RECAP: Match Companion - Football In Play Betting Blog - Premier League and Sky Bet EFL updates and in play betting advice
RECAP on our Football Betting Blog as we bring you instant score updates. We monitor the stats, current match flow, player form and expert opinion for all Premier League and key EFL games in order to give you the best guidance possible for your in-play betting.
1730 GOODNIGHT
Thank you for being with us today. We hope you enjoyed yourself (how could you not with the late drama?!) and found the blog useful
Get full reports of all today's Premier League Games here
Get full details of the day's Sky Bet EFL games from all three leagues here.
Get the latest Live League Tables
Scroll below to link to our Sunday Previews and tips
We will be back with our next blog from 1pm on Boxing Day, so please joins us for that.
Have a wonderful Christmas and thank you for being with Sporting Life in 2018!!
1729 SUNDAY'S GAMES
1725 🎆 BETTING SUCCESS
So let's review our betting success today.
In our Premier League Previews we called right....
- Bournemouth to beat Brighton and over 1.5 total goals at 7/5
- Danny Ings to score anytime for Southampton against Huddersfield at 2/1
1720 📊 PREMIER LEAGUE ODDS
So these are the latest odds from Sky Bet for the Premier League after today's games....
To Win the Premier League
Manchester City 10/11
Liverpool 11/10
Tottenham 22/1
Chelsea 100/1
Arsenal 150/1
To be Relegated
Huddersfield 2/7
Burnley 4/9
Fulham 8/13
Cardiff 4/6
Newcastle 9/2
Southampton 8/1
Palace 12/1
1715 - The 1730 CHAMP GAME
Hull City host Swansea
1712 - THE 1730 PL GAME
Manchester United begin life after Jose, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer takes charge at a Cardiff side that have won their last three home matches.
Our best bet is Sol Bamba 1+ shots on target at 21/10
Last Christmas, the Cardiff fans gave Sol Bamba their heart, and I'm sure they will be doing the same this time around. The defender should be heavily involved in the attacks for the hosts as they look to the aerial route if they are to find the net. Bamba has two on his tally already this season and has had 15 shots on goal, the seventh-highest in this Cardiff team. Backing him to have one or more shots on target at the better side of 2/1 is value worth taking.
Here are the key stats for the game
Here are the team line ups
1704 📈 TABLE MOVERS
So the big news in the Premier League
We already knew Liverpool were the Premier League's Christmas Number One, but now we know they are top by four points, after Manchester City's shock home loss today. The Reds have 48 points, with City on 44.
Chelsea will be kicking themselves, despite an amazing home record against Leicester they've blown the chance to close the gap on City in second.
Arsenal won earlier so they are 5th, level with Chelsea on 37 points.
Watford's win today puts them on 27, one ahead of Manchester United, who kick off at Cardiff at 5.30pm.
Leicester move to 9th on 25, one point behind another of today' winners Bournemouth
At the bottom Fulham are last still, but now on 10 points with Huddersfield.
In the Sky Bet Championship...
Norwich City regain top spot on 47 points. That's two ahead of Leeds United, who can return to the top with a win at Aston Villa tomorrow - Sporting Life will be at that game so follow us here and on twitter @sportinglifefc
WBA are three point behind Leeds and five from Norwich on 42; Boro have 39 points in fourth.
Derby and Sheffield United make up the other play off places. Forest are out of it on 35 points, 3 off the pace.
Stoke move to four points off the top 6
At the other end, Brentford are now six points above the relegation zone, Bolton are 1 point from safety. Ipswich remain bottom, bt now four from safety
In the Sky Bet League One...
Portsmouth are top by four points. The impressive Luton are second on 47, 4 above third place Sunderland. Charlton, Peterborough and Barnsley make up the other top spots
Bradford City are out of the relegation zone on goal difference. Scunthorpe slip into the bottom four.
In the Sky Bet League Two...
