Premier League teams are preparing for their third matches of the season.
We are beginning to get a sense, albeit a vague one, of how teams will perform and which managers could be under pressure. Here are a few thoughts on this Saturday’s 3pm Premier League kick-offs…
ARSENAL vs WEST HAM UNITED
It’s been a rough start for these two London clubs. Arsenal had a nightmare with the fixture computer, which gave them Manchester City and Chelsea to start the season.
Meanwhile, West Ham were thrashed by Liverpool to start the campaign and crumbled at home to Bournemouth last time out.
Jack Wilshere sends clear message to Unai Emery ahead of Arsenal vs West Ham https://t.co/wDwuP7fSMI pic.twitter.com/C5dVrfivSd
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) August 22, 2018
There have been good signs for Unai Emery so far. It’s been less positive for Manuel Pellegrini, who has his work cut out to sort out a painfully unbalanced midfield.
The Hammers’ summer recruitment could be undermined by their failure to reinforce the midfield sufficiently. Unless Jack Wilshere produces a special display on his return to north London, the Gunners should win this easily.
TIP: Over 3.5 goals @ 59/50
PREDICTED SCORE: Arsenal 3-1 West Ham (Priced at 9/1 with 888sport)
AFC BOURNEMOUTH vs EVERTON
This should a good one to watch. Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth are going to play their brand of expansive football and Marco Silva’s Everton will be much the same.
The Cherries are off to a flyer with two wins from two and were very impressive in their comeback win against West Ham last time out.
The Toffees have started in a similar manner, picking up four points from their first two matches including a 2-2 draw at Wolves despite going down to 10 early on.
Goals are the way to go here. These two teams are going to be involved in a few thrillers this season. Let’s hope this is one of them.
TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ 8/11
PREDICTED SCORE: Bournemouth 2-2 Everton (Priced at 11/1 with 888sport)
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN vs CARDIFF CITY
These two were fancied to go down before the season started and neither have shown anything to suggest otherwise so far. Huddersfield’s fixtures have been difficult at least, but Cardiff have just looked desperately short of quality.
Neil Warnock’s side were unable to create much even after Newcastle went down to 10 last weekend.
When @CardiffCityFC meet Huddersfield this weekend, Bluebirds boss Neil Warnock will have managed in this fixture in England's top three leagues ? pic.twitter.com/jH1OFzVctm
— Premier League (@premierleague) August 22, 2018
Defensively they might be solid enough, but it’s hard to see them scoring enough goals. David Wagner’s side really have to win matches like this if they are to stay up.
Home advantage just tips the scales in Huddersfield’s favour. It’s unlikely to be first on Match of the Day, though.
TIP: Under 2.5 goals @ 1/2
PREDICTED SCORE: Huddersfield 1-0 Cardiff (Priced at 5/1 with 888sport)
SOUTHAMPTON vs LEICESTER CITY
Mark Hughes’ Southampton were poor at Everton last weekend. The Saints were vulnerable at the back and have been short of ideas in the final third in their two matches so far.
Leicester present a significant test for Hughes, who could soon beunder pressure despite scraping Southampton to safety last season.
The Foxes looked good at Old Trafford in the season opener and built on that with a home victory against Wolves, but head to the south coast without Jamie Vardy, who is suspended. As we saw against Manchester United, the Foxes are short of cutting edge when Vardy is missing.
The visitors look like the value option for this one. Southampton at 7/5 is still on the short side given their performances against Burnley and Everton.
TIP: Leicester to win or draw @ 3/5
PREDICTED SCORE: Southampton 0-2 Leicester (Priced at 13/1 with 888sport)
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
