Tag: Tottenham

Betting tips for November 7

Everton v Man United
Neither side is in great form ahead of this contest with Everton losing their last two EPL games and Manchester United without a win in their last two league games. There is a lot pressure building up on United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer whose side are 15th in the table just four points clear of the relegation zone. Victory for Everton will get their season back on track and keep them in the mix while possibly forcing a change of manager at Old Trafford.
Recommended bet: Everton to win

Crystal Palace v Leeds
Both these sides have a total of 10 points from their first seven games, but they have found winning tough in recent weeks. Palace have one win in their last five while Leeds have one win in their last four. Leeds have failed to score a first half goal in their last five. Both teams to score has paid out in the last four meetings while Palace has scored in the last 10 contests with Leeds. Leeds have won all three games this season when they have scored the first goal.
Recommended bet: Under 2.5 goals

Chelsea v Sheffield Utd
Chelsea have one of the best defenses with five clean sheets in their last five league and cup games and they are facing a Sheffield United side who has found the opponents’ net just three times. United has not led at half-time in the league while Chelsea has only trailed once at the break. The second half might see most of the action given the fact 12 of Chelsea’s 16 goals have come after half-time while two of the three goals the Blades have scored have come in the second half.
Recommended bet: Chelsea to win to nil

West Ham v Fulham
West Ham won both meetings the last time Fulham were in the top flight two seasons ago by two-goal margins. On the scoresheet in both those contests was Michail Antonio who will be aiming to get on the scoresheet again in this contest. The Hammers have opened the scoring in four of their last five games and if they get the first goal in this clash, it will be hard to see Fulham recovering to win. Fulham has lost all five EPL games in which they gave up the first goal.
Recommended bet: West Ham to win to nil

West Brom v Tottenham
Under 2.5 total goals has paid out in the two meetings during the 2017/18 season and in five of the last six. It’s easy to see Tottenham score, but it’s at the back questions are asked if they can stop other teams from scoring. West Brom has only managed one goal in their last  four. Tottenham has been quick out of the blocks in recent matches with six goals scored in the opening 16 minutes of their last four games. Harry Kane and Son Heung-min should have a field day against this West Brom defense.
Recommended bet: Over 2.5 total goals

Leicester v Wolves
I hate to remind everyone that when these two sides met last season, they failed to score a single goal. Wolves has scored the first goal in their last four league games while Leicester has opened the scoring in their last two. Leicester has failed to score in their last two home games at the King Power Stadium while Wolves has only scored once in their last two away games. Jamie Vardy continues to score goals even at the age of 33 which is a testament to his fitness and work ethic.
Recommended bet: Draw

Man City v Liverpool
Both games last season saw exactly four total goals scored as both sides won their home clash against their rival. Liverpool’s last two EPL wins have been by a single goal and City’s last two wins in the league have also been by the smallest of margins. Liverpool has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches which have also seen over 2.5 total goals scored. We expect City’s games to produce plenty of goals, but their last last four domestic games have seen under 2.5 total goals scored. Both teams have scored in every league game they have played so far this campaign.
Recommended bet: Both teams to score

Arsenal v Aston Villa
The home team won each meeting when these two sides met last season which is a good omen for the Gunners. Arsenal’s last three league games have produced a total of one goal in each of them. Will there be more than that this time? Neither side has been prolific in the first half in recent games. Arsenal is without a first half goal in their last four while it’s three games and counting for Villa without a goal before the interval. Three of Villa’s last four goals scored have come in injury time at the end of their last three matches.
Recommended bet: Arsenal to win

Betting tips for October 31

Sheffield United v Manchester City:
Don’t be surprised if this game fails to produce many goals. All eight EPL meetings between these two sides have seen under 2.5 total goals pay out. And United has only managed to score three goals in their six games so far this season and two of them have been from the penalty spot. City has scored first in four of their five fixtures and will be expected to do so again in this contest.
Recommended bet: Under 2.5 total goals

