Before becoming a Sports Journalist for Free Super Tips, Aaron spent three years studying Sports Journalism at the University of Sunderland while taking in the Black Cats' 'glory years' under Martin O'Neill. Now back in Northern Ireland he turns niche stats into predictions for FST, while he's one of the few people on this island who is equally comfortable at Windsor Park and the Aviva.
There’s another busy week of football to come over the next seven days, while there’s now more football on TV than ever before.
Just settling down in front of a single game can be a chore these days, so on top of our usual match predictions, we’ve got some tips on which games deserve your attention each day.
Our seven-game selection features make-0r-break Champions League ties, a potential rout and the return of supporters ahead of one of the league’s biggest derbies. On top of that, our week-long 64/1 acca featuring a tip from each clash can be found at the foot of the page.
Of course, for the rest of the daily football action you should take a look at our football predictions page, which has the latest tips and TV info for the day’s biggest matches.
Monday – West Ham vs Aston Villa
8pm – Sky Sports Main Event
Why we’re watching:
Aston Villa started with an impressive four-game winning streak, but lately they’ve seemed like a team who only get going in the biggest games after losing three from four.
However, Villa have notched seven goals in three away trips this season. They’ve seen 75% of their games finish with at least three goals so we should see an entertaining clash here.
What we’re backing:
With West Ham winning their last two games, the Hammers should be confident of adding to Villa’s struggles. The Hammers have scored 1.67 goals per game on average and conceded 1.11 at the other end, so we expect more goals for the pair.
Betting tip: Both teams to score @ 8/15
Tuesday – Borussia Monchengladbach vs Inter Milan
8pm – BT Sport Extra 2
Why we’re watching:
With Inter bottom of their Champions League group, the pressure is on Antonio Conte following their 2-0 loss to Real Madrid. However, their thumping win at Sassuolo will give the Nerazzurri some confidence.
If Inter can take that scoring form to one of the tournament’s top scorers, then we should be in for another Group B thriller.
What we’re backing:
The fact Inter have shipped two or more goals in three of their four group games makes this one a must-watch.
Borussia Monchengladbach are the second-highest scorers in the tournament with 14 goals. They’ve scored at least twice in every game and should continue that against the Italians.
Betting tip: over 1.5 Gladbach goals @ 5/4
Wednesday – Man United vs PSG
8pm, BT Sport 2
Why we’re watching:
Man United have made a great start in Europe this term with three wins in four games. That run includes a 2-1 win at PSG, which has left the French side under pressure.
PSG have lost half of their games so far and could drop into the Europa League with Leipzig pressing them. A defeat at Old Trafford could leave PSG third on the final day, while United want to wrap up their last 16 place and avoid a nervy finale against Leipzig themselves.
What we’re backing:
This weekend laid United’s defensive issues bare, while the Red Devils have conceded in three of their four group games. PSG have their own issues at the back and with the French side forced to attack we expect an open game.
Betting tip: Both teams to score @ 4/7
Thursday – AC Milan vs Celtic
5:55pm, BT Sport 3
Why we’re watching:
Celtic’s Europa League hopes are over, so Neil Lennon is likely to look elsewhere as he looks to keep his job. However, AC Milan need a win to secure their place in the next round.
With Milan in high-scoring form and given Celtic’s more pressing issues, we expect the Rossoneri to put on a show in this clash.
What we’re backing:
Milan should be a lot shorter here, especially with Celtic having the option of resting players. The hosts won 3-1 in Glasgow earlier this season and Celtic have just lost 4-1 home and away to Sparta Prague.
Betting tip: AC Milan -1 @ 11/10
Friday – Barnsley vs Bournemouth
5:30pm, Sky Sports Football
Why we’re watching:
Barnsley stayed up on the final day of the Championship last term, while Bournemouth were relegated from the top-flight days later.
Despite that gulf these two are evenly matched here, considering that the Tykes have impressed of late. They should offer a real test to a high-scoring Bournemouth side.
What we’re backing:
Bournemouth’s return of 11 goals in four games is reason enough to tune in, while it’s enough for us to back them to score. However, they’ve kept one clean sheet in six and meet a Barnsley side who have scored in nine of their last 11.
Betting tip: Both Teams to Score @ 5/6
Saturday – Bayern Munich vs Leipzig
5:30pm, BT Sport 1
Why we’re watching:
There are only two points between these two as Leipzig look to end Bayern’s dominance. This is a real challenge to Bayern, as Leipzig have proven able to keep up with the champions while impressing in attack.
What we’re backing:
Leipzig may be making strides, but they don’t have the squad to cover this one after a demanding midweek Champions League test. The visitors have lost three from four on the road and face a Bayern side who have won 20 of their last 22 in the league.
Betting tip: Bayern to win @ 1/2
Sunday – Tottenham vs Arsenal
4:30pm, Sky Sports Main Event
Why we’re watching:
Jose Mourinho is a master aggravator when it comes to Arsenal, while he’s surely going to amp things up with some comments aimed at Mikel Arteta.
Spurs will host their North London rivals with 2000 fans in attendance. They’ll try to help their team on to a fourth win in five at home to Arsenal.
What we’re backing:
Even without fans Spurs have impressed at home. They’ve won four on the bounce at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and we see them adding to Arsenal’s recent struggles in the league.
Betting tip: Tottenham to win @ 11/10
More FST news:
Four Premier League clubs who will benefit from fans returning and three who won’t
Premier League festive schedule: TV listings & who gets the most rest?
