The wait is finally over with the EPL season resuming this weekend. The International break has seen a large number of EPL players represent their country in world cup qualifiers – Could some of the smaller teams be fresher than the big clubs? It’s also been a good opportunity for clubs to regroup and reassess their performance so far this season as well as the chance to integrate new signings into their respective teams and playing styles. So who has made the best use of the break? Which teams will continue their form and which teams will bounce back? Let’s have a look at the games this weekend and see who’s looking the goods.
We hope to provide you with a little overview of the weekend matches to help you make informed and sound betting decisions. Feel free to give us your feedback, suggestions and opinions on any of the games; we’d love to hear it!
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.
15th September Fixture
Norwich ($2.46) Vs West Ham United ($3.20), Draw ($3.5)
Norwich were impressive against Spurs troubling their defence from the outset and were unlucky to not get a well-deserved win but were denied by fantastic saves from Brad Friedel. Snodgrass was the most influential player for Norwich against Spurs, providing quality corners and scoring a late equaliser and looks to be relishing his time in the Premier league – Look for him to continue his good form. West Ham on the other hand were also impressive with their 3-0 win over Fulham with loan signing Carroll having had a positive start for his new side before limping off with a hamstring injury. The Hammers will be full of confidence going into this one and will be looking to get their first home win of the season. This looks to be a close one.
Predicted Result: Draw 1-1
Betting option: none
16th September Fixture
Arsenal ($1.38) Vs Southampton ($10), Draw ($5.40)
On paper, Arsenal have been poor this season, but when you consider they have yet to concede a goal, they are certainly looking strong in defence. Although Southampton have been impressive thus far, it is hard to see how they can trouble the defence of the Gunners who are now riding high on confidence after their strong 2-0 win over Liverpool. With the likes of Podolski and Cazorla in great touch with both goals and assists, they should have too much class for the Saints especially at home.
Predicted Result: Arsenal 2-0
Betting option: Back Arsenal at $1.38
Aston Villa ($2.44) Vs Swansea City ($3.35), Draw ($3.40)
Swansea looks fantastic value at $3.35 for a win, especially after their strong start to the season. The last meeting between these two at Villa Park was a 2-0 win to Swansea. Villa certainly earned some respect back with their strong performance against Newcastle and taking 1 point for their efforts. Their problem still remains that their strikers have not been able to seriously trouble the opposition though they will be hoping a return home with a small hint of confidence creeping back that they could get over the line. With all things considered, we still feel Swansea are good enough to get another 3 points.
Predicted Result: Swansea 2-1
Betting option: Over 1.5 goals at $1.33
Fulham ($2.10) Vs West Brom ($3.95), Draw ($3.60)
West Brom have been super impressive this season, and with an in form Ben Foster between the sticks and equally in form defence, Fulham could find it hard to score. The positive for Fulham is that they have not lost at home to West Brom in their past 5 with their last meeting at Craven Cottage resulting in a 1-1 draw. Fulham were blown away by West Ham and will be looking to bounce back strongly, so expect them to come out firing in the first half. With new signing Berbatov ready to fire after a half against West Ham, look for him to cause some trouble for the baggies.
Predicted Result: Fulham 1-0
Betting option: None
Manchester United ($1.28) Vs Wigan ($14), Draw ($6.40)
This is clearly the best chance Wigan will have of beating Manchester United with the last time these two meeting at Old Trafford resulted in United thumping Wigan 5-0 thanks to a sparkling hat trick from Berbatov. With Rooney out injured and an injury cloud hanging over Van Persie, the scoring responsibilities will most likely fall to Welbeck. United were lucky to escape with a win against Southampton and will be hugely grateful to return home to play Wigan. Expect Wigan to put up a fight knowing United’s injury issues, but don’t expect the fight to last for too long with United’s depth to see them across the line comfortably.
