The Premier League is back! Dependant on the perspective which works for your club at the moment, its either business as usual or this is the clean slate needed to turn the season around!
This is how I see the weekend unfolding, and I’ve included a neat little quad as an extra incentive!
Saturday 20 November
Leicester City 36/10 | Draw 26/10 | Chelsea 15/20 (14:30)
Leicester would have welcomed the international break, their form going into the break really isn’t one becoming of the Foxes to be fair. Chelsea, on the other hand, experienced a sort of slip against a spirited Burnley, the Clarets were excellent, but Chelsea wasn’t their usual selves.
The Blues have been measured and clinical this season and I don’t think much changes come the weekend. The only point of difference is I think Leicester can score.
Back both teams to score at 17/20.
Newcastle United 17/10 | Draw 9/4 | Brentford 33/20 (17:00)
Neither side come into the fixture with much momentum, which makes the encounter rather interesting. We’ve seen what Brentford can do, but have they been found out possibly? Newcastle will see their new manager Eddie Howe in the dugout and I for one am certainly excited to how that partnership unfolds.
You can’t have any reason to fancy Brentford now – other than their underdog, feel good story association. Back the home win at glorious odds, a new manager always deserves a honeymoon period.
Burnley 18/10 | Draw 22/10 | Crystal Palace 31/20 (17:00)
Burnley earned a good win against Brentford and then consolidated it nicely with their draw to Chelsea. I’ve criticized the Clarets all season for their lack of that physicality and gritty football we have become so accustomed to – only because I think that’s the reason for their success.
Palace have been brilliant; this is a team which understands the players they have and simply play a quick style of play with enough width and attacking emphasis to show off their strengths.
I’m looking forward to see whether or not the Eagles are contained but Burnley haven’t been consistent enough this year. I think the game starts slow, but a Palace goal will open it up and possibly see the away side put the game beyond their hosts. Get on the away win.
Aston Villa 15/10 | Draw 9/4 | Brighton 37/20 (17:00)
Of course, the overreaching story around this game is the appointment of Steven Gerrard as the new Villa coach. If I’m completely honest, I’m not sure I’m caught up in the hype.
I don’t think Stevie G is a terrible manager but at the same time I don’t think he comes in as a legend either (well at least in a managerial context). Brighton are the better side and I think Brighton win the game. So, at the risk of going against my usual superstitious adage…Back the away win.
Watford 46/10 | Draw 7/2 | Manchester United 6/10 (17:00)
The arrival of Claudio Ranieri hasn’t had an immediate impact on the results at Vicarage Road, but has certainly seen a more confident ball-playing Watford side. United haven’t had the easiest season and there are still question marks over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but United certainly have the team to win this game.
Admittedly, I’m not going to look too much into this fixture – might be for my own good! Back the away win at 6/10.
Wolves 2/1 | Draw 9/4 | West Ham 14/10 (17:00)
West Ham have been incredible, Wolves have been flat. David Moyes has done an incredible job so far this season, and whilst the Hammers have been better on their own patch – I think they can win here.
14/10 is incredible value – I need not say more.
Norwich City 26/10 | Draw 49/20 | Southampton 21/20 (17:00)
Dean Smith will be good for Norwich – but that doesn’t mean they stay up this season. Norwich haven’t got the team to compete in the league, and I say that with all the respect in the world.
Southampton have sort of continued to fly well under the radar, but I doubt they will be content with 13th place in the league. The Saints are truly a pleasure to watch, always unassuming and yet still competitive even though they religiously sell their best players.
Back the Saints at 21/20.
Liverpool 9/20 | Draw 38/10 | Arsenal 48/10 (19:30)
Click here to view our featured game!
Sunday 21 November
Manchester City 1/7 | Draw 13/2 | Everton 17/1 (16:00)
I cannot believe the odds available here! But then you remember it’s Everton and suddenly, the world makes sense again. Everton have just been downright putrid. They likely can’t recall the feeling associated with winning and playing City at the Etihad…isn’t going to change that.
1/7 is obviously a nonentity, so we will need to be creative. City to win both halves is a staggering 21/20, I will say that it isn’t one for the multiples…but worth a nibble.
Tottenham 7/10 | Draw 3/1 | Leeds United 34/10 (18:30)
I’m not sure what to make of Leeds this season, and it’s still early to judge Antonio Conte. The Italian’s influence is immediate, but the results won’t be as forthcoming. Leeds will be Leeds and bomb forward for 90 minutes, Spurs will be very narrow and look to dominate the central areas…which could turn out to be the recipe we need for a real chess match of a fixture.
I don’t think Spurs have the players to take sides apart and so I can’t give you the confidence to get behind them. But, at 3/1 the draw looks to be a sneaky play!
QUAD @ 22/1
Leicester vs Chelsea: BTTS 17/20
Crystal Palace Win 31/20
West Ham Win 14/10
Southampton Win 21/20
