The greatest league in world football returns to our screens with a bang this weekend as Super Sunday sees one of the longest-standing rivals on the planet take place when Liverpool visit Old Trafford to take on Manchester United. Elsewhere, its all about playing catch-up as Manchester City look to make amends after their recent slump, which will see them possibly close the gap on Liverpool, while also distancing themselves from Arsenal, Leicester City and Chelsea at this early stage. Tottenham Hotspur, who have also had their struggles this season, face winless Watford, who are in desperate need of a turnaround result to kick on from their dismal start this campaign.
Standings provided by Sofascore LiveScore
Saturday 19 October
Everton 1/1
Draw 26/10
West Ham 26/10
(13:30)
Plenty of speculation surrounding Marco Silva’s future at Everton have been doing the rounds lately with the Portuguese manager losing his last four matches with the Toffees. Perhaps the international break came at the perfect time for Silva to work on new methods and to remind his players that they’re capable of much more. West Ham have been somewhat of a surprise package this term and are yet to lose on the road this campaign, winning one and drawing three of their four visits away from the London Stadium. Both teams won at each other’s home grounds last season, but I’m expecting a different outcome this time around. It’s not a prediction with much confidence, but I’m backing Everton to come good at even money.
Tottenham 9/20
Draw 37/10
Watford 57/10
(16:00)
It seems like its going to be a long season for Tottenham Hotspur and Mauricio Pochettino, who is starting to feel the heat at the London club, despite taking them to their first ever UEFA Champions League final last season. Spurs have already lost three times this season and won’t have a better chance to make things right when they host Watford, who are down in the dumps, being the only team in the division yet to register their first victory. As bad as the Hornets have been, perhaps even they’ll fancy their chances against this Spurs side, who will also have one eye on their Champions League tie against Red Star Belgrade, after earning just a point in the group stages after two games. It’s a bold call and certainly one I will not shy away from, but I’ll put my money on Watford to earn a point at 37/10.
Wolves 8/10
Draw 26/10
Southampton 7/2
(16:00)
Wolves reminded us of their capabilities before the FIFA break, claiming an emphatic and well-deserved 2-0 victory at Manchester City, despite playing on the Thursday prior to that match in Turkey, where they also beat Besiktas. Southampton are one spot above the relegation zone after losing their last three encounters. The Saints seem to be in an early rut, but have won two of their four away games, so perhaps that can give them belief of getting a result at Wolves. Personally, I don’t see it happening. Back the home win here at 8/10.
Leicester City 5/10
Draw 33/10
Burnley 57/10
(16:00)
Leicester City have been the talk of the town this season and were controversially denied getting something at Liverpool before the international break as Sadio Mane went down softly to force the referee into making a decision which was never going to favour Leicester City. At the King Power Stadium, the Foxes have won their last three ties, drawing just once in their opener to Wolves. Burnley will be no pushovers and are currently on a four-game unbeaten run, however, the Clarets are still in search of their first away win this season. Put your money on Leicester City to keep up the pressure at the top of the pile at 5/10.
Aston Villa 29/20
Draw 24/10
Brighton 19/10
(16:00)
Aston Villa ended their four-match winless run in superb style, smashing Norwich City 5-1 at Carrow Road before the break. That was undoubtedly their result of the season so far as Dean Smith hopes the FIFA interval doesn’t interfere with Villa’s rhythm. Brighton, like their opponents, come off the back of a brilliant result, perhaps an even better one, thrashing Tottenham 3-0 at the Amex Stadium. Since Graham Potter has been at Brighton, the Seagulls have looked much more ruthless in attack and are playing with a swagger we had never seen at the club before. They look like they’re going to score every time they attack. For the safe punter, back Over 2.5 Goals at 8/10.
Bournemouth 15/20
Draw 32/10
Norwich 31/10
(16:00)
Bournemouth remain in the top half of the Premier League table after eight games, despite the Cherries’ recent dip in results, failing to win in their last two outings. Their form at the Vitality Stadium hasn’t been too pleasing as well, winning just once from their four games played. Norwich have been disappointing despite their decent start to the league, losing their last three encounters in a row, while the Canaries have also lost all four of their away games this term. It may seem too straightforward, which often prove to be the games that let us down, but Bournemouth should be backed here at 15/20.
Chelsea 3/10
Draw 9/2
Newcastle 17/2
(16:00)
Newcastle look to cause another upset when they travel to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea this Saturday. Steve Bruce’s men have won just twice all season, but those victories were both over Tottenham and Manchester United, so it seems that the Newcastle players know how to raise their game when they’re up against the big guns. Chelsea looked to have turned the corner under Frank Lampard in recent weeks, claiming their first win at home over Brighton, before thrashing Southampton 4-1 at St. Mary’s. Newcastle will look to make it as cagey as possible, something the Chelsea youngsters might not be able to cope with. Will they get a chance to do that at the Bridge, though? Probably not. I’d put my money on the Chelsea (-1) Handicap at 8/10.
Crystal Palace 9/1
Draw 11/2
Manchester City 1/4
(18:30)
A Manchester City side there for the taking? Surely not. Well, Pep Guardiola’s side have looked a shadow of themselves lately, already losing twice in eight games. In fact, another defeat here and Crystal Palace will overtake them in the table. They’re already eight points behind Liverpool in the title race and have been dealt with a few crucial injuries. Palace have been rock-solid at home this season, conceding just once in four games – the least in the league – while Roy Hodgson’s men are also unbeaten at Selhurst Park this term. Crystal Palace have given Man City trouble in the past, but I expect City to edge them this time around. Man City to Win & Both Teams to Score is tipped at 14/10.
Sunday 20 October
Manchester United 36/10
Draw 29/10
Liverpool 7/10
(17:30)
Monday 21 October
Sheffield United 28/10
Draw 11/4
Arsenal 9/10
(21:00)
Monday night throws up a tricky encounter for Arsenal who have had their struggles on the road in recent seasons. Sheffield United have looked the part since their return to the top flight, however, the Blades have lost three of their four home ties at Bramall Lane. Arsenal are currently on a five-game unbeaten run in the league, while Unai Emery’s men have also not tasted defeat in eight matches across all competitions. The Gunners are also hoping to welcome Alexandre Lacazette back from injury as the French striker looks to add to his tally of two goals in three games this season. At 9/10, Arsenal should be backed here to round off the weekend of Premier League football.
TREBLE @ 5/1
Leicester City Win 5/10
Man City Win & BTTS 14/10
Arsenal Win 9/10
Written by Jesse Nagel