EPL Matchday 9 Betting Tips
Everton vs Watford
Sunday 1:00am AEDT, Goodison Park
Matchday 8 was a disappointing affair for both sides, with Everton losing at home for the first time this season against Everton. For Watford, they were on the end of a 5-0 demolition at the hands of Liverpool. The Hornets are in 16th place on the Premier League table with a 2-1-5 record, and as expected will be in a fight for survival this season. Watford’s statistical profile is a major concern, being one of the worst attacking teams in the league, as well as being one of the worst defensive teams too.
Watford rank 17th for goals (7), and 4th for goals conceded (15). The Toffees have had no such troubles putting the ball in the back this season, ranking 6th for goals (13) this season. Everton have enjoyed recent success against Watford, having won their last two Premier League fixtures against the Hornets. The first eight games of the season have highlighted that Watford didn’t add enough talent after being promoted, to compete with Premier League teams.
Watford are yet to keep a clean sheet this season, one of only two teams to do so, and last week showed their ability to capitulate when they concede early. The Toffees have been electric when in possession of the ball this season, and with dynamic players like Richarlison, Demari Gray, Andros Townsend and Alex Iwobi they will stretch a struggling Watford defence. Everton will get back on the winners list with a routine victory.
West Ham vs Tottenham
Monday 12:00am AEDT, London Stadium
It’s a battle of fifth vs seventh as London rivals Tottenham and West Ham do battle at the London Stadium on Monday morning. Tottenham have breathed life back into their season with two consecutive victories to move up into fifth, while the Hammers picked up a crucial 1-0 victory away at Everton last weekend. Tottenham’s resurgence in form has come largely off the back of their midfield. Spurs have averaged 49% possession this season, but in their last two games had possession tallies 58% and 63%.
Their ability to regain control of possession has allowed them to play the game at the slow tempo which they can grind results out with. West Ham started the season on fire with 10 goals in their first three games, however they have cooled off dramatically, scoring just 5 goals in their last five games. Home ground advantage isn’t necessarily a good factor for the Hammers, who are 1-1-2 at the London Stadium in season ‘21/’22. Another factor going against West Ham is their recent record against Spurs, having won just one of their last four Premier League matches against Tottenham.
West Ham have cooled off, as they’ve struggled to penetrate sides who drag them into a slow style of game. Tottenham have done an excellent job getting the game on their tempo in the last two weeks, and this looms as a matchup that suits them perfectly. This won’t be the most entertaining of clashes, it’ll be a slow grind, but that will play right into Tottenham’s hands.
Manchester United vs Liverpool
Monday 2:30am AEDT, Old Trafford
Manchester United are in a world full of hurt after a shock loss to Leicester, which extended their winless streak to three games. It doesn’t get any easier for the Red Devils, with arch rivals Liverpool travelling to Old Trafford looking to continue the pain. Liverpool have had an outstanding start to the season with a 5-3-0 record, and are the only undefeated team in the Premier League. Mo Salah continued his red hot form, scoring a goal and picking up an assist in the win over Watford.
Salah leads the Golden Boot race with seven goals, and is second in the league for assists with four. Salah has scored in two of his last three games against United, and with their struggles at the back, it’s hard to not see him continue his incredible form. Although Salah is the head honcho, Liverpool’s fellow attackers have helped Liverpool become league’s best attack with 22 goals, six more than the next best. Sadio Mane (5 goals), Roberto Firmino (4) and Diogo Jota (3) have combined for more goals than twelve Premier League teams.
Liverpool have had the edge over their rivals since 2016, with a 3-3-0 record in the last six Premier League matches against Manchester United, with an average winning margin of two goals in the three victories. Four of Liverpool’s five wins this season have been over 3 goal margins, and with the chaos surrounding the Red Devils at the moment, Liverpool are set to pile on more misery for Manchester United.
