Match Week 5 of the Premier League gives us a top of the table clash with Man City playing host to Arsenal. Both teams will be coming off mid-week Champions League matchup and while it’s too early to say that this will be a deciding fixture it sure will help put either team on the front foot to lift the silverware at the end of the season.
We went a little extra with our picks last week trying to find some value, and it paid off in some regard, this week though, we’ll keep things nice and simple and look to get some green ticks right across or betslips.
London clubs clash yet again as East takes on the West in the opening match of the weekend. Chelsea head into this game as slight favourites, but with only two wins out of their last eight against the Hammers you’d wonder why.
Chelsea may just be the right fit for Sancho who put in a man of the match performance off the bench. He adds to their already stacked attack who should be able to outscore just about every team. We’re getting them just over $2 for the win, so why not keep it simple and take them head to head.
Last week was Tottenham’s chance to get one over their North London rivals, but once again, they failed to do so. They are back at home this week with a very winnable match.
Brentford have lost both of their away games to start the season and they are facing down the barrel of a third. Tottenham are not to the quality of Liverpool and City but they should prove to be too much for Brentford.
Newcastle are yet to lose this season in the Premier League and are sitting in third, Fulham on the other hand have only managed one win in their campaign to date sitting right in the middle of the table. Yet these two are so close in odds.
Newcastle have won seven of their last nine fixtures, dominating the Cottagers in recent times. Fulham have had some tight games already but I don’t see any reason why the Magpies won’t get the job done this weekend.
How will Liverpool respond after a defeat at home to Nottingham? We’ll they looked pretty good in their midweek clash beating AC Milan 3-1. Fans should be happy with how Slot’s squad responded, under Jurgen Klopp there would have been zero questions, but this was unchartered territory for Slot’s side.
History isn’t on Bournemouth’s side in this fixture having lost their last five matches at Anfield, including a 9-0 beatdown in August 2022. After correctly doubting Liverpool last week, I’m flipping the script and I think they get this one done comfortably.
Aston Villa had a taste of Champions League football we’re they put three past Young Boys. It should be a good confidence boost for team as they prepare to front up again to face Wolves.
I’ve mentioned Ollie Watkins early struggles but he seems to be on the up and it seems home is where the heart is for Watkins – the striker has been involved in seven goals in his last six Premier League games at Villa Park, scoring four and assisting three.
If we’re doing an SGM we might as well make it three legs, so chuck in the under 5.5 goals for some fun.
These two teams have combined for two points this season, provided by the Tractor Boys two draws in their last two games. They have managed to score twice, while Southampton are yet to get on the score sheet. This screams the under!
Ipswich do look to be the side with more form, and heading away doesn’t seem too much of big deal considering they held Brighton to a goal-less draw last week. Playing the double chance here acts as a safety net but we still get some value in there.
Again, we’re getting odds that I just can’t pass up on in the head to head markets. Everton are yet to register a win or a draw in this campaign and although the Foxes have not had a win either I think this is where they’ll get their season up and running.
Leicester seem to be more exciting than I’d imagined coming into the season. Jamie Vardy, Ndidi and Mavididi are all able to express themselves under Steve Cooper’s management. Their risk taking approach should pay dividends this week.
It seems I had more faith in United last week than most United supporters. Back-to-back wins sets Ten Hag’s squad in the right directions and he’ll hope Tuesday’s big win over third-tier Barnsley in the Carabao Cup will breathe more confidence into his misfiring attack.
Crystal Palace did the double over Manchester United in the Premier League last season, the first time they’ve ever beaten them in consecutive league matches. But Palace are a different side this year after losing some stars.
A tough one to pick, so we’ll utilise the safety net of the double chance and back the Red Devils to either get the win, or grind out a draw.
Both of these teams share the same points, and both have some eye-catching results. Brighton remain undefeated after a stalemate with Ipswich meanwhile Nottingham managed a historic 1-0 victory at Anfield.
In every match these two teams have featured in, there has not been more than three goals. Brighton if they are the contenders they’re hoping to be will need to take all three points this week.
We’ve finally made it to the match of the week. A top of the table clash between two sides who may be heading into this fixture with key injuries. Both sides produced nil-nil draws in their opening fixtures of the newly formatted Champions League. It could be a sign for the matchup which promises to be a tightly contested chess match.
The shorter turn around for Arsenal my prove costly with an already wounded midfield, however the occasion doesn’t get any bigger than this for the Gunners who will need to put on another showing of grit and determination if they want to grab some points.
Man City do feel inevitable but it could be a game were Arsenals defence hold them in it.