The international break threw up a few dramatic games, but this weekend sees the return of the Premier League. We left off on a high after a great Super Sunday of action, and now the league is back with more huge clashes from around the country. Can it deliver with the international stars heading back fatigued from the so-called FIFA virus?
The first victims of that virus will be two of last season’s top six, with Liverpool heading to Tottenham in Jurgen Klopp’s first game in charge. That’s followed up by Arsenal looking to keep pace at the top with a trip to Watford, while Sunday sees a crucial early season relegation six pointer between Newcastle and Norwich. Here we’re previewing all the weekend’s live games, with a betting tip on each.
Saturday 17th October 2015
Tottenham v Liverpool (12:45) – Over 1.5 Tottenham goals (6/5 with Coral)
The early game on Saturday will be Jurgen Klopp’s first taste of the Premier League, as he looks to kick off his Liverpool career in a positive fashion. The former Dortmund manager will be hoping for a victory here to get a Champions League push off the ground, but can he get three points against an in-form Tottenham team? The Lillywhites beat Manchester City comfortably in their last home game, and they’ll be high on confidence heading into this one. Mauricio Pochettino’s work is really starting to show in this team, with Spurs now looking more motivated and harder to beat than they have in years.
While Klopp arrives with a solid reputation, he’s not going to transform this squad overnight. His Dortmund success took time, and that’ll be the case here. With the international break, he’s likely to get two or three days at most with his top stars, and that’s no way to prepare for your first game. He’s unlikely to make too many changes in that time, which should make Spurs the favourites to take the three points. They’ve recently rediscovered their scoring touch, especially against a side who haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last eight games. We’re backing at least two goals for the home side, maintaining their recent goal rush.
Watford v Arsenal (17:30) – Arsenal to win to nil (2/1 with Sky Bet)
The late game sees Arsenal heading to Watford, as they look to build on a great win two weeks before. Their 3-0 thumping of Manchester United at the Emirates meant it was once again time for them to send a message to the title chasers. The Gunners are in the mix right now, but they always seem to be at this stage. The jury remains out on their ability to challenge consistently over the course of the next 30 games. This weekend they face the kind of game they usually win with ease.
Games against the smaller sides have become easy rides for Arsenal in recent years, it’s the results in big games that tends to let them down. Luckily they face a Watford side who have been quite goal-shy at home. The Hornets have scored just once at Vicarage Road this season, and they face an Arsenal side who have a much-improved backline. Petr Cech is starting to make an impression between the sticks, and he should be able to keep another clean sheet against Watford. We’re backing Arsenal to win to nil, with the hosts’ attacking problems continuing.
Sunday 18th October 2015
Newcastle v Norwich (16:00) – Norwich to win (9/5 with BetVictor)
Sunday sees a huge relegation clash at St James’ Park, not something Newcastle fans wanted to hear at the start of the season. After promising that they’d put the struggles of last year behind them, the Magpies have struggled again. Their summer spending hasn’t turned things around, and now they’re in line for the drop, as they sit bottom of the table after failing to win so far this season. What chance do they have of ending that poor run against Norwich on Sunday?
It’s not looking good for them, especially after they lost goalkeeper Tim Krul for the season in the recent internationals. He may not have been in great form, but their replacements are pretty inexperienced. Whoever steps up is likely to be busy, as the Newcastle defence conceded six in their last game, and they face an attack-minded Norwich side. The Canaries have shown little fear in their first few games, and they should go on the attack here. Steve McClaren’s team are there for the taking, and Norwich can’t afford to pass up that chance.
Monday 19th October 2015
Swansea v Stoke (20:00) – Stoke to win draw no bet (2/1 with Sky Bet)
Monday night’s game sees Stoke travelling to Wales, with the country currently delighted with their recent sporting achievements. One side in Wales who aren’t doing so well is Swansea, who have tailed off after a flying start. They’ve not won since beating Manchester United in August, losing three and drawing two. Just as Gary Monk’s side were being praised to the hilt, they hit a rough patch. Their defeat at Southampton was the lowest point, as they delivered a very poor display in a 3-1 defeat. With Stoke making the trip over, can they make life worse for Monk and his team?
Stoke’s season has been the opposite of Swansea’s, as their awful start has turned around in recent weeks. After ending their winless start to the season they’ve now won three games on the spin, and with their best players all back and the team starting to gel, they look dangerous. Mark Hughes’ team were always too good to struggle for too long, and they’re now moving back up the table. An away win at Villa last time out was a big confidence booster for them, and with a game at out of form Swansea, we think they can win on the road again. Back the Potters at 2/1 on the draw no bet market with Sky Bet.