Lincoln City are are on 47 points, four ahead of MK Dons. Cokchester, Bury, Mansfield and Exeter are in the play-offs
Macclesfield earn another point under Sol Campbell, but still bottom by two points. Notts County are second bottom
1700 CLASSIFIEDS
Premier League
Bournemouth 2-0 Brighton
Chelsea 0-1 Leicester City
Huddersfield 1-3 Southampton
Man City 2-3 Palace
Newcastle 0-0 Fulham
West Ham 0-2 Watford
Sky Bet Championship
Blackburn 0-1 Norwich
Brentford 1-0 Bolton
Derby 1-1 Bristol City
Ipswich 1-1 Sheffield United
Forest 0-1 QPR
Reading 0-1 Middlesbrough
Rotherham 0-4 WBA
Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 Preston
Stoke 1-0 Millwall
Wigan 0-3 Birmingham
1655 CHAMPIONSHIP BIG RESULTS
Blackburn 0-1 Norwich
Norwich leave it late (again) to lead the Sky Bet Championship by 2 points from Leeds, who play tomorrow
Forest 0-1 QPR
QPR secure their first ever win at Nottingham Forest. Nice history to earn before Christmas.
Reading 0-1 Middlesbrough
Boro boss Pulis earns his first ever win at Reading to halt his side's slide down the table
Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 Preston
After sacking Jos Luhukay last night, Wednesday get the win - how many times does that happen?!
1654 😱 WOW, WOW, WOW
It it all over.... Manchester City 2-3 Crystal Palace
A huge day for the improving Palace and a huge day for Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.
it is 10 years since Manchester City and Chelsea both lost at home on the same day! Who would have thought that at the start of the day - that's why we love football
1650 ⌛️FULL TIME
Chelsea 0 -1 Leicester
Chelsea lose at home for the first time this season, as Vardy's goal seals a City win and may well has saved Puel's job. It was reported this morning by a few papers that he was off, with Vardy one of his critics - football is ironic sometimes
Bournemouth 2-0 Brighton
Bournemouth end their terrible run of losing 7 of last 8 with this big win
Newcastle 0-0 Fulham
Fulham get their first clean sheet of the season
Huddersfield 1-3 Southampton
Town's bad season continues and their inability to score goals, especially at home has cost them as Southampton's improve goes from strength to strength
1648 🌩 PL GOAL FLASH
West Ham 0-2 Watford - Deulofeu
Watford wrap this one up to move above Manchester United into 6th!
1647 🌩 EFL GOAL FLASH
Blackburn 0-1 Norwich - Pukki
Huge goal in the Championship, as yet again Pukki strikes late for Norwich and they are going top
1645 🌩 PL GOAL FLASH
Manchester City 2-3 Palace
De Bruyne scores a complete fluke goal, as his clear cross goes in instead.
Palace were comfortable and City couldn't create any chances. But now it's all City, it's all chances and it's all goal mouth scrambles. Palace have lost their organisation and the Champions smell blood - into injury time.
A draw is now 100/30 and City to win is 22/1
1642 EFL UPDATE
Today is going Leeds United's way in the Sky Bet Championship, as Norwich as still being held at Blackburn 0-0. Remember Leeds play at Villa tomorrow, so could extend their lead with a win
WBA are still 4-0 at Rotherham and closing in on the top two
Middlesbrough are trying to get back into form and are 1-0 at Reading.
Stoke are closing in - slightly - on the top six as they lead 1-0 at home to Millwall
1639 WILL PALACE HOLD ON?
Well to be honest, despite City having 73% possession, Palace are looking comfortable. City came close to pulling one back from a free kick. But Palace are organised and have limited the Champions to just 3 shots on target in the whole game.
Palace 3-1 up with 6 mins and injury time to hold on. This could be a major moment in the Premier League season
1638 🔍 IN PLAY ADVICE
Kenedy could, and possibly should, have had a penalty for Newcastle after being pulled back.
The Magpies are looking the more likely winners in the closing stages – they’re 3/1 to pinch a later winner, with Fulham 13/2 to take three points late on.
1634 🌩 PL GOAL FLASH
Bournemouth 2-0 Brighton - Brooks
Brooks grabs his second to surely give the home side the lead and ANOTHER SUCCESS for us. George Pitts called Bournemouth to beat Brighton and over 1.5 total goals at 7/5 in his Premier League Preview Tips
1630 🔍 IN PLAY BETTING ADVICE
Now how is this one going to go at Stamford Bridge?
Leicester lead 1-0, but rather than shutting up shop they are pushing for a second and equally looking open at the back.
Vardy almost gets a second, then Hazard almost gets a leveller.
Thommo on Soccer Saturday shouts for them to get organised otherwise Chelsea will find an equaliser.
