Premier League Gameweek 21 betting preview and tips

Fixture context, postponements and market consequences

The festive fixture period has left a condensed schedule and a handful of postponements, which alters market liquidity and bookmaker pricing for Gameweek 21. This overview examines the immediate effects on odds, squad rotation risk and how bettors can approach value without treating betting as an income source.

All readers must be 18+ and any discussion of staking or markets below is informational only; please gamble responsibly and seek help if betting causes harm. Never bet with money you cannot afford to lose.

Arsenal v Manchester City: tactical and market notes

As the Premier League attempts to emerge from the festive period unscathed, a further two games in Gameweek 21 have already been postponed due to COVID-19, with currently eight games set to go ahead for the New Year weekend. Forming a headline double act, GW21 begins at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal welcome Manchester City.

When last the two sides met in GW3, the Gunners were in decidedly different waters; rock bottom of the standings with boss Mikel Arteta clinging to his job after a 5-0 thrashing to his former employers. Fast forward four months however, and the picture in the garden of Arsenal is far rosier.

Home form trends, clean sheet odds and defensive lines

Having won their last four league games, the north Londoners sit in fourth spot with a four-point lead – albeit with teams below them having games in hand. Not only have the hosts tightened up at the back, their attack is looking potent also, which could cause problems for City here.

Key player availability and AFCON squad impacts

With that said, Pep Guardiola’s men have not dropped a point in the league since late October, conceding just two away from home in that time. Nevertheless, Arsenal look value here for the draw at 19/5 with SBK, even though they have not taken a single point versus City since April 2017, although that was at the Emirates.

Chelsea v Liverpool: form, injuries and value bets

Sunday afternoon then sees Chelsea and Liverpool meet in a tantalising clash at Stamford Bridge. On the heels of the Reds’ second loss of the season, Jurgen Klopp takes his side to west London, with Chelsea themselves having fallen off the pace in the title race.

Dropping points in three of the last four league outings, the hosts are now eight points off the leaders – a gap which could grow depending on the outcome at the Emirates.

Key player availability and AFCON squad impacts

For two of Liverpool’s star men in Mo Salah and Sadio Mane, this will be the last game they play before the African Cup of Nations, and after missing a penalty against Leicester City in midweek, the Egyptian King will be keen to depart on better terms. Defensively, Chelsea look shaky without Ben Chilwell and at home have not kept a clean sheet since their 7-0 hammering of Norwich City way back in GW9.

Home form trends, clean sheet odds and defensive lines

If we throw in off-field politics that threaten to intervene also, Liverpool look primed to heap further festive woe on the Blues. At a price of 6/4 with VBet, QuinnBet and Betfair, the visitors may not come at a better price all season for the win.

Crystal Palace v West Ham: goal markets to consider

At Selhurst meanwhile, Crystal Palace kick off 2022 with a London derby versus a West Ham side who picked up their first win in six on Tuesday evening. As the Irons look to build momentum with two games on the slate for GW21, their opponents the Eagles were again in the goals on home turf in midweek.

On paper, a stalemate does not look on the cards here. Indeed, in six of Palace’s last eight at home, BTTS has landed, with four of those games seeing over 2.5 goals scored. For BTTS and over 2.5 goals therefore, a price of around 2.3 with SBK appeals. For a scorer double, Odsonne Edouard and Jarrod Bowen are hinting at runs of form and for both men to net, a small acca with MansionBet will build to 14/1, or for Bowen to score anytime alone, MansionBet, 10Bet and SportNation all carry 7/2 odds.

Betting strategy: small stakes, accas and value hunting

Derbies often swing on moments and set pieces, so treating this fixture as a market for selective small stakes rather than large singles is prudent. Combining logical goals markets with modest stakes is a responsible way to seek value without exposure to undue risk.

Watford v Tottenham: expected goals and scorer tips

In the weekend’s other capital derby – of sorts – Watford host Tottenham Hotspur, where similarly, goals appear the order of the day. At least three goals have been scored in the Hornets’ last six league meetings, with Claudio Ranieri’s charges shipping ten times in the last four at Vicarage Road.

Harry Kane in particular will be a keen recipient of such charity having now scored in successive league games after his drought in front of goal and for the England skipper to grab a brace, a 5/1 shot with Betfred looks inviting.

Home form trends, clean sheet odds and defensive lines

Watford’s defensive shape has been poor of late and Tottenham’s front line is capable of punishing that weakness. Look for match odds and anytime scorer markets that reflect the probability of multiple goals rather than single-goal outcomes.