Burnley v Chelsea:
In a contrast to the previous fixture, this fixture has a tendency to produce goals. The last six EPL clashes have seen over 2.5 total goals land and that includes Chelsea’s last visit to Turf Moor when the Blues won 4-2 thanks to Christian Pulisic’s hat-trick. Chelsea will be expected to win this one comfortably having scored three, four and three in their last three league games. Burnley, on the other hand, has scored just once in their last four.
Recommended bet: Chelsea win

Liverpool v West Ham:
Liverpool is unbeaten in their last eight games with West Ham and the last five contests at Anfield has seen three or more total goals scored. Mo Salah and Sadio Mane have good scoring records against the Hammers with six in six and five and five respectively. However, the champions have only managed to keep one clean sheet in the league this campaign. West Ham are unbeaten in their last four games having scored five times in the final 10 minutes.
Recommended bet: Over 2.5 total goals

Aston Villa v Southampton:
Southampton has won the last three meetings by exactly two goals and their two wins this season – including last week’s against Chelsea – have been by exactly two goals. Six of the last seven meetings have goals for both the Villans and the Saints who have kept clean sheets in three of their last four league games. Southampton has also scored first in four of their last five. Villa began the season with 11 goals scored in their first three but have managed just one in their last two.
Recommended bet: BTTS

Newcastle v Everton:
Everton will be looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season at Southampton last weekend, but it won’t be an easy trip to Newcastle. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is second on the goalscoring list and he will be aiming to find the net again against a team he has scored four times in his last three meetings and that includes a goal on his last two visits to St James’ Park. Both teams to score has happened in the last four EPL meetings and it has also happened in Newcastle’s last four this season.
Recommended bet: BTTS

Manchester United v Arsenal:
These has been exactly two goals scored in the last three meetings. Arsenal has scored in the last 12 games against the Gunners but they go into this game having lost their last two EPL games this season 1-0. United has only scored the opening goal in one of their five league games this season so the first goal will be crucial in this contest. In the last 10 minutes of United’s league games this season, they have scored five times and given up two goals.
Recommended bet: BTTS

Tottenham v Brighton:
Tottenham have been on the scoreboard early in their recent league games with five goals in the opening 16 minutes of their last three, but it’s at the end of games that is a concern for Jose Mourinho’s side. In their last five, they have conceded five goals in the final 10 minutes which has cost them four points. There hasn’t been a 0-0 draw in the last 19 meetings and with over 2.5 total goals landing in the previous three meetings, that run should be extended to 20.
Recommended bet: Over 2.5 total goals

Fulham v West Brom:
This has all the potential to be a tie which would fit in well with recent meetings. The last four clashes between these two sides have ended all square and three of them were 1-1 ties. And for good measure, three of West Brom’s last four have been draws. Fulham, who has yet to lead at half-time this season, has only opened the scoring once this season.
Recommended bet: Tie

Leeds United v Leicester:
The last four meetings have produced two or fewer goals and that could be the outcome in this fixture. Only two of Leicester’s 13 goals have been scored before half-time while four of Leeds’ 12 goals have come before the interval. Leeds has not scored a first half goal in their last four while Leicester has gone three games without finding their opponents’ net before half-time. Both teams to score has not landed in either side’s last two games.
Recommended bet: Under 2.5 total goals. 

EPL betting tips for October 24

West Ham v Manchester City
West Ham could do with a win to erase some bitter memories given to them by Manchester City in recent seasons. Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to beat the Hammers for the tenth successive game in league and cup competitions. West Ham have failed to score in the last four meetings but the Hammers are a better side these days. I’d expect this game to be closer than the ones City have won comfortably in recent seasons with both teams scoring at least one goal.
Suggested bet: Both teams to score

Fulham v Crystal Palace
This is a game Palace should win, but it would be easy for them to take Fulham for granted. Sooner or later, the home side is going to win a game. If the Cottagers approach this game right, then they could register their first win of the season at the sixth time of asking. Palace has the better squad, but football doesn’t always follow logic like that. Last weekend was the first time Fulham scored first this season while Palace has opened the scoring three times. If Palace score first, then they should be able to see the job through and pick up the win.
Suggested bet: Crystal Palace to win  

