It might have been an all-action week of football, but there’s still something special about the Saturday 3pms.
Sitting down for Soccer Saturday (or whichever of those shows you watch) and getting frantic updates is a part of a football fans’ routine.
Without further ado, let's take a look at four of the Premier League’s Saturday 3pm kick-offs.
Burnley vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH
Burnley’s run of defying all logic and expectations looks to have come to an end. The Clarets have one point from five this season, are out of Europe, and were completely outplayed by Wolves last weekend.
Sean Dyche is facing possibly the biggest test of his managerial career. If he does not adapt, Burnley could be cut adrift.
Bournemouth have already built a handy cushion to the bottom three. Eddie Howe’s side have not had the easier start to the year but have won three of five and have scored as many goals as Arsenal and Tottenham. Their frontline looks hard to stop at the moment.
The Clarets were formidable at home last season. Bournemouth have a tendency for off-days. Despite that, you just cannot look past the form book here. The Cherries should take at least a point from Turf Moor.
TIP: Bournemouth to win or draw @ 4/9
PREDICTED SCORE: Burnley 1-2 Bournemouth (Priced at 17/2 with 888sport)
CRYSTAL PALACE vs Newcastle United
It’s quite simple for Crystal Palace. When Wilfried Zaha plays, they’re a mid-table side. When he doesn’t, they’re relegation fodder.
This was proved again away at Huddersfield last time out. Other than Zaha, Palace offered little, but that was okay because Zaha tormented the Terriers all afternoon and scored a beauty.
Wilfried Zaha has now scored eight goals in his last 10 Crystal Palace appearances.
— 888sport (@888sport) September 15, 2018
Is he the best Premier League player outside the top six? ?#HUDCRY pic.twitter.com/X7JW8mctmh
Newcastle’s one point from five matches doesn’t tell the full story. The Magpies have lost four, but they have all been against top six sides and the performances have been okay.
The attack is still limited, but it should improve when freed up a little more for a match like this. Rafa Benitez will probably still be happy with a draw, mind. This might be decided by a single goal and there’s a good chance it involves Zaha.
TIP: Zaha to score in a Crystal Palace win @ 3/1
PREDICTED SCORE: Palace 1-0 Newcastle (Priced at 23/4 with 888sport)
LEICESTER CITY vs Huddersfield Town
It’s been an up and down start to the season for Leicester. Back-to-back wins have been followed by two defeats. The 4-2 loss to Bournemouth last weekend will have caused concern for Claude Puel, who saw his side ripped apart in the first half.
Home defeat to Crystal Palace last Saturday kept Huddersfield in the bottom three. David Wagner’s side are yet to win a league match this season and, if anything, look even shorter of ideas in the final third than they did in 2017/18.
Leicester have conceded nine so far this season, but their defence does not have much to be worried about this weekend.
The hosts are a tough side to predict. It’s been a real mixed bag so far, but the Foxes have the quality to get a win here. Huddersfield are in trouble.
TIP: Leicester City to win @ 3/5
PREDICTED SCORE: Leicester 2-0 Huddersfield (Priced at 6/1 with 888sport)
LIVERPOOL vs SOUTHAMPTON
Liverpool are on the highest of highs. They have won their first five league matches and beat PSG with a dramatic stoppage time winner on Tuesday night.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are rolling at the moment. Fatigue is the only thing that could stop them here.
Liverpool have won opening five matches of a top-flight season for the first time in Premier League history.
— 888sport (@888sport) September 15, 2018
If you weren't taking them seriously before, you are now.#TOTLIV pic.twitter.com/ArAlpDhWMk
Southampton’s second half collapse at home to Brighton was as unsurprising as it was poor. Mark Hughes’ sides have a terrible record at holding onto leads. A defence that disorganised could be in for a very long 90 minutes at Anfield, even if Klopp opts to rotate.
Liverpool are strong favourites to make it six wins in six. Anything else would be a massive shock, particularly with how Southampton are playing.
TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ 4/9
PREDICTED SCORE: Liverpool 4-1 Southampton (Priced at 13/1 with 888sport)
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
