NFL Week 14 Picks 2024 (Thursday 5th December-Monday 9th December)

Now that the full schedule of any NFL Week is being played in December, it really does feel like the Playoffs have come into view and the picture is beginning to clear up.

There is a big NFC North game kicking things off in Week 14 and we are at the stage of the season where even a catastrophic injury would not prevent the top three teams in that Division from featuring when the Playoffs begin. That is not to say they can coast towards January though with Detroit, Minnesota and Green Bay in a fight to win the NFC North and potentially even the Number 1 Seed in the NFC.

At this moment, the only outside of the NFC North that may have a shot at the top Seed in the Conference is the Philadelphia Eagles, whose fanbase must have forgotten how much stick they were giving Head Coach Nick Sirianni just a couple of months ago. Now the Eagles look like one of the best teams in the NFL again and they are the big favourites to win the NFC East and challenge the Lions, or whoever wins the NFC North Division, for the top Seed in the NFC.

Four of the seven NFC places are likely going to be taken by the teams mentioned, but the top of the NFC South and West Divisions will be a battle that goes down to the wire. The Washington Commanders look to have the schedule that should see them finish strongly behind the Philadelphia Eagles to take another of the Wild Card spots available, but the projection from here is that that the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers win their respective Divisions to make up the full party.

Both the Rams and Buccaneers are likely to be pushed all the way by the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons and there is every chance that we could see the first ten win team miss out on a Playoff spot for the first time since the 2020 season.

Right now the AFC looks to also have a number of teams ready for a Playoff run- the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs are officially in with the former already confirmed as AFC East Champion, but with work to do if they are going to take home the Number 1 Seed.

The top two in the AFC North, Pittsburgh and Baltimore, should both reach the post-season, but will be battling it out for the Divisional crown right through to Week 18, while the Los Angeles Chargers are also on course for a return to Playoff Fooball.

Things in the AFC South look very much in favour of the Houston Texans, but there is a feeling that it is a Division with a twist in the tale as the Indianapolis Colts try and chase them down, while I do think the Miami Dolphins are not out of the Playoff hunt just yet.

It was a disappointing loss on Thanksgiving Day, and Miami will have to likely win their remaining five games to try and edge past a strong looking Denver Broncos team, but hope remains. Two games with the New York Jets and a road game at the Cleveland Browns are winnable, even in cold conditions that Miami hate, but the big test may be coming up in Week 15 when the Dolphins travel to the Houston Texans.

All of this means that the importance of games ramps up and the whole Playoff picture can change very quickly with an upset or two along the way.

This is the time of the year when tensions really begin to play a real factor within games and mistakes can be hugely costly overall.

Talking of mistakes, it's been a tough run beginning with Week 10 for the NFL Picks and the bounce of the ball has simply not been on our side.

The Lions blew a big lead on Thanksgiving Day and it was just a terrible decision to pick the New York Giants.

The overall numbers are still in a decent enough position, but it would be a big help if this losing sequence is ended in Week 14 and to just regain some momentum to take into the final month of the regular season and then into the post-season.

Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions Pick: Three teams continue to dominate the NFC North and, ultimately, the Conference and two of those meet on Thursday Night Football in a big Week 14 game.

Both the Detroit Lions (11-1) and Green Bay Packers (9-3) were home winners on Thanksgiving Day, although the latter made much more comfortable work of the Miami Dolphins than the Lions ended up with the Chicago Bears. Only a late clock management issue prevented the Bears from pushing that opening Thanksgiving Day game into Overtime, but the Lions maintained their winning run and have a one game lead over the Minnesota Vikings within the Division.

The Lions, Vikings and Packers will all be expecting to earn a spot in the Playoff and all three remain challengers for the Number 1 Seed in the NFC. Winning the Division would at least offer one and, most likely, two home Playoff games so there is plenty of motivation for both Detroit and Green Bay in this big game.

A week of recovery between games should mean both teams are prepared as they would for a normal week and that should only make this a very watchable game for those tuning in for the opener of Week 14.

Head Coach Dan Campbell and the Lions Offensive players should feel confident in being able to push the ball down the field and give this Green Bay Defense plenty to think about. All of the Lions success begins on the ground with Sonic & Knuckles, also known as Jahmyr Gibbs & David Montgomery, and the powerful Detroit Offensive Line that has bullied teams and worn them down.

Earlier in the season the Packers were still having some issues when it came to defending the run, but they have improved in recent outings and it is very important to find a way to make plays in the backfield. In an outdoor setting when these teams met at Lambeau Field, both Gibbs and Montgomery combined for almost 140 rushing yards and were moving the ball at 4.9 yards per carry, so this is going to be a considerable test for the Packers in an indoor Stadium.

If the Lions are moving the ball on the ground as expected, it should make things pretty comfortable for Jared Goff at Quarter Back who has been well protected when he has stepped back to throw the ball. With some solid Receiving options, Goff could keep the chains moving through the air against a Green Bay Secondary that has bent in recent games and who have not made the stops with turnovers as they had been doing earlier in the season.

The Lions have to believe they can move the ball with some consistency against a Divisional rival they have beaten in five of the last six meetings, including earlier this season. Detroit won that game on the road despite having 150 fewer Offensive yards than Green Bay, but they had built a big lead and then left Green Bay a little one-dimensional with their play-calling.

They were also playing Jordan Love carrying an injury in the first meeting, but the Green Bay Quarter Back looks much more comfortable right now. Another boost for the Packers is that they might be facing a Detroit Defensive unit that has been hit hard by injury across all three levels and who just allowed Caleb Williams to fight back with the Chicago Bears.

Recent numbers do not look too bad for the Lions, but they have not exactly played the best Quarter Backs in the NFL and this is going to be a much different test.

For starters the Green Bay Packers Offensive Line have continued to open up the running lanes for Josh Jacobs and that should help them control the clock in this game in a tough road setting. Josh Jacobs had 95 yards on the ground in the first meeting and now is facing a Lions Defensive Line that is a little banged up and the former Las Vegas Raiders Running Back could put the Packers in third and manageable spots to make life that much easier for Jordan Love.

He is well protected and Jordan Love should have a bit more mobility in this second game against this NFC North rival than he did in the first and should see the Quarter Back create a bit of time for himself to attack this Lions Secondary, which is also banged up. The Packers young Receivers have looked a little stronger of late and Love has been a bit more careful with the ball, which is key in what could be a very close game.

Turnovers will play a strong part in the outcome of this game, but both teams should have their Offensive successes throughout this big Thursday Night Football contest.