Manchester Utd v Chelsea
Both Manchester United and Chelsea added to their squads before the transfer window closed. Forward Edinson Cavani could make his United debut after the free agent was signed following his release by Paris St-Germain at the end of last season. Scoring goals has not been the issue for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, it’s stopping teams from scoring that many felt should have been addressed. Will United be able to stop Chelsea from scoring? Will Chelsea be able to stop United from scoring? I think the answer to both questions is no which should make this an exciting contest.
Suggested bet: Both teams to score

Liverpool v Sheffield Utd
Will Virgil Van Dijk’s knee injury derail Liverpool’s hopes of defending their EPL title? Quite possibly. Van Dijk was a rock in the middle of Liverpool’s defense last season and despite a few uncharacteristic errors this season, he was still a formidable defender. Scoring has been a major problem for Sheffield United with just two goals to show for 450 minutes of action – and one of those was a penalty. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp took a risk withdrawing his front three with half an hour to go in their Champions League opener at Ajax, but it paid off in a 1-0 win. The trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino should be fresh enough to cause a few problems.
Suggested bet: Liverpool HT/FT double

Southampton v Everton
There could well be goals in this contest. Both teams have scored in the last seven meetings between the two sides who are coming off ties last weekend. Everton twice came from behind to rescue a point against Liverpool while Southampton came from 2-0 down and 3-2 down to take a point in a 3-3 draw. Everton has been fun to watch this season. Their last four EPL games have seen three or more goals scored and there has been goals for them and the team they have been playing. In Danny Ings and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, both teams have strikers who are in great goalscoring form.
Suggested bet: Both teams to score

Wolves v Newcastle
Wolves come into this game on the back of successive 1-0 wins over two of the three promoted sides – Fulham and Leeds. They may not have been spectacular wins, but they got the job done. Wolves will be expected to get the job done again this time against a Newcastle beaten 4-1 last weekend. The 1-1 score has been a popular result in recent times with the last three meetings ending that way. Wolves should be too strong for their hosts, but there could be a goal for the Magpies.
Suggested bet: Both teams to score

Arsenal v Leicester
Neither of these sides are in great form right now. Leicester has lost it’s last two while Arsenal have lost two of their last three. These two sides have already met this season in the League Cup with Arsenal winning 2-0. Both managers made changes to their teams for that game and with a gap opening up between them and the leaders, this is a game that needs to be won if they are to stay in touch. There isn’t too much between these two sides and this could well end in a tie.
Suggested bet: Tie

Brighton v West Brom
Brighton might not be top of the table but the one thing you can say about the Seagulls is that they just don’t give up. Brighton has scored in the last minute of their previous three games and while they haven’t won any of them, it shows they just keep playing until the final whistle. West Brom has failed to score in their last two games and if they don’t start winning, then it could be a long season for the Baggies who have been outscored 10-1 in the second half of matches this season.
Suggested bet: Brighton to win 

Burnley v Tottenham
After losing to Everton in their season opener, pundits wrote off Tottenham’s chances of winning the league. But they are unbeaten in their last four and have welcomed back Gareth Bale who was the world’s most expensive footballer when he left Spurs for Real Madrid in 2013. Three of Tottenham’s last four EPL games have seen six or more goals scored. Burnley’s season so far has been uneventful with their first point picked last week in a boring goalless draw at West Brom. If Tottenham gets ahead early, this could and should be a comfortable win for the visiting team.
Suggested bet: Tottenham HT/FT

EPL betting tips for October 17

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 

EPL betting tips October 3

Chelsea v Crystal Palace
Sooner or later, Chelsea will click and the sooner it happens, the more comfortable Frank Lamaprd will feel on the sidelines. A home win should be achieved this weekend against a Crystal Palace side that has is looking to bounce back from their loss to Everton last weekend. Lampard has included Christian Pulisic in his squad following a hamstring injury at the end of last season and he will bring  the best out of those around him.
Bet: Chelsea win

