The final international break is over – it is time to focus entirely on the domestic game. This weekend, we’ve got an intriguing Premier League double header on Sunday. Ronald Koeman is still under intense pressure at Goodison Park and anything less than a win at Brighton this weekend could signal the end of his brief Everton tenure.
In the late afternoon game, Southampton play host to high-flying Newcastle United and the international break may have hindered the Magpies’ momentum. Rafa Benitez is one of the best managers in the Premier League and Newcastle supporters will be quietly confident of avoiding relegation with the Spaniard in charge.
For now though, the main aim for all four teams is to pick up three points this weekend. We took a look at both fixtures and give our tips for Sunday’s Premier League double header, starting with Everton's trip to the AMEX Stadium.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION vs EVERTON
You can’t knock Brighton’s endeavour and effort. What they lack in quality, they more than make up for in commitment. The Seagulls picked up seven points from a possible 12 prior to the international break and Everton are certainly there for the taking this weekend. At what is an appealing price of 9/4, Brighton are worth considering on home soil.
For Koeman, the bottom line is this: win or be handed your P45 on Monday morning. Farhad Moshiri has backed the Dutchman publicly but Toffees supporters won’t stand for this much longer. Everton spent well over £100 million this summer yet sit just two points above the relegation zone after seven games. Something has to give...
The ‘under’ line for this weekend is worth considering. Chris Hughton’s side have featured in nine competitive games this season and just two have contained three or more goals. With that in mind, it may be worth looking at under 2.5 goals at 13/20. Everton have failed to score in their last three away games and a tight contest looks likely on the south coast.
TIP: Under 2.5 goals @ 13/20
SOUTHAMPTON vs NEWCASTLE UNITED
On the face of it, a tough one to call. Southampton have been very hit and miss so far this campaign whilst Newcastle are fighting it out in the top half of the division. However, it may be wise to take their head-to-head record into account, especially at St Mary’s. Saints have won three of the last four fixtures without conceding a goal – and a similar result could be on the cards here.
Meanwhile, all three of Newcastle’s away fixtures have been settled by the odd goal; once in their favour. Benitez knows that picking up as many points as possible in the early stages of the season could make all the difference at the business end of the year, particularly with the Premier League now being more competitive than ever before.
A Saints win to nil is currently available at 41/20 in 888sport’s Premier League markets and plenty of punters will fancy Mauricio Pellegrino’s side to get back to winning ways. For most clubs, the international break can put an end to any early momentum but for Southampton, it might work in the opposite way. Expect a rejuvenated Saints performance this weekend.
TIP: Southampton to win to nil @ 41/20
* Odds subject to change