Current stats
Shots on Target - Chelsea 6, Leicester 2
Shots off Target - Chelsea 6, Leicester 1
The draw is now 15/8; next team to score is Chelsea at 5/4; Leicester at 6/1
1628 🌩 PL GOAL FLASH
Huddersfield 1-3 Southampton - Obafemi
Town will be kicking themselves, back in the game at 2-1 and making all the running, smashing 4 shots on target in 10 minutes as they pushed for a leveller. But a mistake at the back allows the visitors to restore their 2 goal lead and surely take all three points.
1626 📸 ACTION SHOT
1624 ⚽️ ACCA UPDATE
Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 Preston
Well that's annoying for our ACCA, Wednesday now lead against 10 men Preston and clearly the effect of sacking their manager last night is working. In our defence we picked this ACCA before he was sacked
1622 🔍 IN PLAY BETTING ADVICE
Manchester City have thrown Sergio Aguero and Kevin de Bruyne on and here might be some betting value.
Aguero has been directly involved in five goals in his last four Premier League games against Crystal Palace (3 goals, 2 assists).
He is currently 9/2 to get the next goal of the game!
Although be warned, City have not been creating much in this second half so far.
1619 🌩 EFL GOAL FLASH
Stoke 1-0 Millwall - Berahino
Stoke need to start winning home games and closing the gap on the play-off's in the Championship - are they just about to do both after finally taken the lead in the this one
Wigan 0-3 Birmingham
Birmingham's excellent season under Garry Monk is continuing
Brentford 1-0 Bolton - Maupay
The home side have been sinking quickly and relegation was a big fear, a win today can really help ease those fears and now they lead against a Bolton side stuck in the bottom three.
1617 🔍 IN PLAY BETTING ADVICE
Palace have had five shots today so far – three goals, one hit the post and one off target! They’re now 4/7 to win with the draw at 5/2 and a City comeback win is 4/1.
1615 🌩 PL GOAL FLASH
Huddersfield 1-2 Southampton - Billing
Sorry we called it wrong below, as Huddersfield finally have a shot on goal and would you believe it, it goes in. Clearly worth the wait from Billing, who normal scores stunners.
1614 🌩 EFL GOAL FLASH
Rotherham 0-4 WBA - Gayle
Gayle completes his hat trick as WBA continue to be the entertainers of the Sky Bet Championship
Portsmouth 2-1 Sunderland
A great battle at the top of League One going on here, as Sunderland pull one back
1610 🔍 IN PLAY BETTING ADVICE
The job seems already done for Southampton at Huddersfield, as they are still 2-0 up.
The home side STILL have NOT had a shot on goal.
Danny Ings to score a brace is 6/1 and he's 1 goal from 1 shot so far. Southampton 9/4 to score next is worth looking at again having had 8 shots so far, 4 on target
1608 🌩 PL GOAL FLASH
Manchester City 1-3 Crystal Palace - Milivojevic Pen
Yes, that score is right, from 1-0 down to 3-1 up at the Etihad. Townsend hit the post and in the scramble a penalty is award, it's debatable if it was the right decision or not, but Palace don't care as Milivojevic slots it
1607 🌩 PL GOAL FLASH
Chelsea 0-1 Leicester - Vardy
It is Vardy's first goal in open play since September 22 (he's scored three pens in that time) - will that goal help save his manager's job, after reports today Puel was to be sacked
1605 🌩 EFL GOAL FLASH
Ipswich 1-1 Sheffield United - Sharp
Ipswich were looking good for their second win under new boss Paul Lambert, but a clear rocket at half time from Chris Wilder has done the trick and woken the Blades up and who else but Sharp with the equaliser.
1600 SECOND HALF
Here we go again - the last second half of Saturday football before Christmas Day. Santa is almost here, will be deliver an early present for your side in the second half?
1559 🔍 HALF TIME BETTING ADVICE
What is happening at the Etihad? Can Palace hang on? They're 100/30 to win and 15/8 to draw at the Etihad. Gundogan to score a second is 11/2 with Sky Bet
🚨 SKY BET PRICE BOOST - Newcastle v Fulham
Can we get a goal at Newcastle? Rondon to break the deadlock is 6/1 while Mitrovic to do the same is 13/2. They're certainly looking the most likely.
Troy Deeney to add a second is an 11/2 shot now from 9/2, while Felipe Anderson, who's looked dangerous, is 13/2 to grab a goal. Michail Antonio has had a chance or two and he's 15/2 to get on the scoresheet.
