Premier League Weekend Betting Preview – Week 3
Whilst Manchester City’s loss to Liverpool last weekend doesn’t change too much at the top of the Premier League, it does give the other frontrunners the slightest of hopes that City could still drop a few points. One of those sides looking to keep the pressure on the Manchester club is Chelsea, who face off with Brighton in Saturday’s early clash.
The Blues are on a four-game winless run in the Premier League, drawing 0-0 with Leicester last time out, and they haven’t actually scored in their last three outings in all competitions. They’ll be looking to end their goal drought against the Seagulls, a side that have actually got a pretty stern defensive record at home. They’ve only conceded 14 goals at the Amex this season, whilst the London club have the fourth best goal-scoring record away from home.
For all of the Seagulls hardwork and endeavour, they’ve particularly struggled against the top teams this season. Against the league’s current top six (Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspurs and Arsenal), they’ve lost six from six matches, with an aggregate score of 14-1. They’ve got a capable defence, but the top teams have got even more able attacks.
For that reason, back an away win at 1/2 with Unibet. The Sussex-based side have only managed one goal in six attempts against the top sides and Chelsea have only conceded nine goals away from home all season – a league-best alongside frontrunners City. For that reason, comfortably back an away win to nil at 11/10 with Bwin.
A lot of Premier League fans will be watching eagerly to see how City react to last week’s loss, but there’s unlikely to be any outcome other than a home win. The Citizens face Newcastle United in Saturday’s late match, and the Magpies have actually put in decent showings against the current top six this season. Whilst they may be winless in six matches, they drew with Liverpool and Arsenal, and City only edged past them 1-0 earlier in the season.
The away side will likely put up a fight early on, but bear in mind that City’s men will be eager to put any doubts over who’s in charge in the title race to bed. For that reason, they’ll likely go into this match with renewed vigour and motivation, despite last weekend’s loss. They’ve won their last 10 matches at home and punters can expect them to do so again. There’s no value there however, so a better bet would be on an anytime scorer. We fancy Leroy Sane to net, with odds at 11/10 with Betfair.
Sunday’s live game pits Tottenham against Southampton, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side running out resounding winners last time these two met over the festive period. Spurs won that match 5-2 and they put on one of their best showings of the season, whilst the Saints were in a bit of a rough period. They haven’t much improved, although a 0-0 draw against Manchester United proved that they are more capable of defending than their match with Spurs made out.
Nevertheless, Tottenham are in a good place right now and their front four of Son Heung-min, Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen are hitting form just at the right time. They clicked perfectly in the recent 4-0 win over Everton, and for that reason they should be favoured in the clash with the Saints. Back an away win therefore at 8/13 with 888sport. Another interesting stat to note is that Spurs have been winning at both half-time and full-time in six of their last eight league matches. They’ve started games quickly, so back them to do so again: Spurs half-time/full-time can be found at 16/11 with Unibet.
The final live game of the weekend is actually on Monday night. Last week’s big winners Liverpool take on Swansea in Wales, and the Reds are massive favourites for the clash. It’s no surprise given last week’s impressive win over City, plus their recent 5-0 win over the Swans on Boxing Day. The Reds are firing on all cylinders; no team in the Prem can match their 29 away league goals so far this season. In fact, Mo Salah on his own (18 goals) has managed more than the entire Swansea side (14) this season. There’s no value backing an away win, so back Roberto Firmino as an anytime scorer at 7/6 with BetBright.
If you fancy delving into the 3pm Saturday kick offs then there are a few interesting bets to take up. There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 16 of Stoke‘s last 20 Premier League games; back it to happen again when they face Huddersfield Town at 13/10 with Ladbrokes.
Another likely contender for over 2.5 goals is Leicester City v Watford. There have been over 2.5 goals in six of Watford‘s last 7 league games, and in Leicester’s last three home games. Back it at 4/5 with Marathon Bet, or get more value and go for a Foxes win and over 2.5 goals (the Hornets have lost six of their last seven away matches) at 17/10 with Paddy Power.
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