Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur
🏟
Sunday 14th August – 4:30PM KO
Sunday brings us the first ‘big six’ meeting of the Premier League season, as Spurs make the short trip across the capital to face rivals Chelsea. The history books favour Chelsea in this London rivalry; however, this rejuvenated Tottenham side under Conte look a force to be reckoned with. Spurs were in fine form last weekend, comfortably brushing aside Southampton in a 4-1 win. A surprising side note in this one was not to see Harry Kane or Heung Min Son hitting the back of the net. This to me signals the strength in depth they now have and Conte’s 3-5-2 system really starting to take full effect.
We can now expect to see the team not just relying on the main front men in Kane and Son. A player going slightly under the radar is Dejan Kulusevski. Since his arrival last January, the Swede has made a huge impact, now averaging a goal or an assist every 0.79 matches. He has certainly added firepower to an already well established forward line, making Spurs an ever stronger proposition.
Richarlison returns from a ban and the Brazilian may make his debut from the bench, another dangerous weapon in Tottenham’s armory. Ivan Perisic is now close to full fitness after gaining valuable minutes against the Saints, so we are starting see just how strong this squad is in all areas of the pitch. This can only be a positive for the away side here and gives Conte plenty of options to switch tactics within the match if necessary.
Spurs have now won their last 4 matches in the Premier League and also kept 5 clean sheets in 7 away from home. These are very encouraging signs that give us strong belief the away side can have a change of fortune at the Bridge and take at the very least a share of the spoils.
Chelsea limped over the line in their opening fixture away at Everton, courtesy of a penalty scored by Jorginho. The Blues did just enough to earn the 3 points but were far from convincing. The severe lack of a real number 9 seems to be one their biggest issues, with Armando Broja their only current out and out Striker available. They deployed Sterling as a false 9 in that particular game and I’m questioning how cut throat they can be in the forward department this season.
My bet for this match is Tottenham double chance as I’m confident the away side can come away from this one with at least a point.
⚽
Prediction: Spurs Double Chance, 1.57 on Betfair (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Liverpool v Crystal Palace
🏟
Monday 15th August – 8:00PM KO
The return of MNF for the first time this season as we see Crystal Palace face a tough trip up to Anfield. Liverpool were far from their usual compelling selves at Craven Cottage last weekend as they came away with only a point in a 2-2 draw. Goals from the ever reliable Mo Salah and new signing Darwin Núñez were positives, with the latter in top form coming off the bench. The Uruguayan could be given his first start for the Reds in this fixture and he will be keen to take his chance in securing his spot in the starting XI. In both matches for the club this season we’ve seen how much of an impact he can make, netting on each occasion.
The home form of Liverpool has been nothing short of superb since the back end of the 20/21 season. They remain unbeaten in their last 23 games at Anfield in the Premier League, as well as scoring 2+ goals in 17 of their previous 21 too. Up against lesser opposition in Crystal Palace and already chasing the prolific Manchester City, I can only see a dominant performance from the home side. There is no doubt they’ll want to erase the lacklustre showing against Fulham out of their minds and bounce back with a bang!
Another interesting statistic is that Liverpool won by a 2+ goal margin in 13 of their 15 home wins last season, a record in the league. This can only quantify fancying them to take their chances in front of goal with the quality they possess.
The Eagles opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat at Selhurst Park against Arsenal. Things don’t get any easier here either! Full backs Nathaniel Clyne and Tyreek Mitchell are set to be in for a long night facing off against Luis Diaz and Mo Salah. Not to mention marauding full backs Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander Arnold, who can essentially act as wingers with their freedom to bomb forward. Between the pair they had a mesmerising 22 assists in the 21/22 season and both can provide multiple opportunities for their team mates throughout. Their exceptional set piece deliveries will also cause problems for the Palace defence and I find it hard to imagine Liverpool struggling to find the back of the net at the very least a couple of times and beat Crystal Palace by a fairly comfortable margin.
⚽
Prediction: Liverpool to Win & Over 1.5 Goals, 1.33 on Betfair (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Written by an Andy verified content writer
18+ please gamble responsibly.
Back the Four and Five Star Selections as a Double on Betfair ⬇️
🧾
Load the bet slip @ 2.10 at Betfair
*Bet link only appears when accessing from mobile.
Haven’t got a Betfair account? You’re in luck…
Sign up to Betfair and get a full refund if your first bet loses. Grab an account through the offer below and place £20 on the Evens Premier League Best Bets Double. Here are the two possible outcomes:
✅
You win £42 cash if it wins
🔄
Or you get your £20 stake back as cash
