The first international break during the Premier League campaign was an unwelcomed one, especially with the way things were going in England’s top flight, where upsets were taking its toll on the league, seeing the likes of Liverpool lose 7-2, Manchester United going down 6-1 and Manchester City losing 5-2 at home to Leicester City the week before. Let’s hope the break didn’t interrupt the frantic frenzy with plenty of mouth-watering encounters lined up this weekend. After a week-long break, let’s get straight into the action!
Saturday 17 October
Everton 28/10
Draw 3/1
Liverpool 17/20
(13:30)
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West Brom 29/20
Draw 23/10
Burnley 19/10
(16:00)
West Brom seek their first win in the top flight since their return from the Championship, failing to beat any of their four opponents thus far. The Baggies also have the record of having the worst defence in the league, shipping in 13 goals already. Burnley sit one place below West Brom in 18th spot with a game in hand, losing all three of their ties played so far. The Clarets failed to really strengthen their squad during the transfer window, but Sean Dyche will call upon Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood up front for the second time this season with Barnes now fully fit following his lengthy spell on the sidelines. My money is on the Away Win/Draw Double Chance at 5/10.
Chelsea 5/10
Draw 36/10
Southampton 47/10
(16:00)
Chelsea will be looking to build on from their emphatic 4-0 win over Crystal Palace before the break as they look for back-to-back wins at Stamford Bridge. And, for the first-time ever, Frank Lampard could welcome Hakim Ziyech into the team, who could make his debut alongside Christian Pulisic, who also returns from a spell on the sidelines. Southampton are on a two-game winning run keeping clean sheets against Burnley and West Brom. With Chelsea shot-stopper, Edouard Mendy, expected to miss this tie due to injury, keeping Danny Ings at bay has become much harder than it already was. Back Chelsea to Win & Both Teams to Score here at 33/20.
Newcastle 37/10
Draw 3/1
Manchester United 7/10
(16:00)
Newcastle will be hoping to inflict yet another major upset over Manchester United when the two sides meet this Saturday. The Magpies were going through a bit of a purple patch before the break, earning a 1-1 draw at Tottenham then further going on to beat Burnley 3-1 at home. Manchester United have looked flat since the start of the new campaign, losing twice from their opening three matches and have conceded the second most goals in the season, despite playing a game less. To make matters worse, the Red Devils will also be without Anthony Martial, who got a red card against Tottenham, while Edinson Cavani’s debut will be put on hold with the Uruguayan striker forced to isolate for 14 days, ruling him out of this tie. It certainly doesn’t look good for Man United, but its always times like these where they tend to surprise us the most. I’ll put my money on them here at 7/10.
Sheffield United 11/10
Draw 9/4
Fulham 11/4
(16:00)
Sheffield United and Fulham do battle this weekend with both clubs sharing identical form, losing all four of their opening encounters. Sheffield United have also scored once in that period, while Fulham have the joint-second worst defence in the league, shipping in 11 goals. It seems that clubs have found a way to beat Sheffield United after their superb form last season, but Fulham were not in the league at the time, so perhaps a few old tricks could get the Blades over the line. I’m backing the hosts to win this one at 11/10.
Leicester City 8/10
Draw 29/10
Aston Villa 31/10
(16:00)
A few weeks ago, Leicester City were the talk of the town, winning all of their matches including a resounding 5-2 win at Manchester City. Since then, the Foxes were battered 3-0 at home to West Ham, while Aston Villa shocked the world by smashing Liverpool 7-2 at Villa Park, maintaining their 100 percent record this campaign. Dean Smith’s men have done some of the smartest deals this past transfer window, bringing in Ross Barkley, Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez. Villa look like a side that should be safe from relegation this season. I’m backing these sides to cancel each other out.
Manchester City 4/10
Draw 17/4
Arsenal 11/2
(18:30)
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Sunday 18 October
Crystal Palace 17/10
Draw 22/10
Brighton 17/10
(15:00)
Sunday kicks off with an interesting tie at 3pm where Crystal Palace host Brighton at Selhurst Park. Both Palace and Brighton have played well throughout their opening four matches, but the results haven’t always gone in their favour. The Eagles started their campaign off with wins over Southampton and Manchester United, but have since lost back-to-back matches against Everton and Chelsea. Graham Potter’s side have lost three of their opening four ties, albeit against Man United, Chelsea and Everton. In all of those defeats, the Seagulls performed exceptionally well and will give Palace a run for their money here. Both Teams to Score seems the best bet at 17/20.
Tottenham 6/10
Draw 31/10
West Ham 17/4
(17:30)
Another epic London derby is upon us with West Ham travelling to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to take on Jose Mourinho’s rampant Spurs side. Tottenham have been ruthless in recent outings, thrashing Manchester United 6-1 at Old Trafford and Southampton 5-2 at St. Mary’s. Worryingly for Spurs, they’re still yet to win at home, losing 1-0 against Everton and drew 1-1 against Newcastle. The Hammers have been rampant in their own way as well before the break, thumping Wolves 4-0 and Leicester 3-0 in their own backyard. By no means will this be an easy encounter, so perhaps I’ll fancy my chances on West Ham to Score Over 1.5 Goals at 9/4.
Monday 19 October
Leeds 31/20
Draw 22/10
Wolves 19/10
(21:00)
Leeds and Wolves close off the round on Monday night in what should be an entertaining affair. The tactical battle between Marcelo Bielsa and Nuno Espirito Santo will also be a great watch for the neutrals with the two coaches setting up perfectly for each other’s game plan. Leeds, after losing at Anfield, are on a three-game unbeaten run, claiming maximum points over Fulham and Sheffield United, while they also drew with Manchester City before the break. Wolves were on a run of two consecutive defeats against West Ham and Man City, but ended it with a win over Fulham before the break. The stoppage of football may have done the world of good for Wolves who took too long to get into each match and clearly need a break. I’ll go against the script and back Wolves to edge this one.
TREBLE @ 8/1
Chelsea Win & BTTS 33/20
Man United Win 7/10
Sheffield United Win 11/10
Written by Jesse Nagel