We all enjoyed the Carabao Cup in midweek. Okay, ‘enjoyed’ is a strong word. The least cared for competition is put on the back burner for a week or two, as we return to Premier League action.
Managers are nearing the sack, and others are desperate to keep pace with teams they deemed their peers before a match was played. The top sides are in action this Saturday, so let’s take a look at a few of the 3pm kick-offs…
Burnley v Huddersfield
Burnley and Huddersfield are split by a single goal. Each have eight points from their first five, and only one defeat each. It’s been a fantastic start to the term for both Sean Dyche and David Wagner.
Wagner’s side have scored only one in their last three, however, and will be pleased to come away with a point from Turf Moor. Burnley’s exceptional home form was commonly spoken of last season and will play a significant part if Dyche is to keep the Lancashire side in the top flight once again.
It will be a tight affair, and a moment of quality will likely make the difference either way.
TIP: Under 2.5 goals @ 11/20
Southampton v Manchester United
Even with only one defeat in their five matches, Mauricio Pellegrino is under a bit of pressure at St Mary’s. Saints have underwhelmed so far, and made hard work of their trip to Crystal Palace last Saturday.
In contrast, Manchester United have flown out the blocks this season.
In true Mourinho fashion they have been ruthless, though their defence is more vulnerable that the number of goals conceded suggests. That is unlikely to be tested too much by a Southampton side that have scored four in five matches and failed to score in three.
Manchester United’s attack is red hot at the moment. Their goal scoring threat paired with Southampton’s lack of makes it impossible to see past an away win.
TIP: Manchester United to win and Romelu Lukaku to score @ 39/20
Stoke City v Chelsea
Stoke City have taken four points from their home encounters with Arsenal and Manchester United so far this season. Chelsea required a late winner from Gary Cahill in this fixture last season, and could be in for an arduous afternoon again.
The Potters have already had peaks and troughs this season. They underperformed in their last two outings – against Newcastle and Bristol City – falling to defeat on both occasions. Their displays against Chelsea’s fellow top six sides already this season will cause concern for the Blues, however, as they look to keep in touch with the two Manchester clubs.
Alvaro Morata struggled to hold the ball up against Arsenal and if he cannot improve on that here it could be another cheerful afternoon for a now-expectant Potteries crowd. The draw looks well priced...
TIP: Draw @ 3/1
Swansea City v Watford
Swansea have impressed so far this season. They only have five points thus far, however, and must turn performances into points in their next few matches.
The visitors started very well under Marco Silva, with their 6-0 drubbing against Manchester City the only blip. Whether they can recover from that here will be indicative. Swansea’s attack has been imbalanced, though, and could be blunted by Silva’s side, who have kept three clean sheets already.
The midfield will be congested as Paul Clement jams all of his central midfielders into one line-up, and Watford will be happy to take a point from a club they will likely be near to all season.
TIP: Both teams to score @ 10/13
