Premier League: relegation betting predictions and free tips

As the Premier League reaches it's half-way stage Mark Langdon looks at the relegation candidates, the best bets and odds to go down and gives his free football tips.

Already advised

Brighton to be relegated
2pts 2-1 general
Newcastle to be relegated
1pt 9-4 bet365, Sky Bet

Best bets

Newcastle to be relegated
0.5pt 7-1 bet365
Back this tip with bet365
Crystal Palace to be relegated
0.5pt 20-1 general
Back this tip with William Hill

Relegation verdict

Ante-post Premier League relegation favourites Sheffield United have made a storming return to the top flight with Chris Wilder's impressive outfit up to the dizzy heights of seventh.

The Blades have taken points off Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United and beaten Arsenal.

They will feel like most of the hard work has been done but it has been known for sides to lose their intensity as the season goes on.

United's impressive start has left a number of clubs in trouble but the odds on bottom two Norwich and Watford seem a little too short.

Norwich were rocked by an injury crisis, however, they have improved since the November international break, drawing with Arsenal and Leicester and beating Everton 2-0 at Goodison Park.

Watford should improve under Nigel Pearson

Watford are underachieving greatly according to expected-goal ratings and sooner rather than later they will surely start finishing the opportunities which are being created.

The Hornets are on their third manager of the campaign following the departures of Javi Gracia and Quique Sanchez Flores, and Nigel Pearson won't need to do much tinkering to see Watford pick up from a points tally of just nine.

It could be argued that Watford have performed better than Newcastle despite Steve Bruce's side picking up 22 points, nearly ten more than some expected-goal figures suggest should have been earned.

Their top four scorers are Jonjo Shelvey, Ciaran Clark, Federico Fernandez and Jetro Willems, so don't be surprised if there is significant regression to come.

Losing Wilfried Zaha would hurt injured Eagles

Last week's 1-0 defeat at Burnley without a shot on target does not bode well for a side who are beginning to feel the injury pinch, particularly with Allan Saint-Maximin crocked.

Another team with injury issues who could be sucked into danger from a place of relative comfort are Crystal Palace, who would be in major trouble should Wilfried Zaha be sold to reported suitors Chelsea in January.

Gary Cahill, Andros Townsend, Joel Ward and Jeffrey Schlupp are among those on the treatment table with long-term problems.

Newcastle next host Palace in a big game, with the Magpies facing Manchester United, Everton (twice), Leicester, Wolves and Chelsea in their following six fixtures.

Bournemouth's win over Chelsea last week should not mask their concerns either. The Cherries are struggling for numbers but they still have Palace, Newcastle, Burnley, Brighton, Aston Villa, Southampton and Watford to come at Dean Court.

Saints are a strange side, who are often capable of looking better than their results suggest. At some stage it may just have to be accepted that Southampton are one of those teams who break the xG model.

At a similar price Villa appeal more as a relegation bet. A January League Cup semi-final two-legged tie comes at a terrible time for them after the busy Christmas period and they lack quality in both boxes. The performances of their midfield stars could decide their fate.

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport