EPL 2024-25: Matchday 8 Preview & Betting Tips
Tottenham vs West Ham
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Saturday 19th October, 10:30pm AEDT
Matchday 8 begins with an all London clash on Saturday night, as Tottenham host West Ham. Tottenham were beginning to build some momentum with consecutive wins before Matchday 7, however they conceded three second half goals to lose 3-2 against Brighton. Ange Postecoglou described it as the worst loss he’s had in charge of Spurs, who have fallen to ninth place. West Ham secured some much needed relief in their last outing, with a 4-1 win over Ipswich Town giving the Hammers their first win since Matchday 2.
Despite their inconsistent starts to the season, both clubs haven't had too many issues finding the back of the net this season. Tottenham have scored 14 goals this season (ranked 4th), while West Ham have scored 10 (ranked equal 9th). The Hammers attacking work has been undone by their defensive struggles, having conceded 11 goals to be the 14th ranked defence in the league.
Two of Tottenham’s last three games have gone over 3.5 goals, and the game that didn’t go over had 3 goals, which has shown the attacking quality they do possess. Given West Ham’s vulnerability in defence and their capacity in attack when they are playing well, there should be goals aplenty in this matchup. Both teams are in desperate need of a win, so expect some expansive football on Saturday night.
Total Goals Over 3.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Newcastle vs Brighton
St James' Park, Sunday 20th October, 1:00am AEDT
St James’ Park plays host to a crucial clash as sixth placed Brighton take on seventh placed Newcastle, with both clubs looking to remain within touching distance of the top four. Newcastle have stalled after starting the season with three wins and a draw, failing to win any of their last three games. Brighton recorded a thrilling win against Spurs in their last outing, coming back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
Like they did two seasons ago, Newcastle have built their brand of a strong defence that has conceded just seven goals through the opening seven games of the season, ranking as the fourth best defence. Brighton on the other hand are one of the best attacking teams in the league having scored 13 goals, the 5th most of any club this season. The battle between Newcastle's defence versus Brighton’s attack will go a long way to deciding this fixture.
These two sides play near polar opposite styles of football, but it draws them into close games when they face off. Six of the last eleven Premier League fixtures between Brighton and Newcastle have been draws. Brighton have drawn three of their last five games this season, while Newcastle have drawn their last two games. All roads point towards a stalemate, which provides plenty of value for punters.
Liverpool vs Chelsea
Anfield, Monday 21st October, 2:30am AEDT
It’s a Monday morning blockbuster as league leaders Liverpool host fourth placed Chelsea at Anfield. The Reds sit a point clear at the top of the table with a 6-0-1 record, while Chelsea are four points behind Arne Slot’s side with a 4-2-1 record. It’s been an impressive start under Enzo Maresca, recording four wins and two draws after losing to Manchester City on opening day. Liverpool had a slip up against Nottinham back in September, but for the second time this season are on a three game winning streak.
Liverpool’s defence has been remarkable to start the season, conceding just two goals from the first seven games of this season. The Reds recorded five clean sheets to comfortably rank as the best defence in the Premier League, and once again be contending for a title. Their defence will need to be on song again, against a Chelsea side that has won games this season by score lines of 6-2, 4-2 and 3-0.
Chelsea have struggled badly in the league against Liverpool, winning only one of the last ten meetings between the two clubs. Chelsea have only won at Anfield once in the last decade, and their trip to Merseyside last season ended in a 4-1 hammering. Chelsea need this to be a shootout, having only won once this season when scoring under three goals, and they certainly won’t be reaching that mark against the league’s best defence. Liverpool will continue their outstanding form and hold their place at the top of the table.
Liverpool
$1.64 (2 Units)
