Having reached the 10 game mark in the Premier League, the table is starting to come together. We have a better idea of which sides will be fighting relegation, although managerial changes could yet cause some twists at the bottom. With just two league games to go until the next international break, this weekend will be huge as sides look to start climbing the table.
But, just what are the standout games this weekend? Well, we’re taking a look at the live matches from Saturday to Monday, and we’re trying to do it while avoiding Halloween puns. There are matches from the top and bottom of the league, featuring new bosses and under pressure managers… but which sides look set to have a howler (sorry)?
Saturday 31st October 2015
Chelsea v Liverpool (12:45) – Draw (11/4 with Sky Bet)
The big game this weekend is the early kick off at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with Liverpool the visitors. Jose Mourinho has been having an awful week, and it could get much worse in this game. The Blues boss might not even be on the touchline after getting into a row with the referee at half time in their loss at West Ham. With a suspended ban already hanging over him, there’s a chance he’ll face a suspension in this game, with his side in all kinds of trouble already.
Jurgen Klopp is a lot more peaceful at Anfield, despite having not yet won a game. The Reds boss would love to pick up his first victory here, which would harm Chelsea’s hopes of getting back in the top four. So far, Klopp has seen his team draw at Spurs and at home to both Rubin Kazan and Southampton. His team aren’t yet at the level he wants them to hit, and he’s said that will take time. Given his record so far, and Chelsea’s struggles, we’re backing these two to settle for a point each, so we’re tipping the draw.
Sunday 1st November 2015
Everton v Sunderland (13:30) – Both teams to score (20/23 with BetVictor)
Fresh from their win over rivals Newcastle last week, Sunderland will be hoping to pull off a big result at Goodison Park. The Black Cats moved off the bottom of the table with that victory, and now Sam Allardyce is hoping that is enough to start a good run of form. The derby win will tide fans over for a while, but Big Sam must know that he has to take advantage of the momentum they currently have. His side aren’t defensively solid yet, so they’ll have to attack Everton to have any chance of getting a victory here.
The Toffees have suffered defeats in their last two, but they’ve come up against Arsenal and Manchester United. They’ll need to get back to putting points on the board, and they’ll see this as a perfect chance. Everton aren’t completely solid at the back, so the Black Cats should have a chance of troubling them. With both capable going forward we see goals in this game, and that looks like the best way to bet on this one. Calling the match result is difficult, but with both teams to score priced at 20/23 with BetVictor, that’s our tip on this match.
Southampton v Bournemouth (16:00) – Southampton to win and both teams to score (23/10 with Coral)
The late game on Sunday sees two South Coast sides meeting, the first real derby either side have had in the past few years. The Saints have got back to their best in recent weeks, and they look set to have at least a solid campaign. Their point at Liverpool and win at Chelsea is bound to have led to sky high morale within the camp. A European push seems a stretch too far, but they should have more than enough to make the top 10, and to pick up a win against the side down the road from them.
The Cherries were hammered 5-1 by Tottenham on Sunday, and their good start has pretty much evaporated. They’ve lost some key players, and now they need to regroup, but they seemingly can’t do that until the transfer window opens in January. Until then, things will be tough for Bournemouth, and this kind of game will be a real struggle for them. They’re facing Premier League quality in their best form, and it’s hard to see them being able to live with that right now. They should be able to take advantage of the Saints at the back, but we’re backing a home win on the result and BTTS market.
Monday 2nd November 2015
Tottenham v Aston Villa (17:30) – Tottenham -1 handicap (5/4 with Sky Bet)
The last of our four live games from the weekend comes on Monday night, with Aston Villa making the trip to White Hart Lane. Villa come here without former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood, after he was sacked last weekend. They still haven’t appointed a replacement, which will make this game even more difficult for them. Having not picked up a win since the opening day, and with only four points this season, the basement club are in some serious trouble. This really should be a straightforward home win for Spurs.
In previous years this would be the kind of game in which Spurs would struggle, one that should be simple enough but somehow becomes fraught with peril. But, this team is now much harder working under Mauricio Pochettino, so they should have the mentality to get the job done. Their signings are now clicking, and with Harry Kane back to his best, they should blow away this Villa side. The Villains haven’t signed well, and their additions just aren’t up to the standard needed at this level. With no confidence and no manager, we’re backing the Claret and Blue side to take some punishment in the capital on Monday night.