The transfer window drew to a close last week so we will now get a glimpse into which clubs spent their money best, as many names make their club debuts this weekend. Chelsea were the big spenders on deadline day, splashing £56m on David Luiz and Marcos Alonso and it’ll be interesting to see if they both feature when the Blues take on Swansea on Sunday. Leicester are another side who spent big last Thursday and there is plenty of expectation on the shoulders on their record signing Islam Slimani, who is expected to partner Jamie Vardy up front against Liverpool as the Foxes search for their first win at Anfield since May 2000.
The two Manchester teams did most of their transfer business before the start of the season and their settled squads look like having the potential for challenging for the title. The winner of this clash would climb three points clear at the top of the Premier League table, at least for a day, as well as having the all-important bragging rights over their rivals.
To end this week’s action we have a Monday evening kick off between Sunderland and Everton. David Moyes is still looking for his first league win as Sunderland manager as he faces his former club, who have made a promising start to the season under Ronald Koeman.
Saturday 10th September 2016
Man Utd v Man City (12:30) – Draw (12/5 with Betfred)
The Manchester derby is always a match to look forward to and although it may only be early days, the result of this clash could well shape how the title race pans out this season. Both sides are full of momentum having won all their matches so far this season but for one of them at least, the perfect record will be coming to an end. Matches between the two sides last year were not the most exciting encounters, with just one goal in total, but both are playing with more flair and urgency this season so we should be in for a better match this time.
If you look at the head to head record between the two managers, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, it is the Spaniard who has the better record: seven wins against Mourinho’s three, but it’s important to remember that Pep is without Sergio Aguero for this game and what a difference his absence could make. Without the Argentinian leading the line, City would surely be the happier team with a draw, especially with their ongoing defensive issues which have seen them concede in all of their three league matches so far. Pep has a good record in big games though and his possession-based football might be enough for his side to clinch a point.
Liverpool v Leicester (17:30) – Leicester to win with a +1 handicap (27/20 with Coral)
Liverpool maintained their reputation for inconsistency in the Premier League when bouncing back from their defeat against Burnley with an excellent performance against Tottenham in which they were unlucky not to grab all three points. Their previously blunted attack suddenly became as sharp as it was against Arsenal on the opening day of the season, with Sadio Mane in particular being a real menace. Given how well Leicester can defend a 1-0 lead though, Klopp’s side really need to be the first ones to score, otherwise they may well be in for a frustrating afternoon, unable to break down a deep and organised defence.
Leicester might not seem quite as formidable as they did last season but they are exceptionally well priced to avoid defeat in this match. Their away record in the Premier League last season was second to none and although they lost to Hull at the KC Stadium in their season opener, another good campaign on the road should be expected, even if it’s not quite as good as last season. Liverpool can look like a top side on their day but you never know which side you are going to get so they don’t make for a tempting bet at 8/13 for the win.
Sunday 11th September 2016
Swansea v Chelsea (16:00) – Chelsea to win (3/5 with Sky Bet)
Swansea’s last home game saw them suffer a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Hull City and they’ll have to perform a lot better to secure a good result when Chelsea come to visit. Having sold their former captain, Ashely Williams, and top goalscorer, Andre Ayew, in the summer, the Swans have been tipped by some to struggle this season and are 3/1 to face the drop. Manager Francesco Guidolin will be hoping that record signing Borja Baston can provide the goals to keep the Welsh side afloat however and the Spanish striker is set to make his debut this weekend.
As for Chelsea, they may have needed a little luck to see of the challenge of West Ham in their first game of the season but they are slowly becoming their old selves under new boss Antonio Conte. Against Burnley last time out they put on a real show for the travelling fans and for this game they have two big money defenders to welcome into the team, David Luiz and Marcos Alonso. With Chelsea strengthening in the right areas and growing in confidence, they are worth backing to win this game.
Monday 12th September 2016
Sunderland v Everton (20:00) – Both teams to score (5/6 with Betfair)
Everton striker Romelu Lukaku has promised Everton fans that goals will return once he is back to full fitness. The Toffees have coped well without his goals so far, collecting seven points from their three league matches but over the course of the season they will be dependent on the Belgian’s goals, even after signing Enner Valencia on loan from West Ham. How long his goalless run will continue for remains to be seen but with Sunderland’s defence looking far from assured, and first choice keeper Vito Mannone out injured, Everton should be able to find the back of the net here.
Ronald Koeman is set to welcome back Seamus Coleman to the Everton defence and while even at this early stage, the Toffees rear-guard looks better than it did under Roberto Martinez last season, there is still room for improvement. David Moyes isn’t known for his attacking style but his Black Cats side have scored in all of their matches this season and the recent signing of Victor Anichebe gives them a completely different option up front should they need it. With good odds available on both teams to score, it looks like the best bet for this contest.