Liverpool jumped to the top of the English Premier League table after Manchester City were held to a draw last week. The title race is already shaping up to be an enthralling battle, and Jack Tobin has you covered with his preview for Matchday 7. Check out his best bets below and good luck to everyone following along!
EPL 2024-25: Matchday 7 Preview & Betting Tips
Crystal Palace vs Liverpool
Selhurst Park, Saturday 5th October, 9:30pm AEST
Liverpool have continued their excellent start under Arne Slot, with five wins from six games to sit first on the Premier League table. The Reds grinded out a tough 2-1 victory over Wolves last week, thanks to goals from Ibrahima Konate and Mo Salah. Crystal Palace came into the season with modest expectations, however they have horribly underperformed, sitting in the relegation zone with just three points.
Liverpool have been outstanding in all three facets of the games, ranking as the number one defence (2 goals conceded), number three ranked attack (12 goals) and fifth for possession (59%). They haven’t played the high pressing brand that the Reds were famous for under Jurgen Klopp, it has been a patient method building up the ball to generate attacking opportunities. This has seen Liverpool become more consistent in generating attacking opportunities, and it’s helped solidify their defence.
The Reds have had their way against Palace since 2017, winning 11 of the 14 meetings between the two sides in the Premier League. Four of Liverpool’s five wins this season have come by margins of two or more goals, and it will be a similar looking result this weekend at home. Crystal Palace have scored just five goals this season, and don’t have the attacking quality to keep this fixture close.
Liverpool -1
$2.25 (1 Unit)
Manchester City vs Fulham
Etihad Stadium, Sunday 6th October, 12:00am AEST
Etihad Stadium plays host to a surprising battle of second versus sixth, as Fulham head to Manchester to take on the defending champions. Manchester City have dropped to second place on the table after consecutive draws in their last two games, failing to convert chances in a 1-1 draw with Newcastle last week. Fulham have been the surprise package of the opening six games of the season, sitting in sixth with a 3-2-1 record.
The Cottagers haven’t lost since their 1-0 defeat against Manchester United on the opening day of the season, and are on a two game winning streak after beating Newcastle and Nottingham Forest over the last fortnight. Erling Haaland had his first goalless game of the season, as Manchester City couldn’t gain clear ascendancy against Newcastle. Pep Guardiola’s side had 63%, but it didn’t lead to a major differential in goal scoring opportunities.
Manchester City are unbeaten in their last 29 league games, having not lost a Premier League match since December 2023 and their record against Fulham is just as impressive. The defending champions have won thirteen straight league games against Fulham, and are undefeated in 18 consecutive league matchups against the Cottagers. Manchester City will be desperate to bounce back after only picking up two points in the last fortnight and will pick up a convincing win against a side they beat 4-0 and 5-1 last season.
Manchester City -2
$2.60 (1.5 Units)
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Villa Park, Monday 7th October, 12:00am AEDT
Pressure is once again building on Manchester United after a horror performance against Spurs, sees the Red Devils in 13th place with just one win from their last five league fixtures. It doesn’t get any easier for United, who travel to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa who have won three of their last four games. Although they were held to a 2-2 draw by Ipswich Town, Unai Emery’s side are in fifth position, with an impressive 4-1-1 start.
United were taken to the cleaners at home by Tottenham, losing the shot count 24-11, conceding 61% possession and only managing 2 shots on target. They never threatened in a timid performance, which was made worse by Bruno Fernandes’ red card. The Red Devils had successfully appealed against a three game suspension that their captain was facing, with the FA acknowledging that it shouldn’t have been a red card dispute, the referee and VAR giving it a red.
Manchester United have only scored in one of their last four games, with two 3-0 defeats in that timespan. Aston Villa on the other hand, are the equal third highest scoring club in the league, with 12 goals in six games. United have only won on the road once this season, against winless Southampton. Given how poor Manchester United have been this season, Aston Villa are remarkably good value in this fixture, and will have no issues piling onto Erik ten Hag’s misery.
Aston Villa to Win
$2.20 (2 Units)
