It’s free money time everybody. My confidence was a little shaky after last week but after hitting on Barcelona, Porto, and Manchester United (and missing on Borussia Mochengladbach) I’m back.
As you’ve probably heard there’s a lot going on this Sunday and while I’ll make picks for those games I’m here to remind you that there’s plenty of exciting action on Saturday as well.
Crystal Palace (-125)
West Brom ( +350)
Draw (+250)
Am I missing something here? I have to be right? Yes I understand that Crystal Palace has gotten off to the best start in the club’s history but their home form this season has left a lot to be desired. West Brom got off to an inconsistent start to the season but has been much better as of late, especially since Saido Berahino came back into the team. But do you know where there have been no question marks on West Brom? Their away form, which has not only been fantastic, but they haven’t conceded a goal yet. +350 is practically stealing money.
Sunderland (+195)
West Ham (+135)
Draw (+240)
Here are West Ham’s first four away opponents this season: Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Sunderland. One of those four is not like the others. Considering that West Ham is 3-0 away from home against good sides and has struggled at home against the likes of Leicester, Bournemouth, and Norwich is will be interesting to see what wins here. West Ham’s away form, or their habit of not being able to put poor teams away. At the end of the day, Sunderland are really bad and you can’t go against West Ham playing away from Upton Park. Give me that +135.
Chelsea (-125)
Southampton (+350)
Draw (+260)
It’s no longer a secret that no only are things not going well at Stamford Bridge but it doesn’t look like they will be getting better anytime soon. Luckily they have that fortress that’s known as Stamford Bridge where they always win right? Whoops, turns out this season that that “fortress” is more like an unguarded chain link fence where the gate was left wide open. Chelsea have won just one home match this year and that was of course the Mike Dean match.
After a slow start everyone has been wondering what team will replace Southampton as the small club who hangs around the top of the table most of the season. Over the past few weeks Southampton have quietly begun playing like the old Southampton again and are ready to regain their status as ‘this year’s Southampton.’ Both fixtures between these two clubs last season ended with 1-1 draws, I see this one going pretty much the same way. Give me that draw (+260)
Everton (+160)
Liverpool (+170)
Draw (+230)
This season, between Everton and Liverpool, Everton are the better side, marginally. However, even if the margin between the two of sides was greater Liverpool are always at their best when they take on Everton or Manchester United at home. Everton are good enough this year to avoid turning this fixture into the 0-0 slop fest that occurred at Goodison Park last year, but will they have enough to actually knock off their rivals? The answer is no, and I’m expecting an intense and thrilling Merseyside Derby that ends in a draw. However if you think draws are no fun and are jones-ing to pick a winner, take Liverpool (+170).
Arsenal (EVEN)
Manchester United (+260)
Draw (+250)
Again what am I missing here? Arsenal have scored 10 goals this season (two of them own goals) and have been dreadful at home. Sure they won 5-2 last week but carried none of that momentum into a 3-2 loss to Olympiacos in the Champions League. Meanwhile Manchester United have quietly put together one of the best defensive teams in the league this season not to mention they have a fantastic record at the Emirates.
Young United starlet Anthony Martial is currently going through his longest scoring drought since arriving at Old Trafford (a whole two games) so picking him to grab the first goal (+600) isn’t a bad idea. But seriously, United at (+260) at the Emirates and with Michael Carrick back in the team? Absolutely.
Bonus Picks:
Tottenham (+165) is a good look. They may have lost Son but Erik Lamela has been playing pretty well recently, not just in the Europa League like usual but in the Premier League too! Plus Swansea have quietly been in a free fall since defeating United courtesy of Sergio Romero.
Not in England but the best match in the Bundesliga is also Sunday morning (it’s Super Sunday for a reason) and as enticing as Borussia Dortmund (+425) is, going anywhere other then Bayern Munich (-169) would be foolish.
(Remember that this is for entertainment purposes only. Know the risks of gambling and results may vary. Good luck.)
