The Big Boxing Day Multiple: West Brom to deliver a knockout blow

Alan Irvine can mastermind a shock win

It wouldn't be Christmas without a Big Boxing Day Multiple from Paul Robinson. Here are his selections:

Bet 1: West Brom (HOME) @ 6.0 (5/1)  

This might seem like a strange choice but I genuinely think West Brom are decent value to pull off a shock win today. They may have been beaten 3-2 at QPR last time out but they led 2-0 before collapsing, and prior to that, they had beaten Aston Villa and earned a solid point away at Hull.

Manchester City come into the game as the form team of the division having won their last eight matches in all competitions. The last four were all to nil and while they've been very impressive, I still have my concerns about their ability to get the job done without the services of Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko, Stevan Jovetic and Vincent Kompany.

Bet 2: Liverpool (AWAY) @ 1.72 (8/11)  

It has been a disappointing campaign for Liverpool thus far but there have been signs recently that last year's runners-up are heading in the right direction. They played well at Old Trafford in defeat before easing past Bournemouth and drawing with Arsenal at Anfield. 

The new formation that Brendan Rodgers has come up with seems to be working and The Reds have now actually lost just one of their last eight fixtures in all competitions.

Burnley have picked up in the last couple of months after a woeful start to their season. A victory over Hull was the catalyst for a four match undefeated streak, although it has to be noted that The Clarets have now lost two of their last three outings.

Bet 3: Everton v Stoke (Over 2.5 goals) @ 2.2 (6/5)  

Hosts Everton fell to their poorest defeat of the year at the weekend as they were soundly beaten 3-0 at Southampton. Roberto Martinez will be desperate for a reaction from his players after that and I think he might get one.

It's the goals we're interested in today though and half a dozen of their nine at Goodison Park have rewarded over 2.5 backers. They have kept only two clean sheets but have had no problems racking up the goals at the other end as The Toffees have netted 16 times this term.

Stoke had made a bright start to their campaign but one win in six has checked their progress somewhat. The one win was against Arsenal - a 3-2 success - but they were also beaten by Burnley, Liverpool, Man United and Chelsea. 

As far as the goals go, four of their last seven on the road have had three or more and their attacking options are much improved compared to recent years. They also don't focus as much on defence under Mark Hughes and that should help our selection as well.

Bet 4: Sunderland v Hull (Under 2.5 goals) @ 1.57 (4/7)  

If ever a match had under 2.5 goals written all over it, it's this one. Sunderland have scored 15 and conceded 24 so far this season, which gives their matches an average of 2.29 goals each time. They have had five 0-0s and 11 of their 17 have had two goals or fewer.

Interestingly, Hull City have exactly the same stats in terms of goals as Sunderland as they have also scored 15 and conceded 24. A total of 10 of their outings have rewarded under 2.5 backers, including their four most recent ones. 

Steve Bruce's men have mustered just the one goal in their last five on the road but aside from three conceded at Old Trafford, they let in no more than two in the other four matches.

Recommended Multiple

Back West Brom @ 6.0 (5/1); Back Liverpool @ 1.72 (8/11); Back Over 2.5 Goals in Everton v Stoke @ 2.2 (6/5); Back Under 2.5 Goals in Sunderland v Hull @ 1.57 (4/7); The Multiple pays approximately 35.65 (35/1)

Multiple prices are based on our Sportsbook product, so any winnings are exempt from commission.

2014 P/L (1pt each bet)

Wagered: 51 pts
Returned: 100.57 pts
P/L: + 49.57 pts
(2013 P/L: - 15.49 pts)