Matchday 8 has a massive slate of action with three games between top eight sides on the Premier League table! It’s going to be moving day at the top end of the table, and we’ve got you covered with our best bets for this weekend.
EPL 2023-24: Matchday 8 Preview & Betting Tips
Brighton vs Liverpool
American Express Community Stadium, Monday 9th October, 12:00am AEDT
Brighton and Liverpool will be desperate to bounce back from frustrating losses when they face off in a Crucial clash on Monday morning. VAR incorrectly denied Liverpool of a goal in their 2-1 loss to Tottenham, whilst Brighton were annihilated 6-1 by Aston Villa, who only recorded 38% possession for the game. It was a shocking performance from a Brighton side who had conceded only eight goals from their first six games, as the Seagulls were put under a mountain of pressure by Villa.
Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Spurs was uncharacteristically mistaken ridden, with Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota red carded, and Joel Matip conceding an own goal in the 96th minute. Despite this and a VAR mistake, it took until deep into stoppage time for the Reds to go behind. It’s difficult to see Jurgen Klopp’s side making as many errors again, and if they can tidy this up, they will be well placed this weekend. Brighton’s counter pressing style was exposed by a rampant Aston Villa, who were able to create turnovers in dangerous positions and score six goals from nine shots on target. No club presses in their front half as well as Liverpool does, and this could be a nightmare matchup for Brighton.
For all that they do in their front half, Brighton’s losses to West Ham and Aston Villa have highlighted a clear weakness in their system, that Liverpool have the quality to expose. Liverpool have the equal fourth ranked defence in the league which will be crucial in holding up against a Brighton outfit that will create scoring opportunities. Liverpool have a great record away at Brighton, with a 4-1-1 record from six Premier League fixtures at the American Express Community Stadium. This will be an entertaining battle of contrasting styles, however the Reds will win out.
Liverpool to Win
$2.15 (1 Unit)
West Ham vs Newcastle
London Stadium, Monday 9th October, 12:00am AEDT
It’s a battle of seventh versus eighth as West Ham and Newcastle look to keep themselves in the hunt for the top four race. Three consecutive wins has seen Newcastle bounce back from a horror start to the season, with the Magpies climbing into eighth place, just one point behind Newcastle. West Ham ended a two game losing streak with a comfortable 2-0 win over Sheffield United, which has the Hammers within three points of the top four.
Newcastle’s resurgence over the last month has come on the back of an improved attacking game, with Eddie Howe’s men beginning to become more than a defensive minded side. In their three game losing streak that preceded their current winning streak the Magpies scored just three goals, in their last three games Newcastle have scored eleven goals. Although they won last week, West Ham conceded six goals in their two prior games, showing there’s still vulnerability in their defence that struggled so much last season.
The result could go either way in this clash so the total goals is the market with the best value in this clash, there have been goals aplenty in fixtures that these clubs have played in this season. At their best both teams can produce brilliant football, however they’re too inconsistent to back in the head to head market. Five of West Ham’s seven games have gone over 2.5 goals, while four of Newcastle’s seven games this season have hit the over, including an eight goal game two weeks ago.
Over 2.5 Goals
$1.67 (2 Units)
Arsenal vs Manchester City
Emirates Stadium, Monday 9th October, 2:30am AEDT
Matchday eight concludes with the biggest match of the weekend and arguably the biggest of the season so far, as Arsenal host Manchester City at the Emirates. First versus third, the two best sides from last season in what will be three crucial points up for grabs in the title race. The league leaders come into this clash on the back of their first loss of the season against Wolves, while Arsenal accounted for Bournemouth 4-0 on Matchday 7.
The defending champions somehow found a way to lose 2-1 against Wolves, despite recording 23 shots on goal to 3, as well as recording 69% possession. Wolverhampton keeper José Sà made seven saves to keep Pep Guardiola’s side at bay, however there shouldn’t be any concern for City’s performance given how dominant they were. The Gunners are one of only two teams in the Premier League that are still unbeaten, with Mikel Arteta’s side holding a 5-2-0 record. Despite Arsenal becoming a genuine title contender in the last eighteen months, one mountain they haven’t been able to climb is their Manchester City hoodoo.
Arsenal have not beaten the defending champions in a Premier League fixture since 2015. In that time period Arsenal have thirteen losses and two draws against City. Not only have they been unable to beat City, but the nature of the losses is a major concern, with their last four games against City producing score lines of 5-0, 2-1, 3-1 and 4-1. Pep Guardiola’s men will be seething after last week’s loss, and they’ll be looking to send a statement against a side they’ve loved playing against.
Manchester City to Win
$2.50 (1.5 Units)
