English Premier League - Match Day 25

The stage is set for yet another round of midweek fixtures in the English Premier League, after taking the weekend off to allow for the FA Cup to take center stage, the top flight domestic league resumes business with a stacked line up of must see matches.

When investing this week take into account which clubs were involved in Cup play, also factor in the teams that used regular starters whom may have logged heavy minutes, as opposed to fielding their reserves ahead of the midweek proceedings, tired legs on key contributors are always a concern when matches are played within such a short span, keep those facts in mind when doing your research as you prepare for Match Day 25 in the EPL.

10304 West Ham - 10305 Crystal Palace

London Stadium, London, England

1-30-2018 - 2:45 pm ET

A classic London Derby takes shape at the Olympic Stadium to start Match Day 25, the Hammers of West Ham welcome their old foes Crystal Palace from south London for this must win contest.

Crystal Palace make the short trip to the east side of London looking to take all 3 points from their depleted hosts, having been eliminated from the FA Cup earlier in the campaign, the Eagles had additional time to rest and recover to allow for the strongest squad heading into this London Derby.

Palace are pleased with their current standings, after hoovering in the relegation zone for the bulk of the season, the Eagles have since flown to 13th in the league, with a overall record of 6-8-10 and 25 points for their hard work, the south London side only sit 1 point back from their hosts, with a opportunity to make a big jump in the table.

Roy Hodgson has shown his true professionalism during his tenure with the club, the English man was inserted early into the season after the removal of Frank de Boer.

Hodgson took over a team whom had not Won a single point, or scored a goal in league play, he himself got off to a rocky start with the club before really making his mark, after surprising defending Champs Chelsea 2-1 on Match Day 8, the Eagles found their long awaited confidence and have since reeled of a record of 5-7-4 collecting 22 points and catapulting them out of the drop zone.

The Eagles have found much of their success playing out a 4-4-2 formation, Hodgson has created a aggressive side who challenge their opposition at a high level, Palace use crosses as their main plan of attack, providing service too their hulking presences into the box, while creating a large amount of shots on Goal, much like many of the other English clubs in the league Crystal Palace are above average in Set Piece situations, expect too see the visitors flourishing in these type of scenarios.

Hodgson will depend on Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke to provide the spark in the Eagles attack, the two-some have been heavily involved with the success experienced by the club after the early season debacle.

Zaha sets the tone for the squad, his motor runs non-stop as he is constantly breaking the defense down with his world class dribbling ability, he always seems to be in the middle of whatever good is happening in the Crystal Palace attack, he will no doubt play a huge role at the Olympic Stadium on Tuesday.

Christian Benteke possess a world of talent, but the Belgium striker has struggled at times to put his full abilities on  display from week to week, still on any given match day Benteke can cause havoc to teams back-lines, his presence in the box is undeniable using his size and strength to overpower defenders, while being equipped to finish with both his feet and especially through his aerial prowess.

Crystal Palace endured a dreadful start too the campaign, failing to hit the back of the net in their first 8 fixtures away from home, they have since turned their fortunes around scoring an average of 0.6 Goals in their last 12 Premier League road games.

The Crystal Palace defense has continued to find their shape as the season progresses, while conceding and average of 1.6 Goals per match in their last 12 Premier League road games.

West Ham open the round looking to continue their resurgence in the league after a poorest start to the 2017-2018 campaign, the Hammers have shown they are determined to stay in the Premier League for yet another season.

The Hammers are also satisfied to start the round in ownership of the 11th spot in the table, with a overall record of 6-8-10 and 26 points through the first 24 rounds of play, the east London side only sit 1 point outside the top ten in the EPL table.

David Moyes has been responsible for the transformation, after the sacking of Slaven Bilić the Scottish Manager went to work concentrating on fixing the defensive lapses that lead to much of the West Ham miseries.

Moyes has since sured up the back-end with overwhelming success, now turning his attention to creating more opportunities going forward in attack, preferring to play out of a 3-4-2-1 - 3-5-1-1 formation, the Hammers are especially proficient using crosses and long balls over the top of the opposing sides defense, while playing with width in their designed game plan.

The story line for the West Ham manager heading into Tuesdays match will involve their extensive injury list, missing up to 12 valuable players which will include the likes of Manuel Lanzini, Marco Arnautovic and of course Any Carroll, Moyes must now mix and match to find the best solution in fielding the strongest starting eleven possible, having played a match over the weekend in a disappointing 2-0 loss to League One side Wigan, the matter at hand becomes that much more difficult heading into Round 25.

Mexican International Javier "Chicharito" Hernández and André Ayew should bare most of the responsibility at the top of the Hammers front-line, the duo have found much of their time present on the bench this season after big money moves too the squad over the past 2 years.

