Manchester City remains the only team with an unblemished record heading into Matchday 4, as the defending champions continue to roll. Matchday 4 is headlined by a huge clash between Arsenal and Manchester United, and we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive preview for this weekend’s action.
Check out our preview and free EPL tips for Matchday 4 below and good luck to everyone following!
EPL 2023-24: Matchday 4 Preview & Betting Tips
Manchester City vs Fulham
Etihad Stadium, Sunday 3rd September, 12:00am AEST
Three games, three wins in three different manners, with an 88th minute winner from Rodri securing the three points for Manchester City against Sheffield United last week. The defending champions aren’t playing their best football, however they keep finding a way to get the job done. Fulham produced a brave performance in a 2-2 draw against Arsenal despite being down to ten men.
Pep Guardiola’s men have done an outstanding job defensively this season, conceding just one goal from their opening three games, the fewest in the Premier League. Their defence has accounted for their attacking game which hasn’t been at its usual efficiency. City have generated the second most shots on goal (61), but have only scored six goals. The scary thing for the rest of the league is that the defending champions have kept a perfect record despite not playing at their best, which gives them plenty of upside when they hit form.
Manchester City have won eleven consecutive Premier League matches against Fulham, with an aggregate score of 19-2 across their last seven games against Fulham. City are ready to explode with a dominant performance, they’ve shown signs so far but haven’t been able to capitalise. The defending champions have dominated against Fulham in recent seasons, and are set to put together a complete performance.
Manchester City -2
$2.25 (1 Unit)
Brighton vs Newcastle
American Express Community Stadium, Sunday 3rd September, 2:30am AEST
Brighton and Newcastle will be looking to bounce back after frustrating defeats on Matchday 3, in what looms as a crucial clash for both clubs. Newcastle conceded goals in the 81st and 93rd minutes to lose against a ten men Liverpool, in what was a major missed opportunity for the Magpies. Brighton lost their first game of the season against West Ham, despite dominating many key stats. The Seagulls held 78% possession and registered 25 shots on goal, but couldn’t capitalise as they went down 3-1.
A horror ten minutes saw Newcastle lose consecutive games to start their season 1-0-2. Although it’s too early in the season to hit the panic button, conceding six points to fellow top four contenders is going to make life difficult for Newcastle in their quest to finish in a Champions League position once again. It doesn’t get any easier for Eddie Howe’s side, coming up against one of the most in form sides in the league.
All three of Brighton’s games this season have seen at least four goals scored, the Seagulls have dominated possession this season, ranking third in the Premier League this season. Their dominant midfield has given Brighton an abundance of attacking opportunities which has seen them as the highest scoring team in the league so far this season. Although Newcastle were the best defence in the league this season, they’ve struggled to find their form defensively, conceding in all three games.
Over 3.5 goals
$2.20 (1.5 Units)
Arsenal vs Manchester United
Emirates Stadium, Monday 4th September, 1:30am AEST
Matchday 4 concludes with a huge clash as Manchester United travels to London to take on Arsenal. Arsenal conceded an 87th minute equaliser as they drew 2-2 with Fulham, in what was the first game Arsenal didn’t come away with three points. Manchester United survived a massive scare after going down 2-0 in the opening four minutes against Nottingham Forest. The Red Devils rallied to win 3-2, however Erik Ten Haag’s side have been poor to start this season.
Despite their draw on Matchday 3, the Gunners will be happy taking seven of a possible nine points to kick off their campaign. Arsenal have conceded just three goals, ranking as the equal fourth best defence so far this season. The Red Devils have only played against one quality outfit so far in Tottenham and they failed to score, so United will have a big challenge against one of the best defensive outfits in the Premier League.
Given what Manchester United have dished up so far this season, it’s impossible to back them with any confidence. Two fortunate wins against Wolves and Forest, coupled with a defeat against Tottenham doesn’t make for great reading. Arteta’s side have won two of their last three Premier League games against Manchester United, and will get the job done at home against an out of form United side.
Arsenal to Win
$1.75 (2 Units)
