The English Premier League returns to action this weekend with the International break over and the transfer window closed. Teams will now be with their squads until January when the madness of transfers returns. We have a lot of epic matches this week with none bigger than Manchester United playing host to Liverpool. Continue reading for the EPL week 5 Preview and Betting Tips.
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Everton vs Chelsea (Saturday 9.45pm AEST)
The weekend kicks off with an interesting clash as Chelsea take on Everton and John Stones, the fullback they tried to sign throughout the transfer window. The Toffees knocked back four offers and the last was a staggering 38 million pounds. His defence will need to be on show this weekend as they look to make the stuttering start of the defending champions campaign continue and they have the ability to do it with the firepower up front that should test the ageing backline of John Terry and Gary Cahill. Terry returns after being sent off against West Brom and the captain will need to be at his best to stop Romelu Lukaku from finding the back of the net. Chelsea are the favourites despite playing away from home but I can see this match ending in a stale mate.
TIP: Draw @ $3.50 with Sportsbet
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City (Sunday 12am AEST)
The Eagles have been one of the surprise packages to start this season and they pulled off possibly their biggest win in their premier league history in their last match as they defeated the defending champions at Stamford Bridge. The victory sees them sit in outright second position after four matches however unfortunately for them they are coming up against the form side of the competition and it looks as if no one is going to be able to stop Manchester City whilst they are playing the way they are. Yaya Toure needs to be given a lot of credit for City’s early form as he has moved on from his poor performances last season to be the dominant presence in the midfield that he is known for. This has allowed for the Sky Blues to create a lot of chances up front whilst they are still yet to concede a goal. Palace will play to win but they won’t be able to match it with the big guns on this occasion.
TIP: Halftime/Fulltime - City/City @ $2.52 with Crownbet
Watford vs Swansea City (Sunday 12am AEST)
The Swans have had another great start to their campaign and it was capped off in their last start with a come from behind victory against the powerhouse Manchester United. They have now won their past three meetings with the Red Devils. They haven’t lost a match this season after securing two wins and two draws. The newly promoted Watford side won’t put up much of a fight in this contest and Swansea will maintain their undefeated record coming away with all three points.
TIP: Swansea @ $2.50 with Palmerbet
Manchester United vs Liverpool (Sunday 2.30am AEST)
Big news for Red Devils fans is that David De Gea will return in goals for the side after his transfer to Real Madrid failed at the last minute despite all the paper work being signed.
These two sides find themselves level on 7 points and neither side has been able to impress during the opening month of football. Both have lacked in attack and at times their defence has been questioned, with Liverpool having the worst of it in their 3-0 loss at home to West Ham in their last start.
Throughout their first four matches United would have created the better chances but just failed to capitalise, this has to change eventually and is there a better time to do so at home against one of your biggest nemeses? We think not.
TIP: Manchester United @ $1.90 with Ladbrokes (Using promo - See below)
Sunderland vs Tottenham Hotspur (Sunday 10.30pm AEST)
The Black Cats sit on the bottom of the table and were one of the worst sides over the opening month of football despite salvaging two draws in their last two outings. Their defence has been found out on a number of occasions however they have managed to score in every match this season. The Spurs haven’t been much better as they have failed to turn in a full 90-minute performance. They are still searching for their first victory after playing out three consecutive draws. This weekend will see them break this drought as hopefully they have learned from their previous mistakes of letting sides back into the contest.
TIP: Tottenham @ $1.90 with WilliamHill
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!