The Premier League weekend kicks off at Goodison Park where Everton entertain Premier League Champions Chelsea, Everton are the underdogs here whilst Chelsea will be looking to emulate Manchester City’s victory against Everton two weeks ago.
Chelsea are a bit under the cosh currently with just one win under their belt this season and Jose Mourinho has come under fire from many sides, with him seaming to deflect the attention away from his teams’ performances, with physio removals and transfer policy’s being the topic of conversation from the Portuguese man.
There is no doubt that Chelsea have the class in their ranks to win this one, however with the form of their main man Eden Hazard not to his usual standards, I will not be backing them at best price 10/11. To the contrary Everton look great value at 16/5 and with their home advantage they are surely going to give the away team a tough time, so for me it’s a risk but could be a rewarding one.
Dave’s Premier League Betting Tips
Everton v Chelsea – Everton win – 1pt win @ 16/5
Arsenal/QPR/Middlesbrough/Celtic – 1 pt win @ 6.18/1
Alexis Sanchez 1st Goalscorer – 1 pt win @ 4/1
Arguably the biggest game of the weekend is at Old Trafford in the 5.30pm kick off where Manchester United take on Liverpool.
The two most successful clubs in England have always had a big rivalry and Saturday will be no different, both sides are coming off the back of disappointing results against Swansea and West Ham respectively and neither side will want to give anything away to their opponent.
Those of you who have read my previous write ups will know, I am not a big Louis Van Gaal fan, his negative tactics for me do not suit a club like Manchester United nor the players at his disposal, he can however throw up a surprise or two just like he did at Anfield last season, it was arguably the most attacking he has been since taking over at United, if he puts his side out in the same vein then they will be a big threat to Simon Mignolet in the Liverpool goal.
One of the frustrations I have with Brendan Rodgers’ currently is his one dimensional tactics, he has stuck with plan A in all his games and his reluctance to change to 2 upfront at home irritates me beyond belief.
I don’t think any team that goes out at home with one upfront constantly will challenge for the league, however this is Old Trafford and Benteke upfront alone will more than likely be the option he goes with.
Although, being a Liverpool fan, I am reluctant to say United will win, the loss of Phillipe Coutinho is a massive blow in any game, let alone a game where big name players have had to flourish in the past. Therefore with my belief that Liverpool will be happy with a point I think United may just nick this one.
My banker of the weekend is Arsenal, they play a Stoke side who are struggling and gradually Arsenal are getting in to gear, their professional 1-0 win over a tough Newcastle side last week (granted Newcastle were down to 10 men for a period) could have been just what the doctor ordered and this game against Stoke couldn’t have come at a better time for them.
Stoke has never been a good fixture for Arsenal, but the physical presence that Stoke once was is starting to diminish and now they have a few more flair players, that will stand them in good stead for the season but it won’t help them at the Emirates, if Arsenal can get a crucial early goal then I fully expect them to go on and win this one by two or more goals.
My next suggested bet will not be a massive price but Alexis Sanchez is now match fit and is due a goal, his odds will be in the region of 4/1 for first goal scorer and if you can get that then I can’t invest my money elsewhere.
There are some tricky affairs elsewhere and I’m expecting close encounters in most of them, promoted sides Norwich and Bournemouth do battle at Carrow Road and although Bournemouth are ahead of Norwich in the league so far on goal difference, I think Norwich will just shade this one (expect plenty of goals though).
Crystal Palace take on Manchester City, this is a tough assignment for Manual Pellegrini’s team, with Palace’s only defeat coming to Arsenal and having watched them, they are an impressive outfit, however so are City and the big money signing of Kevin De Bruyne shows their intent this season.
De Bruyne impressed me when I saw him against Everton last season and although he’s not the most natural of midfielders, he created plenty of chances and I remember thinking that he would score plenty of goals with the way he fancies himself from distance, he’s certainly worth keeping an eye on in future first goalscorer markets, with regards to the outcome of the game though I fancy City to edge this one (City to win by one goal at 3/1 may be worth a second look).
In the other games, West Brom host Southampton (draw), Swansea travel to Watford (Swansea), Sunderland take on Tottenham on Sunday (draw), Leicester are at home to Aston Villa (Leicester) and West Hame take on Newcastle on Monday (draw)