Tottenham Hotspur sit atop the English Premier League and will head across London this weekend to face off with city rivals Crystal Palace.
Jose Mourinho’s team go into Premier League matchday 12 seeking a big win before a midweek, matchday 13 fixture versus second-place Liverpool. It is a time of the season when many teams fall away from the title race as the number of fixtures between now and the end of January come thick and fast.
Although currently leading the Premier League, leading sportsbooks have Tottenham Hotspur at +500 to win the league. Those are the third-highest odds according to Bet365. Liverpool lead the odds currently to win the title at +175. Manchester City have the second-best odds at +200. So, with Premier League matchday 12 nearing, here is a look at two games I’ve highlighted on Sunday, December 13. (Check out the video for additional picks for Premier League matchday 12).
Southampton (-143) vs. Sheffield United (+400)
I personally love this Southampton team. They are scrappy and picking up points against all the teams they should. Sheffield United are the Premier League’s worst team. They are bottom of the table on one point from 33 possible. They are on a six-game losing streak. The Blades have scored a mere five goals in 11 games and manager Chris Wilder has made a conscious decision not to play a striker with the potential to score goals (Rhian Brewster.
Southampton are fifth in the league, unbeaten in five of their last six matches. Their only loss was a home defeat to Manchester United. Southampton were up 2-0 at halftime but let the Red Devils come back and win.
The Saints are +2 in goal difference at home. Sheffield United are -7 on the road. The X-factor is likely to be Southampton striker Danny Ings, who recently returned from a knee injury. He came off the bench last week to score in Southampton’s 2-1 win versus Brighton.
Southampton should have no issue winning this game. Ralph Hassenhuttl’s Saints won both games last term by a 4-1 scoreline. Their game at St. Mary’s Stadium finished 3-1 in favor of Southampton.
Result: Southampton to win
Crystal Palace (+375) vs. Tottenham Hotspur (-143)
The big game of the day will see Crystal Palace host Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park. Spurs have taken 21 points from 33 possible and are hanging with reigning champions Liverpool going into the weekend.
Crystal Palace ended a two-match losing streak last weekend with a win against West Brom, 5-1. The big win was more to do with West Brom being awful rather than Crystal Palace being a brilliant scoring team.
Spurs claimed a 2-0 home win against derby rival Arsenal. Tottenham Hotspur did play on Thursday in the Europa League, winning 2-0 against Royal Antwerp. There are still questions over the team’s ability to navigate the Premier League and Europa League.
Crystal Palace have little chance in this game. They have won just once in their last four home games. Spurs are unbeaten in five away games. Tottenham Hotspur have a big game against Liverpool the Wednesday following their game versus Crystal Palace. They need to win — and will — on Premier League matchday 12 to keep up with the Reds.
Result: Tottenham Hotspur to win
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