The English Premier League season started last week and we will be taking a look at the important matches each round with good odds and promotions. This week we have a match that could impact the title race already as the defending champions Chelsea take on last year’s runner up Manchester City. Continue reading for our EPL Week 2 Betting Tips.
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Aston Villa vs Manchester United (Saturday 4.45am AEST)
These two sides both got off to winning starts on Day 1 of the Premier League season. Aston Villa spoiled the party for Bournemouth as they won away from home against the side that was playing its first ever Premier League match. Their goal came from a set piece and they failed to create much in attack and weren’t very solid in defence. Villa scored the least amount of goals of any side last year with 31 goals in 38 games and they sold their best striker in Christian Benteke.
The Red Devils however have added multiple big names to their line up including Mephis Depay up front and Bastian Schweinsteiger in the midfield. They were less then their best last week and only escaped with a win courtesy of an own goal. They will be a much-improved side this time around but I expect them to get off to a slow start and if they have defensive issues similar to last year it could be a close game, they should escape with a victory in the end though.
TIP: HT/FT – Draw/Manchester United @ $4.40 with Crownbet
Southampton vs Everton (Saturday 9.45pm AEST)
The Toffees were able to come from behind last weekend to salvage a draw in a match they could have easily won if it wasn’t for two poor defensive lapses. They will be out to make a mends this weekend but they find themselves again on the road.
At the beginning of last season, a lot of experts had predicted Southampton to finish in the relegation zone after losing six of their starting 11 players. Coach Ronald Koeman was able to produce something spectacular as he led the team to finish in 7th place. This year they have lost another two key players in Nathaniel Clyne and Morgan Schneiderlin. They were able to manage a draw against Newcastle last week but I am predicting they will suffer their first loss of the season this weekend as the fairy tale of last season begins to become a vague blur.
TIP: Everton to win @ $3.80 with WilliamHill
Tottenham vs Stoke City (Sunday 12am AEST)
Over the past few seasons Tottenham have been notorious for having slow starts to the season. Although they were the better side last weekend against Manchester United, they failed to capitalise on their opportunities and an early own goal would essentially cost them a possible three points. It is likely they could have more issues this weekend as they come up against a Stoke side that has a reputation for knocking off the topsides. Peter Crouch will be a constant danger in the air and if he can manage to find his name on the score sheet it could be a horrible day for the Spurs.
TIP: Draw @ $3.60 with Palmerbet
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal (Sunday 10.30pm AEST)
These two sides surprisingly had very differing starts to the season. Palace was able to manage a convincing win away from home against Norwich whilst the Gunners were stunned at home against West Ham. Arsenal have only had one signing over the whole summer and that was veteran goalie Petr Cech from Chelsea but it was ultimately him who had two uncharacteristic mistakes that led to the two goals that would see them lose. They will be out to make up for it this weekend otherwise their title hopes could slip away at the beginning of the season as they tend to always do for Arsenal.
TIP: Arsenal to win @ $1.75 with Sportsbet
Manchester City vs Chelsea (Monday 1am AEST)
The two title favourites will compete early on in the season this year with Chelsea travelling to the blue side of Manchester. City got off to the perfect start last week with a 3-0 thrashing of West Brom but it wasn’t smooth sailing for Chelsea as they not only drew the match with Swansea but they also lost their star goal keeper Thibaut Courtois to a red card that will see him miss the match after Chelsea’s appeal and wrongful dismissal was rejected earlier this week.
It is likely that the Jose Mourinho coached side Chelsea will be up to its usual tricks of “parking the bus”. This involves Chelsea playing with a defensive styled approach where they attempt to have as many men behind the ball as possible and they have their defensive players deep which removes the space in behind for the opposition to attack. This ploy has proved successful for them in the past, as they have managed to take advantage of the minimal opportunities they create when using this style.
However, the fire power of Manchester City with Sergio Aguero up front being and the likes of Raheem Sterling and David Silva creating opportunities for him. City should come away with the victory, largely due to Courois not being the man between the posts.
TIP: Manchester City to win @ $2.05 with Ladbrokes using promotion (see below)
Head to our EPL betting tips page for more!
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
