Liverpool’s title dream is all but over
A horrible January saw Liverpool lose ground in the title race whilst falling short in both domestic cup competitions. Surely it couldn’t get any worse at the start of February? Oh but it did... Jurgen Klopp’s side lost 2-0 to relegation-threatened Hull City on Saturday as their torrid run of form continued.
Since beating Manchester City on December 31st, the Reds have won just once in 10 games – an unacceptable set of results to say the least. Liverpool are now 13 points behind leaders Chelsea and Klopp’s men will be looking nervously over their shoulder at the chasing pack in the race to secure Champions League football.
As of February 6th, Liverpool are 19/20 to finish in the top four with 888Sport.
Everton continue to improve under Ronald Koeman
The Toffees are purring right now and Ronald Koeman is starting to have a positive effect on Everton’s top stars. Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku have both stepped up to the plate in recent weeks and the Belgium striker notched four goals in Everton’s epic 6-3 victory against Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.
Goodison Park is a notoriously difficult ground to play at and Everton have found their best form at home; something that hasn’t really happened since David Moyes’ tenure. With 13 goals in their last three home fixtures, the Toffees are starting to put together an impressive run and they will be confident of finishing seventh this season.
Struggling Southampton stuck in sorry slump
Claude Puel’s men may have reached a Wembley cup final for the first time since lifting the FA Cup in 1976 but their league form has deteriorated since the turn of the year. The Saints have lost six of their last seven league games; a run that has seen the EFL Cup finalists fall into the bottom half of the table.
Southampton will get it together at some point but their recent tumble will have supporters looking nervously at the relegation scrap below. Puel’s side are seven points above Hull and their solid start to the campaign could save the Saints from falling into a battle for safety in the coming months. An EFL Cup triumph and a mid-table finish will suffice...
As of February 6th, Southampton are 2/1 to win the EFL Cup final with 888Sport.
Claudio Ranieri’s job is on the line
Leicester City did the unthinkable last season when winning the Premier League and their fall from grace this year has been difficult to watch. Neutrals fell in love with the Foxes but it just hasn’t gone to plan so far this campaign. Their form in the Champions League has been excellent but domestically, Leicester have been woeful.
In fact, Ranieri’s men are one point above the relegation zone – a crazy statistic when you remember how dominant they were less than a year ago. Ranieri is now just 7/4 to be the next Premier League manager sacked and punters should consider backing the Italian to lose his job before the end of the campaign; especially if Leicester lose to Sevilla.
Chelsea juggernaut showing no signs of slowing down
What a job Antonio Conte has done at Stamford Bridge. The Italian deserves plenty of credit for Chelsea’s turnaround this year and Blues fans have fallen in love with his passion, energy and charisma on the touchline. With Eden Hazard looking back to his brilliant best and Diego Costa amongst the goals, Chelsea will take some stopping in the title race.
In fact, it would be probably fair to claim that the Blues already have one hand on the title; such is the size of their advantage at the top. Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over Arsenal saw the Blues extend their advantage over Tottenham Hotspur to 12 points before the north London side cut it to nine with victory over Middlesbrough. Either way, it is now Chelsea’s crown to lose...
As of January 6th, Chelsea are 2/15 to win the Premier League title with 888Sport.
