Welcome to the English Premier League Week 2 game predictions, tips and bets from JL who seek to provide you with a weekly overview of the forthcoming matches, information on statistics, players form, ins and outs, past results and line ups to help you make informed betting decisions.
For those who do not bet with Betfair, laying a team is the same as betting the double chance on most totes for the team we expect to win or draw.
Best Bet: Lay Liverpool at $3 vs Manchester City
25th August Fixture
Swansea ($2.05) Vs West Ham ($3.65), Draw ($3.30)
What a performance from Swansea to absolutely rout a QPR team full of confidence with their heavy transfer market activity. The talk was Swansea would suffer with the loss of midfield ace Allen and new Liverpool boss Rodgers but Swansea made a replied to that talk with the names Michu and Nathan Dyer who heralded a new era for Swansea. Returning to play in front of a home crowd will fill Swansea with great confidence against a West Ham team who pulled off a great win against Villa through a Nolan goal. Expect the goals to keep flowing for a Swansea team with only 4 losses at home last season.
Predicted Result: Swansea 2-0
Betting option: Lay West Ham at $3.65
26th August Fixture
Manchester United ($1.28) Vs Fulham ($11), Draw ($5.25)
The last time United hosted Fulham at Old Trafford the red devils won by a single goal from Rooney. This match up looks to be a thrilling game with Fulham on fire scoring 5 goals in their opening match. United’s defence will be tested again with injuries to key defenders Ferdinand, Evans, Jones and Smalling. Home advantage and a start from RVP will see the hosts secure their first win of the season. Don’t be surprised to see a massive upset on the cards and great value is on Fulham to grab a win away.
Predicted Result: Manchester United 1-0
Betting option: None
Norwich ($2.20) Vs QPR ($3.20), Draw ($3.35)
This will be an interesting game between the two easy beats of the opening round. Both will be fighting vigorously for a win to avoid a survival race later in the season. Despite the talent brought in during the transfer window at QPR, the problem they face is the enormous pressure on keeper Green after a dismal performance against Swansea. Norwich had decent form at home last season with only 6 losses, and (assuming he plays) the signing of Bassong from Tottenham in the heart of defence should see them over the line in a tight encounter.
Predicted Result: Norwich 1-0
Betting option: None
Aston Villa ($2.80) Vs Everton ($2.45), Draw ($3.30)
After a disappointing start to the season, Villa will be looking to kick start their campaign with a win at home. The last time these two met it resulted in a draw, this time around look for Villa to just hold on for a hard earned draw as Everton would be full of confidence after beating United.
Predicted Result: Draw 1-1
Betting option: Lay Aston Villa at $2.80
Tottenham ($1.53) Vs West Brom ($6.25), Draw ($4)
A home return to White Hart Lane will fill Spurs with great confidence to put in a good showing in front of a boisterous home crowd. An in form Jermain Defoe is now full of confidence having scored for England and against Newcastle. Without taking away from a fantastic West Brom upset against Liverpool, you shouldn’t read too much into a score line that included an absolute ripper goal from Gera, an Agger red card and a penalty. Expect things to change at White Hart Lane with Bale and Lennon to run amuck down the wings and with the now permanently signed Adebayor up front.
Predicted result: Tottenham 2-0
Betting option: Tottenham to win at $1.53
Southampton ($2.10) Vs Wigan ($3.50), Draw ($3.30)
Southampton were blistering at some points against a Goliath in Manchester City, no one would have expected a lowly Southampton to be 2-1 up at one stage. If they can show the same fight and determination against Wigan as they did with Manchester City, they could definitely pull off their first win of the season in front of a home crowd. Wigan were blown away by Chelsea inside the first 7 minutes which showed some cracks in their defence and is something Southampton will look to exploit with the added confidence in their performance against the reigning champions.
Predicted result: Southampton 1-0
Betting option: None
Sunderland ($1.83) Vs Reading ($4.35), Draw ($3.50)
The Black Cats will be looking to build on their first performance with a draw against Arsenal and will take great confidence into the Reading game. Reading on the other hand were unlucky to draw against Stoke as a horrible blunder from Aussie goalkeeper Federici gave Stoke the opener. Sunderland look to be clear favourites for this match at the stadium of light.
Predicted Result: Sunderland 2-1
Betting Option: None
Chelsea ($1.53) Vs Newcastle ($6), Draw ($4.15)
Chelsea look to be back on track after a strong start against Wigan away. Their new wonderkid signing Hazard showed he has the talent to make it big in the Premier League with some mouth-watering turns and passes. Newcastle’s Demba Ba found some confidence by ending his 6 month goal drought against Spurs. Newcastle will take confidence in their last meeting at Stamford Bridge running out 2-0 winners. But no one can deny that Chelsea is a much tougher task now. Odds of $4.15 are very attractive for a Draw, but expect a Chelsea win at home.
Predicted Result: Chelsea 1-0 in a tight affair.
Betting Option: None
Stoke ($3.35) Vs Arsenal ($2.15), ($3.35)
With both teams drawing on opening day, Arsenal have a daunting task travelling to Britannia Stadium where the long throws and physical contest will be a tough challenge for the Gunners. The departure of Song and RVP will be sorely missed on the park and it is hard to see which player is going to step up and score the 30+ goals this season. A draw looks good value for both teams.
Predicted Result: Draw 0-0
Betting Option: Under 2.5 Goals
27th August Fixture
Liverpool ($3) Vs Manchester City ($2.30), Draw ($3.35)
Liverpool’s disastrous opening game showed that Brendan Rodgers has plenty of work ahead to rebuild with a thumping 3-0 loss hurting the confidence of the Reds. This week will be a much tougher task against the champions of last. The last time these two met it resulted in a draw at Anfield, however this time around City look too strong for Liverpool who are still a very much a work in progress. Watch out for to continue his fine form in the wake of Aguero’s injury.
Predicted Result: Man City 3-1 – $2.30 for a City win is great value.
Betting Option: Lay Liverpool at $3.00
Please Note:
All of the above are the opinions of the author and are not recommendations or advice. Bet at your own risk.
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