EPL Round 7
Another busy weekend across the pond in the ranks of the EPL. We bring in our industry insider to offer his most valuable game nuggets for each fixture on the weekend slate.
All analysis courtesy of @UkBettingPro
Hull City v Crystal Palace
Hull -0.5 and Goal Line 2.25
Last season saw two 1-0 wins for Palace and the way this season’s results have gone a similar result could be on the cards. This match should follow those of past encounters in terms of being a low scoring affair so even at 2.25 on the goal line I will go with the under.
Leicester City v Burnley
Leicester -0.5 and Goal Line 2.5
Both of these sides were promoted from The Championship during the summer. They have met regularly over the last few seasons and Burnley doesn’t win this fixture, losing to Leicester in 5 of the last 7. However -0.5 line is just a bit too tight for me to support Leicester because I don’t believe they’re suddenly THAT much better than Sean Dyche’s men I will just take a little bit of the under 2.5 goals which cashed in both meetings last season.
Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion
Liverpool -1.5 and Goal Line of 3
West Brom have won two of their last three trips to Anfield but last season they were blasted 4-1 at Anfield. The Baggies have scored in each of the last five EPL meetings between the two teams. Until this Liverpool team proves to me that post Suarez they can consistently beat sides by at least two clear goals, I will either fade them or pass on the game markets. I like the under on the goal line of three as none of Liverpool’s home games this season have seen four or more goals. With Balotelli leading the line for the home side, that run may continue deep into the English winter!
Sunderland v Stoke City
Sunderland -0.25 and Goal Line 2.25
Sunderland have drawn five of their six EPL games so far this season but for bettors they have been our friends despite not winning a single game. The last five meetings of the teams have all gone under 2.5 goals with the No on Both Teams To Score (a very popular bet over here in the UK) going 4-1. Fans of symmetry and patterns of results will like this game as so far: Stoke’s form reads LDWLDW so a home win looks in the cards! It’s hard to suggest a win for a team who have failed to pick up three points this season but this could be the spot where that streak ends. Home win in my eyes and the trends suggest under 2.25 goals.
Swansea City v Newcastle United
Swansea -0.5 and Goal Line 2.5
Swansea have done the double the last two seasons over Newcastle and have shut out the Geordies in both games at the Liberty Stadium. By the time you read this Alan Pardew may be looking for a new job as Newcastle is a mess. Swansea is a solid, well run and well managed club. I’m surprised they’re just a half goal favourite for this game so I will take them to just push this disorganised Newcastle unit all around the park and grab the three points.
Aston Villa v Manchester City
Manchester City -1 and Goal Line 2.75
Villa won this fixture 3-2 last season but before that City had won the previous two meetings at Villa Park 1-0. When the sides meet in Manchester it’s a different story as City have scored 4, 3, 5, 4, 4 and 3 goals in the last six meetings at The Etihad. The away performances so far this season from City looks like they are going to open up on their travels more than in previous campaigns as they have netted eight goals in their three away games. Take City -1 as a good bet this weekend given Villa seem to have hit the wall following a promising start.
Manchester United v Everton
Manchester United -0.5 and Goal Line 3
Two teams who are struggling to defend meet this Sunday at Old Trafford for a noon kick off in Manchester. Only one of the last ten meetings of the sides in Manchester would have seen an over 3 goal ticket cash but both of these teams are drastically different this campaign. Until we see otherwise, a goal line of 3 in United games makes you think that a Push is your worst case scenario with an overs ticket in your hand.
Chelsea v Arsenal
Chelsea -0.75 and Goal Line 2.75
Chelsea have won four of the last five meetings of the sides at Stamford Bridge. Last season it was a debacle for the Gunners as they lost 6-0 following an early send off. The one game of the five they won was the famous 5-3 game back in October 2011. Can you seriously see Jose Mourinho allowing this game to turn into a shooutout? Me neither and following last weeks pretty toothless display from Arsenal I cannot put forward a case for the Gunners here. I like the home win here but if you don’t then you may wish to take the over 2.75 goals as I can’t see Arsenal keeping a clean sheet.
Tottenham v Southampton
Tottenham -0.5 and Goal Line 2.5
Spurs host their boss’ previous side here and this looks a very dangerous game for the home team. Pochettino left Southampton as his stock had risen as high as it could at St Marys but looking at the two sides’ start to the season maybe he jumped ship too soon! Both matches last season ended up in 3-2 wins for Tottenham but I can’t see this Spurs line up scoring three goals against an MLS side let alone an EPL team, well maybe except QPR! Give me the away side to take at least a point away from White Hart Lane this Sunday.
West Ham United v QPR
West Ham -0.5 and Goal Line 2.5
I’m still in shock that QPR is not bottom of the table but at least Burnley are not burning through tens of millions of pounds in wages to be this poor. This week Harry takes his aging side across London to one of his former clubs. West Ham have a pace and direct running threat in their forward line that should terrorize this Rangers defence. Give me the Hammers to be blowing their famous bubbles come full time.
