We witnessed one of the most dramatic finishes in Manchester Derby history last week, as Utd stole it with two late, late goals to leave Pep Guardiola and Man City in Crisis.
We also lost two managers, as Gary O’Neil and Russell Martin were sacked following bad defeats for Wolves and Southampton, respectively. Week 17 is now upon us, let’s take a look.
Saturday, December 21st
Brentford vs 
Nottingham Forest – Home Win
Details: Saturday, 21st December, 3.00 pm, Gtech Community Stadium
There have been two sides to Brentford so far this season. The one at home, where they have been outstanding, winning seven and drawing one of their eight matches. But away from home they have been shocking, with one draw and eight defeats on the road. In their latest loss at Stamford Bridge, they were perhaps a little unlucky, hitting the bar late on and having chances right until the final whistle in a 2-1 defeat. But they are back at home this weekend where they have looked so impressive and will be looking to continue that form.
The good times just keep rolling for Forest. They travel down to West London in the Champions League places after a thrilling comeback win against Villa last week. Chris Wood and Anthony Elanga scored two late goals to send the City Ground into raptures and leave some fans believing European football could be possible for Forest this season. Nuno has been quick to downplay those thoughts, but it will be harder the longer they keep winning.
This has the makings of a really good game, but I think Brentford will come out on top.
Brentford to win outright @5/4
Crystal Palace vs 
Arsenal – Away Win
Details: Saturday, 21st December, 5.30 pm, Selhurst Park
Things have really picked up for Crystal Palace and Oliver Glasner recently. Last week was huge for the fans, winning what is their most important game of the season against their biggest rivals, Brighton. It wasn’t just the win, it was the manner of the victory, as Palace looked deadly on the counter throughout the 90 minutes, scoring 3 while they could have added more. They are unbeaten in their last five league games and relegation fears have been eased.
Arsenal are just in a little tricky spell, with a few too many draws and too few goals, especially from open play. The 0-0 draw to Everton at the Emirates last week epitomised their struggles. Despite dominating the game and having all of the territory, they just couldn’t find a way to beat Jordan Pickford and really open Everton up. It was the same the week before at Fulham, but they managed to salvage a point there thanks to a Gabriel header form a corner. They did beat Palace in the league cup in midweek with a Jesus hattrick, so maybe he has earned a start in this one.
Arsenal really need a win here to try and gain some ground on Liverpool, and I think they will get it.
Arsenal to win outright @ 8/13
Sunday, December 22nd
Details: Sunday, 22nd December, 2.00 pm, Old Trafford
Manchester Utd vs 
Bournemouth – Both teams to score
What a win it turned out to be for Ruben Amorim and Utd last week. Winning away at your city rivals will have endeared Amorim to the Old Trafford faithful already. In truth, for 85 minutes it was a largely forgettable game, City winning 1-0 and not a lot happening at either end. Then Matheus Nunes played a terrible backpass, Amad Diallo got there before Ederson, Nunes, trying to atone for his error, brought Diallo down and a penalty was given. Bruno Fernandes scored the spot kick and things got even better when the lively Amad took advantage of some indecision in the City backline to score the winner. Amad was the best player on the pitch, and looks set for an exciting future playing for the Red Devils.
Bournemouth go to Old Trafford in very good form, although it took a late Unal free-kick to salvage a point against West Ham on Monday night. Andoni Iraola’s men have been excellent and enterprising this so far this season, scoring plenty of goals and causing some big teams huge problems. In Justin Kluivert, Evanilson and Antoine Semenyo they have attackers who all bring something different, while at the back, Milos Kerkez and Illia Zabarnyi have admirers at other clubs. They won’t be daunted by visiting Old Trafford.
I think Utd will have a lot of confidence from the City win last week, while Bournemouth always look threatening. I think both teams will score in this game.
Both teams to score @ 11/20
Premier League Week 17 Treble
A nice treble this week, after I came within a minute of winning my treble last weekend. Brentford have been as good as anyone at home in the league this season, they score goals and are really tough to beat at the Gtech. I think they will carry on with that form against a very good Nottingham Forest side in what promises to be a great game. Arsenal simply have to win at Palace to not get too far adrift of Liverpool. They will be hoping for a similar result against the same opposition after beating them in the cup.
Finally, a both teams to score bet on Utd against Bournemouth. There are some exciting attackers on the pitch from both sides, so I can see goals for sure.
If you want to work out the odds for your own accumulator, check out out our free accumulator calculator.
