After the relative lull of the Nations League and other international fixtures, the Premier League is back this weekend. What does that mean? It means a big league weekend accumulator.
We’re leaving out Manchester United v Brentford here. You never know what you’re going to get at Old Trafford this season and the home side are unreliable betting wise.
Southampton v Leicester will not be of the highest quality and could be worth dodging, while we’re also leaving out the late game in which Bournemouth host Arsenal.
Arsenal’s away form is far superior to Bournemouth’s at home, but they have injuries and we can’t be taking odds-on about them on the road in this situation.
Leg 1: Tottenham v West Ham – 12.30
The criticism of Ange Postecoglu after his comments about always winning something are valid, but Tottenham are not a bad team at all. There’s more than enough evidence to suggest that it’ll be hard for West Ham to score, especially more than once, which puts the away side on the back foot.
Tottenham have taken control at home against everyone other than Arsenal. If they do that again, you feel it’ll be a question of time before they make it count. Verdict – Tottenham win.
Leg 2: Fulham v Aston Villa – 15.00
This Fulham side is a dangerous one at home. They are good going forward which is important. Even the best defences can’t keep a good forward line out forever and I’m not sure Villa will keep a clean sheet.
Fulham have beaten Leicester 2-1 at home, drawn 1-1 with West Ham and beaten Newcastle 3-1. They have since beaten Forest away and gone down fighting, 3-2 at Man City.
For their part, Villa have scored in all of their away games this season and are a genuinely good side, so I can’t back them to get beaten. Verdict – both teams to score ‘yes’.
Leg 3: Ipswich Town v Everton – 15.00
Since returning to the Premier League, Ipswich have lost at home to Liverpool (fair enough) before drawing with Fulham and Villa, scoring each time. Everton, it must be said, aren’t at the same level as the teams they have faced at Portman Road so far.
The away side have improved a bit, but their away form is generally poor. Ipswich are highly motivated in going for their first win, which will come at some stage, but we need some insurance with them. Verdict – Ipswich or draw (double chance).
Leg 4: Newcastle United v Brighton – 15.00
Newcastle are verging on the fourth highest points accumulated in the Premier League since Eddie Howe took over. Last season’s remarkable injury list has left a long hangover – Lascelles and Botman are still out – but others are returning.
Alexander Isak should be back this weekend which is massive, while Lewis Miley is also training along with Callum Wilson.
The Toon are improving and these two are level on points thus far. You have to ask; which one would you back to finish highest after 38 games?
Newcastle have beaten Southampton and Tottenham in the league at home and drawn with Man City, while Brighton have beaten a poor Everton away, drawn with Arsenal with a man advantage and lost 4-2 at Chelsea. The home win is good value. Verdict – Newcastle win.
The accumulator should pay just over 9/2.