With the injuries piled up in the Detroit Defensive unit, the Green Bay Packers have every chance of securing a backdoor cover with the line where it currently sits. Some layers are already dropping the line to the key number 3, but there are still prices with the hook on the Field Goal margin and that is one which could see the Green Bay Packers come out on top, even in a potentially losing effort.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans Pick: Five weeks of the regular season remain and that means we are getting down to the point of the season when eliminations are confirmed as often as Playoff places being wrapped up.

Three teams in the AFC have officially been eliminated and one of those is the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-10) in what has been an incredibly poor season. With news that Trevor Lawrence is expected to miss the remainder of the season, the Jaguars are very much in line to challenge for the top Pick in the NFL Draft, which will be a big trade chip at the very least.

They face AFC South rivals Tennessee Titans (3-9) who are very close to cement another season without Playoff Football too.

Jacksonville have lost five games in a row, while the Titans have lost three of their last four, and the former will have Mac Jones at Quarter Back. He came in after Trevor Lawrence was injured in Week 13 and played pretty well, but Jones had been really poor earlier in the season when playing in relief of the franchise Quarter Back and that is a concern for those who still want Jacksonville to win games.

However, for those thinking about Draft Position, Mac Jones at Quarter Back is probably not a bad thing.

The Jaguars would like to lean on the Offensive Line to try and make things that much more comfortable for Jones, but it has been a real struggle trying to establish the run in recent games. This would also mean going up against the strength of the Tennessee Defense and so the pressure is likely going to be on Mac Jones to step back and make the big throws down the field.

Mac Jones will have a test throwing against this Tennessee Secondary and he could have to face up to the Titans pass rush of the team is not able to run the ball effectively. This is a Quarter Back that has struggled at the NFL level and Jones will have to be aware of the Titans Secondary and their ability to turn the ball over.

Running the ball is not going to be much easier for Tennessee whose own Offensive Line have struggled to open the lanes as they would have liked. Fans will be wondering why the Titans ever allowed Derrick Henry to leave after the season he is having with the Baltimore Ravens, and the lack of a run game has not made things any easier for Will Levis at Quarter Back.

It has left Will Levis under siege behind this Offensive Line when stuck in third and long, although the Jaguars pass rush has not really been there in recent games. And despite the issues of pass protection, Will Levis has had some solid moments over the last month which will give him some confidence.

Will Levis is throwing into a Jacksonville Secondary that has given up a huge amount of yards as the losing run has piled up and he can exploit some of the holes. This looks like where Tennessee will find an edge in this game and they can get the better of this AFC South rival in the first of two games still to play against one another before the regular season is concluded.

Atlanta Falcons @ Minnesota Vikings Pick: Both of these teams are fighting to win their Division going into Week 14 of the NFL season, although the Minnesota Vikings (10-2) are unfortunate to be in the same NFC North as the Detroit Lions. Another win for the Lions on Thursday Night Football has just extended their lead at the top of the Division, but the Vikings have a chance to at least move back in behind them with a win over their former Quarter Back.

A decision was made to trade Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons (6-6), but it has been an inconsistent season for the Quarter Back and his team. Despite that, the Falcons are leading the NFC South thanks to holding the tie-breaker over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but there is going to be a fight to the finish between those two rivals.

Kirk Cousins will likely receive a decent enough reception from the home fans, especially as the Vikings are having a strong season. However, Cousins is expecting the fans to also be firmly behind the home team and he will have to improve his level of play if the Falcons are going to snap their three game losing run.

The Atlanta Falcons have really struggled to find much of a balance on the Offensive side of the ball, which has not helped Kirk Cousins. The Falcons have a very good Running Back in Bijan Robinson, but the Offensive Line have not really been opening up big rushing lanes for him and now they have to play a Minnesota Defensive Line that has played the run well all season.

Brian Flores will know plenty about Kirk Cousins as a Quarter Back, and the Defensive Co-Ordinator will expect the Minnesota pass rush to rattle him whenever he steps back to throw. Doing so from third and long situations will make things that much more difficult for Kirk Cousins, although he has to at least be a little encouraged by the recent play of the Minnesota Secondary.

Kirk Cousins had been signed by Atlanta to get the best out of the skill players on the Offensive side of the ball and his Receivers can find holes down the field. Interceptions have been a problem for Cousins and that may be the factor that hurts the Falcons, especially as they are expected to have some passing success if they can play a clean game.

It was those Interceptions that perhaps helped the Vikings to make the decision to move to another Quarter Back that could take the team deeper into the Playoffs. After the NFL Draft, the expectation was that JJ McCarthy would be that Quarter Back sooner than later, but Sam Darnold has had other ideas and he looks to have come through a rough patch of form to get back to playing efficient Football from that position.

Sam Darnold will be keen to get a bit more help from the Offensive Line and Aaron Jones, who have struggled to run the ball as they had earlier in the season. Last week Jones was limited to just five rushes having struggled to hold onto the ball and that has underlined some of the issues that Minnesota have had in putting their Quarter Back in third and manageable spots.

Much like the former Viking Quarter Back playing for the road team, Sam Darnold has got a decent match up when it comes to throwing the ball, but he will be looking for the Offensive Line to give him some time. That has not always been the case for Darnold in recent outings, but there are some big time Receivers that he can target and Minnesota can move the chains with some success.

The revenge angle for Kirk Cousins should offer extra motivation and the Falcons have been competitive in two of their last three losses.

And despite Minnesota piling up the wins, they have been involved in some close, competitive games of their own. There looks to be enough points being given to the road team to keep this one within the number, even if Kirk Cousins has to produce a backdoor cover in his long-time home.

New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins Pick: The AFC East is already taking shape with the New England Patriots eliminated from the post-season and the Buffalo Bills securing the Divisional title and pushing for the Number 1 Seed in the Conference.

Despite the confidence of the fans and the team going into the season, 2024 has been a really poor year for the New York Jets (3-9). Aaron Rodgers could have been shut down at Quarter Back, especially with elimination fast approaching for the Jets, while rumours continue to swirl that the Quarter Back and the Jets will part way at the end of this season.

It has been a disappointing year for the Miami Dolphins (5-7) too, but they can blame the injury suffered by Quarter Back Tua Tagovailoa that placed them in an early hole. The team looked to be rallying with three straight wins, but they were poor on Thanksgiving Day against the Green Bay Packers as another quality team in cold weather proved too much for the Dolphins.

In Week 14 they are back at home and there is every chance that Miami can keep faint Playoff hopes alive- the team likely need to win out and receive help from some of the AFC contenders ahead of them in the Wild Card Race, but the Dolphins can put a win on the board in this Divisional game.

Miami have won seven of the last eight games played against the New York Jets and they are facing a New York team that have underwhelmed Defensively.

Running the ball against them is going to be tough, especially as Miami's Offensive Line have been banged up and struggled to open the running lanes in recent games. Instead, the game plan has been to get the ball out of the Quarter Back's hands very quickly and the speedy players around Tua Tagovailoa have been able to pick up yards after the catch in lieu of a run game.

