Betking_ng_Second-Half-of-the-EPL-Season_.jpg

The first-ever Premier League winter break offers a chance for reflection, and a look into what’s next as the campaign enters its crucial stage. 

The good news is that there’s still a lot at stake for all teams in the Premier League. Liverpool are top of the table, but only eight points separate them from Tottenham in 5th place.  

Meanwhile, newcomers Sheffield look to be on their way back down, while Everton struggle to stay afloat after a 10-point deduction.  The competition for European places is also heating up, with Wolves in 11th place just six points behind West Ham in sixth. 

There have been 616 goals in 197 matches in 2023/24. At a rate of 3.13 goals per match, this season is on track to obliterate the 38-match record set in 2022/23 by over 100 goals, where the total stood at 1,084. 

So, let us look at the main talking points as we head into the second half of the season, and provide professional betting tips backed by the best odds. 

 

**The January Transfer Window** 

The mid-season transfer window is open for another week, giving teams ample opportunity to strengthen ahead of the run-in. Historically, winter signings are a mixed bag, and managers are generally cautious of scrambling to secure signings in January. Andy Carroll’s £35m move to Liverpool in January 2011 is still one of the worst winter deals in history.  

On the flip side, Manchester United snagged Nemanja Vidic from Spartak Moscow for just £7m in one of the best transfer deals since the league’s inception. The Serbia’s partnership with Rio Ferdinan inspired United to five Premier League titles and one Champions League title.  

The likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea still have a short while to identify talent that can improve their squads in the market while the teams at the bottom need to address gaping holes to avoid relegation. 

 

**A Thrilling Title Race**  

Liverpool: The Reds are top of the Premier League with 45 points from the first 20 league games, but it is definitely shaping up to be one of the most thrilling title races in years.  

The Reds have been excellent, progressing to the EFL Cup semi-finals, Europa League knockout stage and FA Cup 4th round. At this point, it is fair to say expectations have truly been exceeded. 

Sure, they made some strong additions, but no one saw them performing this well. Mohamed Salah’s continued brilliance, the solid defending of Virgil van Dijk and a world-class goalkeeper in Alisson remain the bedrock, but they must fend off the threat of the likes of City, Aston Villa, and Arsenal. Jurgen Klopp’s men have been imperious at home but will need to improve on the road (4 wins in their last 7) to avoid falling off top spot. 

**Liverpool’s next 5 games — Chelsea (H), Arsenal (A), Burnley (H), Brentford (A), Luton (H)** 

The Reds should win at least 3 of the next 5, with the game against Arsenal at the Emirates being a potential banana skin.  

As always, we have the best odds for Liverpool to maintain their position at the top of the PL. 

● Bet on Liverpool to win the Premier League

**Manchester City:** Manchester City have had a below-par season by their lofty standards. The defending champions have wobbled a bit but with 4 wins in their last 4 Premier League games to move 5 points behind leaders Liverpool, seem to have rediscovered their best form.  

Guardiola’s men have a game in hand too, and they typically enter their best form in January. Kevin De Bruyne is back from a long injury lay-off and as the Belgian showed against Newcastle, an in-form De Bruyne is still a scary proposition for the rest of the league. 

**Manchester City’s next 5 games — Burnley (H), Brentford (A), Everton (H), Chelsea (H), Brentford (H)**

Guardiola’s men are getting into stride at the right time, and after the dramatic last-minute win against Newcastle, They must feel confident of going on one of their famous runs soon.  

Take advantage of BetKing’s high odds by backing Man City to win a fourth PL title in a row. 

● Bet on Manchester City to retain the Premier League title 

**Arsenal:** Arsenal were top at Christmas again this season, but losses to Fulham and West Ham caused some doubts to creep in among the Arsenal fanbase. Luckily, the 5-0 defeat of Crystal Palace has eased those worries somewhat.  

Goalscoring remains a problem for the North London club, however, as Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah once again failed to get on the scoresheet. [For the Gunners, the answer may lie in the transfer window, with players like Ivan Toney and Serhou Guirassy offering potential solutions](https://m.betking.com/blog/betting-tips/premier-league-title-race-3-key-positions-arsenal-must-strengthen-to-beat-man-city-liverpool-to-ultimate-prize/). 

**Arsenal’s next 5 games — Nottingham Forest (A), Liverpool (A), West Ham (H), Burnley (A), Newcastle (H).** 

Our bet prediction for the Gunners is a top 2 finish, and BetKing has high odds for that. 

