PREVIEW: Leicester City and Man United headline gameweek 8 of Premier League

Saturday 16 October

Watford 7/1 | Draw 42/10 | Liverpool 1/3 (13:30)

A wise man once said: “for betting purposes, stay away from the early game.” A slightly wiser man suggested that one should never go against a team with a new manager at the helm… where does that leave us with this one then?

Of course, Liverpool win this, but I’m not going to back them at odds of 1/3, instead I’m inclined to have a look at the ‘Anytime Goal Scorer’ market. Mo Salah is playing like a man possessed now and at 9/10 I think the Egyptian ace scoring is a set bet.

Southampton 14/10 | Draw 5/2 | Leeds 18/10 (16:00)

I’m really surprised at how Southampton have been priced up to be completely honest. They haven’t been amazing but against sides which have a go – United, Newcastle – they can exploit the spaces behind the defence.

Leeds are the kings of expansive and open gameplay, so before I start sounding like a stuck record let me just put it to you. Get on the Saints at St. Mary’s against this Leeds side at 14/10.

Norwich 26/10 | Draw 24/10 | Brighton 21/20 (16:00)

Surely Norwich wins eventually? They have had a horrible start to the season, have yet to win a game and, having already conceded 16 goals, something has got to give eventually!

I think the key will be finding that week when they do muster up a positive result – it could be quite lucrative.

Nevertheless, that won’t be this weekend against a Brighton side who are absolutely soaring. I would have a serious punt on the away win.

Aston Villa 11/10 | Draw 23/10 | Wolves 51/20 (16:00)

This is a coin toss prediction sort of game. Wolves have been largely inconsistent, but you get the feeling they haven’t been able to find a rhythm and fluidity to their game yet. Their pace and physicality upfront have been spoken of extensively, and, on their day, they certainly have the players to cause real issues for any defence.

Aston Villa have been disappointing. Yes, they beat Everton emphatically and were able to squeeze a result at Old Trafford… but outside of that they have been limp and somewhat toothless.

Small play on Wolves at tasty odds.

Leicester City 51/20 | Draw 51/20 | Manchester United 1/1 (16:00)

Both teams to score is a banker here. Leicester have started almost every game this season a little off the pace and have had to continually look to get themselves back into contention – largely through Jamie Vardy.

United have been much of the same, failing to close out games and put teams to bed. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will begin a run of fixtures which will inevitably be linked to whether #OleOut begins to trend. If I had a gun to my head, I wouldn’t be able to unequivocally say ‘United win’ – I’d probably amble over toward a draw… therefore I think backing Both Teams To Score (Yes) at 13/20 would keep that betting slip alive.

Manchester City 1/8 | Draw 15/2 | Burnley 18/1 (16:00)

City by how much? That is the question my friends. Burnley failed to put a sloppy Norwich side to the sword (and this was after they gave Leicester a seriously good go). I can’t see anything other than a statement City win. We all counted them out and doubted who and what they were.

Respect the Champions of England! Back the home side To Win Both Halves at 19/20.

Brentford 5/1| Draw 28/10 | Chelsea 11/20 (18:30)

This is my game of the weekend. You must put tribal lines aside and completely appreciate what Brentford have managed to do so far this season!.

The Bees have been relentless and incredibly fearless, irrespective of the opposition or the venue. However, playing at the Brentford Community Stadium is just something else. It isn’t on the level of Anfield obviously, but it is a spectacle, nonetheless.

Enough has been made of Chelsea already, so you can expect a complete football game here. Tactics, patience, fearlessness and well-worked goals. I’m excited for this one. From a betting angle though, I think Both Halves Under 1.5 Goals (No) at 11/20 might be the play.

Sunday 17 October

Everton 29/20 | Draw 47/20 | West Ham 37/20 (15:00)

I think Sunday will get off to a slower start, when you see these sides on paper you might think ‘goal fest’ – it would be a mistake.

These sides are incredibly matched, each very comfortable in their own system and approach play. West Ham have been good, easy on the eye and all of that. Everton have been safe at times but need to take more risks.

You know what they say though if it looks like a draw and quacks like a draw, it’s likely a draw. Get on.

Newcastle 47/20 | Draw 5/2 | Tottenham 11/10 (17:30)

This could turn out to be quite a tantalizing affair. Newcastle will think they could win this, and with players like Allan Saint-Maximin why not? It would be poor from me not to mention the importance and magnitude of the take-over. But it’s a simple thing, money is a part of football, especially if it makes a team better and more attractive – which inevitably improves their quality. The Premier League – I am all for it!

Spurs…

If they played with a bit of heart and desire, they would be immense. Their sort of pedestrian approach to the game is just frustrating.

Saint James’ will be rocking; the feeling will be upbeat, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Magpies get a result. Back the Win/Draw Double Chance at 13/20.

Monday 18 October

Arsenal 6/10 | Draw 29/10 | Crystal Palace 44/10 (21:00)

You can put a line through the Arsenal vs Brighton result. Arteta’s men were intentional and direct but were matched by an inspired Brighton side, so I wouldn’t read too much into that.

Palace have been able to maintain their structure and composure under their new manager, but I think the real value is in the fact that they have now complemented that structure and defensive approach with a positive attack.

Arsenal & Both Teams To Score (Yes) at 26/10 looks like it could be the way to go.

QUAD @ 12/1

Mo Salah (Anytime Goal Scorer) 9/10
Brighton Win 21/20
Leicester v Man United: BTTS 13/20
Man City v Burnley: Home To Win Both Halves 19/20