Ryan Liberty previews the gameweek seven of the Premier League that could realistically see any one of six clubs leading the way pack into the second international break of the season! Ryan Liberty previews.
Saturday 2 October
Manchester United 5/10 | Draw 33/10 | Everton 52/10 (13:30)
We open up the weekend’s action at Old Trafford when Manchester United host Everton. It seems quite bizarre to think that Ole is under pressure, just a point off of the top of the league. However, after adding the likes of Raphael Varane, Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho to the side in the off season, more is expected. Last week’s poor showing at home against Aston Villa and the fuss that surrounded Bruno Fernandes’ penalty apology has heaped extra pressure on the club to do well this week (keep in mind that this was written prior to United’s midweek Champions League game against Villarreal.
Everton, meanwhile, are flying. They sit level on points with United but were handily turned over by Aston Villa a fortnight ago in the league. They did bounce back well against the division’s whipping boys, Norwich with a 2-0 win. This is a really difficult one to call, but I have a sneaky suspicion that these two may just cancel each other out.
Chelsea 7/20 | Draw 39/10 | Southampton 7/1 (16:00)
This is the perfect fixture for Chelsea to bounce back in the league. Playing a Saints outfit who can’t match them anywhere on the field but will try and be as compact as possible and play as narrow as they possibly can.
The issue is that they won’t have any of the ball and I think Chelsea get back to winning ways. Back Thomas Tuchel’s side To Win To Nil at 11/10.
Wolves 13/20 | Draw 3/1 | Newcastle 38/10 (16:00)
I’m likely looking forward to this game a lot more than most. But if you can appreciate English football at its best – this might be the fixture of Saturday.
Both sides will think they can win this game, and neither will fear the other. To only compound this fact, Newcastle haven’t kept a clean sheet since the first round of fixtures whilst Wolves have managed just one. Goals should be the order of the day and both teams to score could be a banker at 17/20.
Burnley 17/20 | Draw 26/10 | Norwich 31/10 (16:00)
Norwich is in trouble, serious trouble, and I’m not sure it’s about to get any better for them. Burnley have always been a side who are incredibly compact and hard as nails when playing at Turf Moor, but the difference I think for them this season is they are looking to hold onto that identity.
Sean Dyche saw his chargers go to the King Power and take the game to one of the quickest and attacking sides in the league – and come away with something to show!
Burnley is a set bet – pile on with confidence.
Leeds 7/10 | Draw 29/10 | Watford 36/10 (16:00)
Those who sang the praises of Marcelo Bielsa and what he’s done in the league…where are you?
Of course, the Argentinian maestro has done great things for football and how we view certain areas of the game, but at the risk of causing a stir, perhaps he’s been found out in the Premier League?
They haven’t won a game yet and this has upset written all over it. The safer bet for me would be Watford on the Win/Draw Double Chance at even money.
Brighton 39/20 | Draw 9/4 | Arsenal 29/20 (18:30)
The price available for Arsenal is laughable and I would highly suggest you get all over it. Now I know what you’re thinking, it’s Arsenal… but if they could replicate that performance against City, Chelsea, or Liverpool I think they get a result.
They were aggressive and competitive throughout the game in every area. There was a certain pride about them and judging by the reaction of the manager, Mikel Arteta saw his side play to a plan and a system.
Brighton was lethargic against Palace and even though I think they could be a little better at home, I think Arsenal can take another big step in the right direction. How quickly things change in the league!
Sunday 3 October
Tottenham 21/20 | Draw 5/2 | Aston Villa 5/2 (15:00)
Tough game to call. Spurs were incredibly flat, listless, and just uninspiring for large portions of that game at the Emirates. I love the comments from Nuno Espirito Santo after the game though, honest and yet still with all the respect and professionalism in the world.
Villa aren’t a great side, and I honestly think they were made to look better than they are at Old Trafford so I wouldn’t jump up and down and look at the possible upset here. I think what Nuno is looking at doing at Spurs is neat and simple and yet when executed efficiently will cause even the best sides in the league real problems.
At 21/20 I’m happy to back Spurs to claim all three and just put a line through that North London derby.
West Ham 17/20 | Draw 51/20 | Brentford 32/10 (15:00)
Well, how about that performance from Brentford against Liverpool? A newly-promoted side in the league happy (and rather comfortable at times) to go toe-to-toe with one of the best sides in Europe – its brilliant and what makes this league as exciting as it is.
West Ham have had a good season so far and David Moyes is really doing impressive work with his Hammers. Their fluid style of playing is good to watch but I still have reservations over whether they can kill off the sides around them in the table.
Nevertheless, they have only lost one game this season and they should win this. But I’d be more comfortable putting my money on both teams to score at 8/10.
Crystal Palace 43/20 | Draw 24/10 | Leicester City 5/4 (15:00)
I can’t quite put my finger on what it is about Palace, but they just struggle to get over the line and I just really feel sorry for them. Under the guidance of Patrick Vieira, they certainly play more attractive football and are far more positive in keeping the ball…but they just continue to fall short.
Leicester haven’t got the killer instinct they’ve enjoyed in recent seasons and it;s almost as though the pace and countering style they have developed with players like Vardy have been found out.
Tough to separate, but both teams to score and Palace on the win/draw double chance could be the play. Get on at a generous 31/20.
Liverpool 19/10 | Draw 5/2 | Manchester City 13/10 (17:30)
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QUAD @ 14/1
Wolves vs Newcastle BTTS 17/20
Burnley Win 17/20
Arsenal Win 29/20
West Ham vs Brentford BTTS 8/10