Each player is best served when offered up service into the box, using their poacher instincts to get unmarked and find free space, while using Headers as the main option to put the ball into the back of the net, with 11 Goals scored in all competitions, the hosts will rely on the combo to provide the main form of danger in the Hammers attack.

West Ham have been consistent in finding the back of the net while on their own pitch, scoring an average of 1.2 Goals per match in their last 11 Premier League home games.

The West Ham defense has continued to evolve since their early season slump, conceding an average of 1.6 Goals per match in their last 11 Premier League home games.

Prediction:

This match up has been one of the more entertaining events through out the years, most London Derby's garner much more of the attention, but this fixture has continued to live up the billing, we should expect the same type of fireworks on Match Day 25.

The scorelines have been quite lofty when these two storied clubs take to the pitch together, having seen the Total Exceed 2.5 Goals in 6 of the last 7 matches in all competitions, in their first meeting this season we winesses to a 2-2 score-line, we should expect expect the same type of intensity and desire on Tuesday as both clubs push forward for all 3 points towards their survival.

Even without many of the regular starters present on both sides, each still provide plenty of talent in the attacking half, with the reserves inspired to take advantage of valuable starting minutes, their should be extra motivation to prove their worth as regular starters as the season progresses.

Tips:

Both Teams To Score - " YES" -115 / 1.87

Over  0.75  -135 / 1.74 - Total 1st Half Goal

Over  1.5  +125 / 2.25 - Total 2nd Half Goals

Over  2.25  -115 / 1.87 - Total Full Game Goals

West Ham Team Total Over  1  -120 / 1.83 - Goal

Crystal Palace - PK / DNB  -125 / 1.8 - 1st Half

Crystal Palace - PK / DNB  -125 / 1.8 - Full Game

Crystal Palace - Team Total Over  1 -135 / 1.74 - Goal

10325 Stoke City - 10326 Watford 

Bet365 Stadium,  Staffordshire, England

1-31-2018 - 3:00 pm ET

Wednesday rounds out Match Day 25 with a host of critical matches in the race for both survival in the league and European contention's, with more glamorous games on the card many will not be tuned into watch the Hornets of Watford making the trip north to face a newly motivated Potters club from Stoke City, but this fixture has the possibility of being one of the more entertaining events of the day.

Watford start the day in desperate need of points, the once European bound side have since feel on hard times in the highly competitive Premier League, now as they take on bottom of the table Stoke City, the Hornets should feel confident the can leave the Bet365 Stadium with all 3 points.

The Hornets still find themselves in the top 10 of the league, holding the 10th spot in the table with a overall record of 7-5-12, with 26 points they must continue to add too their total to remain in the upper echelon of the Premiership.

The Watford board made a controversial decision last week, sacking Marco Silva who was largely popular with the players and fans of the club alike, he was held responsible for the slump in form which was largely due to the wide spread of injuries to the the squad,  even so the Hornets head brass made the move as they have been known for having short leashes on their Managers.

Javi Gracia has been inserted to become the 7th Manager within a 4 year span, Garcia himself has not been known a model on consistency failing to be appointed at one club more than 2 years during his professional career.

Gracia was immediately placed into the line of battle, unfortuneately his tenure with Watford started out on the wrong foot, losing in the FA Cup and being eliminated from the prestigious tournament, in doing so he showed his preference of playing out of a 4-2-3-1 formation.

 The new head mans coaching philosophy is quite different from his Portuguese predecessor, preferring to be more conservative rather than a free flowing attack, he is known for his organization making his sides difficult to break down, the Spaniard must adapt to the Premier League style of play and understand he must also score to survive in the top flight of English football.

Andre Gray, Richarlison and Abdoulaye Doucouré will provide the biggest threats to the Stoke City back-line, the attacking trio have shown glimpses of brilliance throughout the campaign, but there have also been lapses in consistently making a major impact from week to week, Gracia will need the services of the Hornets danger men to compete on a regular basis throughout the remainder of the season, with 16 combined Goals scored in all competitions they have the ability to make a mark on the match each time they take to the pitch.

The Hornets have also purchased Gerard Deulofeu on a loan spell from Barcelona, the Spanish International is in line to make his first start with club having completed all his paperwork.

Deulofeu is familiar with the Premier League having played at Everton, he certainly brings much needed quality and could be a key contributor in the stretch run of the season.

Watford started the season on fire consistantly finding the back of the net during their travels, they have since cooled off, while still scoring an average of 1.4 Goals per match in their last 12 Premier League games.

The Watford defense could use some much needed stability after falling on hard times on the back-end, the Hornets are conceding and average of 1.6 Goals per match in their last 12 Premier League road games.

Stoke City start Match Day 25 with a reinvigorated spirit, after flirting with the relegation zone, the Potters have since removed themselves from the dreaded drop zone, they now start the Match Day with hopes of separating even further from the bottom of the pack.

The Potters currently own the 17th spot in the table, with a overall record of 6-5-13 and 23 points, Stoke still hold the distinction of allowing in 50 Goals on the season, with a Goal differential of -25.