Tua Tagovailoa should have success throwing the ball against this Jets Secondary that have not played up to the level of their reputation and Miami's performances in the conditions in South Florida have tended to be much better than on the road.

The Dolphins should be able to move the ball when they have it, but the New York Jets Offense has really not played as expected with Aaron Rodgers looking every bit his age. The Quarter Back insists he wants to keep playing in 2025, but the marriage with the Jets looks to end in divorce and it has just been a messy season all around in Gotham.

Aaron Rodgers could be given some help if the New York Offensive Line can help establish the run, but it should be said that the Dolphins Defensive Line have been pretty stout up front. Miami will feel they can at least keep the Jets out of third and manageable spots on the field and that will allow the pass rush to try and get into the backfield and rattle the veteran playing behind Center.

The passing numbers have simply not been good enough from Aaron Rodgers with the pressure around him crumbling the pocket and Receivers struggling to get on the same page as the Quarter Back. There are some areas on the field that can be targeted as far as the New York Jets passing game is concerned, but after thirteen weeks of the NFL season, it is clear that this team are not consistent enough to trust.

Asking bad teams to cover is not ideal, especially not spreads of this size, but Miami are a much better team than the New York Jets and especially in their own Stadium. Tua Tagovailoa's injury that saw him miss multiple games has contributed to the record, but the Dolphins had won three in a row before losing to the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day and they can make the big Offensive plays to pull clear in front of the fans with the additional rest and recovery time to prepare.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs Pick: There is every chance that the AFC West will be sending three teams to the post-season, including the two time defending Champions Kansas City Chiefs (11-1).

Despite the record, the Chiefs have not always convinced and have needed some late magic to just edge past a couple of rivals and maintain control of the Number 1 Seed in the Conference. First things first though and that means winning the AFC West and securing at least one and, most likely, two home games in the Playoffs.

The Chiefs do have a decent lead over the Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) and a win on Sunday Night Football would mean Kansas City cannot be caught by this rival.

Jim Harbaugh's return to pro Football has been successful having led the Michigan Wolverines to the College Football National Championship and turning things around for the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers have won five of the last six games played, but that does not mean Harbaugh is satisfied and he has made it clear that more is needed from the Offensive unit if they are going to have a real impact in the post-season.

Justin Herbert has looked much more comfortable with what is being asked of him and he has limited his mistakes, which is key for a Chargers team that are very happy with making their Defensive unit are not dealing with short fields. However, like so many of Jim Harbaugh's teams, the identity of the Offense is making sure they establish the run first and foremost.

Losing JK Dobbins is a blow for the Chargers and it would have been a tough challenge running the ball against this Kansas City Defensive Line even if he was available. In the first meeting between the Divisional rivals, Dobbins had 32 yards on 14 carries and Gus Edwards is not expected to have a lot of success in relief of his fellow Running Back.

Where things may be different for the Los Angeles Chargers is that Justin Herbert had 179 passing yards in the defeat to the Chiefs, but is now potentially going up against a Chiefs Secondary that are struggling to make consistent stops. The Herbert numbers have not been eye-catching, mainly because the Offensive Line has struggled in pass protection much more than run blocking, but he may just have a stronger day throwing the ball with the issues that Kansas City have been having.

The home team have had a bit more time to prepare having beaten the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday in Week 13, but they have continued to coast through the regular season.

We do expect Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes to begin to pick up their level to ensure they are ready to compete for a third Super Bowl title in a row. The Quarter Back is still a huge influence on the Chiefs Offense, but Patrick Mahomes should be helped by the Offensive Line and the Running Backs to make sure he is operating out of third and manageable spots.

It will also perhaps give Mahomes a bit more time when he steps back to throw, especially against this Chargers pass rush, and he can keep some of the momentum of recent performances behind him. Credit has to be given to the Los Angeles Chargers Defense for their overall level produced this season, but there have been one or two more issues as the season wears on and Patrick Mahomes should put up some solid numbers.

Injuries have not helped the Chiefs, but they are still doing what they need to in order to win games and they have matched up well with the Chargers.

Being at home is a big help and Kansas City can back up the earlier win over the Chargers by doing the same here thanks to some strong Patrick Mahomes play. Some of the injuries that Los Angeles have picked up of late does not help their chances and Kansas City may be ready to make a statement on national television about their capabilities of winning a third Super Bowl in succession.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Dallas Cowboys Pick: The schedule was made and then released back in May and this Monday Night Football game looked like it could have a lot riding on it as Week 14 came to a conclusion.

Instead it has been a really poor season for the Cincinnati Bengals (4-8) and Dallas Cowboys (5-7), although back to back wins for Dallas might just have given them some hope of making the post-season.

They are faint hopes, but that is more than can be said for the Cincinnati Bengals who have lost four of their last five games and heading into a off-season when big decisions are going to have to be made.

Offensively they are still playing hard and Joe Burrow is playing at a very good level at Quarter Back, while they have found a real balance on this side of the ball. Joe Mixon might be pounding the rock in Houston these days, but the Bengals have still been effective on the ground and the Offensive Line should pave the way for some decent gains in this one.

Keeping the Quarter Back in third and manageable spots just opens up the playbook for the Cincinnati Bengals and Joe Burrow has the big time Receivers that can make the plays for him. Running the ball well will just negate the pass rush, which could be a problem for the Cincinnati Bengals if they are in obvious passing Downs, but otherwise Joe Burrow and the Offensive unit should be able to have plenty of success against this Cowboys Defense.

However, the Bengals are well aware that the problems this season have not been Offensively, but when the opponent has the ball.

Dak Prescott has been missing for Dallas, but Cooper Rush has played well enough to give Dallas something of an Offense, even if Special Teams have been a big help in the win over Washington. On Thanksgiving Day Cooper Rush and the Cowboys had their way with the New York Giants and Dallas should have the Offensive firepower to at least keep themselves competitive.

The spread is a tough one to gauge simply because of the problems that Cincinnati have had Defensively and it will keep a backdoor cover open, even if the Bengals were to win outright.

The Cowboys would love to be able to run the ball- they are facing a porous Cincinnati Defensive Line, but the Dallas Cowboys have not really run the ball as they have previously and that has added to the pressure on the Quarter Back, whether that is Prescott or Rush.

Even if the Cowboys are not running the ball as well as they want, Cooper Rush will have time to find his Receivers against this underachieving Secondary. He isn't going to be confused with an elite Quarter Back, but Rush can make enough plays to keep the Cowboys moving down the field and they can play their part in what might be a high-scoring game on Monday Night Football.

Both Offenses have to feel they can get the better of the Defensive units in front of them and it could be a game where passing may be most important. That could help give the teams combine for enough points to cover this total line set and that is the play for the final game of Week 14.

