The January transfer window has closed, and the Premier League has spent a record £815 million on player acquisitions.
Although, to be fair, most of that was from Todd Boehly and Chelsea. The Blues acquired an astounding eight new players, including midfielder Enzo Fernández from Benfica.
The gross spend of the league was nearly double the previous record of £430m.
Among other moves, Arsenal added Brighton attacker Leandro Trossard and Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, Manchester United acquired Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer on loan following the injury to Christian Eriksen, and Newcastle added Everton attacker Anthony Gordon.
The new faces should add some spice to the second half of the EPL season as the tight race for a spot in the top four continues.
What are the best bets for Matchweek 22 in the Premier League? Read on for my picks and predictions below.
Everton vs Arsenal Best Bet
Arsenal -1.0 (+110) at BetMGM Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Everton are barely holding on after being shut out during the January transfer window, sitting 19th in the table. The Toffees are 0-2-6 during their previous eight matches, averaging just 0.75 goals per game.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are cooking at the top of the Premier League with a 16-2-1 record. Mikel Arteta‘s club has kept a clean sheet in 70% of their matches away from The Emirates while averaging 2.37 goals per game.
It is not uncommon for clubs to showcase energy after the sacking of a manager, but Frank Lampard‘s departure is unlikely to lead to much success at Everton.
Look for the Gunners to dominate Everton on the road in our EPL pick of the day.
Brentford vs Southampton Best Bet
Brentford Win to Nil (+210) at BetMGM Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Southampton seems to have an anchor around their ankles at the bottom of the table with a 4-3-13 record while averaging just 0.8 goals per match away from home. In addition, the Saints have lost seven of their previous eight games.
This does not bode well for them on the road vs Brentford, who are battling for a spot in the top six with a 7-9-4 record. The Bees are averaging two goals per game at home, led by striker Ivan Toney, who is third in the Premier League in goals scored.
- Interested in the latest Premier League odds? Head over to our EPL Winner Odds & Predictions page.
Brentford has managed to keep a clean sheet in 40% of their matches this season and should be able to keep Southampton off the board.
Tottenham vs Manchester City Best Bet
Man City Wins & Over 2.5 Total Goals (+130) at BetMGM Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Tottenham will be without manager Antonio Conte after the 53-year-old underwent surgery to remove his gallbladder on Wednesday. It is unclear when he will return, and Spurs have yet to name a temporary replacement as of the writing of this article.
City will look to sweep the season series with Tottenham after defeating Spurs 4-2 last month.
Look for a high-scoring match with Manchester City averaging 2.65 goals per game and the Spurs averaging 1.9 goals per contest. City have only conceded 1.0 goals per match, but it is difficult to imagine Harry Kane and Tottenham being shut out at home.
Premier League Matchweek 22 Fixtures
- Chelsea vs Fulham (Fri, Feb. 3)
- Everton vs Arsenal (Sat, Feb. 4)
- Brighton vs Bournemouth (Sat, Feb. 4)
- Manchester United vs Crystal Palace (Sat, Feb. 4)
- Brentford vs Southampton (Sat, Feb. 4)
- Wolverhampton vs Liverpool (Sat, Feb. 4)
- Aston Villa vs Leicester City (Sat, Feb. 4)
- Newcastle vs West Ham (Sat, Feb. 4)
- Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United (Sun, Feb 5)
- Tottenham vs Manchester City (Sun, Feb 5)
