Premier League Gameweek 4: Leicester can be Liverpool’s First Real Test
10 min read
I had seven winning tips in last week’s BetVictor column, including Harry Maguire to score at 7/1 and a winning treble. This week, can Wolves continue to ride their luck as they face West Ham and can Liverpool keep another clean sheet when they meet Leicester City?
Leicester City v Liverpool
Liverpool have kept 11 clean sheets in the Premier League in 18 games since Virgil van Dijk’s debut in January and new keeper Alisson has yet to concede a goal so far this season. It is this improved defensive solidarity as much as the flair of the attacking players which is making the Reds genuine title contenders.
Leicester will provide a severe test of Liverpool’s title credentials, but it is an examination I believe they will pass in what promises to be an open, entertaining clash. Harry Maguire got a late winner at St Mary’s last weekend, but the England international and the rest of the Foxes defence will have their work cut out to cope with the pace and power of the Reds front three.
Tip: Liverpool to win and both teams to score at
Brighton v Fulham
Brighton defended well at Anfield last weekend and will be confident of getting back to winning ways back at the Amex given they beat Manchester United in their only home game so far this term.
Aleksander Mitrovic has scored 15 league goals since his Fulham debut in February after his brace against Burnley on Sunday and only Mo Salah has scored as many in the top four tiers of English football in that time. I particularly enjoyed the strikers second headed goal against the Clarets on Sunday.
I feel Fulham will score plenty of goals this season – Andre Schurrle’s goal against Burnley came from his 11th shot in the game – but they are likely to concede plenty, and I feel both sides will find the back of the net at the weekend.
Tip: Both teams to score at
Chelsea v Bournemouth
Another week and another comeback from Bournemouth this time against Everton at the Vitality Stadium although I’m not convinced they can afford to give Chelsea a two-goal start at Stamford Bridge this weekend.
Maurizzio Sarri is the fifth Chelsea manager to win his first three PL games in charge of the club and he joins the illustrious quartet of Antonio Conte, Carlo Ancelotti, Guus Hiddink and Jose Mourinho.
I feel the Blues will maintain their impressive start to the season against the Cherries and it was great to see the brilliant Eden Hazard back in the Chelsea starting XI against Newcastle on Sunday.
Tip: Chelsea to win to nil at
Crystal Palace v Southampton
Palace need more from Christian Benteke and Roy Hodgson must decide whether he should persevere with the Belgian striker or whether he should give Norwegian international Alexander Sorloth his opportunity at home to the Saints.
The Eagles rely too heavily on Wilfried Zaha and I was surprised that referee Anthony Taylor felt Etienne Capoue’s ugly challenge on the Ivorian was only worthy of a yellow card at Vicarage Road on Sunday.
One point out of nine is not the start Mark Hughes was looking for and I feel the Eagles will take all three points back at Selhurst Park.
Tip: Palace to win at
Everton v Huddersfield
Marco Silva must do without Richarlison following his red card at the Vitality Stadium and the young Brazilian has apologised for his mistake. Let’s hope he learns by it.
It will be interesting to see if Ademola Lookman is given the chance to resume his Everton career although, at the time of writing, RB Leipzig are still reported to be interested in signing the exciting young winger before the end of the transfer window.
Town picked up their first point and clean sheet of the season at home to Cardiff last weekend, but they have now failed to score in 23 of their 41 PL games and I would be surprised if they got anything from their trip to Goodison.
Tip: Everton to win to nil at
West Ham v Wolves
"At this moment of the season, all the cups are important because they give you competition." @Nuno speaks to Wolves TV after tonight's @Carabao_Cup victory. #SHWWOL
— Wolves (@Wolves) August 28, 2018
Wolves may have ridden their luck, but they were good value for a point against champions Manchester City at Molineux on Saturday and they will be keen to get that first win of the season when they travel to the capital at the weekend.
West Ham have lost their first three games of the PL season for a second successive campaign although there were signs at the Emirates that Felipe Anderson is beginning to come to terms with life in the Premier League.
I expect to see opportunities at both ends and expect to see an entertaining game with the points shared.
Tip: Game to finish in a scoring draw at
Manchester City v Newcastle
City were held by a very good Wolves side at Molineux last weekend, but I expect them to return to winning ways against Newcastle. United were roundly criticised for their ultra-cautious approach at home to Chelsea on Sunday, but they did only lose out to a contentious penalty and a late own goal.
Would we be having the same debate if United had nicked a point against a very good Chelsea side? Very small margins.
City hit the woodwork three times against Wolves and I can’t see them being as profligate against the Magpies.
Tip: Sergio Aguero to score first and City to win 3-0 at
Cardiff v Arsenal
Back-to-back goalless draws for Cardiff City and they have yet to score a goal in their three league games to date. I feel Arsenal’s superior class will prevail in south Wales although it will be a real test of Unai Emery’s side who were second best to West Ham for periods at the Emirates on Saturday.
I’m not convinced Emery has got the nucleus of a side which will see the Gunners’ compete for a top four spot this season and it will be interesting to see how things pan out with Mezut Ozil with the German reportedly missing the game against the Hammers through illness.
That said I think the Gunners will have more than enough to build on their first win of the season last weekend.
Tip: Arsenal halftime/fulltime at
Burnley v Manchester United
United have lost two of their first three Premier League games and their 3-0 reverse against Spurs was Jose Mourinho’s biggest ever home defeat in all competitions as a manager. United played well in the first half, but Harry Kane’s wonderful header was the key moment in the game and you sensed the frustration both on and off the field by the final whistle at Old Trafford.
The Clarets have picked up just three points in their last eight league games and they face a difficult Europa League tie with AEK Athens at Turf Moor on Thursday. I think Sunday promises to be a tight tetchy affair, but I think United can bounce back from their Spurs loss.
Tip: United to win at
🗣️ "Do you know what was the result? 3-0. What this means?3-0 but also means three Premier Leagues and I won more Premier League titles alone than the other 19 managers together."
Does Mourinho know his days are numbered?
📲 https://t.co/aQNjPB9eUa pic.twitter.com/yhfPC3Owb4
— BetVictor (@BetVictor) August 28, 2018
Watford v Tottenham
Spurs have won their first three games of the season in top-flight football for only the fifth time in their history – and first since 2009 – while Watford have won their opening three games of a top-flight season for the first time in their history.
The Hornets have only lost one of their nine home league games under Javi Gracia and this promises to be another terrific game played in a derby atmosphere. Spurs must back up their wonderful result at Old Trafford if they are to be realistic title challengers, but I like this new Watford and expect to see a number of chances at both ends.
Tip: Over 2.5 goals at
#Leicester's opening three games when they won the league
W-W-D#Watford's opening three games this season
W-W-WLightning couldn't strike twice….could it? A lot shorter at 750/1👀👀
Look out Pep… pic.twitter.com/QxdtpAmmhy
— BetVictor (@BetVictor) August 27, 2018
Weekend treble: Arsenal, Palace and Everton at
