The Editors' Premier League Betting Battle 2014/15: Round 17

Giroud was back among the goals last weekend

Joe Dyer remains in the lead in this season's Betting Battle as we enter the busy Christmas period, but there are plenty of chances for the other editors to catch up in the coming weeks. Where are their tenners heading this weekend? Read on...

Joe Dyer
Back West Ham @ 1.774/5 vs Leicester
Saturday, 15:00

West Ham have done me a few favours in recent weeks and I'm trusting Big Sam's boys to bring home the bacon once more in the last battle before Christmas. 

The win price may be odds-on but it looks too chunky to me so I'll play it very simple by backing the Hammers in the Match Odds. 

I'm surprised to see one of the top-flight's in-form teams, currently occupying a place in the Top Four, trading at 1.774/5 to beat the league's bottom team. 

Remember, Leicester last won a game two months ago and they've gained points in just two league fixtures since. Their record since beating Manchester United in September is P11, L9, D2. 

With just Mark Noble missing West Ham are at near full strength and I really do think the price is too big so simply does it for: home win. 

Joe Dyer 2014-15 P/L +6.80

Mike Norman
Back Over 3.5 Goals @ 3.185/40 in Liverpool v Arsenal
Sunday, 16:00
Live on Sky Sports 1

We're not stretching the imagination when we suggest that last week's Man Utd v Liverpool game could easily have ended 3-3 or higher, and I'm backing the Reds to be involved in goals again at the Emirates Stadium on Sumday.

First and foremost we have two very average defences on show here who have struggled to keep clean sheets all season. But in each side's attack there's pace galore and a high probability of goals.

Raheem Sterling looked close to his best last Sunday - only his finishing was missing but he rectified that in midweek with a brace against Bournemouth - while for Arsenal Alexis Sanchez continues to shine and Olivier Giroud looks back to full fitness and is quickly back amongst the goals again.

The pace of Sterling v Per Mertesacker, Giroud in the air against Liverpool's shaky defence, I just can't see this game not containing goals. As for a winner, well I don't have a clue, but as long as the net bulges at least four times then I'll be happy.

Mike Norman 2014-15 P/L: -37.60

Luke Moore

Back Queens Park Rangers to beat West Brom at 2.526/4
Saturday, 15:00

Although Queens Park Rangers' away record is absolutely risible (zero points and three goals from eight games), at Loftus Road they're a fairly decent proposition.

Harry Redknapp's men are owners of the finest home record in the bottom half, by a distance, and had it not been for that ridiculous set of circumstances against Liverpool their record would be even better.

For that reason, I'm happy to back them against a pretty terrible West Brom side who don't travel well. An added bonus is that Charlie Austin is back after suspension, is in good scoring form and will be champing at the bit to get his scoring boots back on. Alan Irvine's men are unlikely to come away from this game with anything on Saturday afternoon, and at 2.526/4 I'll happily back home-birds Rangers.

Luke Moore 2014-15 P/L: -42.80

Dan Thomas
Back Everton to beat Southampton at 3.1511/5
Saturday, 15:00

I should probably learn my lesson after backing Aston Villa at what looked like a big price last weekend but Everton look over-priced to me so my latest attempt to end my losing run will be Toffees-based.

After a superb start to the season, Ronald Koeman's men have now lost five games on the bounce and it seems like their luck has run out.

The absence of Morgan Schneiderlin has been huge for Southampton - he is as important to the Saints is as Michael Carrick is to Manchester United - and he remains out this weekend as does talisman Dusan Tadic.

Everton, meanwhile, come off the back off a confidence boosting win against QPR where Ross Barkley was in outstanding form and a quick start against the struggling hosts should see them in with an excellent chance of getting another three points.

Dan Thomas 2014-15 P/L: -82.70

A 10 bet is placed on each selection on Betfair's Exchange. Profits are calculated before commission.

Editors 2014/15 Season P/L

1. Joe Dyer: +6.80
2. Mike Norman: -37.60
3. Luke Moore: -42.80
4. Dan Thomas: -82.70