MY PICKS: Green Bay Packers + 3.5 Points @ 1.86 Paddy Power (1 Unit)

Tennessee Titans - 3.5 Points @ 2.00 Bet Victor (1 Unit)

Atlanta Falcons + 6 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Miami Dolphins - 5.5 Points @ 1.91 Paddy Power (1 Unit)

Kansas City Chiefs - 3.5 Points @ 1.86 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Dallas Cowboys-Cincinnati Bengals Over 49.5 Points @ 1.95 Bet Fred (1 Unit)

Week 13: 1-3, - 2.17 Units (4 Units Staked, - 54.25% Yield)

Week 12: 2-4, - 2.17 Units (6 Units Staked, - 36.17% Yield)

Week 11: 2-3, - 1.23 Units (5 Units Staked, - 24.60% Yield)

Week 10: 1-6, - 5.05 Units (7 Units Staked, - 72.14% Yield)

Week 9: 3-2, + 0.73 Units (5 Units Staked, + 14.60% Yield)

Week 8: 4-2, + 1.72 Units (6 Units Staked, + 28.67% Yield)

Week 7: 4-3, + 0.73 Units (7 Units Staked, + 10.43% Yield)

Week 6: 4-2, + 1.67 Units (6 Units Staked, + 27.83% Yield)

Week 5: 4-2, + 1.64 Units (6 Units Staked, + 27.33% Yield)

Week 4: 6-2, + 3.45 Units (8 Units Staked, + 43.13% Yield)

Week 3: 3-3, - 0.23 Units (6 Units Staked, - 3.83% Yield)

Week 2: 4-2, + 1.62 Units (6 Units Staked, + 27% Yield)

Week 1: 5-2, + 2.67 Units (7 Units Staked, + 38.14% Yield)

Boxing Picks 2018- Vasyl Lomachenko vs Jose Pedraza (December 8th)

Any time I come back from a vacation it feels like months have passed when realistically it has only been days.

This time last week I was sitting in Los Angeles and just hours away from seeing one of my bucket list moments come true when watching two unbeaten Heavyweight Champions fight for the Number 1 position in the world.

It was amazing to be out in Los Angeles for the fight but even more so when you think of how dramatic it was and I can't wait to see Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder do it all over again.

The undercard was quality too with the opportunity to see Joe Joyce, Luis Ortiz and Jarrett Hurd in action.


Of course there was some controversy about the scoring in the Wilder-Fury main event which saw the Draw announced. My feeling is that the Draw wasn't the worst aspect of the scoring as some of the early Rounds were very close to call and it doesn't take a lot for those thinking Fury was a clear winner to have a draw on their own cards after the two Knock Downs in the 9th and 12th Round.

However it feels much like the first Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin fight when there was a card that felt WAY out of sync and in this case it was the 115-111 Wilder card. If we had seen two 113-113 scores and one 114-112 to Fury I don't think there would have been as much annoyance at the way the fight was eventually scored, but we will get a chance to see it all again in 2019.

Both will made adjustments and I am very interested to hear Wilder is looking to put on around 30-40 pounds of weight the next time he faces Fury. It could be work against him with his athleticism important, but the American believes it will be the key factor in turning around a fight many thought he had lost.

Tyson Fury was a winner regardless considering where he was mentally and physically twelve months ago and I am proud of the way he has come back. Don't ask me how he got up in the 12th Round though and the power of recovery was so impressive, while I also think he can only be improved the next time round.

I do think the rematch will be next for both Wilder and Fury, although where is the big question- I would love to see them do it in England, but I think the more realistic venues are either Vegas or New York and I think I could be tempted to make another trip across the pond for that one.

That's a matter for another day and we move onto another week when a pound for pound star makes his return to the ring on Saturday.

Vasyl Lomachenko is as good as it gets in Boxing and he will be ready for a Unification fight this weekend before looking for more big challenges in 2019. Also this weekend is the return of Kell Brook and I will have my thoughts on his fight as well as the mess being made by Amir Khan in setting up the fight we all want which can be read below.

Over the next month we have some more big fights to come to wrap up a quality year in the sport, but 2019 is shaping up nicely if the announced fights for the first few months of the year are anything to go by. More of those big fights will likely be set in stone before the end of the 2018 calendar year too and I don't think Boxing has been in a better place for a long time through the Divisions.

Kid Galahad vs Brayan Mairena

The Featherweight Division is loaded with some serious talent and the unbeaten Kid Galahad very much wants to be mixing with the top names in 2019.

This is seen as little more than tick along fight for the Sheffield man who will be out for the third time in 2018. He admitted himself that he wants to get into the ring four times in 2019 and is hoping Eddie Hearn can set him up with someone like the winner of the upcoming Josh Warrington-Carl Frampton fight to take place later this month.

Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares, Oscar Valdez and Gary Russell Jr are other top names in the Featherweight Division, but those names will all be out of reach if Kid Galahad is upset by Brayan Mairena on Saturday.

Mairena came over to the United Kingdom with a single loss from his previous fight having only been involved in bouts in Nicaragua. The defeat to Limber Ramirez has sparked a run of four consecutive losses for Mairena and his last three fights have taken place in the United Kingdom.

First up was the stoppage defeat to Gal Yafai who is recovering from the first loss of his career and Mairena has been little more than someone who is being paid to try and offer a few Rounds to British fighters. This is the fourth time Mairena is fighting since the beginning of September and I think Kid Galahad is likely going to get him out of there double quick.

You have to give Mairena credit for going the full Six Rounds with Reece Bellotti who had built a reputation for his punching power. However Yafai stopped him and felt he could have gotten Mairena out of there very early on if he had not suffered a bicep injury which limited the right hand.

Kid Galahad did see his run of six stoppages in a row come to an end in October at the TD Garden in October, but I expect him to return to that kind of form even against what looks a durable fighter in Mairena. Yafai got Mairena out of there in the Seventh Round but thought it would have been significantly earlier if he had not injured himself and I think Kid Galahad will be the able to do the same in the first half of this fight.

A fourth fight in three months is tough on Mairena and I think a small interest on Kid Galahad putting in a strong performance and securing a first half of the fight stoppage is worth backing. It is only an Eight Round fight so the stoppage needs to come in the first Four Rounds, but I do think Kid Galahad can put it on Mairena and find a way to get it done before heading into 2019 chasing the really big fights.

Josh Kelly vs David Avanesyan

There are some bright prospects in the British Boxing scene at the moment and one of the leading names tipped for the very top of the sport is Josh Kelly.

The last time we saw Kelly it was dismissing Walter Fabian Castillo in the First Round on the undercard of the Oleksandr Usyk-Tony Bellew fight in November and this has to be seen as a big step up for him.

