Premier League preview: Saturday’s action including Brighton vs West Ham
Bournemouth vs Spurs
With five losses in their last six games, Bournemouth could probably have done without coming up against a rejuvenated Tottenham this week.
Spurs supporters greeted last week’s win over Man Utd with understandable delight, and it seems that after two games Ange Postecoglou has already established himself as the north London side’s saviour, following false dawns from the likes of Mourinho and Conte.
With Spurs players seemingly emboldened by a newfound sense of confidence, the Cherries may struggle to contain the visitors in this lunchtime kick-off. Let’s keep it simple and back Tottenham for the win at 10/11.
Arsenal vs Fulham
Arsenal had to grind out a win against Crystal Palace on Monday night, but they got the job done.
At the Emirates, against a Fulham side still learning to cope without the recently departed Aleksandar Mitrovic, you’d think it should be more comfortable for the Gunners.
Arsenal haven’t really let loose yet this season, but the Cottagers could prove accommodating, having shipped three goals against Brentford a week earlier. Gabriel Jesus may play some role in this game, but with or without the Brazilian it’s not fanciful to see the hosts cantering to victory here. Combine Arsenal to win and over 2.5 goals at 4/5, or take a chance on Leandro Trossard to provide an assist at 2/1 – last time these two sides met, he notched up a hat-trick of assists…
Brentford vs Crystal Palace
It’s been a solid start to the season for Brentford, who beat Fulham at Craven Cottage 3-0 last time out.
But the Bees’ last four encounters with Palace have ended in draws; so can Thomas Frank figure out how to outmuscle the Eagles on Saturday afternoon?
Bryan Mbeumo may be key to the Bee’s success; with Ivan Toney absent, Mbeumo has been Brentford’s chief goal threat, scoring six goals in his last five appearances. If he finds the net on Saturday, he will match Thierry Henry’s feat of scoring in six consecutive London derbies in the Prem.
Mbeumo is 17/10 to find the net; you could combine that in a double with Brentford to win at 13/5.
Everton vs Wolves
After a particularly mortifying 4-0 loss to Aston Villa on Sunday – Sean Dyche said he could have substituted the whole team at half-time – Everton look to regroup as they welcome Wolves to Goodison.
You’d expect the Toffees to be better on home turf – but will better be good enough? The good news for Dyche is that Wolves are struggling too; like Everton, they’ve lost their two opening games this season.
Still, Gary O’Neill’s side were rather unfortunate to lose away to Man Utd in their opener; and their second defeat came to a Brighton side that are playing inspired stuff at the moment.
The visitors might be in a better place as they come into this game, even if both side’s have been struggling for goals. Against Villa, Dominic Calvert-Lewin again had to come off, this time with an unfortunate cheekbone injury. DCL will be missing for this match.
Wolves won this fixture 2-1 last season, and a repeat could be on the cards here. You could keep it simple and back Wolves to win at 9/4. But with neither of these sides scoring many goals at the moment, backing the visitors to win 1-0 at 15/2 could be a decent alternative.
Man Utd vs Nottingham Forest
On the face of it, Nottingham Forest shouldn’t pose the greatest threat to Man Utd. United played Forest four times last season, without the Tricky Trees managing a single goal.
But It’s been a disappointing start to the season for Man Utd, with mutterings that Mason Mount – and perhaps Erik Ten Hag, too – are turning out to be bad fits for the club.
In fairness, United did win their opener at Old Trafford against Wolves, albeit unconvincingly. The question is, will recent criticism see Ten Hag shake things up, or could this be another anaemic performance?
If so, are we crazy to think backing Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi to score is a decent flutter? The Nigerian seems unstoppable at the moment, with eight goals in six games. He’s 17/5 to score on Saturday.
Brighton vs West Ham
Brighton supporters are loving life after two fine wins to open their campaign – but can the Irons bring the soaring Seagulls down to earth? West Ham enjoyed an impressive 3-1 win of their own against Chelsea last week.
Still, the history books don’t make much of a case for the visitors. David Moyes is yet to lead a side to victory over Brighton in eight attempts; and the south coast team are unbeaten in their 12 league games against the Irons, too.
With Brighton having started the season in white hot style, there’s little reason to think the visitors can sour the mood. Still, betting on goals rather than outcomes may be more profitable.
A total of five goals have been scored in each of Brighton’s first two matches of the season. The side slammed four past West Ham last time they met, too. So backing over 3.5 goals in the total goals market at 5/4 is worth your consideration.
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