Assessing team strengths for predicting Premier League matches

Part of the appeal is the drama produced by the top-flight in England, with the unpredictable nature of games also interesting fans around the world. Many football followers will place wagers on matches to add an extra thrill to the play on the field.

When assessing the possible outcome of games, it is important to have a strong understanding of each team and the narrative around the season they are playing. This article will provide you with pointers on which sides are on particular and which clubs you should steer clear of backing during this campaign. 

Scoring for Fun

Heading into the final week of the 2024, Liverpool and Chelsea were the top two in the Premier League table and so it should come as no surprise that they they are also the leading goalscorers. The Reds and Blues had both scored 37 goals in 17 matches as of Christmas Eve, with a record of more than two goals per game. While Liverpool boast Mohamed Salah who remains a talisman for Arne Slot's side, Chelsea are thriving in front of goal thanks to the skill and vision of Cole Palmer who is a key man for the West London club.

When it comes to betting on Liverpool and Chelsea via Betbrain.com, it's important to note they are often favourites heading into games. However, be aware that the two sides don't consistently find the net two times per game. For instance last time out, the Blues failed to score at Everton while the Reds hit Tottenham for six.

Clean Sheet Kings

After conceding 13 goals in the opening four Premier League matches, Everton were shipping goals left, right and centre. However, with Jordan Pickford in goal and Jarrad Branthwaite returning at centre-back, the Toffees have shut up shop and now boast one of the best defences in the Premier League. Under manager Sean Dyche, the Toffees have kept seven clean sheets, earning a point at Arsenal before holding Chelsea.

If you are looking for wagering options, when assessing Everton, they often feature in low-scoring matches while keeping the opposition out and so if you are going to back them to feature in a both teams to score bet, be sure to have acquired knowledge which points to the Goodison Park club finding the net with more regularity.

Winless Run

Southampton have struggled to win all season, managing just one victory when they defeated Everton by just a goal to nil. It is the only time the Saints have been triumphant but this record could soon change. The club elected to dismiss coach Russell Martin, the man who helped the team to promotion and it seems they are moving away from his passing style of play having appointed former Roma manager Ivan Juric who is known for setting his teams up to be more direct and hit sides on the counter-attack.

Ipswich are another side you must be cautious of when tipping them for three points as the Tractor Boys have only won two matches since returning to the big time after an absence of more than two decades. While Kieran McKenna is a talented coach and Portman Road a tough stadium to go, the team currently lacks top-flight quality and so a run of triumphs are unlikely anytime soon.

Draw Specialists

It's important to look at the team who are often tying games at this stage of this season. Everton, so good at the back right now, are among the sides earning the most draws this season. The Toffees have seen the score of nearly half their games this campaign end level, with seven draws from 16 matches. Fulham, Brighton and Crystal Palace have also drawn seven times in 17 games. When betting on the sides, note that while they may not be capable of finding winning goals on a regular basis, they are hard to beat. Take this into account when exploring the fixtures involving these sides as it points to their games being more difficult to work out.

Unpredictable Teams to Avoid Right Now

There are teams to steer clear from at this stage of the campaign. Manchester City are on a dismal run and have lost a number of games unexpectedly and are now so far behind, it looks like they are out of the title race and will give up their crown. However, Pep Guardiola's side boast so much quality, they could easily turn it around but are difficult to predict currently. 

Another side to give a miss is Manchester United. The Red Devils are struggling for consistency and currently sit in the bottom half. As new manager Ruben Amorim attempts to fix the mess, the club likely keep showing differing results. Tottenham and Newcastle, meanwhile, are another two top sides who have stuttered and thrown up a range of scorelines.

Top Scoring Players

Mohamed Salah currently tops the goalscoring charts and while Liverpool are winning each week, the Egyptian looks a sound bet. However, while City are struggling, Erling Haaland has still found the net 13 times already this campaign and it takes someone brave to look past him at this stage. Cole Palmer and Alexander Isak are also hitting the target regularly while Bryan Mbeumo and Chris Wood are enjoying productive seasons for Brentford and Nottingham Forest respectively.

Wrapping Up

Be sure to take the time and pinpoint which teams are currently showing strength in key areas. From Liverpool and Chelsea scoring goals to Everton keeping clean sheets, there are sides on a run of form that could offer stable results to bet on but remember, football is unpredictable so it's imperative to conduct thorough research to pinpoint smart opportunities.