It’s one of those gameweeks where the big boys should, by and large, accomplish comfortable victories, although choosing who is going to win between Liverpool and Chelsea is anything but straightforward.
So who makes up the pick of this Saturday’s Premier League betting tips:
Crystal Palace vs Stoke City (Saturday, 3pm)
You may have seen/heard Jeff Stelling’s rant about Expected Goals on social media this week, and whether you are a fan of contemporary statistics or not you don’t need a spreadsheet to know that Crystal Palace have dominated their last two home games.
Unfortunately for them, both ended in 2-2 draws, with those controversial Expected Goals stats confirming that the Eagles were good value for the win on both occasions.
With Christian Benteke back and Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the form of his life, it’s fair to say that Roy Hodgson has transformed his new employer.
Stoke are one of those teams that rarely exceed their expectations; indeed, they are the epitome of a mid-table side. They typically save their best work for home matches too, and only Liverpool and West Ham have conceded more away goals than them this term.
Perhaps this is the time for Palace to complete a much-deserved but overdue victory.
Recommended Bet
Crystal Palace to Win (11/10 with William Hill)
Manchester United vs Brighton (Saturday, 3pm)
The backward step that Manchester United took in midweek in defeat to Basel was surprising given how well they played last time out in domestic action.
They thoroughly deserved their 4-1 victory over Newcastle, and the return of Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic coincided with one of their most enjoyable, free-flowing performances of the campaign.
Assuming they can shake off their Swiss disappointment, there’s no reason why United can’t pick up where they left off against the Magpies.
Brighton are another side who typically perform better at home than anyway, and the Seagulls – although rarely outclassed this term – will certainly have their work cut out in restricting the chances that Jose Mourinho’s side create.
Recommended Bet
Romelu Lukaku Anytime Goalscorer (10/11 with William Hill)
Tottenham vs West Brom (Saturday, 3pm)
It’s just one of those quirks of football that West Brom are something of a bogey side for Tottenham.
In their last eight meetings Spurs have only prevailed twice, with the Baggies winning once and five draws. Noticeably, the Midlanders have netted in six of those encounters.
Tottenham have clearly missed Toby Alderweireld at the back this week, and while Mauricio Pochettino has plenty of options to call upon none offer the composure and physicality of the Belgian.
Any West Brom fans hoping for a change of style now Tony Pulis has been dismissed may need to wait a while; caretaker boss Gary Megson is known for a similarly pragmatic approach.
But the shackles will surely be lifted from his players, and we wouldn’t be surprised if they extend that ‘scored against Spurs’ run.
Recommended Bet
Both Teams to Score (11/8 with Betfred)
Liverpool vs Chelsea (Saturday, 5:30pm)
A veritable feast of football awaits us on Saturday evening, and he last time Liverpool occupied this time slot they ripped West Ham to shreds.
The Reds were in similarly virile mood in Sevilla on Tuesday, racing into a three-nil lead at a Sevilla side that were unbeaten in 25 at home up to press.
But once again Liverpool’s defensive frailties came back to haunt them, and they had to settle for a point.
We’re not sure that this is a vintage Chelsea side, and the fact they have won their last two games 4-0 is perhaps due to a kind fixture list: West Brom and Qarabag are not the kinds of opponents that keep managers awake at night.
So they will face a real test of their credentials here, and surely their best method of success is to try and match Liverpool’s attacking ferocity; a goal-fest, of sorts, may ensure.
Recommended Bet
Both Teams to Score & Over 2.5 Goals (19/20 with Paddy Power)