1558 Secret Santa
While we take a quick break from the action, please enjoy our Secret Santa.
The Sporting Life team have paired off, but rather than buying each other little gifts, we've got each other a £5 best bet for 2019.
Here's one of them, see them all here
1555 Cardiff v Manchester United
We will provided some advice for the second halves shortly. But let us look ahead to the evening game as Manchester United post Jose begin in Wales.
1554 ⚽️ ACCA UPDATE
Not great so far, we admit...
Forest 0-1 QPR
Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Preston
Charlton 2-0 Gillingham
Yeovil 0-0 Northampton
1550 ⏳ HALF TIME
Premier League
Bournemouth 1-0 Brighton
Chelsea 0-0 Leicester City
Huddersfield 0-2 Southampton
Man City 1-2 Palace
Newcastle 0-0 Fulham
West Ham 0-1 Watford
Sky Bet Championship
Blackburn 0- Norwich
Brentford 0-0 Bolton
Derby 1-1 Bristol City
Ipswich 1-0 Sheffield United
Forest 0-1 QPR
Reading 0-0 Middlesbrough
Rotherham 0-3 WBA
Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Preston (Preston down to 10 men)
Stoke 0-0 Millwall
Wigan 0-2 Birmingham
1548 📸 ACTION SHOT
We've just watched the Townsend goal against Manchester City (we promise it wasn't on an illegal stream - cough) it is just incredible - make sure you watch it somewhere. It is a thing of beauty.
1545 🌩 GOAL FLASH
Wigan 0-2 Birmingham
1544 ⚽️ ACCA UPDATE
A bump in the road for us here. We've tipped Preston to win at managerless Sheffield Wednesday. It's 0-0 but Preston down to 10 men with Pearson sent off
1540 🌩 PL GOAL FLASH
Huddersfield 0-2 Southampton - Ings pen
So plenty of betting success here. In our Premier League Preview we called Ings to score anytime at 2/1 and as you'll see below, we called Southampton to score next at 6/4
1539 📸 ACTION SHOT
1537 🔍 IN PLAY BETTING ADVICE
Southampton lead at Huddersfield 1-0 and we know Town struggle to create and then actually score goals
They've yet to have a shot on target and it sounds set pieces might be there only chance today. The visitors have had 2 shots on target and are 6/4 to get the next goal with Sky Bet
Palace at the Etihad so far – 23% possession, 2 shots, 0 corners – leading 2-1!! They’re 7/2 to complete the shock win and 9/4 to grab a draw.
There are two big fights later but neither will contain a punch like Alfie Mawson took off his own keeper! Rico came out and punched him with both fists as both Fulham men tried to clear the ball. Looks a nasty one. A red card in this one is 5/1
1535 🌩 PL GOAL FLASH
Manchester City 1-2 Palace - Townsend
Wow, wow, wow. Le Tiss on Soccer Saturday is going mad claiming "it's the goal of the season" with a volley from 30 yards from Andros Townsend!!!
1534 🌩 PL GOAL FLASH
Manchester City 1-1 Palace - Schlupp
Would you believe it - Palace have levelled at City. Think every other city in the county could hear the cheer from Liverpool when that went it. Long way to go though
1531 🌩 GOAL FLASH
West Ham 0-1 Watford - Deeney Pen
Bradford City 2-0 Scunthorpe
West Ham's Fabianski had saved the last three pens taken at him, if he'd saved this one it would have been a Premier League record. But not to be as a lovely cool strike from Deeny puts the visitors ahead.
In League One, a rejuvenated Bradford are hammering their old manager Stuart McCall's Scunthorpe currently
1530 🌩 GOAL FLASH
Manchester City 1-0 Palace - Gundogan
Wigan 0-1 Birmingham - Adams
We wold you the goal was coming for Manchester City and here it goes as they look to close the gap on Liverpool, who won at Wolves last night.