Kelly also has beaten Carlos Molina, a former Light Middleweight World Champion, but Molina has seen better days and David Avanesyan is a different sort of test. Unlike Molina, who was World Champion back in 2014, Avanesyan was a Welterweight World Title interim holder just last year when he was beaten on points by Lamont Peterson although he has since been stopped with some believing his best days are now behind him.

I expect him to be tough and determined, but Kelly is being tipped for much bigger things and I do believe he is going to showcase his talent by breaking down Avanesyan over the course of the fight. Making a statement and getting him out of there is going to be the goal, but Kelly showed in the win over Molina that he won't be too worried if he has to go the full way to beat a rugged opponent with the Rounds all adding to the experience he is earning in each passing fight.

A Ten Rounder does make it more difficult to push on and earn the stoppage, but I think the corner could sympathise with their man if Avanesyan is beginning to be peppered with shots. In the first half of the fight I think Kelly uses his speed to make sure he is hitting Avanesyan and knocking some of the fight out of him and I expect the British fighter to turn it on in the second half of the fight.

The Welterweight Division has long been one of the most glamorous in Boxing and there are some huge names that could be on Kelly's list in 2019. Winning the WBA International Title will move him up the Rankings and I think Kelly could be looking at someone like Jesse Vargas if he is able to win this fight.

Adam Booth won't let Kelly overlook anyone though and I think he puts in a statement kind of performance by breaking down Avanesyan and stopping him in the second half of this fight.

Kell Brook vs Michael Zerafa

Kell Brook is back this weekend as he fights for the second time in 2018 and there seems to be a new fire in the belly of the former World Champion. While I can't imagine he has overlooked Michael Zerafa, Brook has been speaking about rematches with current WBC Champion Shawn Porter as well as Errol Spence Jr who remains the IBF Champion after taking that belt from Brook at Bramall Lane last year.

There is also the potential Brook will move up to Light Middleweight for a shot at one of the big name Champions in that Division, especially as this fight is a final eliminator for a crack at Jarrett Hurd's WBA World Title.

Big things are ahead, but none of that will matter if Brook can't beat Australian Michael Zerafa who has not really mixed in the best company.

The best name on his record is Peter Quillan who was able to stop Zerafa in the Fifth Round in the Middleweight Division. This is the fourth fight down at Light Middleweight for the Australian, but it is a huge task for him against Kell Brook and I really don't think this is going to be a really long night for the Sheffield man.

You would like to think Brook would want to get some Rounds under his belt having had just a couple of Rounds against Siarhei Rabchanka since losing his World Title to Errol Spence in May 2017, but Brook looks in fantastic shape and he seems very comfortable with his team which should mean he can produce a big performance.

You know anyone coming from Australia is going to have heart and I expect that from Zerafa, but I can't see this getting into the second half of the fight and will be backing Brook to finish things early and make sure the other big names remember who he is.

I've mentioned some names that could be next for Kell Brook, but the one most wanted to see was Amir Khan who signed with Eddie Hearn earlier this year for a three fight deal. Most assumed it was the last major obstacle in the way of a grudge domestic fight which would have made both Khan and Brook significant money and arguably more than anything they could earn fighting anyone else.

Khan went life and death with Samuel Vargas but ultimately won the first two fights in his deal with Hearn and last month it seemed like some sort of agreement had been reach between the fighters.

Since then other issues have arisen and I am now convinced Khan just simply does not want this fight. The talk is he has been offered a fight with Terence Crawford at Madison Square Garden in the first quarter of 2019, but it also sounds like it will be for less money than what he would earn fighting Brook.

Ultimately I think Khan just doesn't believe he can beat Brook and barring a huge U-turn, I would now be surprised if these two fighters ever get in the ring to face each other. Eddie Hearn has said if it doesn't happen next it won't happen and I very much tend to agree with him as the British public won't want to see it if either fighter was to lose again.

I don't think Khan is the fighter he once was so Crawford will be a huge favourite if that is the direction that the Bolton man goes. It is a shame if we don't get Brook and Khan and with both blaming each other for the failure to reach a deal I think the horse may already have bolted for this one.

Isaac Dogboe vs Emanuel Navarrete

He is from Ghana by birth, but Isaac Dogboe is one of the British World Champions although perhaps not as well known as some of the others out there. That may have something to do with the fact he is promoted by Bob Arum and have never fought on a card in the United Kingdom, but British Boxing fans will be proud of him.

Dogboe is a dual national with Ghana and Britain and both countries will be very pleased to see how he has moved through to the top of the Super Bantamweight Division. Two top performances in America with two stoppage wins behind him will have increased Dogboe's stock, particularly as one of them came against Jessie Magdaleno who had been an unbeaten home fighter before being stopped in the Eleventh Round in what was a good fight.

The other Champions will be on the mind of Dogboe going into 2019, but he must remain focused as he takes on Emanuel Navarrete who comes from Mexico and has a strong record on paper. This is the first time Navarrete will be fighting outside of his home country but Jaime Munguia showed that there are some seriously talented fighters from that country who may not quite have made their name outside of Mexico just yet.

Like Munguia, Navarrete does look tall for the Division and he has a strong Knock Out ratio which has to be respected, although unlike Munguia he does not have an unbeaten record.

It may take Dogboe some time to get to grips with the height of Navarrete and I would not be surprised if the early Rounds are a little difficult for the Champion. However Dogboe has plenty of power of his own and I will be looking for him to wear down Navarrete over the course of the Twelve Rounds and eventually begin to break him down in the second half of the fight.

This could be an interesting bout on the undercard of the main event at Madison Square Garden and I am looking forward to seeing Dogboe again. He can extend his run of six stoppages in a row and I will look for the World Champion to find the finish in the second half of the fight as he hurts Navarrete to the body and slows him down enough to put the finishing touches on him.

Vasyl Lomachenko vs Jose Pedraza

There will be a few names bandied about when you hear talk about the 'Pound for Pound' Number 1 in Boxing, but for me Vasyl Lomachenko should be top of the list.

The Ukrainian returns on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden after recovering from an injury suffered in the win over Jorge Linares and Lomachenko will be involved in his first Unification fight. It's more about legacy than World Titles for Lomachenko who is chasing the biggest names and who is willing to go up the Divisions to find them.

Not many have been able to stand with Lomachenko who is all rhythm and movement, while having enough pop to break the heart of so many who face him. The referee had to stop the last fight between Lomachenko and Linares, but prior to that four straight fighters had called it a day on their stool which is a remarkable sequence.

There have been some very strong names on the Lomachenko resume in that time too and I am not convinced Jose Pedraza is amongst those elite fighters even if he is the WBO Lightweight Champion. I have to credit Pedraza for recovering to this level having seen Gervonta Davis beat him up over Seven Rounds, but this is as tough a challenge for the Puerto Rican and I think it would be a morale victory if he is able to last the full Twelve Rounds.

