CR7’s Premier League return! Gameweek 4 Preview

Arsenal entertain a Norwich side looking to add to the Gunners’ misery, Liverpool go toe-to-toe with Leeds and Monday evening brings down the curtain on the round. I’ve included a treble at around 5/1 so be sure to have a dabble and get through that betting slip!

Saturday 11 September

Crystal Palace 33/10 | Draw 5/2 Tottenham 17/20 (13:30)

Spurs have got off to an unblemished start under their new Portuguese boss Nuno Espirito Santo, however, still the armchair critics point out the dull and mundane approach to their play and their lack of attacking impotence.

Last time out against West Ham, Palace looked much improved. Patrick Vieira’s shape and patience on defence was evident and they frustrated West Ham for large parts of that game. Importantly, they also proved to be a threat going forward and scoring twice to earn a massive point.

I’m not confident that Spurs will break this Palace side down. I think Palace’s shape and discipline will be everything and Nuno will have a frustrating day. Also keep in mind that Spurs will be without their South American contingent and are likely to be without Steven Bergwijn and Son who both picked up knocks on international duty. At a very enticing 5/2, I think we could make a suitable argument for the draw to get things underway.

Watford 9/4 | Draw 43/20 | Wolves 13/10 (16:00)

This is a tough game to call. Both sides have produced promising displays in the first three weeks of the season but are yet to really gain anything from it. I know Watford got a victory over Aston Villa on the opening day, but since then their performances have deserved a bit more… but that’s football.

Wolves have certainly looked to be a more attacking threat and that was clear against Spurs, Leicester and United. Bruno Lage will know his chargers have been tested against well-drilled and structured teams with quality all over the pitch, Watford could be the fixture they eye as the one to get those coveted three points.

For the first time this season – and at 13/10 – I can say: Back Wolves!

Brentford 17/10 | Draw 21/10 | Brighton 17/10 (16:00)

Brighton have been flying under the radar a bit this season. Winning against Burnley and Watford (scoring four and only conceding one) before going down to Everton wouldn’t have drawn too many complaints from their fans. They are one of these teams who get the odd results against the supposed ‘big boys’ but also punish their immediate competition.

Brentford, on the other hand, have had an immaculate start to life in the league! They are yet to lose a fixture and have only conceded a solitary goal. The Brentford Community Stadium will be bouncing again on Saturday and those cauldron-type stadiums with the addition of fans will play a massive role this season.

I like the look of Brentford on the Win/Draw Double Chance. Get on at 4/10.

Arsenal 5/10 | Draw 34/10 | Norwich 46/10 (16:00)

If I’m honest, I can’t believe the prices the bookmakers have available for this one. It really is a massive encounter for Arsenal, and I don’t mean to be facetious by the comment.

Arsenal have had a torrid start to the season and surely something to has to give eventually if they aren’t able to find a win on Saturday. They have been flat and uninspiring in every area of the club and really the only thing we can give them credit for is being so incredibly consistent for three weeks.

Norwich won’t be as simple a fixture as some make it out to be. No, they don’t have a brilliant squad. No, they have not ripped up trees so to speak so far this year. But they will run at you and ask questions of your defensive organization and set up. Arsenal will need to be up for this game, lest they condemn themselves to further embarrassment.

The fact that the game is being played at the Emirates, is for me the real game changer. I would have no confidence in Mikel Arteta’s side at Carrow Road. Nevertheless, 5/10 is not good enough for me to put any money on Arsenal – I might rather consider Both Teams to Score at 8/10.

Man United 1/5 | Draw 58/10 | Newcastle 11/1 (16:00)

I cannot wait for this game! Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Old Trafford as a Manchester United player and you can say whatever you like but the man is still an incredible player and athlete. I was surprised my editor didn’t classify this game a feature – I mean the ‘Goat’ is back in the league.

United have done some good business in the window, and whilst I still think the inclusion of a true holding midfielder would have topped it off perfectly… I’m not sure you can have too many complaints.

Newcastle have yet to win a game this season and I can’t see that changing on Saturday. The atmosphere at Old Trafford will be electric and I think United get up for this and run away. Back the Red’s on the Half-time/Full-time double at 6/10, and throw it into every multiple.

Southampton 37/20 | Draw 24/10 | West Ham 14/10 (16:00)

Here are two sides who have proverbially put all their eggs in one basket. The basket being attacking football and the eggs being that of a very fragile nature. This game has all the makings of being an absolute humdinger but only because I think both sides will look to have a real go.

Together a massive 25 goals have been seen in their collective matches so far this season and neither has managed a clean sheet. Both Teams to Score + Over 2.5 goals at 19/20 is another for every multiple.

Leicester City 48/10 | Draw 33/10 | Man City 5/10 (16:00)

This is a rather interesting game. It has everything it needs to be an absolute humdinger, but by the very same token, everything is there to be an absolute thrashing.

I’ve always said that I love the fact that Brendan Rodgers can go into a club, understand their culture and then adapt seamlessly. The Foxes haven’t had the greatest start this year, but they have certainly approached every game with their unwavering confidence in their attacking ability, as well as their security to attempt to impose themselves onto the game.

But this is Manchester City, if Leicester leave themselves as open as they did against West Ham, it could get ugly. Nevertheless, I’m hoping for a tight and tactical affair which City win anyway – but at least we’d be entertained and given good bang for our buck at 5/10.

Chelsea 2/7 | Draw 44/10 | Aston Villa 9/1 (18:30)

It’s incredible that Chelsea is still yet to concede a goal in open play. Their defensive solidity is honestly a dream. I love watching it and we should appreciate the art of defending even in a world full of exhilaration and incredible goals.

I maintain that Chelsea will be a threat for serious silverware this season – be it domestically or in Europe. Aston Villa will give it whack but I can’t see them causing Chelsea too many issues anywhere on the football field.

Chelsea to Win to Nil at 9/10 can be backed with confidence.

Sunday 12 September

Leeds United 34/10 | Draw 3/1 | Liverpool 7/10 (17:30)

Two sides happy to play at a high tempo and two sides with a clear identity and a manager who will not settle for anything less than the imposition of their style and approach on the game. What could possibly go wrong?

It’s the only game on Sunday and I’m hoping it turns into a spectacle. Liverpool are well known for being the side which looks to draw blood early on, coupled with that, Leeds will certainly swing for the hills from the first whistle as well. I think a really smart bet might be an unpopular one – but could turn out to be incredibly beneficial.

You can get as much as 5/4 for Over 1.5 goals in the first half of the game. For me, that is the play for this game. Of course, for bigger multiples back the away win at 7/10 but for the crumpled notes in the cup holder of your car? A bit of 5/4 never hurt anyone.

Monday 13 September

Everton 7/10 | Draw 26/10 | Burnley 38/10 (21:00)

Burnley are seriously struggling for form. Sean Dyche’s men have not managed to come anywhere near looking like the side we’ve come to expect, and they will know that the longer they allow the rot to set in, the season quickly slips away. In such an unforgiving league, a solitary point after playing Brighton, Liverpool and Leeds will certainly be seen as below par.

Everton have been consistent this season and whilst they might be at the very least satisfied with their start, I still don’t think they are firing on all cylinders. The dynamics between Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be something to watch because they both bring such an intensity and quality to this Everton side.

7/10 is generous and without further ado, get stuck in.

TREBLE @ 5/1
Southampton vs West Ham BTTS & Over 2.5 19/20
Chelsea Win To Nil 9/10
Everton Win 7/10