SATURDAY
Newcastle v Liverpool
4-3 obviously. Newcastle are 150/1 to win by that margin, with Liverpool 100/1. There are generally plenty of goals in this fixture though, so 7/4 on 3.5+ could be worth a look if you’re feeling a bit more sensible. For the Reds, it’s hard to look past Suarez (7/2) and Sturridge (9/2) for first scorer, but for me the best value in the goalscorer markets is Loic Remy at 7/1.
Surprised to see the home side as long as 16/5 for the win. They’ve been unpredictable so far this season, but if they’re having a good day that’s generous. Can’t see much incentive in Liverpool at 17/20.
Prediction: 1-2 (15/2)
Arsenal v Norwich
Chuba Akpom, a 19-year-old Arsenal academy striker, is 6/1 for the first goal in this one, and Nicklas Bendtner(!) is 9/2. Have I missed something? Giroud’s 3/1, likely, but not worth it at that price. Hard to find any value at all for this one really, the Gunners are 2/7 for the win, with Norwich way out on 17/2. Maybe the draw at 9/2 is worth a look, but it’s not exactly likely, is it?
Prediction: 3-0 (15/2)
Chelsea v Cardiff
9/1 for a Cardiff win, even longer than Norwich… Chelsea are ¼, one for the accumulator, nothing more. Though if you fancy the home team to put a few past Chris Hughton’s side, 3.5+ Chelsea goals at 13/5 could be tempting.
Prediction: 2-0 (6/1)
Everton v Hull
There haven’t been too many goals in games involving Hull this season, so under 1.5 in the match at 27/10 seems reasonable. You’d have to say that Everton are more than likely to win it though, and 9/20 on them doing so is borderline generous. It’s hard to see past Lukaku at 3/1 for the first goal, but Ross Barkley at 8s is tempting.
Prediction: 1-0 (13/2)
Man Utd v Southampton
United are ‘only’ ½ for a home win, how times have changed… Southampton have been talked up a lot in the build-up to this one, but picking up the 3 points will still be a tall order, even at 11/2 I’m not tempted. The draw at 16/5 is where it’s at.
The Saints have got the best defensive record in Europe, so this could be another low-scoring fixture. The bookies recognise that, and Utd are 6/5 to score 0-1 goals. Worth a look, as is Dani Osvaldo to score the first goal at 10/1.
Prediction: 1-1 (7-1)
Stoke v West Brom
The Britannia’s a tough place to go and everything, but Stoke have been bloody awful lately. 13/10 for the win seems about right. If you do fancy them though, don’t expect them to score many goals, how about 1-0 at 7/1? I’d want better than 11/5 to back West Brom, even if their form has improved recently. The draw at 9/4 doesn’t look much better but Saido Berahino’s 7/1 to score the first goal. He got a couple for England u21s midweek and looks the most likely, more so than Kenwyne Jones (6/1) anyway.
Prediction: 1-1 (11/2)
Swansea v Sunderland
It’s not been the greatest start to the season for Sunderland, but Swansea haven’t exactly been setting the world alight either. I’m almost tempted by 9/2 for the away win, new manager and all that… Steven Fletcher is fit again too. He’s 7/1 for the first goal, but that might be expecting a bit much. 8/13 for the Swansea win, uninspiring.
Prediction: 1-0 (7/1)
West Ham v Man City
The Hammers beat Spurs 3-0 last time out, and City’s away form is shocking. A home win is still a stretch of course, but well worth a punt at 4/1. Ravel Morrison at 12/1 to score first? Seems more plausible than Carlton Cole at 9/1. Hard to pick one for City too without knowing which strikers are starting, though you could do worse than Yaya Toure for 7/1.
Prediction: 2-1 (16/1)
SUNDAY
Aston Villa v Tottenham
Spurs are evens for the win, though would probably be shorter than that were it not for the West Ham disaster. At the same time, Villa are no mugs and a home win at 11/4 is worth some consideration too. Christian Benteke is back from injury and 6/1 to score first. Like Fletcher for Sunderland though, that could do with a being a touch longer. Gylfi Sigurdsson at 8/1 looks the best value in that market.
Prediction: 0-2 (9/1)
MONDAY
Crystal Palace v Fulham
Both sides are 13/8 for the win here. I’m going for Fulham, and plenty of goals too. The away side have got some real attacking threat, and Palace’s defence is rather leaky. 5/2 on 3.5+ goals in the match, anyone? Darren Bent’s in decent form at the moment and look’s a good shout at 11/2 to score first.
Prediction: 2-3 (28/1)
ACCUMULATOR: Wins for Arsenal, Chelsea, Swansea, Spurs and Fulham. £5 on that returns £68.
What are your predictions?
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