It's going to be tough to do that and Lomachenko's comments in the lead up to the fight suggest he is feeling very healthy and is ready to put this fight to bed very quickly. He has compared it to his win over Miguel Marriaga and believes Pedraza's style is similar and Lomachenko was able to get the win in the Marriaga fight in Seven Rounds.

I feel this fight is going to reach the midway stage before Lomachenko is able to turn the screw and get the job done. I can see the early Rounds just seeing Lomachenko getting comfortable in the ring again having not fought since May, but by the Fourth he should be beginning to exert all control.

The ending may come a little after that and I can see Lomachenko surpassing Gervonta Davis and perhaps getting rid of Pedraza a Round or two earlier. Backing the Ukrainian star to finish this fight between the Fifth and Eighth looks about right to me and I will look for Lomachenko to do that, perhaps with another 'NoMasChenko' moment.

MY PICKS: Kid Galahad to Win Between 1-4 @ 4.00 Paddy Power (1 Unit)

Josh Kelly to Win Between 6-10 @ 2.37 Sky Bet (2 Units)

Kell Brook to Win Between 1-6 @ 2.10 Sky Bet (2 Units)

Isaac Dogboe to Win Between 7-12 @ 2.20 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Vasyl Lomachenko to Win Between 5-8 @ 3.25 Sky Bet (2 Units)

Weekend Football Picks 2018 (December 8-10)

I've been away in the early portion of December and that has meant I have not really had the time to write down my thoughts for the Premier League games that have been played.

Missing two rounds of fixtures is what it is, but I have returned now and my selections can be read below as well as my Fantasy Football thoughts in what is a busy time of the season.

Fantasy players have to worry about rotation policies of managers especially with a huge amount of games crammed into a very small period of time through to the FA Cup Third Round. Injuries build up at this point of the season and you have to factor in the colder weather in the United Kingdom at this time of the year.


Bournemouth v Liverpool Pick: The quick turnaround in the Premier League means there are likely to be more rotations from managers, but Liverpool were able to rest key players on Wednesday in their win over Burnley.

It should mean the likes of Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino are available for this visit to the Vitality Stadium ahead of a vital game against Napoli in the Champions League during the week. The early kick off does give Jurgen Klopp the chance to play his strongest team as Liverpool look to move ahead of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League for a few hours at least.

While Liverpool have not been at their most convincing away from home, they have scored three times in back to back games at Watford and Burnley. The majority of the poorer performances have come in the Champions League and Liverpool should feel confident they can get the better of a Bournemouth team who just snapped a 4 game losing run in the Premier League.

Bournemouth started well but had to hold on in their 2-1 win over Huddersfield Town on Tuesday, while they have recently been beaten by Manchester United and Arsenal in League games here. The attacking mentality of Eddie Howe will always leave Bournemouth vulnerable against the better teams in the Premier League and it is no surprise that Chelsea, United, Arsenal and Manchester City have all scored at least twice against them already this season.

They have lost all of those games too and Bournemouth have conceded at least twice in each of their 3 home games against Liverpool since being promoted to the Premier League. The Cherries did recover from 1-3 down to beat Liverpool 4-3 in one of those games, but the other two fixtures here have ended in Liverpool wins and I think they can get the better of Bournemouth in this early Premier League fixture.

It should be a game featuring plenty of chances too and I will back The Reds to move to the top of the Premier League with a win in a game featuring two or more goals.

Fantasy Star: Mohamed Salah- the Egyptian should be well rested having been a substitute on Wednesday, while he has scored in 2 of the last 3 away Premier League games he has started.

Alternative: Xherdan Shaqiri- Bournemouth are a tough team, but they have lost to Arsenal and Manchester United here and Xherdan Shaqiri could playing further up the pitch if Sadio Mane is ruled out. He scored in 2 of the last 3 Liverpool League games.


Arsenal v Huddersfield Town Pick: With three League games in the space of a week it can be difficult to know when a team potentially hits a wall but Arsenal have momentum and I would be surprised if that happened to them here.

They don't have to worry about the Europa League game to be played during the week so Unai Emery can play as strong a team as he likes, although injuries are beginning to stretch the squad. Those are mainly in defensive areas and this Arsenal team have shown they can out-score opponents when feeling at their best.

Even keeping the defensive problems in mind, I am not sure Huddersfield Town are the best team to expose them. The Terriers have been in better form in recent weeks and they have not lost back to back away games in the Premier League since March, but a lack of goals continues to be a problem and I think they will find it tough to contain Arsenal here.

Huddersfield Town have forced draws at Everton and Burnley and won at Wolves this season so they should be respected. However they have conceded twice at Bournemouth during the week as they looked vulnerable defensively, while also conceding three goals in losses at Leicester City and Watford and this Arsenal team have enough in the final third to really hurt them here.

I am not sure Arsenal match the 5-0 win over Huddersfield Town from last season, but I think they win comfortably enough on the day and I will back them to cover the Asian Handicap.

Fantasy Star: Alexandre Lacazette- he may get the start having come off the bench in the last two games and scored at Old Trafford during the week.

Alternative: Henrikh Mkhitaryan- he has been a disappointment in recent games, but should have chances against an overmatched opponent when has shown his best for either Manchester United or Arsenal.


Burnley v Brighton Pick: Last season the defences came out on top in both Premier League games between Burnley and Brighton, but there is plenty to suggest the layers may have it wrong and that this could be a much more entertaining fixture.

Neither Burnley or Brighton are defending half as well as they were during the 2017/18 season and there should be chances for both teams in this one.

Glenn Murray's potential absence for Brighton could be a real blow, but Burnley have struggled to contain teams so I would expect the away team to come here and create chances. They have scored in their last 4 away games in the Premier League and the last two at Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town have produced at least three goals.

Goals have been flowing at Turf Moor too with the home team falling off the defensive standards they set last season. Burnley have conceded plenty of chances too so it hasn't been misfortune that has hurt the team and they have been involved in some high-scoring games here including against a shot-shy Newcastle United team.

Shane Duffy's suspension should help Burnley too, and I would not be surprised if both teams score in this one. There should be chances for that to happen and recent Burnley and Brighton home/away games respectively have produced plenty of goals and these two teams can surprise by doing the same here at a very big price.

Fantasy Star: Chris Wood- Burnley need goals and Chris Wood's returning to form may be their best avenue.

Alternative: Florin Andone- came on and scored for Brighton during the week and could lead the line if Glenn Murray is ruled out. Burnley have not defended that well so Andone should have chances.