● Bet on Arsenal to finish in the Premier League top 2 

**Aston Villa:** Aston Villa have exploded under Unai Emery, enjoying a remarkable season on all fronts. The likes of Douglas Luiz, Ollie Watkins, John McGinn, and Leon Bailey have led the team expertly as they seek to consolidate their place among the PL’s elite. Additionally, Emery’s expertise in European competitions means that the Villans are favorites to win the Europa Conference League, and they have the right squad to do so.  

While they’ve been excellent so far, the extra burden of continental commitments with a thin squad could prove too much in the end, but a top 4 finish is achievable.   

Emery’s men struggled in the 0-0 draw against Everton but their record of 10 wins out of 11 at home means they are favourites to win at least 3 of their next 5.  

**Aston Villa’s next 5 games —  Newcastle (H) Sheffield Utd (A), Man Utd (H), Fulham (A), Nottingham (H)** 

Looking for the best odds? Back Aston Villa to finish in the top 4. 

● Bet on Aston Villa to finish in the Premier League top 4 

**Tottenham:** Ange Postecoglou’s incredible start to life at Tottenham Hotspur was briefly tempered in the autumn, but a strong Christmas period has put his Spurs project back into the limelight. Postecoglou’s team continue to play adventurous and full-blooded attacking football despite injury setbacks and – most entertaining of all – are stubbornly refusing to adapt their game. With key players returning from injury, we expect Spurs to keep the momentum going, and we anticipate a thrilling battle for the final UEFA Champions League place. 

**Tottenham’s next 5 games — Brentford (H), Everton (A), Brighton (H), Wolves (H), Chelsea (A)** 

Spurs were unlucky to draw 2-2 with United at Old Trafford the last time they played. They had more attempts (16-9), more possession (64-36) and generated a higher xG (1.46 - 0.91) than the Red Devils and may have won if they had their first-choice attack available.  

With the rest of the contenders occupied with other competitions, we’re backing Ange Postecoglou’s men to take advantage of their light schedule and finish the season strong especially since James Maddison is now back in training. 

Enjoy BetKing’s high odds by backing Tottenham to finish in the top 4. 

● Bet on Tottenham to finish in the Premier League top 4 

**Manchester United & Chelsea plagued by inconsistencies.**  

Manchester United and Chelsea have struggled at different points of the season, for varying reasons. United boss Erik ten Hag has been close to the sack for large sections of the campaign, and yet the Red Devils always find a positive result just in time. The turnaround to beat Villa on Boxing Day is the best example but there are many others. The truth is they continue to look tactically inept for the most part, and we just don’t see it getting any better. They are currently 7th, having lost 9 0f their 21 league games, conceding 29 and scoring only 24.  

As the season progresses, it is hard to see how they climb out of this hole, especially with Erik Ten Hag still at the helm. It’s been one step forward, one step back all season. Only once have United won or lost more than two league matches in a row and, with a record of W10 D2 L9, they seem to follow a simple win-lose pattern. 

Can the Red Devils turn it around? Enjoy BetKing’s best betting tips by backing Ten Hag’s men to finish in the European places. 

● Bet on Manchester United to finish in the Premier League top 6 

Chelsea on the other hand, are on the up. After a torrid start, the West Londo side have now won four of their last five English Premier League games and should have enough to finish the season strongly if players like Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling continue to play this well. 

BetKing, Nigeria’s best online sports betting site, has the best odds for Chelsea this season. 

● Bet on Chelsea to finish in the Premier League top 6 

**The Relegation Battle** 

The relegation battle this season hasn’t been as captivating, largely due to the struggles of the three promoted clubs. However, Luton Town’s performances over the past month (2 wins and a draw in their last four games) have slowly started to change the dynamic, potentially pulling Crystal Palace, Brentford, and Everton into trouble. 

Everton, led by Sean Dyche have done remarkable work to still be in with a fighting chance after being docked 10 points for [breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.](https://m.betking.com/blog/news/everton-points-deduction-implications-for-manchester-city-and-chelsea/) Since the deduction, the Toffees have won 4 of their 8 games, including stunning home wins against Newcastle and Chelsea.  

 This Premier League season, considered one of the most unpredictable and captivating in years, has been lacking a nail-biting relegation battle, but we believe that will change as the season progresses and there could be a few surprises in the end.  

● Bet on Everton to win/draw against Fulham 

**[Register on BetKing today](https://m.betking.com/account/registration) to bet on football matches and win big** .  

Curious about what to expect in the second half of the EPL season? Then read this detailed preview from one of our betting experts to enjoy an edge!

News

Premier League Mid-Season Review: What to Expect in an Exciting Second Half of the Season