What a round of Premier League action! This week the fixtures are headlined by the titanic clash in London between Spurs and Liverpool before Chelsea travel to Craven Cottage to end of the round!
Saturday 30 September
Aston Villa 8/5 | Draw 14/5 | Brighton 29/10
These two teams both come into the game off the back of very impressive victories. Brighton consolidated their maiden European experience with a win in the League whilst Villa just added to the woes at Chelsea.
Whether or not Villa looks to have a crack at their guests decides the game for me – Brighton enjoy opponents who play on the front foot, and I suspect Unai Emery’s men will do just that…back the away win.
Manchester United 3/5 | Draw 3/1 | Crystal Palace 9/2
Palace have been a little sluggish so far this season, I think Roy Hodgson is doing a great job with the Eagles and I think they maintain Premier League status…but I wonder if the powers that be at Selhurst Park will start to look at more?
United were not great against Burnley, but it was a must-win game for Erik ten Hag, and they achieved that. I (like many of you) have been so frustrated watching United play, so I wouldn’t get dramatic with it, but I think they win here.
Newcastle 32/100 | Draw 9/2 | Burnley 8/1
Burnley are still without a win, I think they stood up to United in moments, but I have serious concerns about their defensive ability. Newcastle will want to take the game to their visitors here, they have shown how devastating they can be with the ball, and I can’t see this being any different. Back the home side, add it to everything, and then back it again!
Wolves 17/2 | Draw 9/2 | Manchester City 31/100
Wolves just continue to let themselves down, they have played games where you look and think they deserve to win – only for them to flatter to deceive. City’s squad seems a little thin on the ground due to injuries and now you add the suspension of Rodri…but I think the real outcome of all of this is joy for FPL managers.
To think the City squad lose any sort of quality is ludicrous. They will win this. Back the reigning champions to win + Over 2.5 goals.
Bournemouth 9/2 | Draw 7/2 | Arsenal 8/15
I hope Cherries boss Andoni Iraola maintains his confidence and allows his team to have a go at Arsenal. I think Bournemouth are at their best when they do so and give themselves a chance at success!
Arsenal however is a treat to watch. I agree with many pundits who have alluded to the fact that the only missing piece at the Emirates is an out and out striker – but I don’t think it deters too much away from the job Mikel Arteta is doing at the moment. Back the visitors.
West Ham 2/5 | Draw 15/4 | Sheffield United 13/2
I feel for Sheffield a little bit. They weren’t as bad the scoreline might suggest, Newcastle were simply on another level. They can be a really tough team to break down on any other day (think back to the games against Spurs and City), but again what really counts are points on the board… It doesn’t get any easier with a trip to West Ham up next, and you have to back David Moyes’ side here.
Everton 3/5 | Draw 14/5 | Luton 5/1
Who saw that result coming for Everton? Sean Dyche’s side completely bossed Brentford and came away with a really impressive 3-1 win! Of course, what is now really important is being able to consolidate that against a struggling Luton.
Luton are desperate to get a win this term, my only issue with them however is I don’t see where they can exploit an opposition. I know it’s really early, but this side looks like a Championship side who got lost, and I suspect they will soon find their way home. Back the hosts.
Tottenham Hotspur 19/10 | Draw 3/1 | Liverpool 6/5
Sunday 1 October
Nottingham Forest 7/4 | Draw 11/5 | Brentford 13/8
Forest is not a bad side at home – I mean for what it’s worth, last week I said they were horrible on the road…I must say, after City went down to 10-men I was really impressed with the mentality on display by Steve Cooper’s men. Brentford have only lost twice this season, but I think this will be a tricky game for them. I’m going to back the home win.
Monday 2 October
Fulham 14/5 | Draw 12/5 | Chelsea 1/1
Fulham are starting to look as though they are going off the boil a little, they struggle through games without any real conviction and just don’t seem to know how to stamp their authority and kill a game off.
Chelsea looks a little silly, but I suppose they are building, planning, buying, selling, talking about lemons and the oracle future…they just aren’t winning. I don’t think this game will shoot the lights out – but I think it ends all square.
