The English Premier League has reached Week 6 and surprisingly the defending champions Chelsea are sitting on just 4 points and are just above the relegation zone. It doesn’t get any easier for them this week as they are up against Arsenal in the match of the round. Continue reading for our EPL Week 6 Preview and Betting Tips.
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Chelsea vs Arsenal (Saturday 9.45pm AEST)
The defending champions fighting to avoid relegation? Now, that is a ridiculous statement and Chelsea will definitely find their way towards the top of the table by seasons end but as we head into the Week 6 of the EPL season, the Blues have only registered one victory.
Arsenal was victorious in the community shield match preseason 2-0 against their London rivals whilst it was the other way around in their last league match. During the week Arsenal suffered a shock loss in the Champions League and Chelsea were able to regain some confidence for securing a big win at home.
The Gunners will dominate possession but they will need to make the most of their opportunities. Last weekend against Stoke they produced 29 opportunities on goal but only two found the back of the net. They won’t be given that many chances against Chelsea who will be up for the contest but with Chelsea’s defence struggling this year with the ageing legs of John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic, I expect Arsenal to secure the victory away from home.
TIP: Arsenal @ $2.85 with Ladbrokes promotion (see below)
Bonus TIP: Alexis Sanchez to score and Arsenal win @ $7 with Ladbrokes
Swansea City vs Everton (Sunday 12am AEST)
The Swans were very disappointing last weekend as they lost to Watford. I was expecting them to back up their solid performance against Manchester United and defeat the side that is expected to be relegated at the end of the season. Watford had the best chances throughout the match and despite having their opposition reduced to 10-men Swansea continued to struggle to create chances.
Meanwhile, the Toffees smashed the defending champions last week and it was thanks largely to a hat-trick to Steven Naismith. They definitely weren’t lucky as they were by far the better side on the day. I expect them to continue their attacking form into this weekend.
TIP: Everton @ $3.20 with Sportsbet
Stoke City vs Leicester City (Sunday 12am AEST)
The Potters started this year's campaign with a lot of expectations and they have failed to live up to them. They had signed a lot of new players over the offseason and they haven’t been able to click yet and they were dismal against Arsenal last weekend.
The Foxes pulled off an improbable comeback against Aston Villa last weekend. They were down by two goals with 30 minutes remaining before scoring three goals, which secured them the three points as they moved into second position on the ladder. However, I expect Stoke to register their first victory and kick-start their season into gear.
TIP: Stoke @ $2.36 with CrownBet
Tottenham vs Crystal Palace (Sunday 10.30pm AEST)
The Spurs slow start to the season have continued as they only registered their first win last week against bottom of the table Sunderland. It took a sensational goal in the 82nd minute to secure the 3 points but it wasn’t without scares as before that Jermaine Defoe for the Black Cats had the best of the chances.
Crystal Palace are entering their third straight match against sides with top four aspirations and they have already put on two solid performances. They defeated the defending champions at Stamford Bridge and it took until the 90th minute for Manchester City to receive the breakthrough, as the Eagles were heartbroken. The will need to lift again and with the Spurs struggling themselves to score goals I see a draw happening for this match.
TIP: Draw @ $3.45 with Palmerbet
Southampton vs Manchester United (Monday 1am AEST)
The Red Devils were able to take the three points at home against arch rivals Liverpool last weekend as teenager Anthony Martial made his debut off the bench and scored a wonder goal that had many experts comparing the youngster to another Frenchman – Thierry Henry. If Martial is able to make half the impact Henry made in the premier league than he will be worth every penny as even receiving that sort of a comparison should do your confidence a world of good.
Southampton was able to earn a draw away from home and despite scoring three goals the week before against a 10-man Norwich side, the Saints have struggled in front of goal. I expect Manchester United to continue their good form in the premier league this season and earn a victory despite their loss midweek in the Champions League.
TIP: Manchester United @ $2.25 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!