The International break is just around the corner but not before a weekend packed with Premier League action. Week 7 will centre largely around the result between Chelsea and Manchester City who face off in an early season title crunch match. It’s an opportunity for Chelsea to get level with City on points but at the same time could see Manchester United take a narrow lead when they host Crystal Palace. You can also add to that Tottenham, Liverpool and Arsenal who are all not too far away from gaining some ground this weekend with more favourable draws. By the close of the weekend we could have a distinctive leader at the top and even narrower separation between the chasing pack.
Week 7 Best Bet: Manchester United vs Crystal Palace – Over 3.5 goals at $2.53
Week 7 Best Value Bet: Manchester United to score 4 or more goals vs Crystal Palace at $3.6
Week 7 Head to Head Multi Bet: Tottenham win ($1.36), West Brom/Watford Draw ($3.1), Everton Win ($1.62), Arsenal Win ($1.22) = $8.33
**Odds from Sportsbet.com.au as of 28th September
Headline Fixtures
Huddersfield vs Tottenham
Last 5 meetings (All competitions): Tottenham 1, Huddersfield 1, Draws 3
The weekend action kicks off with an away trip to Huddersfield for Tottenham. This will be a tricky test for the 4th placed Spurs given Huddersfield have started the season well with just the single loss so far and thus far possessing a very good start to the season at home. In their 3 home games they are so far undefeated conceding just once but a Tottenham side that has an impeccable away record with 3 wins scoring 8 times and conceding twice threatens to put a halt to Huddersfield’s strong start to the season. It’s true that Tottenham have struggled results wise at home but on the road they look a far different proposition. Led by Harry Kane, who has scored 5 goals in his last 2 appearances in all competitions, it’ll be some sort of upset to see Tottenham not take the 3 points here.
Predicted Result: Tottenham 3-0
Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals at $1.73
Best Value Bet: Tottenham to win to Nil at $2.1
Chelsea vs Manchester City
Last 5 meetings (All competitions): Chelsea 3, Manchester City 2
This is one of the first really big match-ups of the season with Chelsea hosting Manchester City. Both are in superb form with City so far undefeated this season with an incredible scoring record of 21 goals in 6 games and just 2 conceded. That rate of scoring won’t necessarily continue here given this will likely be a battle of tactics and fine margins. Chelsea defensively themselves are a strong unit and arguably they are a tougher side to break down compared to City. City haven’t really played anyone of quality, with the exception of Liverpool but even when they played Liverpool and won 5-0 they did so with the assistance of a red card. It makes this match all the more intriguing and will be a true test for City as to their title credentials compared to their closest rivals. Chelsea won’t give an inch here so expect this to be a very tough game for goals to be scored. Chelsea will also be on a relative high after their come from behind win away at Atletico Madrid during the week which also saw Eden Hazard back to his best form which puts them in a great position for this match. City are a quality side no doubt but they may just fall short here.
Predicted Result: Chelsea 1-0
Best Bet: Draw No Bet Chelsea at $1.95
Best Value Bet: Draw/Chelsea at $6.5
Newcastle vs Liverpool
Last 5 meetings (All competitions): Newcastle 2, Liverpool 2, Draws 1
Just the 2 points separate Newcastle and Liverpool here in what could be an entertaining fixture with goals aplenty. Newcastle are coming off a tough away loss to Brighton having won their previous 3 straight. Playing at home will suit them better where they have won their last 2 matches by an aggregate of 5-1. Liverpool’s away form has been pretty mixed this season with a run of a Draw, Loss and Win not to mention 10 goals conceded in their 3 matches on the road thus far. Newcastle won’t sit back and with the way Liverpool play, they’ll get their opportunities. Those nervous moments at the back will be there and that’s where this match looks to be an entertaining one. Liverpool’s firepower should see them through, but not without a scare or two first.
Predicted Result: Liverpool 3-2
Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals at $1.68
Best Value Bet: Half-time Draw at $2.2
Remaining Fixtures
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace
Last 5 meetings (All competitions): Manchester United 3, Draws 2
Things just keep going from bad to worse for Palace with the loss to injury of Benteke compounding the pressure on them to even just score a goal. The only goals they’ve seen this season have been in their own net, 13 times. Expect Manchester United to add to that tally comfortably.
Predicted Result: Manchester United 4-0
Best Bet: Over 3.5 goals at $2.53
Best Value Bet: Manchester United to score 4 or more goals at $3.6
Bournemouth vs Leicester
Last 5 meetings (All competitions): Bournemouth 1, Leicester 1, Draws 3
Both sides have won just once so far this season but Bournemouth look the better placed of the two to snatch a win here. They may not get it with Leicester certainly able to cause some damage.
Predicted Result: Draw 1-1
Best Bet: Both teams to score – Yes at $1.62
Best Value Bet: Half-Time Draw at $2.1
Stoke vs Southampton
Last 5 meetings (All competitions): Stoke 3, Southampton 1, Draws 1
The Potters had a pretty good start to the season but have now lost their last 2 as the season starts to get into the thick of it. Southampton are a step ahead on the table at the moment but for all their decent results so far, they’ve only scored 4 times and Stoke won’t make it easy to add to that tally.
Predicted Result: Draw 0-0
Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals at $1.65
Best Value Bet: Draw at $3.1
West Brom vs Watford
Last 5 meetings (All competitions): Watford 2, West Brom 1, Draws 2
Watford have had a blistering start to the season away from home winning all 3 matches but the Baggies are a very difficult side to beat at home. Don’t expect much to be given in this one but there will be a goal or two for the neutrals.
Predicted Result: Draw 1-1
Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals at $1.51
Best Value Bet: Draw at $3.1
West Ham vs Swansea
Last 5 meetings (All competitions): West Ham 2, Swansea 1, Draws 2
The Hammers had their chances against Tottenham last weekend but the clock beat them in the end as they pressed hard for an equaliser. Swansea presents an opportunity to build back some form but they’ve had a very good start on the road where they are currently undefeated including a scoreless draw against Tottenham but all good runs come to an end and the Hammers will bounce back here.
Predicted Result: West Ham 2-1
Best Bet: Both teams to score – Yes at $1.83
Best Value Bet: West Ham to score 1 first half Goal at $2.4
Arsenal vs Brighton
Last 5 meetings (All competitions): Arsenal 3, Brighton 2
The Gunners have found some form lately with a scoreless draw against Chelsea surrounded by wins over West Brom and Bournemouth. New boys Brighton haven’t had much luck on the road so far and away at Arsenal, even with all their dramas, will be too difficult.
Predicted Result: Arsenal 3-0
Best Bet: Arsenal/Arsenal Half-Time/Full-Time at $1.72
Best Value Bet: Arsenal to win both halves at $2.6
Everton vs Burnley
Last 5 meetings (All competitions): Everton 4, Burnley 1
Everton’s come from behind win last time out is perhaps what may spark them into life having been on a 3 game losing streak. Burnley will be difficult to beat here and it’ll take Everton’s best but they may have just turned the corner on the way to some good form.
Predicted Result: Everton 2-1
Best Bet: Everton to win at $1.62
Best Value Bet: Over 2.5 goals at $2.07
