We’re now nine games into the Premier League season, and that’s given us a vague outline of the contenders so far. We’ve seen big sides struggle, and there’s still the possibility of the most competitive title race yet. Of course, old school managers will tell you that they don’t pay attention to the table – not until about 10 games in anyway!
Well, we hit that all important figure this weekend, and there’s an incredible line-up of games. We’ll know a lot more about the season after this round of fixtures, especially with so many high profile clashes. There are derbies at the top and bottom, with Sunderland playing Newcastle and Manchester United hosting City. There’s a bumper Super Sunday of action, and as always we have previews of all the big games, with a betting tip for each.
Saturday 24th October 2015
Arsenal v Everton (17:30) – Arsenal win and both teams to score (15/8 with Sky Bet)
The only live game on Saturday is the evening match, with Arsenal looking to further their title bid. They can go top here with a victory, and given their recent league form they’re big favourites for sure. They won 3-0 in their last two games, but it’s hard to see the Toffees coming here and failing to score. Their forward line should trouble this Arsenal defence, as long as they are in the right mood coming down here. While it’s tough to see them picking up a result, you can certainly see them getting a goal, given the Gunners’ midweek exertions against Bayern.
The prospect of going top should be enough to focus the Arsenal players’ minds. They are likely to only keep that place for a day, but it would be a huge statement, possibly even bigger than their 3-0 win over United. Arsene Wenger needs his side to prove their title credentials and after past failings few will see them as contenders yet. A win here could tip that balance, and we’re backing them to achieve that. Don’t expect another clean sheet for Petr Cech, but his side should get another three points.
Sunday 25th October 2015
Sunderland v Newcastle (12:00) – Sunderland to win (6/4 with BetVictor)
After that game attention turns to Sunday, and the Tyne Wear derby is the first of three live games on Super Sunday. These two sides are stuck in the bottom three, and they both seem to be in big trouble. Newcastle picked up a massive three points last week, hammering Norwich 6-2. That will surely boost their confidence, and you’d expect to see things turn around for Steve McClaren. With that win in the bag they head to winless Sunderland, so surely they’re favourites?
Well, they aren’t. The Magpies’ recent record against their rivals is awful, having lost their last five meetings. The Black Cats have actually made a habit of sacking their manager, and then getting a replacement who picks up his first win in the derby. Their last three managers have done that, and each time it’s helped them to safety. With Sam Allardyce in charge, a man who has good reason to dislike Newcastle, the entire squad will be more than up for this game. With form behind them and home advantage, this should be more derby delight for the Mackems.
Manchester United v Manchester City (14:00) – Over 1.5 Man United goals (6/5 with Bet365)
There are few games that could follow up a North East derby but this is one of them. These two sides are once again fighting for the title, and that adds extra spice to this fixture. United are looking at this game as a chance to show that they’re on par with City, and they’d be able to leapfrog their rivals with a victory here. Their impressive 3-0 win at Everton last week was a sign of how they’ve improved, and now they’ll be looking to carry that form into their biggest game of the season.
As for City, they’ll be hoping that United’s trip to Moscow in midweek affects them, especially given how comprehensively they were beaten here last time. City will be without David Silva and Sergio Aguero while Vincent Kompany may also miss out. With those kinds of injury worries, surely the leaders will feel the hit? If United can’t take advantage of them without some of their top stars, they have little chance of landing the title. The Red Devils have hit goalscoring form of late, and they should be able to hurt this City defence. We’re backing at least two goals for the home side here, which looks like the best value bet.
Liverpool v Southampton (16:15) – Over 2.5 goals (39/40 with BetVictor)
The final game of the weekend does feel like a step down compared to the previous two, but it won’t for Reds fans. This is Jurgen Klopp’s first home game, and it comes against a side who have a bit of a grudge with Liverpool. Remember, quite a few of their squad used to play for Southampton, and things don’t always go well when players meet up with former teammates. Will Ronald Koeman and his team make life difficult for Klopp on his big day, or can he pick up his first win as manager?
This match is a hard one to call, but don’t go expecting a repeat of Liverpool’s last game. They played for a draw at Spurs for a good chunk of the game, but they’ll push for a win here. That should leave gaps for Southampton to expose, and they’re quite an attacking side. The Saints also tend to leave gaps at the too, which could give us an entertaining contest between these two. Instead of looking to back an upset or a big day for Klopp, the best value here seems to be over 2.5 goals, at just under evens with BetVictor.