Cardiff City v Southampton Pick: Two teams at the wrong end of the Premier League table will meet in a big game on Saturday and the layers believe it could be a fixture filled with tension and they are not expecting too many goals.

I agree that it will be tense as Cardiff City are under pressure to keep producing big performances at home during a time they are struggling for results on their travels. On the other side Southampton have to be playing with little confidence at the moment and the players will be trying to impress a new manager who may not get his methods across to the squad for a few weeks.

However it should be pointed out that the two teams have been producing decent football in the final third which has resulted in plenty of goals being scored. Cardiff City came from behind to beat Wolves and they have scored at least two goals in 3 of their last 4 home Premier League games while they have not been able to keep a clean sheet in that time.

Southampton have conceded at least three goals in 3 straight away Premier League games, but they have also scored in all of those games. They created plenty of chances against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday and there is enough encouragement from both teams in the final third to believe they will be able to create chances here too.

With both defences being far from watertight, I would not be surprised to see both teams score and the 1-1 is the score that concerns me the most. The three points are very important to both teams though and I think they can keep the recent home/away respective trends going for at least one more game and combine for three or more goals here.

Fantasy Star: Victor Camarasa- looks to be on penalty and free kick duties and is the main creative force for Cardiff City who have been very good in recent home games.

Alternative: Charlie Austin- Southampton have been poor defensively, but they create chances and Austin may get his opportunity having scored this past week against Tottenham Hotspur.


Manchester United v Fulham Pick: The last time Manchester United played Fulham David Moyes was in charge of the home team and the 2-2 draw is best remembered for what felt like a hundred crosses produced by Manchester United that day as they ran out of ideas.

It was a game played in February 2014 and it may have been the real point when the fans realised Moyes was not going to be able to turn things around as Manchester United manager after struggling throughout his time with the club.

Something similar could potentially happen to Jose Mourinho if Manchester United are not able to get back to winning ways in the Premier League this weekend. As much as there was an improved feeling about the performance in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal, draws with struggling Crystal Palace and Southampton have not been what was expected and failing to beat another team in the bottom six places will make it very difficult to get back into the top four race.

Fans at Old Trafford tend to be very loyal, but this match could really be a breaking point as injuries never seem to be too far away. Anthony Martial has been huge for Mourinho in recent weeks, but he could potentially miss out here and defensively Manchester United remain a real mess with big mistakes leading to teams being able to capitalise on chances against them.

Claudio Ranieri will be hoping his Fulham team are the latest to profit from the erratic nature of Manchester United's defending, but this is a team who have scored just 5 away goals all of this season. While the Italian is looking to make Fulham tougher to beat, they were defeated 2-0 at Chelsea last weekend which means they have lost 6 in a row on their travels in all competitions and they have conceded at least two goals in 5 of those losses.

In the last three Premier League games Manchester United have created some good chances and four goals in the last couple of games has to give them confidence. There is no doubt it is hard to trust Manchester United to win a game, let alone win by a comfortable margin, but they should be able to create chances and score goals against this Fulham team.

Losing Martial would be a blow, especially as the attack looked about as fluid as any stage this season in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal, but Manchester United can build on that. It might only be a reprieve for Mourinho whose time at Old Trafford is surely going to end sooner rather than later, but I will look for the home team to secure a relatively comfortable win on the day.

Fantasy Star: Marcus Rashford- I am fairly critical of Rashford the footballer, but he has been lively for Manchester United and may be the source of inspiration in this one. That is especially true if Anthony Martial is ruled out as expected.

Alternative: Chris Smalling- clean sheets have not been United's strength this season, but they have managed a couple at the end of last month at Old Trafford and Fulham have been goal-shy to say the least.


West Ham United v Crystal Palace Pick: Both West Ham United and Crystal Palace are searching for some consistency which would help them put some positive runs together and move clear of the relegation battle that is building up behind them. They were both involved in 3-1 results this past midweek, but West Ham United come into this with a victory behind them while Crystal Palace were beaten.

You would think home advantage is going to be very important for West Ham United considering they have won 2 of their last 3 games here and scored at least three times in both wins. Losing Marko Arnautovic is a blow, but there are still some quality players in the final third that can expose a Crystal Palace team who have lost 5 of their last 6 away games and who were exposed defensively by an opponent with ten men a few days ago.

Roy Hodgson is searching for answers, but Crystal Palace have work to do defensively against an opponent who have been scoring plenty of goals in recent games outside of the 0-4 home defeat to Manchester City.

Scoring goals has been something of a problem for Crystal Palace, but they are creating chances and the feeling is they can turn things around. It would be nice to have options in the forward areas, but Wilfried Zaha remains the main focal point of the attack and Roy Hodgson does need him to step up some in this fixture.

I do think there will be enough chances to see at least three goals shared out between West Ham United and Crystal Palace and recent fixtures between them have seen 6 of the last 8 finish with three or more goals scored. The home team are missing a few more quality attacking players than Crystal Palace, but they showed they can still score goals by burying six in their last couple of games.

The 1-1 could be the most dangerous scoreline to prevent three goals being shared out, but I will back the over here.

Fantasy Star: Javier Hernandez- it was Lucas Perez who took the headlines on Tuesday, but Hernandez got two at Newcastle United last week and can lead the way without Marko Arnautovic this week.

Alternative: Andros Townsend- Crystal Palace need goals and Wilfried Zaha is usually double marked meaning Andros Townsend could have more chances to add to the goal he got last Saturday.


Chelsea v Manchester City Pick: The big game in this round of Premier League fixtures comes from Stamford Bridge where two of the top four teams meet on Saturday afternoon.

The defending Champions Manchester City definitely come into this fixture in a lot better form than Chelsea who have lost 2 of their last 3 Premier League games to Tottenham Hotspur and Wolves.

However you can't deny that Manchester City don't look as good without Sergio Aguero as Gabriel Jesus has just hit a wall. It was the Jesus misses which had Pep Guardiola shaking his head and also was the main reason Manchester City didn't close out Watford before the home team rallied in the final ten minutes.

Aguero is a serious doubt for this fixture and he is the man who has scored four of the last five goals Manchester City have managed at Stamford Bridge so is clearly going to be a loss for Guardiola's men. The other goalscorer in that run was Kevin De Bruyne who scored the winning goal here last season and he is also looking like he could miss out on Saturday which may raise some doubts.

However I think Chelsea are lacking some confidence of late and they have perhaps been fortunate to beat Arsenal and draw with both Liverpool and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge this season. They couldn't ride out the storm at Wembley Stadium versus Tottenham Hotspur recently and Chelsea will really need Manchester City to be off their game if they are going to beat them.