Market adjustments after postponements and squad rotation risks

Postponed fixtures compress scheduling and increase the risk of rotation, which can be underestimated by broader markets. Bookmakers often shorten odds on sides expected to rotate heavily without fully reflecting the increased variance in outcomes.

Monitor line-ups early and consider late markets or in-play strategies where you can use confirmed team news to your advantage. Wherever you bet, prioritise licensed UK bookmakers and check terms for any COVID-related voiding or postponement rules.

Horse racing: how the New Year weekend affects betting plans

While this preview focuses on Premier League action, New Year weekend in the UK often includes notable horse racing cards that attract liquidity away from football markets. Cross-sport bankroll allocation can reduce risk by spreading stakes across different event types.

If you follow horse racing, check final declarations and going reports before placing bets, and avoid chasing losses across sports; horse racing can offer short-priced favourites but also volatile outcomes.

Bankroll management and responsible staking guidance

Sound staking is the single most important tool for long-term enjoyment and risk control in betting. Limit stakes to an agreed percentage of your bankroll per bet and avoid emotional increases after losses or wins.

Set deposit limits, use bookmaker tools to control play and never treat betting as a way to solve financial problems. If you feel betting is becoming a problem, seek support from organisations such as GamCare or BeGambleAware.

Choosing bookmakers and value comparisons

Different bookmakers price the same markets differently, so shopping around increases the chance of finding value on singles and accas alike. Use comparison tools to identify the best available odds and to weigh free bet terms or promo restrictions.

Prefer established, UK-licensed operators and check their rules on postponed fixtures and enhanced offers before committing funds. You can explore current bookmaker offers through our comparison tools if you choose to bet responsibly.

In-play trading and late-market tactics

Games affected by heavy rotation or late absences can be good candidates for in-play trading, where an early bet can be hedged once more information becomes available. Ensure you understand cash-out terms and the risks of slippage on fast-moving markets.

Keep stakes small for in-play moves unless you have a clear edge and an established plan for exiting positions. Never rely on gambling for income and treat any returns as speculative.

Summary of value angles for Gameweek 21 matches

Arsenal’s recent form makes the draw market interesting against a dominant City side, while Liverpool looks a value back for the win at Stamford Bridge given Chelsea’s defensive absences. Palace v West Ham suggests goals and both teams to score, and Watford v Spurs favours multiple goals and Kane as a target for anytime scorer markets.

All readers must be aged 18+ to participate in any gambling activity and should prioritise safe play and self-imposed limits. Betting should be treated as entertainment, never a source of income or a way to solve financial problems.

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Frequently asked questions about Gameweek 21 and betting

Will postponed matches affect bookmaker odds for GW21?

Yes, postponed fixtures reduce market liquidity and can shift odds on remaining games as bookmakers rebalance liability. Check each operator’s postponement rules and market updates before staking.

How should I manage stakes with potential AFCON absences?

Assess squad rotation risk and reduce stakes where key players may be absent or rested; favour smaller stakes on short-term value. Treat any selection as speculative and never exceed your pre-set bankroll limits.

Are in-play bets safer after seeing the starting line-ups?

In-play betting can be more informed once line-ups are confirmed, but markets move quickly and prices can change rapidly. Use small stakes and have a clear exit strategy if you attempt in-play trades.

Is both teams to score a sensible market for Palace v West Ham?

Historically, Palace home matches have produced BTTS outcomes frequently, making the market plausible for a small, value stake. Consider recent form and odds across multiple bookmakers before placing a bet.

How do I pick the best bookmaker for these matches?

Compare odds, terms for postponed fixtures, maximum stakes and promo conditions across licensed UK operators. Use comparison tools to find the best available price rather than opening accounts with the first offer you see.

What responsible gambling checks should I use before betting?

Set deposit and stake limits, use time-outs if needed and monitor your activity for signs of harm; never chase losses or bet with money earmarked for essentials. If you need help, contact Gamban, GamCare or BeGambleAware for advice and support.

Can I use free bets on these markets?

Free bets can be used to trial markets with reduced personal risk, but check each offer’s terms and eligible markets first. Treat free bets as a way to explore markets, not as guaranteed value or a path to profit.

Where can I find more tips for weekend football and races?

Follow specialist previews and check form guides for both football and horse racing, and use bookmaker comparison pages to secure fair odds. Always prioritise licensed operators and responsible play.