The English Premier League has a new ladder leader as Manchester United have returned to the top after their neighbours Manchester City have suffered back to back defeats as the league begins to open up. If United are to remain on top they will likely need to get a result against rivals Arsenal this weekend. Continue reading for the EPL Week 8 Preview and Betting Tips.
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Crystal Palace vs West Bromwich Albion (Saturday 9.45pm AEST)
The Eagles have continued their resurgence under Alan Pardew. Since taking over towards the end of last season Crystal Palace have been a totally different side and have been playing a very attacking style of football. It is shown with their record of four wins and three losses as at times they have been caught on the break. However, two of those losses came against topsides in Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.
Meanwhile West Brom had Everton up against the ropes last weekend leading 2-0 at home only to see the Toffees score three quick goals and take all three points way form them. A team that is likely going to be fighting the relegation battle can’t afford those types of losses and it will certainly dent their confidence.
TIP: Palace @ $1.80 with WilliamHill
Sunderland vs West Ham (Sunday 12am AEST)
Stranded on the bottom of the ladder with no wins in seven matches, Sunderland are looking straight down the barrel of being relegated. Yes, there is still a long way to go in the season but the performances by the Black Cats have been far from promising as they have conceded the most goals in the league and have the equal second worst attack.
The Hammers have performed above expectations this season as they sit in third position and have picked up massive wins against Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal and they were all away from home. They travel to the Stadium of Light this weekend and the task should not daunt the side.
TIP: West Ham @ $2.30 with Sportsbet
Aston Villa vs Stoke City (Sunday 12am AEST)
Stoke haven’t lived up to their expectations this season as a lot of offseason signings had them looking at finishing in a position where they would be fighting for a European berth through the Europa League. They currently sit just above the relegation zone in 17th place and have only one victory against their name.
Aston Villa have been travelling even worse as they sit below them in the danger zone but that was predicted by the majority of experts.
Both sides have struggled in front of goals but the Potters have more firepower and I am expecting them to finally click after registering a win last weekend and making it two in a row against Villa.
TIP: Stoke City @ $2.98 with Crownbet
Everton vs Liverpool (Sunday 11.30pm AEST)
The first edition of the Merseyside derby of the 2015-16 season is set to be a big one with a lot on the line for both sides. Everton have moved into 5th position and have looked a very strong side all season. Their attacking prowess has been evident in their wins against Chelsea and Southampton. Their side is balanced across the park with young talent and experienced players in key positions.
Liverpool is sitting in the middle of the table and it has been their attack that has been lacking throughout the start of the season. They are averaging only one goal per match and despite scoring three goals last week against Aston Villa their victory was very unconvincing as their defence was caught out on multiple occasions and two of those times led to goals.
The Toffees will secure the victory against their biggest rivals at home, which will put massive pressure on Liverpool Coach Brendan Rodgers.
TIP: Everton @ $2.70 with Sportsbet
Arsenal vs Manchester United (Monday 2am AEST)
If the above derby isn’t the match of the round, this certainly will be. These two sides have had some absolute classics during the premier league era and with both sides only separated by three points at the top of the table it is set to be another huge match.
The Red Devils have climbed back to the top of the table and their attack and defence has been better than their opponents this season having registered an extra two goals whilst conceding two less.
The Gunners suffered their second straight loss in the Champions League midweek whilst United were able to come from behind to secure a victory at home. The pressure will be on Arsenal and they will come out with a point to prove, however the Red Devils have proven they are a side that is improving and if Wayne Rooney is able to find some form in front of goal it should be the ladder leaders to improve their current position.
TIP: Manchester United @ $3.70 with Palmerbet
