Under 2.5 Goals In The Match Acca

This weekend’s Premier League fixtures are extraordinarily hard to predict in general, so for our accumulator we’re picking four matches to produce under 2.5 goals, with one from the Championship for good measure. Back the following options at best odds of 10.46/1 with BetFair.

Bournemouth v Burnley:

In recent years I wouldn’t be picking Bournemouth for this market but trends change and the Cherries have picked up 4 clean sheets since 19th October. Sod’s law from Eddie Howe’s perspective is that they only found the net themselves twice in those games. Burnley visit today and in truth they’ve been more entertaining than usual, but last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Newcastle looked like a return to type.

Brighton v Sheffield Utd:

Only 29% of Sheffield Utd matches have produced over 2.5 goals this season so that’s a strong start point. The Blades have enjoyed a terrific campaign so far but their hosts today also have the potential to exceed expectations. Two of the finest managers to join the Premier League in recent times might just cancel each other out here.

Newcastle v Crystal Palace:

A bit like Sheffield Utd, this market was made for Crystal Palace, whose matches have produced the fewest total goals of any team in the top flight to date. Newcastle follow similar lines with these two teams ranking 18th and 19th for goals scored. Yet their league positions are both pretty favourable due to mean defences. The Eagles have conceded just once in 4 outings, while the Toon Army have only conceded more than 1 at home once all season.

Leeds v Fulham:

At first glance this looks like a surprise selection with two top-6 teams in the Championship who don’t typically struggle for goals. Yet curiously, Leeds Utd matches have seen the fewest goals in the division, thanks largely to the Whites’ excellent defence. For their part Fulham have calmed down from their disastrous Premier League season to have one of the better goals-against records at this level as well.