Defeats for Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur sent shockwaves across the Premier League last weekend. The Red Devils were poor at home to Crystal Palace while Spurs also struggled to break down a resolute Magpies defensive unit.
With the top-flight table starting to take some order, Premier League supporters now have a good indication as to who is looking strong and who is struggling. It is still early days though and we should learn more in Gameweek Four.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at this weekend’s best bets, starting with a potential banana skin for United on the south coast. 888sport punters can back this accumulator at a very appealing 15/1.
Southampton vs Manchester United
Southampton registered their first win of the 2019/20 campaign last weekend, securing a 2-0 victory at Brighton. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side followed that up with a narrow win over Fulham in the Carabao Cup but those two successes may have lifted the mood at St Mary’s.
Did anyone honestly expect United to lose to Palace? The Red Devils are playing catch up in the top four race but it is early days and a win here will win the doubters over. United have lost just two of their last 21 matches against Southampton in all competitions.
United were woeful against Palace but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be demanding an improved performance here. Write the Red Devils off at your peril – 26/25 is a good price when you consider how they dismantled Chelsea on the Premier League opening weekend.
TIP: Man United to win (26/25)
Burnley vs Liverpool
Burnley started 2019/20 with a 3-0 victory over Southampton but it has gone pear-shaped since then. Sean Dyche’s men nearly pulled off a shock win at Molineux last weekend before slumping to an embarrassing 3-1 defeat at home to League One side Sunderland.
Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp’s men are sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League table. At the time of writing, Liverpool have a two-point cushion over Manchester City and Anfield regulars will be dreaming of a first top flight crown in the Premier League era.
Liverpool are strong favourites to extend their perfect start to the campaign and punters will be tempted by the 7/10 for the Reds to lead at half-time. As always, the Reds will press from kick-off and Klopp’s side could well make an early breakthrough.
TIP: Liverpool to win the first half (7/10)
Everton vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Everton were punished by Aston Villa last weekend after the Toffees failed to make the most of some guilt-edged chances. It was a night to forget for Marco Silva’s side but Everton bounced back with a 4-2 triumph over Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup earlier this week.
Meanwhile, Wolves are having to juggle their Europa League commitments and Sunday’s clash will be their 10th competitive game of the season. The Molineux faithful saw Wolves snatch a dramatic draw last weekend and the visitors will hope to go one better at Goodison Park.
This one has goals written all over it. Everton and Wolves are both capable of creating clear chances in attack and we could see an entertaining affair on Sunday afternoon. Punters can snap the 19/20 up for both teams to score on Merseyside.
TIP: Both teams to score (19/20)
Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur
Last but not least, we have the north London derby. One of the biggest rivalries in British football, Arsenal and Tottenham’s hate for each other has been well-documented and fans should expect a fierce contest at the Emirates Stadium this weekend.
Arsenal were second best against Liverpool last time out and the Gunners will have had no complaints about the final result. However, fans will be disappointed if Arsenal fall short in this fixture – this means more to supporters than any other fixture.
The same rule applies for Tottenham of course. Spurs lived in the shadows of their north London rivals for a prolonged period but Mauricio Pochettino has taken Tottenham to new heights. In recent years, Spurs have achieved more than their north London rivals.
However, Arsenal are well priced to win this weekend. 11/8 offers decent value for punters, especially taking Tottenham’s recent record into account. With just 15 points from their last 15 Premier League games, Spurs are struggling and the Gunners can take full advantage.
TIP: Arsenal to win (11/8)
Up For 8: My Picks
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa: Draw
Leicester vs Bournemouth: Leicester win
Newcastle vs Watford: Draw
West Ham vs Norwich: West Ham win
Nottingham Forest vs Preston: Forest win
Reading vs Charlton: Draw
Everton vs Wolves: Draw
Arsenal vs Tottenham: Arsenal win
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Alberto Saiz / AP Photo*