In the Championship there have been three games with goals (four in total) and all have gone to the away sides, as Adams puts Garry Monk's side up at Wigan
1526 🔍 IN PLAY BETTING ADVICE
In the Championship QPR have never won at Nottingham Forest in their 34 attempts - it is one of the reason's we've back Forest in our ACCA
Forest to win is currently 10/11. But despite dominating possession, QPR have had the only shot and that means Forest are currently 8/11 to get the first goal of the game
1524 🌩 EFL GOAL FLASH
Derby 0-1 Bristol City
It is totally against the run of play and it is in fact their first attack of the day - not that they care about that - City lead at promotion chasing Derby - Sorry, let's give them their full name... Frank Lampard's Derby County
1520 🌩 GOAL FLASH
Bournemouth 1-0 Brighton - Brooks
Rotherham 0-2 WBA - Barnes
The two B's continue their great individual seasons with goals for their respective clubs.
As it stands WBA would be moving three points behind Norwich (who are currently earning a point) and leaders Leeds (who play tomorrow)
1518 🔍 IN PLAY BETTING ADVICE
John Stones is playing in midfield for Manchester City again and as you’d expect it’s one-way traffic so far. Sane’s hit the side netting; Sterling has just been denied from a great chance, and they’ve had one cleared off the line, while Palace have already been time wasting!
Just the 81% possession so far…
Unsurprisingly they are 1/5 to score the opening goal
1515 🌩PL GOAL FLASH
Huddersfield 0-1 Southampton - Redmond
The first Premier League goal goes in and Huddersfield's poor season is continuing at the moment, while Southampton's revival under Hasenhüttl is building and building
1510 ⚽️ ACCA UPDATE
Charlton 1-0 Gillingham
Great start for the Sporting Life ACCA!
We've backed Charlton, Nottingham Forest, Preston, and Northampton all to win
Forest 0-0 QPR
Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Preston
Charlton 1-0 Gillingham
Yeovil 0-0 Northampton
1508 🔍 IN PLAY BETTING ADVICE
Slow first 10 minutes in the Premier League as a whole.
Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic has the first shot on target of the day after just a couple of minutes at Newcastle – he’s currently 5/1 to score the first goal.
He’s surely going to bag today against his old club?
1505 🌩 EFL GOAL FLASH
Rotherham 0-1 WBA - Gayle (6)
Darren Moore's side score the first goal in the Sky Bet Championship, as they look to close in on the top two.
And Lincoln go 2-0 at home to Newport
1503 🌩 GOAL FLASH
First goal in the 3pm kick offs in the top four leagues goes to the Sky Bet League Two leaders Lincoln City. 1-0 up after three minutes against Newport with Akinde goal.
1502 ALREADY TODAY
If you are just joining us, then you are LATE - we stated at 1pm!!! Only joking, I mean thank you for being with us.
Arsenal have won 3-1 at home to Burnley in an entertaining and tough early Premier League kick off.
In play we advised to back Aubameyang to get a second and, at 2-1, Arsenal to score next - both happened. So a good start for our in play betting advice. We'll try and help you more over the next few hours.
1500 🕒 KICK OFF
So here we go... best of luck to your teams and your bets.
We will bring you instant goal updates and key match moments, plus in play betting advice.
Our team are monitoring the stats, current match flow, player form and expert opinion for all Premier League and key EFL games in order to give you the best guidance possible for your in-play betting.
🔄 PLEASE REFRESH THIS PAGE FOR THE LATEST UPDATE 🔄
1453 Advent Calendar
Just before the madness descends at 3pm, let's take a look back at a magic 2018 moment from the Sky Bet EFL..
Our Sporting Life Advent Calendar has been reliving a great highlight every day.
To watch all 22 days so far then CLICK HERE.
Here's today's
1451 6⃣ SUPER 6 ADVICE
Final piece of Super 6 advice today, in case you've yet to enter your predictions for today's games and chance to win £250K
1449 ⚽️ SPORTING LIFE ACCA
Our Sporting Life EFL ACCA came in two weeks ago (Yes, we are still banging on about it). There is still time to back today's....
1447 📰 EFL TEAM NEWS
James McClean starts for Stoke as they take on Millwall and look for a win to close in on the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs.
McClean to score anytime at 23/5 and while the wide midfielder only has one of his tally this season, he does boasts four assists in his last three starts, two of which came in their draw with Aston Villa last time out.
1445 🚨 SKY BET PRICE BOOST
Sky Bet have enhanced the odds of Sporting Life's Goalscorer Treble on Saturday's Premier League football.
Hazard, Sterling and Wilson all to score anytime - NOW 8/1
- Eden Hazard is on the verge of scoring his 100th Chelsea goal and has been directly involved in 17 goals in the Premier League this season (eight goals, nine assists), more than any other player.
