You probably know everything you want to know about the teams at the very top of the Premier League, as they’re all over the sports pages most days. However, there are other teams that have the capability to get impressive results against common expectation and net you excellent returns on your bets. We look at some of the fixtures on the fringes of the Premier League this weekend, which you should be looking at for their value.
Watford vs. Arsenal, Saturday
Watford has shown itself to be a sturdy, resilient team, against type for sides that are promoted from the Championship. Quique Sanchez Flores has revived his once-glowing reputation as a shrewd user of playing resources, and the players he has at hand are more than capable of staying in the top league beyond this season.
A 1-1 draw against Bournemouth last time out came after a narrow defeat to Crystal Palace and, before that, a barnstorming win away to Newcastle United. Arsenal, the team currently in second place in the Premier League, is a bigger challenge than the Hornets have hitherto faced, but at Vicarage Road, a small ground that produces a big atmosphere, Watford can spring a surprise.
Arsenal does not always travel well, and Watford will look to physically dominate the visitors’ attacking players. A draw no bet for Watford is a strong 19/5 with Unibet.
Newcastle United vs. Norwich City, Sunday
Steve McClaren is already looking a little beleaguered, as the Newcastle manager attempts to pick his team up from a series of dispiriting results home and away. More than once, the Magpies have been booed off the pitch, with fans wishing to put last season’s relegation struggle out of their collective memory. The team is not bad, but is a work in progress, with several senior players seeming to be a little off-their-game.
Norwich, on the other hand, has shown enough solidity this season to make people believe that the team, like Watford, can avoid going straight back down to the Championship. Dieumerci Mbokani was a smart loan signing, and the striker’s bulky frame, combined with the incisive running of Nathan Redmond, and Wes Hoolahan’s passing, could be a winning combination this weekend.
It’s 2/1 for a Norwich win with BetVictor, and for Mbokani to score anytime, that’s 12/5 with Unibet.
Swansea City vs. Stoke City, Monday
Swansea and Stoke could be seen as two teams on opposite form curves. The Swans began the season positively, demonstrating smart business in the transfer market, with Andre Ayew and the previous season’s purchase Jefferson Montero combining well with Bafetimbi Gomis in attack.
However Garry Monk’s appealing team has had difficulties recently grinding out results on occasions where the opposition press and prevent the south Wales side from putting together its trademark possession game. Stoke, under Mark Hughes, did not manage a win until last time out, but seems to have regained collective confidence. 5/2 with Sportingbet for a Stoke win is an intriguing prospect.
