Premier League preview: Saturday’s action including Newcastle vs Man Utd
Arsenal vs Wolves
The Gunners smashed six past Lens in the Champions League midweek, and sit top of the Premier League. A visit from a Wolves side that have lost their last two away games to Fulham and Sheffield United shouldn’t be giving Arteta any sleepless nights.
Wolves aren’t without threat; Gary O’Neil’s side held Tottenham to a draw last month, and beat Man City before that – but both those results came at Molineux.
Arsenal have won each of the last four meetings between these teams, turning the Wanderers over 5-0 at the Emirates last season. This one might not be quite such a mauling, the hosts potentially having used up much of their goal quota for the week already.
Still, both sides’ games do tend to produce goals; Wolves’ last five games have all met the over 2.5 threshold, while only one of Arsenal’s home games have featured fewer than three goals this season. Backing Arsenal to win and over 2.5 goals in a double gives you odds of 4/5.
You could increase that price by throwing in BTTS, for a treble at 39/20. Wolves have found the net in their last six away games in the Prem, albeit not against the stiffest competition.
Brentford vs Luton
After defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal, can Thomas Frank steer his side back on course with victory over the Hatters on Saturday?
True, Luton took three points against Palace last weekend. But Rob Edwards’ team may struggle to assert themselves at the Gtech Stadium.
In their previous game, Brentford “went toe-to-toe” with Arsenal according to Frank; indeed, it wasn’t ‘til the 89th minute that Kai Havertz was able to give the visitors the lead.
If the Bees display similar resolve against Luton, it’s tough to see the visitors getting the better of a club that has won five of the last six league meetings between these sides.
Back Brentford to win and over 2.5 goals at 11/10.
Burnley vs Sheffield United
It’s a bumbling battle royale at Turf Moor, rock bottom Burnley hosting a Sheffield United side just one point ahead of the Clarets in the league table.
Vincent Kompany can surely not afford to fumble this opportunity to land just a second league win of the season; but can his side get the job done?
Both sides boast fairly horrendous records in this campaign. It’s tough to say home advantage counts for much when Burnley have lost all seven of their home games.
Yet Sheffield United have earned just one point on the road (and five points all season), so it’s similarly a stretch to think Heckingbottom’s team can swoop in and nab a much-needed victory of their own.
Maybe that means this one ends all square, with each side having to settle for a point? The draw is 27/10.
Nottingham Forest vs Everton
After three defeats in his last four matches, there’s talk that Steve Cooper’s role at Forest could be at risk. The coach remains well-liked by the fans, but a strong performance against Everton could definitely ease some pressure on the Tricky Trees boss.
Sean Dyche’s role seems safer, though Everton could definitely use a win too. Many expected the Toffees to offer a defiant showing against Man Utd last week; perhaps the wind was taken out of Everton’s sails after Alejandro Garnacho’s third minute overhead kick.
With Everton supporters still apoplectic about the 10-point deduction that’s seen them fall to 19th in the league table, maybe the Merseyside team can show some steel at the City Ground.
Before their points penalty, Everton had won four of their previous seven league games. And while Forest have generally proven a tough side to beat on home turf, a Brighton side that have struggled for wins recently did manage that feat a week ago.
In fact, Forest’s form has deteriorated of late, with the side having won just one of their last nine games. Taiwo Awoniyi is suffering from a groin injury that means he’ll be out “for months” according to Cooper. As a major source of goals for the Nottingham team, that’s ominous news.
With the hosts looking vulnerable, Everton could take advantage; the visitors are 31/20 to take three points.
Newcastle vs Man Utd
Just one point separates these two sides, but Newcastle currently give the impression of being a far more complete side than Man Utd.
Both sides suffered disappointments in the Champions League midweek. But while Newcastle defended well against Paris Saint-Germain and were ultimately the victim of a VAR ruling that left the fans reeling, Man United failed to maintain a two-goal lead away against Galatasaray, with keeper Andre Onana at fault.
In the Prem, Ten Hag’s side might not look imperious, but they’ve done enough to take the points, winning six of their last eight. None of those wins have come against the league’s most dangerous sides, though.
By contrast, Newcastle are a very tough nut to crack playing on home turf; from seven home games in the Prem, they’ve won six. They hammered Chelsea 4-1 last week in a game where there was anticipation that the west London side would at least be competitive; does that mean we should expect the Magpies to be similarly unrelenting in this 8pm kick-off?
Anthony Gordon has scored in each of Newcastle’s last three home games – matches that included the aforementioned visit from Chelsea, as well as Arsenal. Gordon is thriving at Newcastle, and the 22-year-old is 27/10 to find the net.
Otherwise, given the visitors’ frailties, you could simply back the hosts for the win at 19/20. It might be more than 25 years since Keegan’s famous outburst, but Newcastle will still love it, really love it if they can beat Man Utd this weekend.
To bet on a wide range of markets, visit 32Red Sport today. If you’re looking for a different kind of flutter, check out our 32Red Casino site. There’s plenty of slots and table games to keep you entertained!
