The first Matchday of the 2019-20 Premier League is out of our way and it did pitch us some interesting results. Manchester United trounced Chelsea in a scoreline that did not do justice to the away team’s performance.
Manchester City and Liverpool were convincing in their wins, Tottenham came back from a 1-0 deficit against Aston Villa and Sheffield United became the first of the promoted sides to register a point in the Premier League with a draw against Bournemouth.
Before we move on to the second Matchday and the tips for the matches, let us look at how our tips for Matchday 1 fared.
Probables Result: 6/13
Buckshot Result: 1/1
Outside Chance Result: 2/5
Arsenal vs Burnley
A game that is perhaps, closer to call, after Burnley’s blistering start to the season, combined with a close shave for Arsenal against Newcastle. But, in all honesty, Burnley’s seasons have always been a tale of two different sides in terms of performances at home and away respectively.
Arsenal are also likely to welcome at least two-thirds of their summer arrivals, with David Luiz and Kieran Tierney primed to be included into the matchday squad. Expect Burnley to replicate their away performances from earlier seasons.
Probables:
1. Arsenal Clean Sheet – YES @ 1.90
2. Over 2.5 Match Goals @ 1.57
Outside Chance:
1. Arsenal Asian Handicap -2.5 @ 3.300
Southampton vs Liverpool
A game that could be up for grabs. Liverpool have already lost Alisson for a few weeks. But, in the aftermath of their penalty shootout win over Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup, Adrian has also been injured and is doubtful for the game. Should he not be available, Liverpool will likely use veteran Andy Lonegran in goal against Southampton.
The Saints were woeful against Burnley. But, a good performance here could pave the way for a bright few gameweeks to come for Ralph Hasenhuttl and his men. Liverpool’s defence has looked shaky, with the club having already faced 40 shots this season and it could be something that the Saints would look to exploit.
Probables:
1. Both Teams to Score – YES @ 1.80
2. Over 2.5 Match Goals @ 1.66
Outside Chance:
1. Che Adams to score anytime @ 4.00
Manchester City vs Tottenham
It’s 1st vs 4th from the last Premier League campaign. Manchester City looked ominous against West Ham, who, on paper, are genuine contenders for the 6th and 7th spot this season. Tottenham struggled against newly promoted Aston Villa and were rescued by a brace from Harry Kane late on in the game.
Christian Eriksen’s introduction in the second half completely changed the game for Spurs and Mauricio Pochettino would likely hand a start to the Danish playmaker against City. This will be an interesting affair and it will be more intriguing to see what starting eleven the two managers put out. City still favourites though, albeit marginally.
Probables:
1. Both Teams to Score – YES @ 1.80
2. Tottenham Asian Handicap +1.5 @ 1.900
Outside Chance:
1. Full Time Result – Draw @ 5.25
Chelsea vs Leicester City
Probably the most anticipated encounter in terms of intrigue. Leicester City were unable to open their goal account in the opening matchday. But, they would be licking their lips against a Chelsea defence that has conceded 6 goals in 2 competitive matches so far.
There were bright signs for Chelsea though, in both their defeats. But, the absence of Antonio Rudiger and departure of David Luiz will affect them, especially till Rudiger returns to action. Expect Chelsea to not keep a clean sheet and perhaps, Frank Lampard will have to wait longer for his first competitive win as Chelsea manager.
Probables:
1. Chelsea Clean Sheet – NO @ 1.57
2. Leicester Asian Handicap +1 @ 1.625
Outside Chance:
1. Jamie Vardy to score anytime @ 3.00
2. Leicester Draw No Bet @ 3.50
Wolves vs Manchester United
The second big test for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s new-look defence, as they go up against Wolves away at Molineux. The backline has looked improved but there were still signs of instability in that back four, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw caught out of position on a few occasions.
Wolves have wing-backs as part of their 3-5-2 setup, who would be better placed to capitalise on the errors that the full-backs will make. Manchester United will need to hog the ball more against Wolves, who will not be as demanding of the ball as Chelsea were, leaving little room for United to go on their classic pacey counter-attacks.
This will be a true test to see whether Solskjaer’s philosophy works against sides who are prepared to let go of possession and whether United do have an attacking plan, apart from counter-attacks.
Wolves though, have a not-so pleasant record from last season when playing a weekend Matchday after a midweek fixture and this along with momentum from the first Matchday, leads us to believe United will nick this one.
Probables:
1. Manchester United Draw No Bet @ 1.57
2. Anthony Martial Over 2.5 Shots @ 1.57
3. Manchester United to win either half @ 1.72
Outside Chance:
1. Manchester United win & Clean Sheet – YES @ 3.75
Miscellaneous Tips
Aston Villa looked good and worth their money against Tottenham and should pose problems for Bournemouth, who dropped two points against Sheffield United. The Blades find themselves playing hosts to Crystal Palace, whose performance might depend on whether Wilfried Zaha starts.
Norwich played some eye-pleasing football in spades against Liverpool, which should aid them in their match against Newcastle. Everton and Watford will both look to get their first win of the season when the two teams meet at Goodison Park.
Probables:
1. Norwich vs Newcastle – Norwich Draw No Bet @ 1.57
2. Aston Villa vs Bournemouth – Both Teams to Score – YES @ 1.66
3. Everton to beat Watford @ 1.72
4. Brighton vs West Ham – Full Time Result – Draw or West Ham @ 1.50
Outside Chance:
1. Sheffield United vs Crystal Palace – Full Time Result – Draw @ 3.10