Match week four is finally here after the international break rudely interrupted the season after just three weeks. But it could be worth the wait with some exciting games to look forward to.
Match week three provided some late drama, which ruined some of last week’s best bets, but also saved some. Hitting six of our ten best bets last round put us in the green start the season.
Southampton host Man United to kick things off, but the first rendition of the 2024/25 North London derby looks to the be the game of the round as Arsenal head across town to face Spurs.
Man Utd fans had something to cheer about over the weekend as Wayne Rooney rolled back the clock, nestling a free kick into the top corner. Red Devil fans will be hoping to have more to cheer about as the take on 19th place Southampton.
United will be looking to get back on track after back-to-back loses, meanwhile Southampton will be looking to secure their first points of the season.
It’s not all doom and gloom for United yet, they are still trying to work out who they are and what they’re trying to do. This game provides them the opportunity to do just that and snap their two game losing streak. Ten Hag will be hoping to have ironed out some defensive errors and look to stamp out a Southampton side that has only scored one goal through three games.
Erling Haaland continues to break records as he now has the most goals scored for a team through the opening three games of the Premier League. Back-to-back hatricks against Ipswich and the Hammers as well as a strike on goal on opening weekend against Chelsea. This guy is a literal robot and is only paying $1.36 to score at anytime. Against Brentford I think he can bag a double or better.
Brentford have taken care of the lower teams however lost 2-0 to Liverpool. They aren’t quite up to the level of competing for European football and I expect City to dominate at home with KDB and Haaland leading the charge.
Despite Fulham falling short in their opening game, they have bounced back with a win and draw. A mixed start for the Cottagers who are yet to keep clean sheet, which could continue this week against a decent West Ham attack.
The Hammers have had a tough start to the season losing to both Aston Villa and Man City but they have managed to find the back net in all three of their games.
Fulham did the double on West Ham last season with 5-0 and 2-0 wins. However, don’t get it twisted, this weekend’s fixture has all the ingredients for tightly contested battle.
Don’t get me wrong, Liverpool have been one of the biggest surprises for me this year. They haven’t missed a beat since Slot has stepped in. They’re at Anfield as well which is tough to argue with, Liverpool have not lost in 60 of their last 62 games at home.
Coming off international break we may see a slightly underprepared Liverpool side who also need to consider their first Champions League fixture against AC Milan on Wednesday. How Arne Slot lines up his men on Sunday could play a massive role in the outcome of this match.
If he rests some stars to make sure their fit for Wednesday it could be a great opportunity for Nottingham to get a point away from home.
Crystal Palace are still searching for their first win of the season and I have a feeling they’ll be able to bag all three points at home this week against a Leicester side that has somewhat struggled in their return to the top-flight.
I’m expecting both sides to enjoy some attacking success as both teams to score has hit in four of the last five meetings between these two.
Brighton are back at home after 1-1 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates, although they’ll be feeling like they could’ve taken all three once Arsenal were down to ten men.
Ipswich also got their season underway securing a 1-1 draw against Fulham. Although Brighton’s high press might cause some issues at the back for the Tractor Boys.
At short favourites there isn’t enough value to take Brighton head to head… time to find some value. The safe option would be Brighton to win and both teams to score but I do like the value that correct score of Brighton to win 2-1, 3-1 or 4-1 offers. Ipswich have scored in back to back games and if they can score against City, I don’t see why they can’t find the back of the net against Brighton.
Bottom of the table Everton head to Aston Villa and you’d hope that the early international break has given them a chance to reflect on their poor start.
Aston Villa will be hoping to run the score up this game with Everton conceding a league high 10 goals through three games. Aston Villa should win this one comfortably at home so let’s keep things simple.
Aston Villa to win and over 2.5 goals at even money? Yes please.
Bournemouth have already locked in the comeback of the year for second year running after scoring in the 87th, 92nd and 96th minutes to stun Goodison Park with a 3-2 win from two goals behind.
Chelsea had an emphatic 6-2 win away from home and the shithousery from both sides was great to watch. On the other hand they have also had a disappointing 1-1 draw to Crystal Palace… It feels like Chelsea still don’t know who they are (probably because they have 100 guys in their locker room)
Cole Palmer has continued his form from last season so I’ve landed on him for our bet on this game. Palmer is averaging a goal (23) or assist (15) every 76 minutes in the competition for Chelsea. He already has four assists on the year. Bournemouth are also winless in their last five meetings against Chelsea so I think there is good value in our little two leg SGM.
Away wins in the north London derby are rare, but Arsenal have won their last two trips to Tottenham. They will have go without Declan Rice who saw two yellows against Brighton but perhaps more devasting for Arsenal is the fact that captain Martin Ødegaard who limped off the field while on international duty.
Missing one key player in the midfield is one thing, but losing two… This now becomes a great chance for Tottenham to reinstate the rivalry in this derby. It will be an exciting game with chances of both ends of the pitch. Unless David Raya continues to play like prime Neuer, I think both teams can find the back of the net
Arsenal will have to dig deep, a win here could go along way for their title hopes, a loss… we’ll that won’t go down well and they will face a much tougher task when heading to the Etihad the following week.
I’m hoping we will see Raheem Stirling who has the potential to be great at Arsenal, and if he does feature, I’d back him to be aggressive and register at least one shot on target.
The final fixture of match week four takes place with Wolves, who are still seeking their first victory of the campaign hosting Newcastle United. While the Magpies are favoured in this matchup, if the previous results between the teams are anything to go by, a draw would be no great surprise.
While Wolves look like they may be in the relegation battle towards the end of the season, Newcastle look like they could be pushing for Europe again. I think the Magpies head to Molineux Stadium and come away with three points.