The Stoke City faithful also saw their manager removed to start the new year, Mark Hughes whom had assumed the role since 2014 was removed after a torrid run in form.

 Paul Lambert was provided with the opportunity to revitalize his career in the Premier League, after multiple stints in the top flight league the veteran manager is keen on keeping Stoke safe from relegation, while continueing to make his mark in the upper tier of English football.

Lambert has been known for his attacking style of play, sticking with a traditional 4-2-3-1 formation, he has a multitude of talented attackers to carry out his creative game plan.

Xherdan Shaqiri, Joe Allen, Maxim Choupo-Moting and Mame Biram Diouf are set to lead the line for Stoke City for the second straight match, after a successful spell against Huddersfield Town in Lambert's inaugural match, the four-some each played a huge role in the overall success of the club taking all 3 points on Match Day 24.

Shaqiri will take to the pitch as the most influential player on either side, the Swiss International should flourish under Lambert's style of play, using Shaqiri 's unique abilities with the ball at his feet to break down opposing defenses, the Messi of the Alps is able to create space while involving others to fully succeed at the highest level, with 4 Goals and 6 Assists in all competition's we should expect to see those numbers grow as the season progresses.

Stoke City have been successful hitting the back of the net while in front of their loyal fans, scoring an average of 1.4 Goals per match in their last 12 Premier League home games.

The Stoke City defense has been the main flaw in the Potters season, conceding and average of 1.7 Goals per match in their last 12 Premier League home games.

Prediction:

Stoke City have shared a high level of success against Watford as of late, winning the last 4 matches in all competitions, while scoring a average of 1.8 Goals during that span of play.

Watford have also had their own issues keeping clean sheets in league play, the Hornets have conceded a minimum of 2 Goals in their last 4 matches, while failing to grab a Win in their last 6 games in all competitions, they must dig deep and strive to grab points against their current nemesis.

This match up has traditionally been low scoring, but with new styles of play being inserted we should be in store for a more attacking type of fixture, I anticipate Both Teams hitting the back of the net in this contest, with the possibility of both sides posting multiple scores during Round 25.

Each set of players should be highly motivated to impress their new Mangers, in these type of situations we generally see top notch performances with new voices in the locker room, this spot fits that scenario perfectly.

Tips:

Over  1  -120 / 1.83 - Total 1st Half Goal

Over  1.5  +100 / 2.0 - Total 2nd Half Goals

Over  2.5  -115 / 1.87 - Total Full Game Goals

Watford - Team Total Over  1  -125 / 1.8 - Goal

Stoke City  - Team Total Over 1.5  +105 / 2.05 - Goals

Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 Goals  +110 / 2.1

*Bonus Tips*

10301 Swansea City - 10302 Arsenal

1-30-2018 - 2:45 pm ET

Over 1  -130 / 1.77 - Total 1st Half Goal

Over  1.5  +100 / 2.0 - Total 2nd Half Goals

Over  2.5  -125 / 1.8 - Total Full Game Goals

Arsenal - Team Total Over  1.75 - 120 / 1.83 - Goals

Both Teams To Score and Over  2.5 Goals  +125 / 2.25

10307 Huddersfield Town - 10308 Liverpool

1-30-2018 - 3:00 pm ET

Both Teams To Score - "YES" +110 / 2.1

Over 1  -135 / 1.74 - Total 1st Half Goal

Over  1.5  -115 / 1.87 - Total 2nd Half Goals

Over  2.75  -110 / 1.91 - Total Full Game Goals

Liverpool  -0.5  -120 / 1.83 - 1st Half Winner 

Liverpool - Team Total Over 2  -125 / 1.8 - Goals

Liverpool To Win and Over  2.5 Goals  -110 / 1.91

10313 Everton - 10314 Leicester City

1-31-2018 - 2:45 pm ET

Both Teams To Score - "YES"  -115  / 1.87

10316 Newcastle - 10317 Burnley

1-31-2018 - 2:45 pm ET

Newcastle  -0.25  -115 / 1.87 - Full Game Spread

10322 Manchester City - 10323 West Brom Albion

1-31-2018 - 3:00 pm ET

Manchester City To Win To Nil  -120 / 1.83

Manchester City - Team Total Over 2.5  -135 / 1.74  Goals

10328 Tottenham - 10329 Manchester United

1-31-2018 - 3:00 pm ET

Draw  +235 / 3.35 - Full Game 

Over  1  +100 / 2.0 - Total 1st Half Goal

Over  2.5  -110 / 1.91 - Total Full Game Goals

Both Teams To Score - "Yes"  -135 / 1.74 

Tottenham - Team Total Over 1.25  - 110 / 1.91 - Goals

Manchester United - Team Total Over 1  -135 / 1.74 - Goal

Best Of Luck To All