More problems for Man Utd, Cole Palmer proving he is special and another late show from Arsenal were some of the major talking points from the Premier League last week.
Week seven presents some more intriguing football betting opportunities. Unfortunately (unless you are a big fan of international football), this is the last set of Premier League fixtures before we break for another set of international games. It is important for clubs to always break with the sweet feeling of three points secured before their players jet off around the world, so let’s see who I think will have that feeling this weekend.
Arsenal vs Southampton – Arsenal Win
Details: Saturday, October 5th, 3.00 pm
Arsenal left it late last week to beat Leicester, getting pegged back from 2-0 up and looking like they will drop vital points at home. However, we should know by now that this team go right until the end under Mikel Arteta. They scored two goals in injury time to seal the win, one from another corner, and they will be big challengers for the title. An impressive 2-0 win over PSG in the Champions League on Tuesday also showed they mean business in Europe this year.
It has been a really difficult start to life back in the Premier League for Russell Martin and Southampton. After Monday’s 3-1 defeat at Bournemouth, manager Martin said he “didn’t recognise” his players, which is never a good sign, questioning their fight and desire. They play a certain brand of football which has drawn criticism but he won’t change. I don’t think their fortunes will change in this one, either, and I can see over 2.5 goals in a bit of a drubbing.
Arsenal to win @ 2/15
Man City vs Fulham – Man City Win
Details: Saturday, October 5th, 3.00 pm
City are still reeling from the news Rodri will be missing for the rest of the season. The Spaniard is irreplaceable in terms of what he brings to the side and Pep will need to figure out a way to overcome that blow, if anyone can, he can. They played out a draw at Newcastle last week, which isn’t a bad result away from home but they were far form their scintillating best. A 4-0 win in Europe in midweek was much more like it.
Fulham have had an excellent start to the season, sitting in 6th place in the table with 11 points from 6 games. Manager Marco Silva has moulded them into solid outfit, as last week’s 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest proved and they are an established PL side now. This game is a free hit, they have got nothing to lose but I think City will be too strong.
City to win @ 1/4
West Ham vs Ipswich – West Ham Win
After a summer of change at West Ham, including in the dugout, it has not been the start many were hoping for or expecting at West Ham. Julen Lopetegui still hasn’t really figured out his best side, the new signings haven’t made much of an impact and the fans are already restless. I feel this game is a really big one for the new manager, at home against a newly promoted side. In players such as Kudus and Bowen West Ham certainly have the quality to hurt opponents.
Ipswich have been competitive so far long awaited return to the Premier League, although they are still searching for their first win. They got a credible 2-2 draw at home to Villa last week thanks to a double from Liam Delap and they have been in most of their games so far. I think this will be an edgy afternoon but think West Ham will win by the odd goal.
West Ham to win @ 4/5
Everton vs Newcastle – Draw
Everton finally got their first win last week, thanks to a quickfire double from Dwight McNeil. They had to come from behind against Palace but manager Sean Dyche will feel the win was long overdue. They have played well in games this season with little reward so it was a relief to get the three points and they will want to keep that momentum going now and move further away from the bottom of the table.
Newcastle were much more like their former selves against City last week, constantly putting the champions under pressure with a high energy, pressing style of play which has become a hallmark of Eddie Howe’s side. They are missing some key players through injury, such as Alexander Isak, but they have enough talent to compensate. I think both of these teams will be tough to beat on the day and it will end in a stalemate.
Draw @ 27/10
Premier League Week 7 Acca
I have gone with three home wins this week, two of which I am very confident in. West Ham have been poor but it already feels like a huge game for their manager so I feel they will have an added sense of purpose. A draw is always a bit of a gamble but Everton have been OK in most games despite their results and Newcastle looked much more like themselves last week.
