The football continues this week with Premier League matches and more.
So which team should you bet on and what are the big stories? Our analysts are here to provide you with all the information you need.
Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.
The EPL are back in business this weekend after sitting out last weekend in the last international window before the World Cup. And what better way to start than Arsenal (-102) vs. Tottenham (+260)? Who do you like and why?
Daniel Thomas: Draw. Draw. Draw. Everything about this game looks like it’s going to be one point each. Arsenal will dominate and take the lead early, but Spurs will crush them and the spoils will be split.
Paul Carr: As much as I hate to agree with Dan, the draw (+270) seems like the best bet on the three line. Tottenham are likely to let Arsenal have more control of the ball and then look to strike on the counter-attack, and Arsenal have not been very good at saving games this season. Spurs have scored in every league game this season, including draws at Chelsea and West Ham, and only held one opponent under 0.7 expected goals. The Gunners also scored in every game but allowed three goals on 1.6 expected goals in their only game against a Big 6 opponent (Man United). A 1-1 or 2-2 finish seems to be on the cards.
Dalen Bracelet: I am aware, my bias is shown here. The guys above are probably right, a tie is the play. So I’m looking at different angles. Over 2.5 goals, which I love at -145. Both teams to score, I also love at -170. Not good value, but they are very good plays that I will probably bet some money on. But where I’m definitely going to go is a straight bet on the Gunners win at +105. At home, against your biggest rival, in an international break…this is more my heart than my head2, but still, if they are going to be a top 4 club, these are games they need to win, and they have. . not done in years.
There has been some controversy this week over whether Trent Alexander-Arnold deserves to be included in the England squad. Would he be willing to risk the Liverpool lad scoring this week against Brighton at (+2000)?
Carr: He has 14 goals in 235 games for Liverpool so playing him at +2000 to score is not far fetched. Thiago Alcantara should be healthy and rested in Liverpool’s midfield, so the Reds should be finding the form we’ve come to expect from them going into the season. But if I had to make a move in this match, I’d take Brighton’s goal and a half. The Seagulls have played well away from home this season, winning at Old Trafford and London Stadium and probably deserving at least one point at Craven Cottage. Liverpool and Brighton have similar expected goals numbers this season, and while there’s always a chance Liverpool can tear apart an opponent at Anfield, I’d stick with Brighton +1.5 (-125).
Thomas: Of course! You are well rested!
Bracelet: A pinch on a long-shot shuttlecock? Sure why not? But I think it’s very unlikely to hit. I like Paul’s game up front, but also contemplating both teams scoring, no tie at +145.
Speaking of the Three Lions, their Nations League exits last week (1-0 loss to Italy, 3-3 draw with Germany) didn’t exactly make Nick Pope a fan favorite. Do we see any bets we like to take advantage of the residual shock that lingers for the Newcastle goalkeeper when he takes on Fulham?
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Carr: I like goals in this game, and not just because of Pope’s international struggles. Fulham’s games have had the most expected goals in the Premier League this season, averaging 3.0 per game, and Newcastle are not far behind with 2.7 total expected goals per game. Both teams also rank in the top six in total shots per game, so there should be plenty of action in front of goal. Also, Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic is apparently unstoppable. He has six goals in seven Premier League games this season and scored four times in two Nations League games with Serbia last week. He has over 2.5 goals (-105) in this game.
Thomas: I’m not sure I like the anti-English tone of the question. Fulham have looked good so far this season. Meanwhile, we have only seen Newcastle shine in patches. I fancy a tie on this one.
Bracelet: Fulham have been solid at the start of the campaign with 11 points from seven games, good for sixth place. They have had good results at home (2-0-1), and those wins are over upstart Brighton, Brentford, and the draw was the season opener against Liverpool. I like that they defend the Cabin well. There will be goals but good value in the two-way market; tie, no bet Fulham +115.
What do you watch in the other European leagues?
Thomas: I would take charge of the goals at Old Trafford. It should be a thoroughly entertaining draw.
What’s your best bet for the weekend?
Carr: Ahead of Saturday’s match at Crystal Palace, Chelsea have a host of questions about the squad, for reasons ranging from injuries to the international break to Graham Potter’s first Premier League match. So I prefer the stability of Patrick Vieira’s Palace, who played well against Arsenal and Liverpool and led 2-0 at the Etihad before Man City became Man City. The odds suggest that Chelsea (-116 to win) have improved simply by sacking Thomas Tuchel. Maybe that’s the case, but we haven’t seen it yet. I’ll side with Palace and take the half goal at -105.
Bracelet: Southampton host Everton in what should be a low scoring affair. The Saints have managed just seven goals in seven games (they were shut out in their last two outings), while Everton only have five in as many. However, the Toffees’ road form has been solid, picking up a point from two of their away games. I love the under 2.5 goals at -120, but I’m also going to play the draw at +235.
Source: news.google.com