By Larry Rupp
Nearly every team in the English Premier League (EPL) has taken part in at least 19 matches, which means the 2021-22 season has hit the halfway point. Manchester City sits firmly in first place, while Liverpool and Chelsea round out what has become a very solidified top three.
However, betting on those teams doesn’t come with a ton of upside given the juice that is usually attached to the wager. It is smart to target a team no one is talking about instead. With that in mind, here are three under the radar future bets to make in the EPL, with all odds according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
West Ham to Finish Top 6 (-125)
It’s time to stop sleeping on West Ham United and start taking them seriously as a top six contender. Manager David Moyes has his team fired up and has guided them to a top five standing for over a month now. Midfielder Michail Antonio is tied for fourth in the EPL with 8 goals scored and forward Jarrod Bowen is tied for third when it comes to assists (7). The balance that can be found on West Ham is what makes them a legitimate threat moving forward.
Yes, this is a squad that will have to fend off at least one of a couple storied teams including Manchester United or Tottenham. It’s notable to point out that West Ham’s goal differential of plus-10 is much better than that of their two competitors (plus-3). Antonio & company know how to put the ball into the back of the net. Backing them to keep it going is not a bad idea.
There's still time to choose your @SkyeCloudLTD 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵! 🗳👇
— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 7, 2022
Does this strike from @ArthurMasuaku get your vote?! 🤯
Newcastle to be Relegated (+120)
The bottom three teams at the end of the EPL season are forced into relegation down to the Championship. As it stands right now, Newcastle United is in danger of being one of those teams. Newcastle has failed to put opponents away throughout the first half of the season, which has led to just one victory in their first 19 matches. Manager Eddie Howe’s team also owns the second-worst goal differential in the league at minus-23.
Despite Newcastle’s early struggles, their odds to be relegated can still be found at +120. That comes with a lot of value given this team’s potential improvement will solely depend on what players they will be able to bring in during the transfer period. It’s hard to see these players making an immediate impact without any real motivation to succeed. Don’t expect Newcastle to suddenly turn things around in this situation.
Newcastle are closing in on the signing of #BurnleyFC forward Chris Wood. New Zealand international is expected to travel up to Newcastle for a medical tonight. Set to be Eddie Howe's second January signing #nufc
— John Percy (@JPercyTelegraph) January 11, 2022
Brighton to Finish Bottom 10 (+130)
It’s safe to say that Brighton & Hove Albion has been outperforming the expectations that surrounded them entering the season. Forward Neal Maupay has led the way with 7 goals and his efforts have gone a long way in Brighton’s rise into the top 10. It’s simply difficult to imagine them staying put there, though. Keep in mind this is a team that barely avoided relegation in 2020-21 by finishing in 16th.
Brighton’s been benefiting from a unique ability to come out of matches with a draw. They only have four losses on the season, yet they also only have six wins (nine draws). Aside from Maupay, Brighton lacks any kind of depth when it comes to competent goalscorers. It’s going to come back to bite them down the stretch as they slowly drop lower and lower.
Simply stunning! 🔥
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 10, 2022
You voted Neal's strike against West Ham as December's Goal of the Month. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/OKkfSQgE1Z
Picture Credit: Benutzer Steindy
