to dispatch first) was the marksman who previously unlocked Saints.

New Southampton striker signing Charlie Austin could make his bow, and is 7/4 to score his first in red and white stripes anytime, while in-form Dusan Tadic and James Ward-Prowse will be the scheming supply lines.

Crystal Palace v Tottenham

Tottenham to triumph on short trip to Selhurst

A cracking capital clash is on the cards here, though Spurs should have enough in their tank to sink plucky Palace, as Alan Pardew’s outfit have stuttered of late.

Tottenham took the spoils in a tight 1-0 tussle earlier this term, with recent goal hero Son Heung-Min the sole scorer. The skilful South Korean star is 7/4 to strike again anytime, while hitman Harry Kane has also notched against this opposition before and is 4/1 to draw first blood.

Punters can back Mauricio Pochettino and his men at 6/1 for a repeat 1-0 win, or 23/20 to be victors, with the Eagles best priced to take a point (9/4) rather than all three (12/5). As Palace have failed to find the target in their past five league games, though, Spurs also look tasty at 5/2 to triumph to nil.

Leicester City v Stoke City

Foxes face fierce Potters challenge

On their day, both Leicester and Stoke are more than equipped to challenge the toughest teams, but against each other are an intriguing 23/10 to end their encounter evenly.

Claudio Ranieri’s Foxes have been flagging of late, while the Potters managed to pinch a point from Arsenal last time out, so should feel confident travelling to the King Power, with odds of 11/4 for an away win.

There should be forward threats aplenty in this exchange, however, with usual suspects Jamie Vardy (9/2 for the opener) and Riyad Mahrez capable of countering against the silky possession play of Bojan Krkic (9/4 to net anytime), Marko Arnautovic (11/4) and co.

Sunderland v Bournemouth

Bournemouth can bag vital points by beating Black Cats

The Cherries plucked crucial confidence from their picking off of fellow relegation rivals Norwich City last time out, scoring three, and will seek to claim another ‘six-pointer’ by beating hosts Sunderland.

Sam Allardyce’s men are incredibly inconsistent, and could be troubled down the flanks by Bournemouth’s marauding full backs. January signing Benik Afobe got off the mark against the Canaries and is a fab 5/1 to nab the opener this time, with fellow fresh face Juan Iturbe 7/4 to have an attacking impact anytime.

Eddie Howe, with his new recruits in tow, looks much better value to oversee a victory at 29/20, than Big Sam at 21/10, despite being on the road.

Hornets sting could halt Magpies

Jonjo Shelvey’s arrival and subsequent inspirational debut propelled Newcastle to clinching three points from West Ham United, yet Watford should provide a trickier challenge.

The Hornets have dipped with two defeats of late, but it is not so long ago that the Hertfordshire club dumped the Magpies out of the FA Cup, so they look tastiest value as 11/10 favourites, which you can enhance by plumping for Watford to win and both teams to score at 10/3.

Captain Troy Deeney dispatched the only goal last time and his potent partnership with Odion Ighalo could prove decisive again, with the pair both priced as 4/1 shouts to score first and last respectively. As for their guests, Magpies menaces Ayoze Perez (11/4 in the anytime market) and Georginio Wijnaldum (9/4) hold Steve McClaren’s hopes.

Midlands melee to see splitting of spoils

West Brom and Aston Villa contest a midlands derby at The Hawthorns, which Coral have priced at 11/5 to result in a point apiece, after the Villans rallied to a draw in their previous league clash with local foes Leicester.

The Baggies have home advantage but are also struggling with form, amid rumours striker Saido Berahino (6/1 for the last goal) is soon to be sold. While, Villa finally have the bit between their teeth, and will likely come out all guns blazing, with Rudy Gestede (15/8 for another strike anytime) and Jordan Ayew decent shouts to prove dangerous.

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Coral’s top tip: Rooney is in rampant form, firing in decisive goals, so back him at 5/1 to score last.