With a big weekend of soccer ahead, here is a breakdown of all the premier league matchups, with money lines and over/unders. I have also added some big European games, which will generally have lower odds, but a better chance for success. What makes the Prem so fascinating is that on any given day any team can beat anyone else. You really don’t see that in other leagues,and that makes the Premier League a must watch. Here are my (probably terrible) predictions as to how the weekend will play out.
Match of the Week: (Home team listed first)
Liverpool vs. Arsenal
When: Saturday 12:30 pm
Where: Anfield (Liverpool)
Liverpool: -200
Arsenal: +252
Draw: +380
Over/Under: 3.5
Prediction:The big game of the week, featuring probably the two best attacking fronts in the Premier League. Both teams can score a lot, but the question is how dreadful will the Gunners’ defense be. Both teams have looked suspect defensively, but Arsenal’s only chance for a result is if they take the lead early. Though that happened last season and they lost 5-1. I’m gonna go for a high scoring game, maybe this is wishful thinking, but gimme a 3-3 draw as long as Mustafi is nowhere near the pitch.
Big Six Matches:
Norwich City vs. Chelsea
When: Saturday 7:30 am
Where: Carrow Road (Norwich)
Chelsea: -200
Norwich: +252
Draw: +380
Over/Under: 3
Prediction: Chelsea have struggled in their opening two matches, taking only one point from a possible six. Norwich played halfway decently against a lethal Liverpool side, before beating Newcastle this week. However, I think Frank Lampard gets his first win as manager of Chelsea. Give me a 3-1 win for the Blues
Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace
When: Saturday 10 am
Where: Old Trafford (Manchester)
Man United: -300
Palace: +800
Draw: +390
Over/Under: 2.5
Prediction: Palace had two very good players last season. One of them was excellent in the 0-0 draw in this game last season. The issue is Aaron Wan-Bissaka now plays as for United, and will be tasked with marking Willy Zaha. AWB is an excellent one-on-one defender, and Palace don’t have many goal threats outside of the Ivorian winger. Despite the recent penalty debacle against Wolves I’ll take United to win 2-1 but never get out of second gear.
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Newcastle
When: Sunday 11 am
Where: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London)
Tottenham: -475
Newcastle: +1100
Draw: +525
Over/Under: 3
Prediction: Newcastle aren’t very good, and they will pack everyone behind the ball to defend. Tottenham were fortunate to escape with a point against Man City last week (they played pretty well, City are just that good), and they’ll have an easier time winning this week. Thinking a double for Harry Kane in a 2-0 win for Spurs.
Bournemouth vs. Manchester City
When: Sunday 9 am
Where: Vitality Stadium (Bournemouth)
Man City: -575
Bournemouth: +1200
Draw:+625
Over/Under: 3.5
Prediction: If there was ever a time to bet the over, this is it. Bournemouth play a very attacking brand of soccer for a small club, and really don’t defend well. Man City are a wagon, and have never dropped points against the Cherries in the Premier League. 4-1 win for the champions seems about right.
Other Games in England:
Everton vs. Aston Villa
When: Friday 3 pm
Where: Villa Park (Birmingham)
Everton: +110
Villa: +225
Draw: +255
Over/Under: 2.5
Prediction: Villa are still looking for their first win back in the big time, against an Everton side who just can’t seem to make that big leap to top 6 contention. I like a 2-1 win for Aston Villa, with Theo Walcott missing a good chance at the death.
Leicester City vs. Sheffield United
When: Saturday 10 am
Where: Bramall Lane (Sheffield United)
Leicester City: +115
Sheffield United: +250
Draw: +220
Over/Under: 3
Prediction: The Blades picked up their first premier league win in a decade last weekend against Palace. Leicester are my pick to break into the top six, and have started out with draws against fellow top 6 contenders Chelsea and Wolves. 3-1 win for Leicester
Southampton vs. Brighton and Hove Albion
When: Saturday 10 am
Where: American Express Stadium (Brighton)
Brighton: +140
Southampton: +205
Draw: +215
Over/Under: Saints played well against Liverpool last week, only conceding twice, while Brighton drew at home to West Ham. I think that form continues in a 2-1 win for Southampton.
West Ham United vs. Watford
When: Saturday 10 am
Where: Vicarage Road (Watford)
Watford: +105
West Ham: +245
Draw: +245
Over/Under: 3
Prediction: Neither team has looked sharp this season, which is rather disappointing considering both have the talent to compete for a Europa league spot this season. I am thinking a 2-2 draw.
Burnley vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
When: Sunday 11:30 am
Where: Turf Moor (Burnley)
Burnley: +375
Wolves: -125
Draw: +230
Over/Under: 2
Prediction: Wolves have to play both this past Thursday and next Thursday in the Europa League, and could be a bit tired. Burnley have a strong defense, but they do struggle to create goals. I am thinking a 1-0 win for Wolves, I’d normally say bet the under with these two, but the line is so low that I would stay away from it. If you can get it at 2.5 though take it in a heartbeat.
European Picks:
(Picks are in bold, home team listed first)
Germany
Friday 3 pm: FC Koln vs. Borussia Dortmund (-240)
Saturday 12:30 pm: Schalke vs. Bayern Munich (-290) {European Must watch of the Week}
France
Sunday 3 pm: Paris Saint-Germain (-1000) vs. Toulouse {Honestly don’t even bother betting with PSG, fun team to watch, but they’re too dominant in the league}
Italy
Saturday 12 pm: Juventus (-350) vs Parma
Saturday 2:45 pm: Napoli (-140) vs. Fiorentina
Sunday 12 pm: Milan (+100) vs Udinese
Monday 2:45 pm: Lecce vs. Inter Milan (+125)
Spain
Saturday 1 pm: Real Madrid (-600) vs. Valladolid
Sunday 1 pm: Leganes vs. Atletico Madrid (-125)
Sunday 3 pm: Barcelona vs. Real Betis (+1200) {Upset of the week, Suarez and Dembele are out and Messi is not close to full strength. I don’t really see Barca scoring much this weekend.}
My bonus picks of the week are both in MLS this week. Look for a high scoring draw in the New York Derby between NYCFC and NY Red Bulls Saturday night, and a comprehensive 4-1 win for LAFC in El Traffico on Sunday. Kickoff for that game vs. the LA Galaxy is at 10:30 pm EST.