- Raheem Sterling has 12 goals in 25 appearances for club and country this season and has a good record in his previous eight appearances against Crystal Palace, scoring four.
- Callum Wilson, meanwhile, has 10 goals in 20 appearances for club and country this season, finding the back of the net in two of his last three Premier League appearances. He can get on the score sheet as Bournemouth host Brighton.
1442 Group Bets
Group Bets is the new feature from Sky Bet allowing you and your mates to combine your footy selections into one acca – and you can keep track of exactly how every one of you is getting on to see who’s the king of tipping and who couldn’t back a winner in a one-horse race.
To show you the way the Sporting Life team have our own weekly Group Bet going on – check out today’s winning selections right here.
1438 🔍 IN PLAY BETTING ADVICE
If you've read today's Paper Talk, you'll know a few National News Papers are reporting Claude Puel is facing the sack at Leicester City.
So he'd probably have wanted a better place to go than Chelsea this afternoon and here's why...
- Leicester have failed to win any of their last eight visits to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in all competitions, last winning there in September 2000 (2-0).
- Chelsea are unbeaten in 12 Premier League home games, keeping a clean sheet in each of the last three games at Stamford Bridge in the competition (W7 D5 L0).
So Chelsea to win is 1/3, to win 4-0 has been Price Boosted by Sky Bet to 20/1.
Chelsea’s Eden Hazard has been directly involved in 17 goals in the Premier League this season (eight goals, nine assists), more than any other player. He's provided an assist in each of his last four Premier League games (five assists).
I'm personal going for him to get the games first goal.
1435 6⃣ SUPER 6 ADVICE
There's still time to enter today's Super 6, with £250,000 to be won if you get all 6 final scores correct. Enter for FREE here.
Soccer Saturday Pundit Paul Merson offers his advice on Chelsea v Leicester and Manchester City v Palace....
1430 🔍 EFL CHAMPIONSHIP TIPS
Now Leeds United don't play until tomorrow, but here's a tip for you...
Leeds have 45 points at the top of the Sky Bet Championship.
In 26 of the last 27 seasons the team with 45 points after 22 second tier games has been promoted that season.
The only team to fail was Blackburn Rovers in 1894/85.
Leeds are currently 11/8 to win the Championship and 4/9 to be promoted – so while the latter won’t make you millions, it is likely to make you some profit if we trust history
1427 🔍 PREMIER LEAGUE TIPS
Newcastle have named Ayoze Perez in their starting XI today to face Fulham and he's one of George Pitts' tips for today...
Ayoze Perez to score anytime at 9/4
We were tempted to back the Spaniard last week against Huddersfield, but went for Salomon Rondon instead – which proved the right call.
This week we know Perez is better on home turf and he can capitalise on a Fulham defence that’s let at least one in in all of their 17 games so far.
Perez scored in Newcastle’s last home game and has had six shots in his last two St James’ Park appearances.
1425 ⌛️FULL TIME
Arsenal 3-1 Burnley
Arsenal are 5th after 18 games, now on 37 points level with Chelsea, who kick off at 3pm and already have a better goal difference. The Gunners are now 11 points ahead of 6th placed Manchester United
1423 📰 EFL TEAM NEWS
We aren't ignoring the Sky Bet EFL either.
With current leaders Leeds United not playing until tomorrow (they go to Villa), Norwich can go back to the top of the Sky Bet Championship with a win at Blackburn.
Leitner returns to their starting 11 after missing the last four games due to a calf injury
1420 📰 TEAM NEWS - West Ham v Watford
Final 3pm Premier League team news is in now...
Marko Arnautovic is still out for the Hammers as Manuel Pellegrini sticks with the same side that beat Fulham.
Watford make just the one change from their win over Cardiff with Etienne Capoue coming in for Domingos Quina.
1418 🌩 GOAL FLASH
Arsenal 3-1 Burnley - Iwobi
We aren't bad at this in play tipping are we?! We just said Arsenal looked more likely to get the next goal at 3/1 and it's happened to seal the win for the Gunners.
1418 📰 TEAM NEWS - Newcastle v Fulham
Newcastle make two changes from the win against Huddersfield – Paul Dummett coming in for the injured Ciaran Clark and Matt Ritche in for Kenedy.
