Premier League Matchweek 3: One or both perfect records to give way at Anfield - Preview, Betting tips and Predictions
For the first time in a very long time we might be having no perfect record in the English premier league after three games with Liverpool and Arsenal, the only two teams with 100% records going head to head at Anfield on Saturday.
Should they settle for a draw after 90minutes of intense football, the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City will look to win their respective games and catch up but whoever triumphs at Anfield will be the early trendsetter and the only surviving 100% record after just three games.
Last weekend, Spurs went to the lion’s den and returned alive, Wolves welcomed the devils and shared spoils, making sure both Manchester clubs don’t have perfect records to boast of.
From the stalemate at the Molineaux, Manchester United showed lack of leadership especially on the penalty incident and when it was time for them to go for it, they exhibited laxity, even when they were on the ascendancy there was no killer instinct and that will continue for a long time with a team with no leader of note.
Up next for the Red Devils is the visit of Crystal Palace to Old Trafford, tricky but should be a straightforward win except they really want a repeat of the outrage on social media following the stalemate at Wolves.
Arsenal have lost their last three fixtures against Liverpool and will look to banish recent horrific results against the league leaders, on paper for once the Gunners have a strong team to compete against the Kops but mentality and style will determine who carries the day.
Liverpool weren’t convincing on Saturday at Southampton, but they managed to hold on for a win; Arsenal were dominant in the win over Burnley although there were hiccups but their lead after Aubameyang fired them in front was never really under threat, and the presence of David Luiz in defense, Dani Ceballos in midfield and Nicolas Pepe in attack ultimately mean it’s going to be a contest unlike the previous three against these two.
Jurgen Klopp knows it’s a faceoff in waiting against Manchester City and how you play against top opponents will determine the fear factor around you, Liverpool will also look to make the home advantage count, they haven’t lost at Anfield since April 2007 and won’t want that record broken anytime soon.
Wolves are home to Burnley, two bogey teams and I somewhat feel Wolves’ participation in the Europa league away from England will haunt them, they do have depth but against a very troublesome Ashley Barnes led Clarets, they will need more than Ruben Neves’ screamers on Sunday.
Elsewhere it’s make-or-mar for Watford as Westham visit Vicarage, interesting one there.
Both managers are under pressure to deliver but Westham seem to have more potential this season than the pedestrian Hornets.
Talking potential, Gerrard Delofeu upfront with Troy Deeney should make strong statements on any defense but they have failed to fire this season, they have another chance against Balbuena and Issa Diop.
Chelsea are yet to record a win this season, they have another chance with their visit to Teemu Pukki’s Norwich, some banana peel that is but if you’re in the power mould of Chelsea, then you should be winning games like this, anything short of three points is certainly the beginning of the famous #LampardOut hashtag on every platform you can think of.
Norwich can look at recent records and be hopeful, they held Chelsea to a goalless draw at the Stamford Bridge in 2014 and in the last two meetings in domestic cups, it ended all squared, they won’t expect an easy game with strong and pressured visitors but they can believe.
Brighton are currently in European places and in fact level on points with the two Manchester points, should they win here and it ends in a stalemate at Anfield later in the day, they will be level on points with whoever is leading the log on goal difference, fun times at the Amex.
Southampton travel to the Amex and must halt the rot, two games and both ended in defeats, not for lack of efforts against Liverpool and if not for poor finishing by Danny Ings, they’d have shared the spoils; Seagulls against the Saints in recent past is always evenly contested but Southampton has won two of the last five with the other three ending in stalemates… Where would this swing?
New boys Sheffield United host Leicester and all eyes will once again be on the impressive James Maddison.
The hosts are on four points from two games, joint points with the likes of City, United and Spurs and would enjoy the ride while it lasts; no one expects them to be very much on top after ten games but they might have surprises in stock for everyone.
Leicester City will go for this, they are expected to challenge for the best of the rest title and also ruffle some high ranking feathers but they have to start from fixtures like this.
Premier League predictions are next and as always, you must be reminded to gamble responsibly. Tricky fixtures everywhere with players still settling into new clubs but one thing is certain, it’s a weekend to savor in the English Premier League.
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Fixture
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Verdict
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Players to watch
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Aston Villa vs Everton
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Everton to win
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Moise Kean
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Norwich vs Chelsea
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Chelsea to win
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Olivier Giroud
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Brighton vs Southampton
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Saints to win or draw
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Che Adams
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United vs Palace
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United to win
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Paul Pogba
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Sheffield vs Leicester
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Straight win Leicester
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James Maddison
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Watford vs Westham
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Both teams to score
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Gerrard Delofeu
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Liverpool vs Arsenal
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Both teams to score
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Nicolas Pepe
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Bournemouth vs City
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City to win
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Raheem Sterling
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Spurs vs Newcastle
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Spurs to win
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Harry Kane
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Wolves vs Burnley
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Both teams to score
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Diogo Jota
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