It’s the perfect set of fixtures for the long weekend, with City's trip to Chelsea and Sunday's North London Derby the pick of the ties.
It’s the perfect set of fixtures for the long weekend! Saturday will be madness, the titanic clash between Chelsea and City will dominate proceedings, but Manchester United also host Aston Villa before Brentford Community Stadium welcome Liverpool.
Sunday then continues with the North London derby before Monday allows us to catch our collective breaths! Be sure to look out for the 11/1 tip and of course I’ve given my weekly treble which is priced up at 7/1 this weekend!
Saturday 25 September
Chelsea 33/20 | Draw 31/10 | Manchester City 17/10 (13:30)
Manchester United 4/10 | Draw 39/10 | Aston Villa 58/10 (13:30)
Aston Villa have franked the form – so to speak – from their Chelsea performance and now the stellar showing we saw against Everton. Villa played with a control and potency often not observed at the so-called “lesser” clubs.
United enjoyed a good win against West Ham last time out in the league, but I only say good because of the result. Of course, on paper United have an incredible football team but if we’re saying the performances match up, we’re lying to ourselves.
The Red Devils have been grossly overrated at 4/10. I’m not trying to dissuade you, but I think both teams to score at 15/20 is a safer bet.
Leicester 5/10 | Draw 32/10 | Burnley 5/1 (16:00)
Burnley were their usual selves against Arsenal. They defended deep with vigour and attempted to suffocate the game in their first third and breathe life into it higher up the pitch.
Leicester, on the other hand, would feel a little hard done by. It was almost as though VAR had an unsettled debt against the Foxes. The fight shown by Brendan Rodgers’ side is admirable and I expect a massive response here.
Leicester haven’t kept a clean sheet since the opening weekend, and that makes them susceptible to the danger Burnley pose at set piece time. I’ll favour Leicester – but just about. Leicester/Draw + Over 2.5 is the tip. Get on at 21/20.
Everton 11/20 | Draw 31/10 | Norwich 5/1 (16:00)
Everton have repeatedly flattered to deceive over the last couple of seasons. They are surely the costliest side to follow in the league. If you look at their quality on paper, they evoke incredible confidence and yet only go on to fall flat.
Norwich have been horrible, but their style of play won’t suit Rafa Benitez’s side. Everton are happy to have you keep the ball and play in front of them, confident they will hurt you on the counter. Norwich won’t keep the ball and probably won’t even try!
Everton should win this but I’m going to go against them, not really for the multiples, but I’m going to have a go on the Norwich Win/Draw Double Chance at 5/4.
Leeds 17/10 | Draw 26/10 | West Ham 14/10 (16:00)
Oh David Moyes… you must give him credit; he truly lives and dies by his convictions. If Mark Noble comes on and puts that ball in the back of the net, then the manager is truly in touch with his players. If not, then of course the opposite is true. If I’m honest, hopefully this offends Declan Rice so much he puts in a transfer request to United!
Nevertheless, the Hammers have enjoyed a decent run of performances. Their clinical ability in front of goal shouldn’t be taken for granted and even without Michail Antonio, their defensive ability provides plenty of cheek on the counter.
Leeds just haven’t been the same this season, is it due to people finally finding them out? They didn’t look to be in the Newcastle game for patches and I can’t see them containing West Ham here. Their only saving grace is that they never give up on the game. West Ham to win either half is currently at 7/10 and I think it could be the shrewd leg every multiple needs.
Watford 27/20 | Draw 9/4 | Newcastle 21/10 (16:00)
This will be an interesting one. Watford have blown hot and cold, and their inconsistency will really be what places them firmly in a relegation scrap. Newcastle, on the other hand, have started to come into their own.
They have seriously good quality in the final third but getting the ball in behind doesn’t happen often enough for them. I know Newcastle haven’t won a game yet this season, but their performances would suggest they are due a win.