One change for Claudio Ranieri’s Fulham with Cyrus Christie in for Aboubakar Kamara.
1417 🚨 SOCCER SATURDAY SUPER BOOST
A remainder of the Soccer Saturday Super Boosts..
Back Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle United all to win at 4/1
Or
Back Manchester City, Chelsea and Fulham all to win at 9/1
1414 📰 TEAM NEWS - Man City v Palace
Delph and Otamendi start for Manchester City - Aguero and De Bruyne are on the bench.
Zaha returns for Palace and will be there main threat
1410 PREMIER LEAGUE UPDATE
5 minutes, plus injury time left, at the Emirates with Arsenal 2-1 up.
The draw is currently 8/1, but after Burnley's rally after scoring their first, and almost getting an equaliser, Arsenal seem to be in control again and more likely to score.
1403 📰 TEAM NEWS - Huddersfield v Southampton
David Wagner recalls Isaac Mbenza and Steve Mounié, with Hogg and Depoitre going out.
Southampton are unchanged from the win over Arsenal. Ings, with 3 goals in 3 games, starts for the visitors. Danny Ings to score anytime at 2/1 with Sky Bet
1403 📰 TEAM NEWS - Chelsea v Leicester City
The home side name the same team that started last weekend's 2-1 Premier League win at Brighton
Leicester make two changes to the team that in the league to Palace seven days ago. Ben Chilwell returns from injury at left-back, while Hamza Choudhury comes in as Demarai Gray drops out.
1401 📰 TEAM NEWS - Bournemouth v Brighton
Wilson and King start up front for the home side, with Francis and Lerma returning.
Brighton make three changes, with Andone, Locadia and Bissoumna all starting.
1400 6⃣ SUPER 6 ADVICE
Huddersfield against Southampton is another of the Super 6 games today, with your chance to win Jeff Stelling's £250K!!!
Here's Jeff's view on this one
1355 🔍 EFL CHAMPIONSHIP TIPS
Before the madness of the team news, let's get another EFL tip from our expert Tom Carduff...
50+ booking points in Wigan v Birmingham at 15/8
Wigan's 47 yellows and three reds gives them the worst disciplinary record in the Sky Bet Championship, while Birmingham's 46 yellows and two reds puts them in fifth.
Referee Ross Joyce has shown at least five cards on nine separate occasions this season.
There is a case to be made for Wigan seeing at least 30 booking points. Four of their last five home games have seen them hit this criteria, with the other game - a 2-1 loss to Leeds - fell one card short of the target.
The 11/4 on 30+ Wigan booking points is worth consideration, while 20+ booking points for each team is around the 2/1 mark.
1350 🌩 GOAL FLASH
Arsenal 2-1 Burnley - Barnes
Ashley Barnes, the pantomime villain for Arsenal fans today, gives Burnley a lifeline.
It's poor defending from the home side, unable to clear the ball in their own box, resulting in a bit of pinball and Barnes - "he's behind you" (see what I did there?) - smashes home the free ball.
1348 🔍 IN PLAY BETTING ADVICE
There is 20 minutes left in the Premier League early kick off and despite Arsenal cruising at 2-0, it's a really nasty game now, with both sides flying into challenges and picking up cards.
We now have SIX players on the pitch with a yellow card to their name, including Barnes, who is doing his best to get a second one. Burnley had a big pen shout too.
Jeff Stelling on Soccer Saturday believes there will be a red in this one, do you? It's 11/2 with Sky Bet now
1345 🔍 PREMIER LEAGUE TIPS
We will have the team news from the Premier League 3pm games, once it starts ticking in from 2pm.
As we wait, here's another one of Sporting Life's Premier League tips...
Time of first goal in Manchester City v Crystal Palace: 0-15 minutes at 6/4
City are usually quick out of the blocks, scoring in the opening 15 minutes in seven league games this term (and shortly after in some others), with four of those coming at home.
1342 📽 GOAL HIGHLIGHT
1340 6⃣ SUPER 6 ADVICE
OK, so lets turn to the Sky Sports Soccer Saturday Pundits, for their guidance with today's Super 6 games. Remember to enter for FREE here.
First Paul Merson calls West Ham v Watford
1335 🌩 GOAL FLASH
Arsenal 2-0 Burnley - Aubameyang
We just put below in our 'in play betting advice' to go for an Aubameyang brace at 13/8 and he's just done it!
