It was something of a week to forget for last week’s BTTS tips, with two winners (and one scuppered by a disallowed goal for Aston Villa) and a pair of not-winners.
It’s a return to full league action this time out – we weren’t feeling the magic of the cup! – and that is most welcome.
So without further ado, let’s get stuck into this week’s both teams to score betting tips.
| Match | Both Teams to Score Yes/No | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Brighton vs Liverpool | Yes | 21/20 |
| West Ham vs Arsenal | Yes | 1/2 |
| Leeds United vs Derby County | Yes | 4/6 |
| Hull City vs Sheffield Wednesday | Yes | 8/11 |
| Dundee United vs Dunfermline | Yes | 8/11 |
| All Five Results as an Accumulator | 13.91/1 | |
Brighton vs Liverpool – Yes (21/20)
It’s not what you would call a crisis by any means, but Jurgen Klopp does have a defensive dilemma to solve.
Dejan Lovren has now joined Joel Matip and Joe Gomez on the treatment table, leaving Virgil van Dijk as Liverpool’s only fit central defender.
The Reds came unstuck at Wolves on Monday night in the FA Cup, with midfielder Fabinho and 16-year-old debutant Ki-Jana Hoever having to fill in at centre half.
Klopp will again have to pick one of that pair – presumably Fabinho – to partner Van Dijk against Brighton, and with Jordan Henderson injured and James Milner playing 90 minutes at Molineux that creates other problems in midfield.
Brighton are the kind of side that can capitalise. They are reliably sound on home soil (W5 D3 L2), and average a solid 1.50 goals per game in front of their own supporters. The Seagulls might just fancy an upset is on the cards on Saturday.
West Ham vs Arsenal – Yes (1/2)
Arsenal’s injury woes continue.
They could be without five first choice defenders here – Bellerin, Monreal, Mustafi, Holding and Koscielny, and for a side with a worst defensive record than Newcastle, Brighton and Crystal Palace this season that does not bode well.
One clean sheet since September tells the tale, and West Ham generally don’t have any problems troubling the scorers.
They’ve netted in nine of their last twelve Premier League matches, including two or more in six of their last eight. With Marko Arnautovic also returning from injury, that potency is magnified.
Flip the script and we note the Hammers have only kept one clean sheet in seven, while Arsenal’s attacking options – Aubameyang, Lacazette and co – need no introduction.
Leeds United vs Derby County – Yes (4/6)
It would be rather premature to suggest that the wheels have come off Leeds United’s season, but three straight defeats – with eight goals conceded – will be troubling Marcelo Bielsa.
That said, the Yorkshiremen are very good at Elland Road (W8 D3 L2), and they will fancy their chances of getting their campaign back on track here.
Derby are going well but there is a clear and present concern: Curtis Davies, Scott Malone, Craig Forsythe and Martin Olsson, their first-choice centre back and THREE left backs, are all out injured.
Mind you, the Rams are good for a goal themselves having found the net in 14 of their last 16 Championship games.
Hull City vs Sheffield Wednesday – Yes (8/11)
Hull have been nothing short of brilliant of late: in their last five Championship matches, they have won the lot, scored 15 and conceded just three times!
That has propelled the Tigers from a relegation battle into mid-table security, although you know Nigel Akins will not be satisfied with mere mediocrity; he will want more from his players.
The reason we’re backing BTTS here is because Sheffield Wednesday are flying at the moment under caretaker boss Lee Bullen.
The Owls are unbeaten in five, and the decision of new manager Steve Bruce to postpone his start at the club until February – he’s off watching the England cricket team in the West Indies! – could prove to be a masterstroke for all concerned at the club.
Dundee United vs Dunfermline – Yes (8/11)
If you had watched all ten of Dundee United’s home matches in the Scottish Championship so far this term, you would have been treated to a whopping 37 goals (17 for, 20 against).
Mind you, the die-hard Dunfermline supporter has not been short-changed either, with their ten away days yielding a tally of 30 goals too (15 for, 15 against).
Both sides have been keeping scoreboard operators busy lately as well, with each of Dundee United’s last five delivering BTTS and Dunfermline winning 4-2 and drawing 2-2 in their two outings since Christmas.