Big weekend ahead, we’ve got rivalries all over the globe! From North London, to Glasgow, Rome and even Argentina, some of the most passionate rivalries are being played. I actually did pretty well with my picks last weekend, (including mushing Tottenham), so Lord only knows how bad I’ll do this week. Let’s get into the games:
Match of the Week:
(Home team listed first)
Arsenal vs. Tottenham
When: Sunday 11:30 am
Where: Emirates Stadium (London)
Tottenham: +185
Arsenal: +130
Draw: +260
Over/Under: 3
Derby day. Probably the biggest game of the year for me because Arsenal again missed out on the Champions League last season. Both teams made big investments in new players over the summer, but both Tierney and Ndombele look set to miss the game with an injury, Emery has said that he thinks Lacazette, Aubameyang and Nico Pepe will all start together for the first time, while a recall should be in line for Lucas Torreira. For Spurs, Foyth and Walker-Peters are both out, giving Poch a bit of an issue at right back. His options are to play either Serge Aurier- who he clearly doesn’t trust- or Moussa Sissoko out of position. A back three with Jan Vertonghen coming into the side is also not out of the question to provide extra defensive stability. I think this game will absolutely come down to how much Eriksen and Lacazette play. If they both start, I still think the advantage is with the home side. Harry Kane will score, but it will be a 3-2 win for the Gunners.
Big Six Matches:
Chelsea vs. Sheffield United
When: Saturday 10 am
Where: Stamford Bridge (London)
Chelsea: -320
Sheffield United: ++900
Draw: +390
Over/Under: 2.5
Prediction: Chelsea got their first win of the season last week, while Sheffield have taken four of a possible nine points- very good for a promoted side. However I think the gap in talent between the two teams will be too much for Blades. Give me a 2-1 win for the Blues with Pulisic getting another assist
Southampton vs. Manchester United
When: Saturday 7:30 am
Where: St. Mary’s (Southampton)
Man United: -100
Southampton: +280
Draw: +230
Over/Under: 2.5
Prediction: United were dreadful last time out against Palace, and conceded only their second ever stoppage time winner in the entire Premier League Era. Southampton picked up a much needed win-albeit against ten men- last weekend and I think this one will remain close. Anthony Martial will be the key in rescuing three points for United on the road. 3-2 win for the Red Devils
Manchester City vs. Brighton
When: Saturday 10 am
Where: Etihad Stadium (Manchester)
Manchester City: -1600
Brighton: +3000
Draw: +1000
Over/Under: 3.5
Prediction: This game will be a bloodbath. Brighton are not good, City are one of the two best teams in Europe. City will hit five at home without conceding, and Bernardo Silva will get on the scoresheet.
Burnley vs. Liverpool
When: Saturday 12:30 pm
Where: Turf Moor (Burnley)
Liverpool: -325
Burnley: +900
Draw:+400
Over/Under: 2.5
Prediction: Burnley are difficult to beat at home, but the way that Liverpool punished three Arsenal mistakes into three goals (the Gunners actually played halfway decently outside of those errors last weekend), bodes poorly for the Clarets. That said, Liverpool have looked a bit wobbly at the back, so last week’s 3-1 win for Liverpool looks set to repeat itself.
Other Games in England:
Everton vs. Wolves
When: Sunday 9am
Where: Goodison Park (Liverpool)
Everton: +110
Villa: +260
Draw: +225
Over/Under: 2.5
Prediction: I picked Everton to lose last week, with Walcott missing right at the end, and boy did he ever. This week I think it will be more of the same, a 2-1 win for Wolves, but Theo will not miss another sitter. There is a risk of Wolves being fatigued after their Europa League victory, but it didn’t affect them last week, and Everton played in midweek as well.
Leicester City vs. Bournemouth
When: Saturday 10 am
Where: King Power Stadium (Leicester)
Leicester City: -155
Bournemouth: +380
Draw: +220
Over/Under: 3
Prediction: Two teams that love to attack and hate to defend? This game could morph into a sneaky must watch. Tielemans and Maddison will took to control the middle of the park for the Foxes, leaving Josh King, Ryan Fraser and the two Wilsons the wings to try and work counterattacks for Bournemouth on the wings. 3-3 draw.
Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa
When: Saturday 10am
Where: Selhurst Park (London)
Villa: +240
Palace: +115
Draw: +240
Over/Under: 2.5
Prediction: Villa are well and truly back in the league after their win last time out against Everton. With the way Tyrone Mings and co. have played defensively you wouldn’t put it past them to beat Palace’s somewhat one dimensional attack. Palace shocked a lot of people last week with their win over Man United, but I think Villa win 2-1 away from home.
Newcastle United vs. Watford
When: Saturday 10am
Where: St. James’ Park (Newcastle)
Watford: +190
Newcastle: +150
Draw: +215
Over/Under: 2.5
Prediction: Newcastle played exceptionally well in their win over Tottenham last weekend- which immediately made me feel better after the Arsenal game. They’ve looked good against the Arsenal and Spurs, while looking awful against Norwich. I think this week will be somewhere in the middle, as Watford finally pick up a point in a 1-1 draw.
West Ham United vs. Norwich City
When: Sunday 11:30am
Where: London Stadium (London)
West Ham: -120
Norwich: +290
Draw: +285
Over/Under: 3
Prediction: West Ham dispatched Watford last week, and new record signing Sebastien Haller has started really well. Jack Wilshere scored in the midweek cup win, and he’ll hope to keep his place, and health in the weeks going forward. Norwich can certainly score goals but look for West Ham to overcome a Teemu Pukki (5 goals in three games) brace to win 3-2
European Picks:
(Picks are in bold, home team listed first)
Germany
Saturday 12:30pm: Union Berlin vs. Borussia Dortmund (-345)
Saturday 9am: Bayern Munich (-1430) vs. Mainz
France
Friday 2:45pm: Paris Saint-Germain (-260) vs. Metz
Italy
Saturday 2:45pm: Juventus (-115) vs Napoli {European Must watch of the Week}
Saturday 12pm: Milan (-230) vs Brescia
Sunday 2:45pm: Cagliari vs. Inter Milan (-170)
Sunday 12pm: Lazio vs. Roma Draw (+265)
Spain
Sunday 3pm: Villarreal (+270) vs. Real Madrid {Upset of the Week}
Sunday 1pm: Atletico Madrid (-265) vs. Eibar
Saturday 11am: Osasuna vs. Barcelona (-310)
My bonus picks of the week:
Old Firm Derby in Scotland
Sunday 7am: Rangers vs. Celtic (+240)
Superclasico in Argentina
Sunday 4pm: River Plate (+100) vs. Boca Juniors