The Gunners break quickly from one end of the pitch to the other in a blink of an eye and Aubameyang fires in a rocket, with help from a little deflection.
1334 🔍 EFL CHAMPIONSHIP TIPS
Last Saturday our EFL Expert Tom Carnduff called QPR’s Pawal Wszolek to score – which he did. So well done Tom, let’s hope his picks today come off. He's his first...
Marco Stiepermann to score anytime in Blackburn v Norwich at 9/1
The attacking midfielder has scored in consecutive games, meaning he's netted three times in his last five matches. In total, Stiepermann has four goals and six assists this season.
Norwich have only failed to score in two of their last 20 games, with five goals in their last three games. Rovers’ have let in five in their past three games at Edwood Park.
1330 ⚽️ SPORTING LIFE ACCA
Our Sporting Life EFL ACCA came in two weeks ago (yes, we are still banging on about it).
Watch the video to see the facts behind our choices.
1322 🔍 IN PLAY BETTING ADVICE
So let us see what we can do in this Arsenal Burnley game in the second half.
Stats:
Possession: Arsenal 64% v Burnley 36%
Shots on Target: Arsenal 4 v Burnley 1
Corners: Arsenal 0 v Burnley 2
It hasn't been a dirty game but in the last 10 minutes of the first half there were two big flash points that have certainly heated the contest up and caused some of the players to lose their composure.
Ashley Barnes has been at the centre of both, receiving a yellow card for one and being fouled for the other, with Sokratis gaining a caution.
There's been seven fouls in the game and a red card in this one is now 11/2 with Sky Bet
In terms of more goals, well...
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to score a brace is 13/8, having scored the only goal so far.
Alexandre Lacazette to score the 2nd goal is 4/1, but he's yet to have a shot
1320 🚨 SOCCER SATURDAY SUPER BOOST
Back Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle United all to win at 4/1
Or
Back Manchester City, Chelsea and Fulham all to win at 9/1
1316 ⏳ HALF TIME
Arsenal 1-0 Burnley
For the first time this season Arsenal lead a Premier League match at half time. Only took them 18 games!
1315 🔍 PREMIER LEAGUE TIPS
Regular followers will know George Pitts has been on really good form this season calling the tips for the Premier League 3pm kick offs – Check out our transparent Tipping Record for proof of that.
He’s the first of his main tips for this afternoon's top fight action
Bournemouth to beat Brighton and over 1.5 total goals at 7/5
Bournemouth are undefeated in their last nine matches against Brighton in all competitions. While Brighton have won just one of their last 11 away games against Bournemouth in all competitions.
1310 📸 ACTION SHOTS
1305 6⃣ SUPER 6
On to today’s Super 6 games. Jeff Stelling has another £250,000 up for grabs for anyone that can get the final score lines correct for these six games:
- Bournemouth v Brighton
- Chelsea v Leicester City
- Huddersfield Town v Southampton
- Manchester City v Crystal Palace
- Newcastle United v Fulham
- West Ham United v Watford
1301 🌩 PREMIER LEAGUE UPDATE
So let’s start with an update from the Premier League’s early Kick Off.
Arsenal 1-0 Burnley
Having lost two games in a week, Arsenal have flown out of the blocks at the Emirates and were rewarded after 14 minutes, as Pierre Emerick Aubameyang strikes.
In our season preview in August Sporting Life picked Aubameyang to be the Premier League’s top scorer this season and that goal takes him to 11, joint top of the charts with Liverpool’s Salah.
The Gunners have had 3 shots on target on the opening 30 minutes, and 66% possession. Aubameyang is 6/1 with Sky Bet to score a hat trick right now!
Watch the goal here
✋1300 WELCOME
Good afternoon, hope you are all good. How are the Christmas Party Hangovers today? Do anything last night you really shouldn’t have? Don’t worry, we won’t tell!
So forget about all that and please sit back, relax and enjoy today’s Match Companion - Sporting Life’s Live Football Blog.
We are here to bring you instant score and key match incident updates, video highlights and in-play betting advice.
It's me, Gareth Jones, and Paul Higham on today and we will monitor the stats, current match flow, player form and expert opinion for all Premier League and Key EFL games in order to give you the best guidance possible for your in-play betting.
All odds correct of time of posting on 22/12/18