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.
Manchester United is now 0-2, being outscored 6-1. They get 2022 League runners-up Liverpool this week and are a big underdog (Liverpool -180, Man U +460, Draw +340). Is it worth paying the big price to bet or is there a different play for this game?
Dalen Bracelet: I did my United tirade last week; they just aren’t talented and are generally a top-down garbage fire. My favorite play of the weekend was Brentford Draw No Bet at home +180 to the Red Devils… Bees won 4-0. That said, Liverpool have started the season poorly and looked lethargic in back-to-back draws. I think Jurgen Klopp will have no problem motivating his team away from home in a big derby they need to win. I hope Liverpool control this game. Their high pressure should affect United as they were terrible building from the back last week and I don’t see those problems going away. I like that Liverpool win to nil +190 and can also play Reds -1.5 which is priced at +150.
Paul Carr: I like Liverpool in every way in this game. Liverpool outscored United 9-0 in their two meetings last season, including a 5-0 thrashing at Old Trafford, the biggest away win in the history of the landmark series. As Dalen mentioned, United couldn’t handle the pressure from Brentford or Brighton, and Liverpool may be the best pressing team in the league. The Reds have won the ball with a league-best 45 per cent pressing this season, and finished a fraction behind league leaders Man City last season on 32 per cent. Even with the injury problems and the suspension of Darwin Nunez, I’m going with Liverpool -1.5 to +150. Play the first half line (+105) or Liverpool win (-180) if you prefer.
Daniel Thomas: United bottomed out last week and face a Liverpool side that is still in search of victory this season. Liverpool does not offer value, but many goals do. Over 3.5 (+125) looks like a decent bet.
ESPN’s exclusive soccer show featuring daily analysis and highlights from around the world. Watch it on ESPN+
At the top, Manchester City and Arsenal are the only two teams to start 2-0 and pick up the full six points in 2 weeks. We have talked about Man City (-275) in the last two columns as favorites to win the league. Arsenal is 20-1. What do you think about his fast start and EPL title chances?
Bracelet: I am an Arsenal fan; I would love nothing more than to see them win or even compete for the title, but no, that’s not going to happen. As I’ve said here before, I loved the preseason (+165 for top four). That remains their goal, and I think they will achieve it. But to have the consistency and the depth of the team to compete with City and Liverpool, I just don’t think they’re there…yet.
Carr: The fast start is good for our pre-season Arsenal top four bets at +165, as it’s now down to -150, which isn’t all that playable. Arsenal don’t have the depth or dominance to challenge for the title, and Mikel Arteta’s side are not yet a replica of Man City, where Arteta previously coached. For example, in leading this season, City have had 67 per cent possession and have outshot opponents 21-6. When Arsenal were in charge this season, the Gunners had 41 per cent possession and outscored their opponents 19-15. Arsenal should take care of business at Bournemouth this week, although I wouldn’t put up the goal and a half.
Thomas: I backed Arsenal to finish in the top four at the start of the season, and they certainly look like contenders after their strong start to the season. They’re not good enough to win the league, but fans will be heartened by their obvious progress. There is not much value this weekend; I’m going for Zinchenko to have a shot on goal (+150)
Chelsea and Tottenham drew level on Sunday with Harry Kane leveling the game in the 96th minute for Spurs. How will both teams respond this week? Chelsea are huge favorites against Leeds, while Spurs are even bigger favorites against Wolves.
Bracelet: Chelsea-Tottenham delivered a great game and phenomenal drama on the touchline. The Blues are on their way to a Leeds team that I like. Not just the American flag waving here, Jesse Marsch’s system has been implemented well. Up 2-0 en route to Southampton, that pressing style withered in the English heat last weekend and they finished level 2-2. I still think that at home they are going to give Chelsea a fight. It has no value on a Blues play directly, but I like both teams to score -(120). The Spurs showed a lot of mettle on the road last week at home against the Wolves, who have struggled to score. I like that Spurs win to nil +106… I can also play them -1.5 (-105).
Carr: Chelsea’s biggest problem last week wasn’t losing points at home. It was the hamstring injury to midfielder N’Golo Kante, who will miss a month of games. Without Kante on the pitch in the last two Premier League seasons, Chelsea have allowed 20 per cent more expected goals per 90 minutes. So I’m sticking with 2.5 goals at Chelsea-Leeds (-130), as Marsch’s chaos will score again one way or another, with at least three goals in total in 11 of his 16 Premier League games. There is no game for me at Tottenham-Wolverhampton. Spurs should win easily, but Wolves have shown me enough defensively to be wary of playing Tottenham to cover goal and a half.
Thomas: Sometimes the best bets are the simple ones. Parlay Spurs and Chelsea (+113), who should get the job done this weekend.
What do you watch in the other European leagues?
Bracelet: In La Liga, it can be a battle over who is the third best team in the league, as Villarreal go to Atléti. Both had impressive 3-0 victories in their opening matches. I don’t think either team will really put pressure on Barca or Madrid this year, but this is a great early test. I think goals will be a prize, and I don’t like juice, but under 2.5 (-145) is a good move. I think this can also be a draw (+255).
Thomas: Atleti and Villarreal started the season strongly with impressive victories in their opening games. They will both be competing for third place at the end of the season, and I don’t think there will be anything separating them this weekend. Draw the bet.
What is your best bet for this weekend?
Bracelet: I played this game above. I think Chelsea-Leeds have goals. I like parlay play a bit, both teams to score and Chelsea to win (+230).
Carr: My two favorite moves were mentioned above, Liverpool -1.5 (+150) and Chelsea-Leeds over 2.5 (-130). Apart from that, I also like that Leicester City (-115) beat Southampton. The Saints have lost five of seven away games since March, drawing the other two, with Southampton only coming close to one of those games on expected goals. Despite four goals in two games, Leicester’s attack hasn’t been very good so far, but the Foxes can handle the pressure from Southampton and they have enough to pick up victory at home.
Thomas: There is no way that Barça can be as bad as it was against Rayo. I’m taking them to take the victory against Real Sociedad.
Source: www.espn.com