Finally, the international break is over, which means the return of domestic club action around Europe. The Premier League has a full program of games for the coming weekend, which includes the return of a certain Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford.
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur
The weekend of action gets underway with a London derby at Selhurst Park, as Spurs will be looking for a fourth straight win of the season. Palace are yet to win this term, and have already been blown away by Chelsea. The Eagles haven’t won in 12 league meetings against Spurs, while Tottenham have failed to score on just one occasion in 12 on the road against Palace. An away win looks like a solid pick.
Pick: Tottenham Hotspur (-115)
Watford vs Wolves
Wolves are still pointless in the league this season, but have done everything except pick up a point. Bruno Lage’s side have outshot their opponents in each of their last four games. However, Watford have an excellent home record, currently at a club-record ten wins on the bounce. There could be goals in this game, which means over 2.5 could be a solid choice.
Pick: Over 2.5 Goals (+115)
Brentford vs Brighton & Hove Albion
This will be the first-ever top-flight meeting between Brighton and Brentford. The Seagulls have recorded just one win in nine away league games, while Brentford have enjoyed an excellent unbeaten start to their first Premier League campaign. The Bees have won five of the previous nine home games against Brighton, and could be a good selection to maintain their strong home record this season.
Pick: Brentford (+175)
Arsenal vs Norwich City
This is a huge fixture at the Emirates for Arsenal. The Gunners are without a point after three games, and are yet to score. They have previously only gone five at the start of the season without a win, with that coming in the 1923-24 season. Norwich are also waiting for a first point after conceding ten in their first three games. Mikel Arteta can’t afford anything other than a win here, and therefore a scrappy Arsenal win is likely.
Pick: Arsenal (-200)
Manchester United vs Newcastle United
The big game comes from Old Trafford, as Cristiano Ronaldo makes his return for Manchester United. The Red Devils have started the season well, with two wins and a draw. Meanwhile, Newcastle have picked up just one point so far this season, and have beaten United just once 36 visits to Old Trafford. Those that believe in fate with be backing the Ronaldo hat-trick this weekend, as his only United treble came against Newcastle in 2008.
Pick: Cristiano Ronaldo to score a hat-trick (+800)
Southampton vs West Ham United
High-flying West Ham are back on the road this weekend, as they could end the weekend at the top of the league. The Hammers have an excellent record against the Saints, having won 19 times against them in the league. Southampton have managed to keep just one clean sheet in 24 league games. An away win looks like a positive bet.
Pick: West Ham United (+140)
Leicester City vs Manchester City
A Community Shield rematch is also set for the King Power Stadium. Manchester City have recovered since a 1-0 defeat against Spurs on the opening day to win their last two; scoring ten in the process. Leicester have also picked up two wins so far this season. There hasn’t been a draw between these sides in eleven previous matches, while away sides tend to dominant this fixture, with half of the fixtures having been played being won by the traveling side.
Pick: Manchester City (-189)
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea will look to bounce back from their draw before the international break against Aston Villa. The Blues have won eleven of the previous 16 fixtures against the side from the West Midlands. However, the Villa did get a win in the last fixture between the sides in May. Regardless, anything other than a win for the hosts looks unlikely, with Romelu Lukaku likely to get himself on the scoresheet.
Pick: Romelu Lukaku to score anytime (-143)
Leeds United vs Liverpool
There’s a cracking game in store on Sunday, as Liverpool travel to Elland Road to take on Leeds. The Reds have started with two wins and a draw, while Leeds are still looking for their first victory. There has been an average of 4.25 goals per game in the last four meetings, which could show value in the over 2.5 goals selection this weekend.
Pick: Over 2.5 Goals (-189)
Everton vs Burnley
The final game of the Premier League weekend takes place on Monday, as Everton host Burnley. The Clarets are still searching for a first win, while a victory for the Toffees could take them into the top four. Burnley have won two of the last four at Goodison, and two of the last four both home and away. However, a low-scoring game could be the safe selection.
Pick: Under 2.5 Goals (-125)
All odds from PointsBet (Correct as of 09/08/21)
