Last week I started the EPL with seven correct tips from eight. The only bet that let me down was Tottenham’s home game with Everton which I tipped BTTS to land. Everton did their part, but Spurs let me down by failing to score. Hopefully this week I can do better.
Everton v West Brom
I think it’s going to take West Brom another week or two to find their feet back in the Premier League and I wouldn’t back them to win at Goodison Park. Everton surprised me by winning 1-0 at Tottenham last weekend with their new signings settling in to live in the EPL well. I’m going for a home win in this game as West Brom’s woes continue.
Prediction: Everton to win
Leeds v Fulham
Both these newly-promoted side began their campaigns with losses although they were in very contrasting manners. Leeds earned rave reviews for their bravery in losing 4-3 at Liverpool while Fulham were hammered 3-0 at home by Arsenal. I fancy Leeds in this contest, especially if they can replicate the way they pressed Liverpool at every opportunity. Leeds are better equipped than Fulham to avoid relegation this season and they should be too strong for the Cottagers.
Prediction: Leeds to win
Manchester Utd v Crystal Palace
The question that needs answering in this contest is which Palace side will turn up? Will it be the won that somehow 1-0 at Southampton despite being outplayed in all key areas or will it be the side that ended last season with one point from their last eight games? As for United, will they be able to start the season with a win like they did last season when they opened their season with a 4-0 win over Chelsea. I expect United will prove too strong for Palace with a home win most likely.
Prediction: Manchester United to win
Arsenal v West Ham
It may be early in the season, but Arsenal host West Ham as the league leaders after making light work of Fulham a week ago. The Hammers slipped up to Newcastle at home in their opener and will be looking to register their first win of the season at the Emirates. The smart money would be on Arsenal to make it back-to-back wins and continue to set the early season pace.
Prediction: Arsenal to win
Southampton v Tottenham
Both these sides lost their openers 1-0 last weekend, and neither side will want to be stuck on zero points after two games. Tottenham looked lethargic losing to Everton but the imminent return of Gareth Bale on a loan from Real Madrid should be the boost Spurs need to kickstart their season. Saints shouldn’t be dismissed, and they will make it a difficult game and the bet that could land in this game is under 2.5 goals.
Prediction: Under 2.5 total goals
Newcastle v Brighton
Newcastle welcome Brighton for the Magpies’ first home game of the season and after beating West Ham last weekend, optimism will be high of making it two wins from two. Brighton are looking to bounce back from their opening day loss to Chelsea in a game that produced four goals. Don’t expect that many in this game as this could be a low-scoring game. For that reason, I am going for under 2.5 total goals.
Prediction: Under 2.5 total goals
Chelsea v Liverpool
We haven’t have to wait long for the first blockbuster of the season with Chelsea taking on the champions at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have invested heavily in their squad with the addition of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Ben Chilwell. Chelsea looked better in their opening day win at Brighton while Liverpool looked shaky in defense by newly-promoted Leeds. It’s difficult to see who comes out on top, but their is enough quality on both sides for over 2.5 total goals to land.
Prediction: Over 2.5 total goals
Leicester v Burnley
This is Burnley’s opening game of the season and it’s a tough one as they travel to Leicester who opened their campaign with a 3-0 win last weekend at West Brom. Four of the last five meetings between these two sides have ended 2-1 with both sides winning twice. Chris Wood has scored in three of the last five meetings including both meetings last season. But I’d be inclined to go for under 2.5 total goals in this contest.
Prediction: Under 2.5 total goals
Aston Villa v Sheffield Utd
Both these sides survived the drop in their first season back in the Premier League last season, with United setting the standard with a top 10 finish. Villa left it late to secure their place in the top flight and neither of these sides could be described as prolific goalscoring sides which is why I believe there will be under 2.5 total goals scored at Villa Park on Monday night.
Prediction: Under 2.5 total goals
Wolves v Man City
Manchester City have had to wait until the second round of games to lift the curtain on their season. And they will have to wait a little longer to get under way as their trip to Wolves is the final fixture of the weekend. Wolves managed to win both meetings against City last season which derailed Pep Guardiola’s hopes of winning the title. If Wolves win, it will send a message to the rest of the league that they can mount a title charge. The outcome is up for grabs but this has the potential to be a high-scoring game with over 2.5 total goals.
Prediction: Over 2.5 total goals