Everton v Brighton
Everton have won all six league and cup games they have played this season and they will be favorites to make it seven straight wins against Brighton who have lost to Manchester United twice in the last week. Brighton hit the woodwork five times in their EPL loss to the Red Devils last Saturday which cost them the game. Everton are getting the best out of forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin who has scored two hat-tricks already this season. The Toffees should be too strong this weekend.
Bet: Everton win

Leeds v Man City
This has all the potential to be the highest-scoring game of the weekend. It promises to be an intriguing battle between the two managers. Marcelo Bielsa loves to pit his wits against the best managers in the league and don’t be surprised if he has something up his sleeve to inflict a second successive loss on City. City are struggling in terms of fit forwards with Sergio Aguero still sidelined and he has been joined by Gabriel Jesus. Having said that, City have Kevin de Bruyne to pull their strings.
Bet: Man City win

Newcastle v Burnley
Don’t expect too many goals in this encounter as the two sides look to put disappointing starts behind them. Burnley have lost both games they have played this season while Newcastle have taken one point from their last two games after starting their campaign with a 2-0 win at West Ham. Burnley have one of the smallest squads in the league and it is already showing. Any more losses and the heat on manager Sean Dyche will increase. One goal could be all it takes to win this game and it could come from a set piece.
Bet Under 2.5 total goals 

Leicester v West Ham
Two of last weekend’s biggest winners meet at the King Power Stadium to open Sunday’s slate of EPL games. Leicester came away from the Etihad Stadium with a 5-2 win after conceding the opening goal to Manchester City. West Ham’s 4-0 win at home to Wolves on Sunday was equally impressive even though manager David Moyes took control of the Hammers from his home as he self isolates after testing positive for Covid-19. Leicester will start as favorites and with Jamie Vardy leading the league with five goals in three games, it’s hard to see the points leaving Leicester.
Bet: Leicester win  

Southampton v West Brom
West Brom has already given up 11 goals in their three games so far which is the most in the EPL. Nine of those goals have come in the second half which needs to be addressed swiftly if the Baggies are to avoid an immediate return to the Championship. Southamptongot their first win of the season last weekend at Burnley and they will fancy their chances of getting a second win this weekend.
Bet: Southampton win

Arsenal v Sheffield United
Sheffield United will hope the arrival of Rhian Brewster from Liverpool will be the answer to their goal scoring problem. The Blades are the only EPL team yet to score a goal. And they will do well to penetrate an Arsenal defense that is generally well set-up. Over 2.5 goals has paid out in Arsenal’s three matches so far this season, and if they can find their groove early, they could score over 2.5 goals themselves. Alexandre Lacazette is looking to score in his fourth successive EPL game.
Bet: Arsenal win

Wolves v Fulham
Wolves have yet to settle into the new signing and it seems manager Nuno Espirito Santo is unsure of his best XI. Last season he had one of the most settled squads in the EPL which made his team selection easy, but fatigue caught up with his players in the latter stages of the season which cost them a place in European. Fulham need to go to Plan ‘B’ after  three successive losses. Conceding early goals has been an issue for manager Scott Parker and if Wolves add to their early woes, then it could be another defeat for the Cottagers.
Bet: Wolves win

Man United v Tottenham
This fixture has a history of producing plenty of goals and there could well be goals this time around. Harry Kane has only scored once this season but he leads the EPL with five assists. In fact, Kane has been directly involved in Spurs’ last six league goals and after scoring a hat-trick to book Tottenham’s place in the Europa League group stage, the England forward could be the key to a Spurs win. United have not looked good in the league this season, and they will have to be at their best if they are to beat the former manager.
Bet: Both teams to score

Aston Villa v Liverpool
The fourth weekend of EPL fixtures come to a close with a clash between two sides with 100 per cent records. Aston Villa has played one game fewer than the champions and they will make life difficult for Liverpool. The defending champions have picked up from where they left off last season and you would expect Jurgen Klopp’s men to collect another win. Villa’s two wins have been against two of the sides at the bottom of the table without a point so this is going to be their toughest test of the season so far. Liverpool’s class up front will be the difference.
Bet: Liverpool win

EPL Betting Tips for September 19/20/21

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

EPL betting tips September 12

The Premier League returns this weekend, and I am going to give you my tips for the opening round of matches.

