Two weekends in, the 2015/16 Premier League season is now in full swing, and it almost feels like the summer break never happened. We’ve already had the thrills and shocks in the first two weeks that we associate with the top flight, and we’re expecting to see a lot more of the same on the coming weekend.
Spread across three days, this weekend and on Monday night, are a host of top matches from the Premier League. Manchester United are in action as they try and maintain their perfect start. Sunday sees Chelsea desperately trying to turn their season around, while the Monday Night Football is Liverpool’s trip to Arsenal. We’re set for a packed few days in the league, and here we have previews for all the big games, including betting tips for each.
Saturday 22nd August 2015
Manchester United v Newcastle (12:45) – United to win to nil (5/4 with BetVictor)
The weekend kicks off at Old Trafford once again, with Newcastle the visitors to the Theatre of Dreams. Man United have started the season with two wins and little swagger, winning both 1-0 and looking pretty functional. That has led to questions on Wayne Rooney’s mentality, and if he’s the right man to be leading the line for the Red Devils. Given that Tottenham’s Kyle Walker has had more efforts on goal for United than their captain, questions have to be asked.
Newcastle’s disappointing defeat at Swansea will do little to boost confidence ahead of this tough trip. The Magpies were disappointing in Wales, which was a big set back after a good opening weekend performance. United’s poor start may give them a little hope, but the hosts have looked impressive at the back so far. Despite piecing together a new look back four, they have kept two clean sheets, and defenders have been their stand out performers in the opening two games. We’re backing their back four to be strong once again, with the Red Devils winning to nil.
Sunday 23rd August 2015
West Brom v Chelsea (13:30) – West Brom/Draw double chance (13/10 with Bet365)
With no late game on Saturday evening, our next dose of live Premier League action comes at the Hawthorns on Sunday. Given Chelsea’s much publicised bad start, this game is a huge one for the champions. They’re quickly falling off the pace of the teams at the top, and morale in the camp surely can’t be that high after the heavy defeat at the Etihad. The visitors desperately need a win here, but this is far from an easy three points for them.
Chelsea’s record at the Hawthorns is far from impressive. They lost 3-0 there at the end of last season, and they’ve not won any of their last four games there. The champions haven’t actually won at WBA since 2011, so it’s crazy to see them odds on here. Albion may not have had the best start, but Tony Pulis will have learnt from his mistakes in their last home game against City. The hosts are a massive price of 5/1 here, but we’re going a little safer, and backing West Brom or draw on the double chance market, at 13/10 with Bet365.
Everton v Manchester City (16:00) – City to win and both teams to score (21/10 with Coral)
The late game is another fantastic clash, with City going to a very confident Everton side. The Toffees won 3-0 at Southampton last week, and they put in a fantastic performance to boot. Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku showed signs of a potentially fantastic partnership, but the big question is, can they continue that? Everton had highs last season, and Lukaku seems to be a very inconsistent player. City will be a huge test for them here, especially on the back of their last home game, the 2-2 draw against Watford on the opening day.
As for City, they look like they’ve clicked from the off, their players seem hungry and the stars are bang in form. They have quality all over the field, but they also have the pace and strength to just steamroller teams. They’ll come to Everton knowing the hosts are on a high from last week, but they’ll be going out to win and win big. So far City haven’t really be tested at the back, and we’re backing Everton to become the first team to score past them this season. Despite that, City are still too strong to back against, so an away win and BTTS is our tip.
Monday 24th August 2015
Arsenal v Liverpool (20:00) – Under 2.5 goals (11/10 with BetVictor)
Monday night’s game is a huge clash, as Liverpool’s top four credentials get a tough examination at the Emirates. After a perfect start to the season, hopes are high on Merseyside that the Reds can make a return to the Champions League, but are they quite on the same level as Arsenal? Despite their two wins so far, they’ve not really impressed in either game, winning both 1-0. Their investment going forward hasn’t quite clicked yet, but they are looking a lot more solid at the back, thanks to a few smart additions there.
They have started better than Arsenal, who lost their opener at home to West Ham. The Gunners just about got over the line at Palace last weekend, and it’s hard to see them being right up to speed for Monday’s game. The earlier start to the season seems to have taken a bit out of players, so don’t expect many fireworks here. Liverpool will keep it tight we expect, given their start, and it’s tough to say Arsenal are good enough right now to break them down. We’re backing a tight game with few goals and under 2.5 seems to be great value, given how these two have started.