Arsenal host Man United on Sunday in the blockbuster clash this weekend as the Premier League returns. Catch all previews and tips here ahead of week 4!
Friday, 1 September
Luton Town 7/2 | Draw 14/5 | West Ham 3/4
I worry for Luton this season; they will not survive by just being happy to tuck in and defend. They must carry a threat somewhere and ask questions of an opposition defensive structure. West Ham are brimming with confidence, I wouldn’t get too delirious about them just yet – but 3/4 is an enticing price.
Saturday, 2 September
Sheffield United 19/10 | Draw 11/5 | Everton 6/4
Everton have got to get off the mark and open their goal scoring account, I think this is the perfect opportunity for them, but I’m not convinced. Sheffield is in trouble and surely, they need to go for this. Playing at home after picking up no points from the opening three games surely requires a reaction before those alarm bells become deafening. Back both teams scoring.
Manchester City 2/13 | Draw 7/1 | Fulham 14/1
Fulham have had a rather topsy-turvey opening few weeks. They beat Everton first up before losing to Brentford and now drawing 2-2 at Arsenal. That sort of inconsistency poses a problem against the reigning champions (who always seem to find a way to win). City + over 25 goals.
Chelsea 38/100 | Draw 4/1 | Nottm Forest 7/1
Chelsea have only got four points from nine, but it does seem as though the club’s cohesion is drastically increasing under their manager. Raheem Sterling looks as though for the first time in ages he is enjoying his football again. Forest probably thought they had United pinned this weekend, but just didn’t land a killer blow! I think the 38/100 about the hosts should be backed with provident fund confidence!
Burnley 14/5 | Draw 29/10 | Tottenham 87/100
It is a tough opening stanza for Burnley this year, after losing to City and Villa they now have to navigate Tottenham. Under Big Ange (is that a thing yet, “Big Ange”?) they look to be playing with uncompromised freedom and flow – I struggle to see how the hosts contain them. Back the visitors.
Brentford 8/11 | Draw 3/1 | Bournemouth 7/2
Brentford at home continues to be what quite literally keeps them competitive. They are an incredibly well-balanced team and to be fair, quite enjoyable to watch when they are in free flow. Bournemouth have what is necessary to ask the right questions here, but I don’t back them to come away with all three.
Brighton 6/4 | Draw 29/10 | Newcastle 6/4
Brighton is at their best when teams press them and have a go, when that is their reality, they are a side who can score plenty of goals but possibly even more so, create so many opportunities. Newcastle will likely still be kicking themselves after that performance against Liverpool. I think this plays into the hosts hands though, the Magpies will bring the game to Brighton, and I think that brings them into the game. I’m on Brighton here.
Sunday, 3 September
Crystal Palace 10/11 | Draw 12/5 | Wolves 3/1
Under Roy Hodgson Palace are such a well-organized side, they close space so well and squeeze their opponents in prime areas which often result in a rather frustrating experience at Selhurst Park. Wolves deserve their result against Everton, but nothing impressed me there to see them earn anything here.
Liverpool 4/6 | Draw 7/2 | Aston Villa 7/2
Liverpool have so many options upfront, and it showed against Newcastle. Luiz Diaz and Diogo Jota came on and completely changed the experience of the game. my only concern is their midfield, and its lack of protection against teams who will look to dominate in that area. Villa are not a bad side and will not be afraid to take the game to their hosts, if Liverpool allow them in I think it could get very tight. Back the draw here.
Arsenal 3/4 | Draw 29/10 | Manchester United 10/3
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