Fulham v Arsenal
Both sides come into this game having enjoyed success at Wembley in their last competitive matches. Arsenal won the FA Cup and Community Shield at the home of football while Fulham won the Championship play-off final there. The smart money will be on Arsenal to win this game especially if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang picks up his goalscoring form from the end of last season when he scored six goals in his last four games. And he also found the back of the net against Liverpool in the Community Shield so he will certainly be a good bet to score in this game. I can see Arsenal starting fast and take control of this game in the first half. For that reason, I’m going for an Arsenal HT/FT double.

Crystal Palace v Southampton
Recent meetings between these two sides have been low-scoring affairs with under 2.5 total goals paying out in five of the last six. The Saints have won to nil on their three previous visits to Selhurst Park and they will fancy their chances of making it four straight wins especially if Palace start the season the way they finished the last campaign when they picked up just one point from a possible 24. Both teams to score has not happened in eight of the last nine meetings and that is another bet I would be looking at from this contest.

West Ham v Newcastle
West Ham dragged themselves away from the relegation zone after lockdown by playing a more expansive and entertaining style of football. Will David Moyes be brave enough to start the new season in the same manner? Time will tell. Mikhail Antonio was the standout performer when the season resumed after lockdown scoring eight goals and providing an assist in his final seven matches. I would expect Antonio to play a big part in the Hammers’ gameplan against a Newcastle side that may be content to start the season with a point on the road in a potentially low-scoring affair. Under 2.5 goals might be the bet from this game.

Liverpool v Leeds
Welcome back to the Premier League, Leeds. A trip to Anfield first up might be a daunting proposition for Marcelo Bielsa’s newly-promoted side, but it could also be the ideal time to face the defending champions on their own ground before they find  a rhythm. Leeds have waited 16 years to play a Premier League fixture and while they will give it a good go, they might just come undone by Liverpool’s potent attack of Mo Salah, Sadie Mane and Roberto Firmino. I’m going for Liverpool to win this game after leading at half-time.

West Brom v Leicester
Leicester let themselves down at the end of last season when they slipped from what looked to be a safe third-place finish to ending the campaign fifth and missing out on a place in the Champions League. They will have to put that disappointment behind them at West Brom where they will be met by a Baggies side that stumbled their way to promotion rather than ending their fixtures in style. West Brom will look to make it a low-scoring game in order to frustrate their opponents who have won all four of their top flight meetings at the Hawthorns. Jamie Vardy could be the difference between the two sides as Leicester start their campaign with a win.

Tottenham v Everton
Jose Mourinho starts his first full season in charge of Tottenham hoping for a win that will get his players up and running. It won’t be easy against Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton who have strengthened their squad with the addition of midfielder Allan and forward James Rodriguez. Both sides have the ability to score goals which is why I think ‘both teams to score’ will land in North London. Everton have not won this away fixture in their last 12 visits to White Hart Lane, Wembley and the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Brighton v Chelsea
Chelsea have no excuses for not challenging for the title this season after spending over £230m in bringing the likes of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Ben Chilwell to Stamford Bridge. Last season, Frank Lampard’s side were beaten 4-0 in his first game in charge of the Blues, but this should be a winning start to his second season in charge. With the attacking talent at their disposal, I can see Chelsea scoring over 2.5 goals at the Amex against a Brighton side who have yet to beat Chelsea in the EPL in their three home fixtures.

Sheffield Utd v Wolves
Sheffield United were the surprise package last season settling for ninth in their first season back in the top flight when in all fairness, their finishing position could and should have been higher. Wolves missed out on qualifying for European football which could be a blessing in disguise for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. It means they won’t be playing regularly on Thursday and then Sunday. Their squad isn’t the biggest in the league but the quality is there despite losing Matt Doherty to Tottenham in the off-season. This could be another low-scoring game with under 2.5 total goals the most likely outcome.