Given the inconsistency of the Hornets, I’m happy to take them on and enjoy a nibble on Newcastle – especially at a little over 2/1.
Brentford 54/10 | Draw 7/2 | Liverpool 9/20 (18:30)
I’m incredibly excited to see this game – probably more than most. Now before you start rolling your eyes, the reason for my excitement is less about a potential upset and more about hopefully watching a smaller side have a real go at a giant in front of their home supporters.
Much like on that Friday night against Arsenal, the Brentford Community Stadium will be absolutely bouncing and really that is the essence of league football.
Liverpool have been sublime this season, their defensive depth has been a gamechanger and their attacking threats are back to threatening. You’d be a very brave punter to go against the Reds here and 9/20 at a tricky little stadium, bumpy ground, under the lights, bouncing with passion and held up with the wind… you never know in football, do you?
There were moments in that game against Palace where Liverpool was asked questions, but they passed the test. Brentford will have a go and while that is likely to play into the hands of Jurgen Klopp’s men, I think they could put one away. I’ll play it safe and go: Liverpool/Draw + Both teams to score at 11/10.
Sunday 26 September
Southampton 31/20 | Draw 22/10 | Wolves 37/20 (15:00)
Southampton earned a massive point at a lacklustre Manchester City. Their shape and discipline got them into a position to take something from the game, but I think it was their patience out of possession that got them over the line.
Wolves would have been disappointed with their loss to Brentford, but the Bees have been excellent in stifling opposing attacks and keeping things defensively tight. Wolves will likely face the very same test this weekend and if they aren’t able to break down another well-coached side, it might spell further trouble.
I don’t think there will be many goals, but I think Wolves can come away from St. Mary’s with something. They can play with control and confidence, which is enough to win me over.
For the bigger multiples, I suggest Wolves on the Win/Draw Double Chance. But for the punter looking to sink their teeth into something juicy: Both teams to score and totals markets is the place. Under 2.5 & no is the bet. 11/1 is the price!
Arsenal 27/20 | Draw 9/4 | Tottenham 2/1 (17:30)
At the risk of sounding completely disrespectful, I see this tip as a no-brainer. I don’t think Arsenal finishing in the top six is completely out of the question. Yes, they have had a horrible start to the season but there are certainly positive signs at the Emirates which I am attracted to.
Arsenal are slowly starting to take shape, from back to front. In Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White, you have two defenders who seem to effortlessly complement each other, Thomas Partey’s ability was never questioned, and I haven’t even gotten to Emile Smith-Rowe, Kieran Tierney and of course their captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
There are positive signs and their well-worked victory at Turf Moor was a huge step in the right direction.
Spurs, on the other hand, looked weathered, pedestrian and just lacked any sort of fight. I really like Nuno Espirito Santo, but his side just look awfully average at the moment. They were in the game against Chelsea for 45 minutes and then just folded, a clear absence of desire (to use Roy Keane’s favourite word) and dare I say it, tactically outclassed.
I don’t think you’re going to have an offer as generous as this one on Arsenal again – so get it while stocks last!
Monday 27 September
Crystal Palace 19/10 | Draw 21/10 | Brighton 31/20 (21:00)
Another derbyv(albeit a strange one) to end a seriously exciting weekend, and we might need it. I’ve been impressed with Palace under Patrick Vieira, the results haven’t always reflected it, but the quality of performance is there.
I think the scoreline flattered Brighton against Leicester; the Seagulls didn’t play all that well and certainly got the benefit of the doubt from the referees at critical moments in the game. However, they are in the top four – so put respect on their name!
If Palace can attack with pace and isolate Brighton’s wide players 1v1, I think they will cause Graham Potter some serious headaches. At 19/10, I’m having a go on the Eagles to claim what feels like three deserved points.
TREBLE @ 7/1
Leeds to win either half 7/10
Liverpool/Draw + Yes 11/10
Arsenal Win 13/10
