Premier League: Newcastle failed to consolidate their 5-1 trouncing with anything at the Etihad while Villa are seemingly back! Chelsea will want to move on from last week and City are already starting to purr.
Friday, 25 August
Chelsea 1/4 | Draw 54/10 | Luton Town 10/1 (21:00)
Luton come into the game being well rested, but also buoyed by the result West Ham managed to achieve against the Blues! To be honest though, I wouldn’t read too much into that Chelsea result, they look to be improving under Mauricio Pochettino and I think they win here. For more value though, back Over 2.5 Goals at 5/10.
Saturday, 26 August
Bournemouth 26/10 | Draw 28/10 | Tottenham 19/20 (13:30)
I’ve been increasingly underwhelmed by Bournemouth; a lot has been made about their supposed new approach to games, but I don’t see it. Spurs managed their game well against United and with a slice of luck managed to capture all three.
I’m not sure they are firing on all cylinders upfront though, but I am happy to show Ange Postecoglou some patience…back the visitors at 19/20.
Brentford 19/20 | Draw 51/20 | Crystal Palace 28/10 (16:00)
I really like the look of Brentford! They are so well organized; they pose a threat even when they fail to dominate ball possession and aren’t afraid to commit numbers to any counter-attacking opportunity – it’s great to watch!
Palace aren’t going to just roll over though, I think the points get shared here.
Arsenal 2/9 | Draw 58/10 | Fulham 11/1 (16:00)
I know Arsenal are without a complete squad with the injuries they suffered early, but there is no denying their firepower. Fulham might have the odd chance here, but I think they are so happy to surrender space and time – they will be made to pay for it here. Back the hosts to win and keep a clean sheet at even money.
Manchester United 1/3 | Draw 46/10 | Nottingham Forest 15/2 (16:00)
Manchester United’s form on the road is seemingly a point of concern once again, considering they were put to the sword in London last time out. However, with that being said, I think Erik ten Hag’s side has moved past the counter attacking machine of last year and are comfortable to hold onto the ball and play through defensive shapes. This might then just suit them…
Forest have been impressive, and I think they will cause United trouble at set pieces. Back the home win and both scoring at 7/4.
Everton 14/10 | Draw 9/4 | Wolves 21/10 (16:00)
Everton have some serious issues; they are already blowing hot and cold in certain moments but moreover they just cannot score a goal. The reliance of Dominic Calvert-Lewin is largely problematic but in terms of getting the ball up the field and finding him in any sort of space is just as troubling.
Wolves looked good at Old Trafford but jaded against Brighton, I’m not convinced which side shows up here…I think the right bet is on the visitors, but I wouldn’t add it to any weekend accumulator.
Brighton 9/20 | Draw 38/10 | West Ham 54/10 (18:30)
That West Ham win against Chelsea is nothing short of exceptional. Given the uncertainty around personnel at West Ham, I think David Moyes has done a superb job.
Brighton simply took their chances at Molineux, but this should be a stinger of a fixture. Both teams scoring seems to be the banker everybody needs. Get on at 15/20.
Sunday, 27 August
Sheffield United 14/1 | Draw 6/1 | Manchester City 1/5 (15:00)
Enough has been made of it already, but at the risk of sounding as though I am jumping on the bandwagon, I don’t see a way out for Sheffield. Yes, they have gotten themselves back into the league, but they are without their best players…
Respectfully, you could give any price on the hosts – City thump them. Over 3.5 Goals is (for whatever reason) 14/10 – pile in.
Burnley 26/10 | Draw 5/2 | Aston Villa 1/1 (15:00)
Aston Villa returned to winning ways in style last time out, as the old adage goes in football, if they deserve four, give them four! That performance against Everton would have done wonders for their confidence and I certainly like the look of them here.
Burnley were the other side afforded a slight rest, but I think they are going to struggle to keep up with their visitors here. Back the Villans.
Newcastle 12/10 | Draw 28/10 | Liverpool 2/1 (17:30)
