That first Premier League weekend absolutely flew by! And yet here we are, straight onto week 2! The drama doesn’t stop, the intrigue and anticipation is unmatched anywhere else in the world.
This is the Premier League after all.
As always, I am trying to guide you through those weekend betting slips, and for your eyes only – we’ve crafted out a huge 28/1 quad you simply have to be involved in.
Saturday 13 August
17/20 Aston Villa | Draw 26/10 | Everton 33/10
There was little to impress manager Steven Gerrard last time out. Villa was flat and uninspiring; at no point did they look to be getting into the game and their sluggish approach was duly met with a loss to newcomers Bournemouth.
Everton desperately miss an out and out striker. With the sale of Richarlison and absence of the injured Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the Toffees battled hard against Chelsea but lacked that quality needed in front of goal.
If I’m going to have a 17/20 punt, I much prefer under 2.5 goals.
5/4 Southampton | Draw 49/20 | Leeds 22/10
The Saints finished last season with four successive defeats and did little to remedy that at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
I thought Southampton started lively, but after Spurs kicked it up another gear – Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side just couldn’t match it. They’ve got a seriously young side this year and I fear for them a little…
Leeds was explosive (both on and off the pitch) but I suspect it is that sort of grit which will bring them the closest to some experience of success. I think the Saints at home might be a different kettle of fish though and I’m inclined to go for the home win/draw double chance + both teams scoring at 11/10.
5/10 Arsenal | Draw 7/2 | Leicester 52/10
It’s almost a case of same old, same old from Leicester. They flattered to deceive last season and after starting positively against Brentford, they failed to kill the game off and collect all three points on offer.
Arsenal was impressive and at 5/10 I think they are a steal here.
14/10 Brighton | Draw 23/10 | Newcastle 2/1
Brighton rubbished the old thinking around visiting Old Trafford on the opening day, beating United 2-1.
Brighton were fearless, confident and aggressive in their attack and in the first 45 minutes they didn’t allow United a foothold. I enjoy watching Graham Potter’s side play (usually) and I think they could get a result here.
Newcastle have put a lot of emphasis on their defensive stability and that is finally paying off. As the old maxim goes – you can’t lose if you don’t concede. Under 2.5 goals at 7/10 is my pick.
1/12 Manchester City | Draw 10/1 | Bournemouth 33/1
Given the slim prices available on City, punters this season will no doubt be on the lookout for the game to go against Pep Guardiola’s men. I mean, 1/12 is a little silly…nevertheless, this is certainly not that game.
City looked at their level best and I don’t think this will be a contest in honesty. Don’t add this to any multiples – but as a bit of a free swing, City to win the first ten minutes of the game is 29/10.
5/4 Wolves | Draw 23/10 | Fulham 47/20
It must be incredibly frustrating to be an admirer of Wolves at this moment in time. Jimenez is still sidelined, and Fabio Silva was sent out on loan leaving a glaring deficiency in quality through the middle – and now almost freezing out their wide ability.
Fulham, on the other hand, were incredible against Liverpool, I might have to eat humble pie when it comes to the Cottagers and Aleksandar Mitrovic. If they are able to replicate that confident performance against the so-called ‘lesser’ teams and on the road, I think they could be difficult to contain this year!
Back the away win.
26/10 Brentford | Draw 51/20 | Manchester United 1/1
Seeing United trading at even money, I am reminded that is truly the hope that kills. United were torrid in that first half against Brighton, they were honestly played off the park. I suppose the only saving grace is the second half performance, and by saving grace I mean saving some self-respect.
Brentford showed once again why a fighting spirit up until the final whistle goes is valuable. They are playing at home and will have their fans bouncing on Saturday evening no doubt.
I think the Bees can get something out of this game – yes, I said it. Back the away win/draw double chance at 7/10.
Sunday 14 August
3/1 Nottingham Forest | Draw 26/10 | West Ham 9/10
You’ve got to give Forest their due, they frustrated Newcastle at times and showed a propensity to work hard for long spells – something which can only stand them in good stead for the remainder of the season. The issue is that they just cannot get a shot on target.
West Ham are the better side for sure, and this isn’t where the hosts must be fighting. I’m not going to complicate it anymore, West Ham win.
12/10 Chelsea | Draw 24/10 | Tottenham 23/10
Monday 15 August
1/5 Liverpool | Draw 56/10 | Crystal Palace 13/1
After a supposed torrid pre-season, Patrick Vieira must be pleased with what he saw his side achieve last weekend! They were able to adapt to the high tempo Arsenal introduced and after settling in, asked questions of their visitors.
Liverpool needed Darwin Nunez to come off the bench to get them back into the game before Salah secured a much-needed point! It was a thrilling match to be fair, but many would have been surprised to see Liverpool struggle to put Fulham to the sword. Nevertheless, I think they respond here – surely? Liverpool and both teams scoring at 21/10 is my pick.
QUAD @ 29/1
Arsenal Win 5/10
Fulham Win 47/20
West Ham Win 9/10
Tottenham Win 22/10
