EPL Round 2
The opening weekend of the EPL season offered plenty of surprises. James Kempton is back to share his thoughts on how he sees the 2nd week unfolding highlighted by a rare Friday night kickoff by Man United’s trip to Aston Villa to start the weekend before a finishing kick pitting the last 2 champions Man City and Chelsea against one another.
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Aston Villa v Manchester United
Manchester United -0.75 and 2.5 goals
United have an incredible record in this fixture having won seven and drawn three of the last ten meetings. Both teams squeaked 1-0 wins to start the season and Villa Park will be rocking for this Friday night EPL game. I lean towards United but sense it will be tough in the red hot atmosphere so will prefer an unders play.
Southampton v Everton
Southampton -0.5 and 2.25 goals
Since the Saints returned to the EPL in 2012 the home side in the game has dominated the meetings between these two teams. Five home wins and a draw have been seen with only two goals scored by the away team with Everton firing blanks on each trip to the south coast. Both sides drew two apiece last weekend but the Saints’ result was a far better start to the season. Give me the home team laying the half goal
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Sunderland v Norwich City
Sunderland -0.25 and 2.25 goals
Both teams lost by two goal margins last weekend but Norwich showed some encouraging signs it looks bleak again this year for Sunderland. The home team are not great in this spot hosting weaker opposition so I will take a piece of the road dog.
Swansea City v Newcastle United
Swansea City -0.5 and 2.5 goals
There have been goals galore of late when these sides have met. Over 2.5 goals has gone 4-0 over the last two seasons. Both teams drew two apiece last weekend so let’s just stick with those trends to continue. Give me over 2.5 goals in what should be an open and entertaining game.
Tottenham Hotspur v Stoke City
Tottenham -0.75 and 2.5 goals
Stoke did the double last season including a 2-1 away win at Whitehart Lane last season. Both teams lost 1-0 last weekend to superior opposition whilst showing promising signs. This is a tough call but that extra quarter goal for the Potters makes me shade to the away team and if Harry Kane forgets his shooting boots it could be a long afternoon for the home team.
Watford v West Bromwich Albion
Watford -0.25 and 2.5 goals
Watford led twice at Everton before drawing 2-2 and those are the opportunities you need to take advantage of if you want to survive in this league. The Baggies lost 3-0 at home to Man City on MNF so you’d expect a response from any Tony Pulis led team after a result like that. Give me the Baggies on this line.
West Ham United v Leicester City
West Ham -0.25 and 2.5 goals
The Hammers were magnificent in their win at The Emirates last Sunday whilst the Ranieri era started well in Leicester as well. Beating Sunderland at home though is nothing compared to winning away at Arsenal so I’m surprised to see this line only minus a quarter. I can’t look past the Hammers here to take all three points on what looks to be a very generous line.
Crystal Palace v Arsenal
Arsenal -0.75 and 2.5 goals
Arsenal did the 2-1 double last season and the season before they did the 2-0 double, so do you fancy them to get two here? After watching them last week probably not! They face a Palace side high on confidence and the Pardew/Wenger rivalry will further stir emotions. It’s Palace or no bet for me.
Manchester City v Chelsea
Manchester City -0.5 and 2.5 goals
City burst into life with their 3-0 MNF demolition of West Brom whilst Chelsea stuttered to a 2-2 home draw against Swansea. Both games finished as 1-1 draws last season so who would argue with a repeat of those results? The line has shifted from -0.25 to -0.5 so you have to lean towards Chelsea avoiding defeat and grab that half goal.
Liverpool v Bournemouth
Liverpool -1 and 2.75 goals
Liverpool left it until late last Sunday before the Coutinho wonder goal gave them all three points whilst newcomers Bournemouth lost at home to Villa. If Bournemouth look to be expansive here they could be ripped to bits but it may be their best chance of victory. Until I see Liverpool destroy a team I will be happy to back the under on the goal line in all of their matches.
