The 2016-17 EPL season continues this weekend and the competition has started with a bang as there has been big upsets already. Continue reading for our EPL Week 3 Preview and Betting Tips.
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Tottenham vs Liverpool (Saturday 9.30pm AEST)
It has been an interesting start to the EPL season for Liverpool as they have ridden the highs of defeating Arsenal on the road but then suffered a 2-0 loss against newly promoted Burnley. It is apparent they have a lot of defensive issues as they have conceded five goals in the opening two matches and they will need to improve in this area if they are to be top four contenders.
The Spurs were able to get the job done against Crystal Palace but it was far from convincing. Tottenham are notorious for their slow starts to the EPL campaign and it seems as if they will stay true to this, as they played out a draw in the opening week against Everton. In both matches they have failed to show their attacking prowess but their defence has stayed strong.
The Spurs will have the advantage of playing at home and that could be enough to see them get over the line. However, we are predicting this match to end in a draw, as Liverpool will fix things up at the back whilst the Spurs have struggled to turn their chances into goals.
TIP: Draw @ $3.40 with Sportsbet
Everton vs Stoke City (Sunday 12am AEST)
The Toffees have had an impressive start to the 2016-17 EPL season as they have registered a draw against Tottenham and a victory on the road against West Brom. It was a terrible start for Everton on the road as they fell behind inside the opening 10 minutes. Romelu Lukaku came on as a first half substitute and had an immediate impact on the side. He didn’t find his name on the scorers sheet but his presence worried the West Brom defenders and in a huge boost for the side, Lukaku will remain at the club despite speculation Chelsea would sign him. The Belgium international will start this weekend and help bolster the Toffees attack.
Meanwhile Stoke City have had a start to forget as they could only manage a draw against newly promoted Middlesbrough on the road and then were annihilated on home soil against Manchester city. It is disappointing for a side that is looking to finish in the top half of the ladder. They will likely put together a stronger performance this weekend.
Everton’s new manager Ronald Koeman has definitely made his impact felt on the side and the high pressure will give them the advantage against Stoke who have had their struggles at the back.
TIP: Everton @ $1.75 with William Hill
Leicester City vs Swansea City (Sunday 12am AEST)
The Foxes title defence hasn’t gone to plan as they suffered a loss on the opening day before settling for a 0-0 draw against Arsenal on the weekend. They were by far the better side in the contest against the Gunners and they had two clear penalties waved away despite clear contact from the Arsenal defenders. They will want to kick start their campaign this weekend.
Swansea City lost on the weekend to Hull City on their home soil. They dominated possession throughout the early stages of the second half but they weren’t able to find the decisive goal. Those missed opportunities came back to haunt the side as they fell behind. The side will create limited chances this weekend against a strong defensive team and if they can’t capitalise then it will be one-way traffic. We have the Foxes to win this game comfortably.
TIP: Leicester City @ $1.80 with Sportsbet
Hull City vs Manchester United (Sunday 2.30am AEST)
The Red Devils have had a great start to their season under Jose Mourniho and a lot has to do with their summer signings. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored three league goals in his first two matches whilst Paul Pogba had a strong debut against Southampton on the weekend. Wayne Rooney is playing strongly in his new role whilst Anthony Martial is continuing to improve and looks threatening on the edges.
Hull City’s 2016-17 campaign couldn’t have gotten off to a better start as they too have achieved all six competition points. Their shock start has seen them defeat the defending champions Leicester City and on the weekend they were able to overcome Swansea City. However, the Red Devils have too much fire power up top and the fairy tale for the Tigers will come to a conclusion early Sunday morning.
TIP: HT/FT – Manchester United/Manchester United @ $2.30 with CrownBet
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!
