What a first week it was for the English Premier League campaign. We had shock results, sublime goals and inverted full backs, amongst other things.
Both Manchester sides and Chelsea did as expected – defeating inferior opposition in their respective new managers’ first games in charge, while Arsenal’s woes under Arsene Wenger continue. After four months of preparation, the Gunners started their game against Liverpool without a senior centre back, and paid the penalty in a 3-4 defeat. Much to ponder for punters then.
Here is the pick of this week’s Premier League betting tips:
12:30pm – Stoke City vs Manchester City
History tells us that Sergio Aguero can’t play three games in the space of a week, and that could have serious ramifications for a Manchester City side that looked vulnerable at times against Sunderland last week.
Okay, so the 5-0 battering of Steaua Bucharest on Tuesday night was evidence enough that Pep Guardiola’s methods are getting through to his players, but the Romanian side are not of a standard sufficient to test an elite-level side.
Stoke can on their day, however, and with issues remaining at the heart of Man City’s defence – is John Stones and Aleksandar Kolarov really a top level centre-back partnership? – we fancy the Potteries side to net. That would mean that City need to score three times to overcome our handicap; possible sure, but with Aguero likely to take a watching brief their chances are diminished radically.
Recommended Bets
Stoke City +1.25 Asian Handicap at 1/2 with bet365
3pm – Burnley vs Liverpool
The Clarets had an opportunity to get their Premier League campaign off to the best possible start with a plum home fixture against Swansea, who had sold arguably their best two players within hours of the big kick off.
But Sean Dyche’s men could not capitalise, and while credit must go to the Swans for a fine performance, Burnley were severely lacking in a number of departments. Not ideal for welcoming a goal-happy Liverpool to Turf Moor, then.
Only Swansea themselves had more shots on target than the Reds, who played with the same carefree attacking attitude in their romp over Arsenal that informed their fine 2013/14 campaign when they nearly snared the title.
Most worryingly for Burnley is that they conceded 17 shot on goal last week’ compared to Liverpool’s eight. So clearly the Merseysiders’ defensive pressing system is working now, and they should have too much firepower for the newly-promoted outfit on Saturday.
Recommended Bets
Liverpool to win at 7/12 with 888sport
3pm – Swansea City vs Hull City
Swansea’s dominance over a Burnley side that had the post-promotion buzz about them surprised many, and it is testament to Francesco Guidolin’s managerial nous that despite losing Andre Ayew and Ashley Williams just days before kick-off, he was able to fashion a Swans side that looked dangerous in attack and kept a clean sheet at the other end.
They afforded Burnley jus ten shots at goal – almost half of what Hull allowed Leicester to have, and still found the time to carve out nine shots on target themselves. That indicates that all facets of their game are in fine working order at the moment.
The good news for Hull City was that they were full value for their win over the Foxes, who looked weighed down by the champions tag. The bad news for the Tigers is that still possess a very thin squad and they are heading to Wales to take on a side in rampant mood.
Swansea’s form since Guidolin took over in the new year has been pretty good, and they should have to bring Hull crashing back to earth this week.
Recommended Bets
Swansea to win at 5/6 with William Hill
3pm – West Brom vs Everton
When your name is being linked with a move to Barcelona, you know you’re doing something right. And while Salomon Rondon might not be the most fashionable of players in football, there can be no doubting his form and eye for goal at the moment.
Four in his last four for the Baggies is certainly justifying the attention, and in truth he could have had more in his side’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on the opening day: five of his six shots at goal came from inside the penalty area.
Rondon and strike partner Saido Berahino will come up against an Everton side in a state of transformation under Ronald Koeman. He has reverted to a back three, and that meant a full debut for Mason Holgate following the sale of John Stones. The youngster did okay, but if Rondon can isolate himself against the 19-year-old then good things could happen.
Recommended Bets
Salomon Rondon to Score Anytime at 9/4 with Betfair
