The EPL is back following the first international break of the season and Liverpool’s trip to Everton takes center stage with a full slate of games taking place over the weekend and Monday night.
Everton v Liverpool:
I’m going for a draw in this contest. It will end Everton’s 100 start to the season but a point will keep them top of the standings. Liverpool have had two weeks to dwell on their humiliating 7-2 loss at Aston Villa. There have been eight ties in Liverpool’s last nine visits to Goodison Park with the last three ending goalless. Both teams may be happy to take a point and move on.
Recommended bet: Draw
Chelsea v Southampton:
For all the money Frank Lampard has been allowed to spend on strengthening his squad, the results on the pitch are not what is expected of the team. The return of Christian Pulisic, who is now wearing the number 10 shirt, should find a winning formula but it won’t be easy against a Saints side looking to win their third successive game.
Recommended bet: Chelsea win
Man City v Arsenal:
Contests between these two sides are usually entertaining encounters and this should be no different. This could be a good time for Arsenal to visit the Etihad with the home side still missing forwards Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus. Arsenal have improved a lot under Mikel Arteta who will be looking to get the better of Pep Guardiola who he spent three years as Guardiola’s assistant.
Recommended bet: Over 2.5 goals
Newcastle v Man United:
An out-of-sorts Manchester United travel to Newcastle with more questions hanging over the Red Devils and that is not what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs right now. Newcastle have been inconsistent this season so far, but they do raise their game in fixtures like this so this could turn out to be a close game. It wouldn’t surprise me if both teams found each other’s net at St James’ Park.
Recommended bet: Both teams to score
Sheffield Utd v Fulham:
Both these sides are in desperate need for a win, but after four straight losses, they might be happy to pick up a point each which would be their first of the campaign. Both clubs have conceded the first goal in all four of their contests and one goal could decide this fixture. On paper, the home side has the better players but with Aleksandar Mitrovic leading the line, Fulham has a player who could cause problems.
Recommended bet: BTTS not to happen
Crystal Palace v Brighton:
Goals have been a factor in the four matches both of these sides have played so far this season. Over 2.5 goals has landed in all four of Brighton’s games this season while Palace’s last three have seen a minimum of three total goals scored. Both managers have had a fortnight to work on shoring up their defenses which could make this a cagey affair with few goalscoring opportunities.
Recommended bet: Under 2.5 total goals
Tottenham v West Ham:
At the start of the season, I thought Tottenham really needed Gareth Bale back at the club. Having watched Spurs the last three league games, I’m now thinking they don’t really need him. What a luxury it will be for Jose Mourinho to have the Wales star on the sidelines waiting for his opportunity when his side needs him. That could be against this West Ham side who have looked great in their last two contests beating Wolves 4-0 and Leicester 3-0.
Recommended bet: Tottenham to win
Leicester v Aston Villa:
Aston Villa caused the shock not just of this season, but for many seasons when they destroyed the defending champions Liverpool 7-2 two weeks ago. That will have put Leicester on alert for what they can expect in this game and the Foxes will want to bounce back from their 3-0 loss to West Ham last time out. Villa has scored first in all three games they have played this season while Leicester has conceded the opening goal in their last three.
Recommended bet: Both teams to score
West Brom v Burnley:
These two sides are at the bottom end of the table for a reason. They have been poor in all their games so far and it wouldn’t surprise me if neither of them won this game. If I had to pick a winner, it would be Burnley simply for the fact they have better options in attack with Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes capable of scoring goals. It’s whether the pair can get some good service against a West Brom side who at least have a point on the board already.
Recommended bet: Under 2.5 total goals
Leeds Utd v Wolves:
The final game of the weekend sees Wolves travel to Leeds in what should be a tactical battle between two managers who like to outsmart their counterpart. Leeds have shown already that they deserve to be back in the EPL and with two weeks to prepare for this game, United’s manager Marcelo Bielsa will no doubt have come up with a trick or two to beat Wolves. Leeds will be buoyed by their 1-1 draw with Manchester City in their last home game.
Recommended bet: Both teams to score