Last weekend’s games showed the resilience of a number of Premier League teams, and the difficulties faced by others which either do not have the resources or fighting spirit of their rivals. We take a look at what next week’s games promise.
Saturday brings an encounter between Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion that will be intriguing for bettors. Palace have been excellent away from home, as shown in the win last Sunday over Watford, but fail to get the same kind of consistency at home. It’s certainly not a problem with support – Selhurst Park is one of the noisiest grounds in England – rather it seems to be a problem of how the team is set up. West Brom is a tough side to beat, and odds of 22/5 with BetVictor for a West Brom win look very attractive.
Chelsea look to kick-start its faltering Premier League season with a home game against Southampton. Saints beat Swansea 3-1 last time out, in a match that suggested Ronald Koeman’s team is ready to step up a gear after a difficult start. With Chelsea having to play in the Champions League in midweek, we can factor in tiredness, too, and surmise that Southampton have a chance in this game. A Draw No Bet for Southampton is a very cool 56/19 with Unibet.
The Merseyside derby, which takes place between Everton and Liverpool on Sunday, is always an occasion to savour. Both clubs have great pasts and not so great presents, and both need the three points badly, both for league position and for bragging rights in the city of Liverpool. A draw is 9/4 with Ladbrokes, but expect goals and thrills here.
Manchester United may have hit the top of the Premier League with its assured victory over Sunderland last Saturday, but everyone at Old Trafford knew that sterner challenges await; Arsenal is the opponent United used to fear and respect the most. These days, Arsene Wenger’s side might be some way from being a title contender, but the signs are that it’s getting closer, the same as United. As a clash of clubs that aspire for more, this fixture cannot be beaten, and 11/5 with BetVictor for more than 3.5 goals to be scored is a fine set of odds.
If that’s not enough, take a look at Tottenham Hotspur, who certainly have improved this season, recently grabbing a great 4-1 win over Manchester City. Although few would bet on Spurs for the title, we can see the team taking its momentum and winning away to Swansea City on Sunday, especially with Harry Kane having rediscovered his touch in front of goal.
