Ryan Liberty previews gameweek 3 of the Premier League as Arsenal and Man City look to build on excellent starts while Manchester United could very well find themselves without a point after three rounds when they host Liverpool on Monday evening.
Saturday 20 August
Tottenham 7/20 | Draw 4/1 | Wolves 7/1 (13:30)
I must say, I was incredibly impressed with Spurs at the weekend. Yes, they were outplayed by Chelsea for large parts of that game but the will and desire to stay in the fight and come away with something is testament to the work of Antonio Conte. There’s a bit of needle to this team. They will continually get under the skin of opponents this season as they did on Sunday against Chelsea. Having said that, Cristian Romero was incredibly lucky to escape a red card after pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair just before Spurs equalised.
Wolves were a little rigid against Fulham, and whilst they managed to scrape a clean sheet out of the affair, I can’t see them standing up to Spurs here, even though they’ve caused Tottenham a lot of problems in the recent past. Back the home side to maintain a clean sheet at 17/20.
Everton 19/20 | Draw 51/20 | Forest 29/10 (16:00)
What a famous win for Forest! New signing Taiwo Awoniyi scored the only goal and Dean Henderson secured the points on the other end. This a game that West Ham dominated and were perhaps unlucky to not to win. There was plenty of last-ditch defending from Forest who clung to their lead tenaciously. On another day it could have easily ended 3-1 or 4-1.
Everton are in for a long old season. Having narrowly survived relegation last season, they’ve now last their opening two games this time around. There are also questions around Frank Lampard’s competency as a Premier League manager. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is still a doubt which means the Toffees are likely to persist with the diminutive Anthony Gordon up front. Get on the Forest double chance at 15/20.
Leicester 8/10 | Draw 29/10 | Southampton 31/10 (16:00)
Leicester looked (uncharacteristically) out of their depth against Arsenal. Now, should Brendan Rodgers lose some key players who are linked with moves elsewhere I don’t think Leicester is able to complete without bringing in any new faces? There are also rumours swirling about that Rogers is nearing the end of his tether and could walk out of the club.
Southampton aren’t exactly sailing smoothly themselves, but they can ask questions of this Leicester outfit. 8/10 on the home win isn’t for me, I’m going to go both teams scoring at 6/10.
Fulham 14/10 | Draw 47/20 | Brentford 39/20 (16:00)
Fulham were outstanding in their opening encounter against Liverpool and more than held their own away at Wolves last week. Honestly, if they can continue playing this way the should be able to beat the drop this season and perhaps solidify their grip on long-term Premier League football.
Brentford will obviously be boosted by their thumping of Manchester United last weekend; I mean why wouldn’t they come into this game brimming with confidence? This looks to be a tough one to call on paper. I reckon both teams will get on the scoresheet here and we’ll see at least three goals. As such, I’ll be on BTTS: Yes and over 2.5 goals at 12/10.
Crystal Palace 15/10 | Draw 23/10 | Aston Villa 19/10 (16:00)
I must say I was highly impressed with Palace at Anfield. They knew they couldn’t impose their ideal game on their hosts and so opted to twist and give themselves a chance in the game. They will inevitably create chances in front of goal, and should they be more clinical – I think they could be a tough nut to crack at times this year.
Villa aren’t going to roll over and allow Palace to impose themselves. I think they square up quite nicely these two sides. Inevitably it will come down to who is able to take the game by the scruff of the neck and make it their own.
Fine margins might decide a winner – back the draw.
Bournemouth 6/1 | Draw 37/10 | Arsenal 9/20 (18:30)
Arsenal should smack Bournemouth here. The North London side have looked exceptional so far this season, I really can’t fault them at all. Gabriel Jesus has been incredible for his new side, giving the Gunners a real edge up top that they’ve perhaps lacked lately.
Bournemouth have already sprung a surprise at the start of the season, beating Aston Villa before being spanked by City last week. They’re a tricky prospect at home but should ultimately be undone by a very good Arsenal side. Get on the away win- one for all of the weekend multiples.
Sunday 21 August
West Ham 5/4 | Draw 24/10 | Brighton 43/20 (15:00)
West Ham would have had to face an awkward trip to the City Ground. The atmosphere would have always been electric. West Ham actually didn’t play badly and were on the wrong end of some heroic last-ditch defending. They played quite well and probably should have won quite comfortably.
Brighton was frustrated by Newcastle but enjoyed the better opportunities for sure. The reality for Graham Potter is that his side were wasteful and paid the price. This is a tricky one to call and so I’ll tentatively call a draw.
Leeds United 46/10 | Draw 33/10 | Chelsea 11/20 (17:30)
Chelsea were top class last weekend, with Thomas Tuchel somewhat surprisingly winning the tactical battle against Antonio Conte. In the end, they were undone by quite a soft goal, with Harry Kane’s injury time free header ensuring a share of the spoils.
I think the Blue are miles ahead of Leeds and should encounter little resistance on Sunday afternoon.
Newcastle 6/1 | Draw 4/1 | Manchester City 4/10 (17:30)
It’s new money vs newer money this Sunday evening as Manchester City travel to Newcastle. Of course, City come into this as favourites. They’ve looked incredibly sharp in their opening two encounters, beating West Ham and Bournemout without looking like conceding.
A bouncing St. James’ Park could well be their undoing, though. The Magpies have actually been quite measured in their recruitment despite essentially becoming one of the richest clubs in the world overnight. While their business in the window hasn’t pulled up any trees, they are certainly trending in the right direction. It’ll be tough for City for sure, but I reckon they’ll get over the line here.
Monday 22 August
Manchester United 42/10 | Draw 7/2 | Liverpool 6/10
Check out our full preview of this game by clicking here.
QUAD @ 4/1
Arsenal Win 9/20
Chelsea Win 11/20
Man City Win 4/10
Liverpool Win 11/20