Predicted Result: 2-0
Betting option: Back Manchester United at $1.28
QPR ($4.90) Vs Chelsea ($1.88), Draw ($3.70)
QPR host Chelsea in what is sure to be a fiery encounter with particular focus on Anton Ferdinand and Terry due to their controversial encounter last season that erupted due to racism claims. The last time these two sides met at Loftus Road, QPR got over the line 1-0 thanks to a penalty on 10 minutes. Looking at Chelsea in the season so far, they are polar opposites with Chelsea streaking the field with QPR desperate to get on the winners list after their horrid start to the season. QPR can take confidence in that they have only lost once to Chelsea in their past 5 at home. It should be a close contest but despite the stats favouring QPR, we can’t see them stunning Chelsea with a win with their new signings still needing time to gel.
Predicted Result: Chelsea 2-1
Betting option: Back Chelsea at $1.88
Stoke ($5.60) Vs Manchester City ($1.78), Draw ($3.80)
Manchester City travel to Stoke and will be looking to continue their winning ways after their 3-1 win over QPR. Stoke have been admirable this season though seem to lack killer instinct by converting chances into wins with 3 draws so far, though they were lucky to get away with a point against Arsenal. Though Stoke have a decent record at versus City with 3 draws in their past 4 meetings at home, City have not been the same team over the past few years with the persistent influx of new faces each transfer window. Expect City to take a win over a stubborn Stoke defence with Tevez looking dangerous after his good form so far this season.
Predicted Result: 2-1
Betting option: Back Manchester City at $1.78
Sunderland ($3.55) Vs Liverpool ($2.32), Draw ($3.45)
This is bound to be a cracking match with Liverpool desperate for a win and Sunderland rejuvenated with their new signings and strong performance against the impressive Swansea. If Liverpool can’t get across the line in this encounter, expect the murmurings among the Liverpool faithful to get louder in calling for Brendan Rodgers head. Sunderland will be fired up in front of their home crowd for the first time this season after their match with Reading was postponed. The last time these two met at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland ran away with a 1-0 win. In form Steven Fletcher will be looking to continue his good form and rattle the Liverpool defence as Arsenal did. Liverpool’s chances will yet again rest with Suarez and Borini but so far they have had an inability to convert chances to goals, however if they fire with good service from a more confident Allen and Sahin, they could certainly bounce back.
Predicted Result: Liverpool 2-1 in a tight contest.
Betting option: None
September 17th Fixture
Reading ($4) Vs Tottenham ($2.06), Draw ($3.65)
Is this the fixture that will finally see Spurs get the 3 points? So far they have let 2 wins slip away against Norwich and West Brom, with no disrespect to either of these sides, Spurs should have closed these games out. Reading is itching to go having not played a PL game since 22nd of August. If anything this will have given them a chance to regroup and recover from their reintroduction into the premier league. The international break could not have come at a better time for AVB with the pressure mounting from Spurs fans after their lacklustre start to the season. Expect a couple of changes for Spurs with Dembele to start and provide much needed creativity as well as Adebayor to start up front. Reading will feel they have nothing to lose, so will fight to the end, but we should finally see Spurs get their first win of the season.
Predicted Result: Tottenham 2-0
Betting option: Lay Reading at $4.00
18th September Fixture
Everton ($1.87) Vs Newcastle ($4.90), Draw ($3.80)
Despite the heavy favouritism that the odds suggest, this should be a fantastic contest. Everton will be looking to bounce back quickly after their loss to West Brom brought them back to earth. Likewise Newcastle will be looking to get their season back on track after being disappointing against Villa. Of particular importance will be Ba and Cisse for Newcastle – If they are to win, these two will need to hit the back of the net. Fellaini could be the difference in midfield and will be looking to continue his strong start. However if Tiote manages to come back from injury, his influence could be curtailed and his return will serve as a massive boost for Newcastle’s chances. All in all, this should be a closer game than many are predicting.
Predicted Result: Draw 1-1
Betting option: None
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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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