Football is back! It was great to see the Premier League return at the weekend, it really is what it’s all about. Over the course of it all, we were treated to some surprises, as well as reminded of a few things that we have seen many times in years gone by.
So, how did the first week change the long-term betting markets, I hear you say?
Let’s have a look…
Mourinho Painting a Familiar Picture
What’s going on at Tottenham? They have the look of a side that are going through a mid-season slump! Jose Mourinho hasn’t got going there, and you get the feeling come October/November time, if results don’t change, he could be on his way. He was subsequently cut after Sunday’s match from 33/1 to 8/1 to be the next manager to leave his post.
That said, Everton deserve full credit. Carlo Ancelotti is moulding a nice side there, and many are predicting Everton to do better than expected this season. The Toffees are 5/2 to land a top 6 finish.
Leeds To March On
It was the battle of the champions on Saturday night, as Liverpool hosted Leeds at Anfield. This was an opening day classic. Seven goals and plenty of talking points. Mo Salah continued his great run of scoring on the first day as he bagged a hat-trick. He is now 7/2 from 5/1 to be leading marksmen this season.
Leeds were bright, and I think they’ll win loads of fans this year. Over-achieving your first season has been a trend in recent campaigns (see Sheffield United for reference). The 7/4 on offer for Bielsa’s boys to finish in the top half might be worth taking just now.
Hammers Fixture Blow
Saturday night’s match between West Ham and Newcastle won’t go down as a classic, however, we have gained some insight into where the Hammers are at just now.
They looked lacklustre and toothless and it’s not going to get any easier for the East Londoners. The fixture list has been rather unkind as they face games against Arsenal, Wolves, Leicester, Tottenham, Man City, and Liverpool in the coming weeks. That means David Moyes’ side won’t be favourites for a Premier League match until November!
It’s no surprise to see that Moyes is favourite in the Next Manager to Go market at 2/1.