It was Aguero's goals that helped Manchester City beat them in the Community Shield, but there are players in form for the visitors that can help make up for the Argentinian's expected absence. Leroy Sane and Riyad Mahrez ran rings around Watford and Raheem Sterling is well rested so I am not anticipating too many issues for Manchester City who should be able to expose the defensive problems Chelsea have been having of late.

Any team with the attacking mentality set out by Maurizio Sarri and with players like Eden Hazard and Willian have to be respected, but Chelsea may not really believe they can win a game like this one. They have lost three in a row to Manchester City and been beaten handily each time and I don't think you can make much of a case to oppose the defending Champions winning a fourth in a row against this opponent this weekend.

Even with the absences Manchester City look the more confident team and I will simply back them to win at Stamford Bridge where both Manchester United and Liverpool could have done when Chelsea were in much better form than they are right now.

Fantasy Star: Raheem Sterling- rested fully during the week and has been the goal-threat for Manchester City. He could replace Gabriel Jesus as the Number 9 in this one with Sergio Aguero expected to miss out.

Alternative: Aymeric Laporte- I fancy Manchester City here and they have found a way to keep clean sheets against Chelsea in three straight games.


Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur Pick: From next season seeing a late Saturday evening Premier League game is going to become the norm over the course of the campaign, but it is rare to see that kick off at the moment. However this weekend we have Leicester City hosting Tottenham Hotspur in that slot following the big game at Stamford Bridge and it may be a fixture that can provide plenty of entertainment of its own.

Being at home should mean we get a big effort from Leicester City as they try and knock off one of the top teams in the Premier League and give their own ambitions a boost. In recent weeks Leicester City have been difficult to beat, but they have struggled to turn draws into wins and I do worry about them going forward without Jamie Vardy.

At least they could be facing a Tottenham Hotspur defence that has not looked as strong as in recent years. Only 2 of the last 10 Tottenham Hotspur games have ended with a clean sheet for Spurs and they were fortunate to only concede the once to Southampton during the week.

Keeping the momentum going is how well Tottenham Hotspur have performed going forward and I think that is going to be important for them here. They have scored two or more goals in 6 of their last 8 away games in all competitions, but Tottenham Hotspur may need those goals considering they have conceded two or more goals in 3 of their last 5 on their travels too.

As mentioned, Leicester City have not exactly been firing in front of goal and could be without Vardy here, but games between these clubs have tended to lean towards the higher-scoring part of the spectrum. 6 of the last 7 League games hosted by Leicester City against Tottenham Hotspur have ended with three or more goals shared out and the exception was a 1-1 draw in the 2015/16 season.

For all my concerns about the lack of goals in the Leicester City team, they have scored in all but one League game here and I think the teams could provide some evening fireworks here.

Fantasy Star: Harry Kane- boring choice here but Kane has absolutely feasted on Leicester City over the last three games against them and can continue that here.

Alternative: James Maddison- Leicester City will be looking to take advantage of Tottenham Hotspur if they are distracted by the big Barcelona game coming up. With Jamie Vardy likely absent, James Maddison will be the key to unlock a porous Tottenham Hotspur defence.


Newcastle United v Wolves Pick: The live Sunday offering from the Premier League comes from St James' Park where Newcastle United and Wolves meeting for the first time since both clubs played in the Championship a couple of years ago.

Both teams will be looking at fixtures like this one and circling it as one they need to win if they are going to achieve the goals they have set for themselves this season.

The form guide points to Newcastle United as being the most likely winner of this fixture, but Wolves had a big win during the week and perhaps have deserved more than they have earned over the last month. Losses at Brighton and Cardiff City will have hurt, but Wolves should have some confidence restored from the way they bounced back against Chelsea during the week.

And as much as I am respecting the results Newcastle United have earned in recent games, it can be said they have been a little lucky at times. In home wins over Watford and Bournemouth, Newcastle United would have been beaten on another day and they are still struggling for consistent attacks.

Wolves have looked good going forward, but they are still missing a clinical finisher in the final third to put an exclamation mark on the good work they are producing up to that point. Raul Jimenez has been a good signing, but he isn't a finisher as such although he has been an integral part of a large majority of Wolves goals.

The Mexican did score on Wednesday though and he might be ready to put a strong run together in front of goal and I think Wolves can be backed on the Asian Handicap here. I had already circled that as a potential play prior to the win over Chelsea so I am hoping they haven't been given an overconfidence, although I look at Wolves as being the better team in the final third of both ends of the pitch and that can see them produce an important victory at St James' Park on Sunday.

Fantasy Star: Raul Jimenez- been amongst the goals of late and is a key part of Wolves attacks that have resulted in others scoring too.

Alternative: Solomon Rondon- the on loan striker has been scoring goals and is going to be the key for Newcastle United if they are going to upset their visitors.


Everton v Watford Pick: Better finishing from the Everton players would have seen the team pick up a lot more than the single point they have earned over the last ten days against Liverpool and Newcastle United in the Premier League. A bad error from Jordan Pickford cost Everton the chance of earning a result at Anfield with a goal conceded deep into injury time, while they should have beaten Newcastle United here last Wednesday.

Both teams will have had a chance to get some rest into the legs as soon as this game was moved to Monday Night Football and I do think Everton are worthy favourites.

They are creating chances and you have to believe they will begin to put more of the quality opportunities away in the coming weeks. It is important for Marco Silva to oversee a win ahead of the big test of visiting Manchester City in the Premier League next weekend, but Everton should be able to control things in this one and do that.

You can't draw a line through Watford who have been able to pick up some surprise results this season and showed they are fighting hard for the team in almost coming back to grab a surprise result against Manchester City last time out. However they are in a poor run of form which has seen the team beaten in 4 of their last 5 Premier League games including the last 3 in a row and Watford have a really poor record at Goodison Park over the years.

I don't think that will really bother a new group of players, but Watford don't tend to enjoy a lot of fortune here and I think they will need to ride out some rough patches if they are going to get a result against Everton. I know Newcastle United escaped with a point, but they did escape narrowly and I think Everton win this one with the likelihood they need two goals to do that.

Fantasy Star: Richarlison- playing his former club and scored last week. Richarlison can't be any more confident or motivated.

Alternative Star: Yerry Mina- Everton have been better defensively and the Colombian is a huge threat from set pieces.

MY PICKS: Liverpool & Over 1.5 Goals @ 1.85 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Arsenal - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.91 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Burnley-Brighton Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.45 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Cardiff City-Southampton Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.20 Sporting Bet (2 Units)
Manchester United - 1.25 Asian Handicap @ 1.85 Bet Victor (2 Units)
West Ham United-Crystal Palace Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.00 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Manchester City @ 2.00 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Leicester City-Tottenham Hotspur Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.83 Boyle Sports (2 Units)
Wolves 0 Asian Handicap @ 1.85 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Everton & Over 1.5 Goals @ 2.20 Boyle Sports (2 Units)