Man City’s 2-0 win at Newcastle on the opening weekend of the Premier League netted us a tidy 8-point profit on all selections last weekend. The defeat of Manchester United at the hands of Swansea was the main talking point with the Welsh side providing a stark reminder of the task facing Van Gaal at Old Trafford.
Saturday’s action sees Chelsea and Arsenal back in action, the Blues having impressed in their comfortable 3-1 win at Burnley on Monday night. They now welcome another newly-promoted side in Leicester City to Stamford Bridge as they bid to underline their title claims.
Things could hardly be looking better for Jose Mourinho’s summer signings after a brilliant performance by Cesc Fabregas and a goal from Diego Costa. Both seem to have the ability to make things look simple and Leicester must be travelling to London with some trepidation. Costa could be a good bet to get on the score-sheet again this weekend with a comfortable home win for the Blues.
Crystal Palace put up a brave performance at Arsenal last week in the wake of the shock departure of Tony Pulis. It had looked a nailed-on three points for the Gunners but Palace made them fight every inch of the way. Palace now play West Ham who were undone by a late Spurs goal in their opening fixture. The Hammers can only have themselves to blame for not taking the opportunity presented to them with a penalty miss and playing against ten men for a lengthy period of the game. This looks like draw material, a result that would probably suit both sides at this stage of the season.
Another side to impress last week were Southampton. I, like many others, felt that the mass exodus during the summer would leave the Saints in a perilous situation. That may still be the case but you have to admire their gallant effort at Anfield.
Only the width of the cross bar prevented them from coming away with a point and Liverpool were undoubtedly breathing a sigh of relief to get three points. West Brom were held to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland in their opening game and this looks another tight fixture. It would be wrong to get too carried away with Southampton’s performance last week and another draw is predicted.
The late kick-off is an intriguing clash between Everton and Arsenal. Arsene Wenger’s side face the age-old problem of playing on a Saturday after a midweek Champions League game. Last season the Toffees dished out a 3-0 beating to the Gunners but the visitors will be desperate to show that they are genuine title contenders.
Arsenal do have some positive news in the return of Mesut Ozil, Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski to the squad after World Cup duty. Mikel Arteta will definitely be absent after picking up an injury against Besiktas. Everton allowed Leicester to sneak a point last weekend and will be looking to Romelu Lukaku to step up his game now that he is a permanent signing. Arsenal have not beaten Everton in their last four meetings and could be vulnerable to an upset here.
Sunday’s big game is Manchester United’s visit to Sunderland. Van Gaal looks like a man with a mission at Old Trafford and is still in the process of sorting out the wheat from the chaff. As David Moyes found to his cost, there is never as much time as you think there is and United fans will be distinctly uncomfortable if a second defeat follows the Swansea result. Gus Poyet has done a fantastic job at Sunderland and it is by no means impossible. Spurs sneaked past West Ham and should have a more comfortable time disposing of QPR on home soil.
On Monday, Man City host Liverpool in a clash of the first and second from last season. Liverpool did not look anywhere near as dangerous without Suarez against Southampton and Brendan Rodgers is still chasing shadows in the transfer market. City eased into the season with a clinical display at Newcastle and can follow up here.
Diego Costa to score first @10-3 Bet365
Chelsea to win by three or more goals @15-8 Skybet
Crystal Palace v West Ham DRAW @23-10 Bet365
Southampton v West Brom DRAW @11-4 Boylesports
Everton to beat Arsenal @9-5 Paddy Power
Sunderland to beat Man United @21-5 Bet Victor
Man City to beat Liverpool @6-7 BetBright
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
