The English Premier League returns this weekend after the international break is over and we head into week 9 and the axe has fallen on Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp has taken his place much to the delight of fans and it will be interesting to see if the defending champions Chelsea can finally turn things around. Continue reading for our English Premier League Week 9 Preview and Betting Tips.
- - -
Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool (Saturday 10.45pm AEST)
There is a lot of hope surrounding Liverpool with the appointment of former Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp after Brendan Rodgers was fired after over a year of speculation about his job security. Despite the new appointment it is unlikely they will be able to produce an effort that will get them a victory as they have struggled to create quality chances this year and they are up against a defence that has only conceded seven goals in eight matches.
The Spurs produced their best performance of the season last two weeks ago but they weren’t able to repeat the effort last week and were saved by two stunning free kicks by Christian Eriksen.
Tottenham are undefeated thus far this season at home and despite Liverpool coming out with a point to prove the Spurs will get over the line in this one.
TIP: Tottenham @ $2.40 with Sportsbet
Crystal Palace vs West Ham (Sunday 1am AEST)
The Eagles continued their rise in the Premier League this season as they earned their fifth win of the season and now find themselves in the top four at this early stage. Meanwhile the Hammers stalled in their last match, as they were unable to produce the same intensity as they had in early matches as they conceded two goals in the opening 20 minutes against the bottom of the table Sunderland. They were able to overcome this and finish with a draw but it is still a disappointing result for West Ham who had registers wins against Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City already this season.
These two sides will be playing for the victory and it will be an exciting contest. Palace haven’t been that solid at home having a two wins and two losses whilst the Hammers haven’t lost on the road. I will stick with them to improve their away record and pull off a big victory.
TIP: West Ham $3.80 with Crownbet
Everton vs Manchester United (Sunday 1am AEST)
The Red Devils were slow out of the blocks and their defence was cut to pieces by Arsenal as they lost 3-0 to the Gunners. It could have been a lot worse if it hadn’t been for blown chances later on in the match and tremendous goalkeeping from David De Gea. They are up against another strong side in Everton and the last time these two sides met at Goodison park it was the home side who ran riot with a 3-0 victory.
I expect the experiment of having Ashely Young at left fullback to be eradicated as he was caught out on multiple occasions and clearly doesn’t have the defensive mindset to match it against quality attackers.
Everton were unlucky not to get the win against Liverpool as a number of their shots were close misses or were met with ridiculous saves. Romelu Lukaku and Steven Naismith have proven to be constant threats in front of goal however I expect these two sides to play out a draw.
TIP: Draw @ $3.30 with WilliamHill
Watford vs Arsenal (Sunday 3.30am AEST)
Arsenal has moved into second position and are starting to show the form that had them as title contenders at the start of the season. Despite their failures in the Champions League they were able to dismantle the defence of the Red Devils last weekend and it is largely thanks to the trio up front Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez. The goal scoring woes seem to be over for Arsenal as Walcott looks to cement his position as the lone striker whilst Sanchez has now netted five goals this season.
The Gunners will be too potent in attack and on the back of their early start from next weekend we will take them to be leading at the end of both halves.
TIP: Arsenal HT/FT Double @ $2.30 with Sportsbet
Swansea City vs Stoke City (Tuesday 6am AEST)
A single competition point separates the Swans and Potters and it is Stoke who have managed to capture some form as they have won back to back matches including a win against Aston Villa on the road in their last match. They are on the road again and it will be a tough challenge as the Swans are undefeated in the four matches they have had at home this season. In those four matches they have only conceded three goals whilst scoring double the amount.
Despite Stokes recent resurgence, the trip to Wales won’t be kind to them, as they will suffer a narrow loss. The Potter still need to work on their attack as they have struggled in the front third of the field and until that is fixed they will struggle on the road against stronger sides.
TIP: Swansea @ $2.00 with Palmerbet
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!
