We head into gameweek 5 of the Premier League season with the traditional giants mixing it up at the top of the standings. The weekend's action is headlined by the Spurs v Chelsea clash, but there is plenty of other action in store for fans and punters alike!
Friday 17 September
Newcastle 2/1 | Draw 51/20 | Leeds 5/4 (21:00)
Newcastle are yet to pick up significant points this season but that isn’t a true reflection on their performances thus far Against Manchester United at the weekend, they looked to ask questions of a side which outclassed them in every position, and whilst the scoreline might have been 4-1, they were far from disgraced.
Leeds will never stray from their expansive approach, but they have struggled so far this term as well. They are the ultimate opposition for a side like Liverpool considering the space they concede behind, which plays directly into the Reds’ hands.
They will both want a positive result and that usually means the game goes either way, end-to-end and exhilarating… or flat. I won’t split them, but I think goals might be the order of the day. Over 2.5 goals at 13/20 could be how we get our weekend underway.
Saturday 18 September
Wolves 9/10 | Draw 22/10 | Brentford 34/10 (13:30)
There was certainly a ton of value about Wolves’ win at Watford, and I’m happy to announce that the same can be said about their fixture this weekend. Their attacking threat is clear, and their ability to control games is really coming to the fore.
Brentford continue to ‘rip up trees’ as they say. They are now five weeks into the season and have conceded just two goals. Their outstanding back four is refreshing and it’s the sort of attitude which will keep them up this season.
However, at 9/10 there is plenty of value around a good side, playing in front of their home fans.
Norwich 11/10 | Draw 23/10 | Watford 47/20 (16:00)
I’m not sure what to make of this game. Norwich were bossed by Arsenal at the weekend and Watford were simply played off the pitch against Wolves. Neither side inspire too much confidence nor did they put up much of a performance.
It’s the sort of game that could go either way and I’d stay away from it if possible.
These sides should cancel each other out – but don’t expect a thriller.
Burnley 28/10 | Draw 24/10 | Arsenal 1/1 (16:00)
Arsenal not only scored their first goal of the season, but they got their first win! Mikel Arteta would have needed that and so did his players. Backing the Gunners at even money is tempting but I have concerns over their ability to play through a side who are happy to tuck in and defend at home.
Burnley are excellent at making a game a little scrappy – don’t confuse that with a lack of quality. As soon as the game descends into a game of patience and physicality the Clarets come alive and players like Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes show up and hurt you.
My shrewd betting side is screaming for the Arsenal punt (and I wouldn’t discourage throwing some loose change at it) but I think this ends as a draw.
Manchester City 1/7 | Draw 7/1 | Southampton 15/1 (16:00)
Southampton don’t have the quality to cause this City side any issues and they don’t have the discipline or patience to frustrate the champions either. 7/10 about City keeping a clean sheet is the tip.
Liverpool 2/9 | Draw 56/10 | Crystal Palace 11/1 (16:00)
This game could be very interesting indeed. I was impressed with the shape and system Palace employed against Spurs at Selhurst Park last time out. The dynamic movement of Wilfried Zaha, the clear pressure put on Spurs’ wide players as well as the content nature Palace played with out of possession was noticeable and credit to their young manager.
Liverpool eventually started to look like their former selves, their potent attack and fluid movement seemed to take an unwelcomed hiatus… their defensive stability has reemerged with the return of Virgil van Dijk to the side… the only thing missing is a pair of glasses for their manager…
2/9 is far too short but Liverpool to win + both teams to score at 18/10 looks sumptuous. I’m still not convinced by their ability to completely snuff out opposition chances and I think if they give Palace a sniff, the Eagles have the talent to get on the scoreboard.
Aston Villa 29/20 | Draw 9/4 | Everton 19/10 (18:30)
My real concern with Aston Villa lies in how they were dismantled by a Chelsea side who were not really at the races. Everton certainly showed a little bit of their better attacking side for parts of their clash on Monday, and I still maintain that the side has enough quality to challenge for higher honours than they currently do.
The Toffees always seem to be that student who has the capability to be dux of the class but takes everything for granted and ends up competing for top ten. Everton’s attacking prowess has been seen this season and backing them to score first and go on to win is priced up at a massive 47/20. Get on.
Sunday 19 September
Brighton 17/10 | Draw 43/20 | Leicester 33/20 (15:00)
This is an intriguing game; Leicester will come in as favourites, but I’m not sure they should be. These sides are more evenly matched than many punters would care to admit and as a result, I would say proceed with caution.
Brighton lost just once this season and will be confident in restoring their proud home record when they face a Leicester side who will need to do all the work. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Brighton want to play Leicester at their own game and force them to come onto the front foot – something they aren’t the best at to be fair.
There’s no denying Leicester have the quality to win this, but I like the look of the draw. I think the Seagulls will frustrate their visitors and make life as uncomfortable as possible.
West Ham 32/10 | Draw 29/10 | Manchester United 15/20 (15:00)
15/20 is excellent value. The loss of Mikel Antonio will be \sorely felt by David Moyes. In fact, I’ll go as far as to say that it will significantly change the danger the Hammers pose.
Manchester United were excellent, with everything surrounding the game at Old Trafford they knew a serious performance was expected and slowly but surely, they got into the game and delivered. Cristiano Ronaldo was superb and looked more than comfortablele on his return. This United squad’s quality is only rivalled by their superb record on the road – back the Reds to claim all three.
Tottenham 33/10 | Draw 26/10 | Chelsea 8/10 (17:30)
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TREBLE @ 5/1
Wolves Win 9/10
Chelsea Win 8/10
Man United Win 15/20
