Premier League preview: Saturday’s action including Everton vs Leicester
Leeds vs Bournemouth
Bournemouth suffered a harrowing reversal against Tottenham last time out, leaving them on a three-game losing streak; Leeds ended their own dismal four-game run of defeats with an unexpected win over Liverpool. So… is this set for a home win for jolly Jesse Marsch, as the Cherries slip further into the mire?
As remarkable as Leeds’ Anfield win was, it’s hardly uncommon for sides to take one hopeful step forward only to immediately stagger back. Bournemouth have shown a refusal to surrender this season too, mounting a three-goal comeback of their own against Nottingham Forest back in September.
And Leeds shipped three goals to Fulham a couple of weeks back. The Cottagers are undoubtedly having a better season than many expected, but still, seeing them beat Leeds in their own back yard does highlight the Yorkshire side’s own vulnerabilities.
The Cherries have scored in three of their last four away games, too. Rather than back the result, it might be more profitable to focus on goals, then. Both Teams To Score is a 4/6 shot; over 2.5 goals is available at 8/11.
Man City vs Fulham
City have won all their games at the Etihad this season by at least a two-goal margin this season; and in their last five league meetings with Fulham, City have a combined 15 goals against Fulham’s zero.
After playing in the Champions League midweek it’s possible City may take it easy against Marco Silva’s side. That said, Erling Haaland could be ready to return to action on Saturday after missing City’s last couple of games.
Understandably, it’s a struggle to find a tempting price on City against a team they are almost certain to beat. City to win to nil at 10/11 is about as good as it gets.
Nottingham Forest vs Brentford
After beating Liverpool, who seem to be operating on an almost philanthropic level against the Prem’s less glamourous teams these days, Steve Cooper received a reality check last weekend against Arsenal.
Let’s hope the north London mauling hasn’t left Forest in too much of a funk, though. Because Brentford do not travel well, and this is undoubtedly a chance for the hosts to pick up a much-needed win.
The Bees’ last two away games to Newcastle and Villa ended 5-1 and 4-0 respectively. In fact, Brentford have only scored four goals in their last seven matches – and Ivan Toney provided three of those.
That’s Ivan Toney who will be missing here, suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season last week against Wolves.
On the face of it, this match could scarcely be better set-up for the hosts. And with Forest offering slightly better value in the betting at 9/5, it’s surely worth taking a punt on those Tricky Trees.
Wolves vs Brighton
Against Brentford last week, Wolves earned a point but also saw new signing Diego Costa dismissed for a headbutt. Since then, the troubled Midlands club have made another attempt to convince Julen Lopetegui to become their new coach.
On Saturday they face a Brighton side fresh from their triumphant and possibly therapeutic win over Chelsea. Will the Seagulls be able to keep the good vibe going at Molyneux?
Traditionally, they’ve tended to be better away from home than at the Amex; but there’s always the possibility that as well as they play, goals can prove elusive.
The hosts have generally been pretty effective at keeping scorelines low, if nothing else. But even that ability may be slipping. Leicester blasted four past Wolves at Molineux a few weeks back; if Brighton can tap into the same furious mindset that saw them dominate Chelsea, Wolves could be shipping a few more this week. If…
Given the hosts’ woes, Roberto De Zerbi’s side have a great opportunity for back-to-back wins. Brighton are 59/50 to take the three points.
Everton vs Leicester
Both these sides have started the season slowly and gradually improved; perhaps the difference is that Leicester’s attack has generally been pretty reliable from the start.
The Foxes have scored two or more in seven of the 13 league games they’ve played; Everton have scored more than once just twice.
Frank Lampard’s men briefly came to life against Crystal Palace recently, scoring three without reply – before following that up with goalless draw against wacky, free-wheeling Fulham last week.
Will the Foxes find a way at Goodison, or are Everton set to keep things tight again? The latter seems the likelier, since only one of Everton’s five losses in this campaign have come by more than a single goal (when they lost 2-0 away to Spurs).
If that trend continues this week, you could consider backing Leicester to win by one goal in the Exact Winning Margin market at 19/5.
Then again, nine of Everton’s 13 league games to date have featured two or fewer goals. Backing Under 2.5 goals at 4/5 might be your best bet…
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