The 2016-17 EPL season continues this weekend and things are already beginning to get interesting at the top of the table as Manchester City and Everton remain the only two undefeated sides. Continue reading for our EPL Week 6 Preview and Betting Tips.
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Manchester United vs Leicester City (Saturday 9.30pm AEST)
The defending champions backed up their midweek 3-0 victory in the Champions League with a win against Burnley by the same margin. It is a strong sign for the club that they are beginning to get over the hangover and pressure of having to live up to last season’s heroics. Their defence has improved drastically whilst their offence is kicking into gear.
Meanwhile Manchester United had a disastrous week. They lost three straight matches starting against crosstown rivals Manchester City and ending with a 3-1 loss on the road to Watford where they were clearly outplayed. The Red Devils had started the season strongly but the pressure will continue to mount with every loss, as Jose Mourinho spent a lot of money during the offseason and they should be producing better performances and results than their last week.
The Red Devils will have the advantage of playing on their home soil but the Foxes have been solid on the road in the last season and a half and have produced good results against Manchester United over that time. We are expecting a tight contest with both sides splitting the points.
TIP: Draw @ $3.90 with CrownBet
Bournemouth vs Everton (Sunday 12am AEST)
Everton are undefeated so far this season but the bookmakers seem to be not taking them too seriously thus far. They are favourites in this contest despite being on the road but we believe it is at a great price considering their form. The side has conceded just three goals during the five matches, which includes an unfortunate own goal. Their attack has been brilliant and it is largely due to the return of form of Romelu Lukaku. The Belgium international grabbed a hat trick last week, bagged another on the weekend whilst also producing an assist as well.
Bournemouth have struggled this year and have just one win to their name over the opening five games. They have found the back of the net just three times and have struggled to create solid opportunities. Meanwhile the side has conceded nine goals and their defence has looked weak at times. We are predicting the Toffees will win this contest comfortably.
TIP: Everton @ $2.20 with Sportsbet
Middlesbrough vs Tottenham (Sunday 12am AEST)
The Spurs are again going about their business quietly and have snuck into third place on the ladder. They have the best defence in the competition and have conceded just two goals in their five games. Their attack hasn’t been as good as it was last year but they still have managed to score eight goals in five games and we are expecting them to continue to get onto the scoreboard this weekend. Harry Kane hasn’t made much of an impact but it won’t be long until he finds his goal scoring boots again.
Middlesbrough started their return to the EPL well by remaining undefeated in their opening three games. However, it has gone down hill since then as they have lost their last two games. Their latest loss to Everton was poor as they weren’t able to create many chances and their only goal came from a goalkeeping error. We are predicting the side to lose at home to the Spurs.
TIP: Tottenham @ $1.95 with Ladbrokes
Arsenal vs Chelsea (Sunday 2.30am AEST)
Sunday night’s EPL action will end with a classic, as the Gunners will host Chelsea. It will be the second tough match for the Blues in a row as they lost at home to Liverpool last week, not to mention they were forced to fight their way back for a draw against Swansea in the game before. Chelsea clearly has a lot of issues at the back and they are becoming move evident in recent matches. They managed to start the season with three straight victories but have earned just one point from their last two matches. Chelsea were able to fight their way back into the match against Liverpool and a goal to Diego Costa put the pressure on the Reds. However, they weren’t able to find an equalising goal.
The Gunners have had the complete opposite season thus far, as they started the year slowly and will enter this contest on the back of three straight victories. However, all is not well at the club as there is rumours that Alexis Sanchez is on the outer and wants a transfer to rivals Manchester City. This could be an issue for coach Arsene Wenger as Sanchez is arguably their best and most dangerous player and he will need him firing this weekend. Arsenal is a side that performs well when their backs are against the wall and we aren’t full convinced that Chelsea are a side that will be competing for a title this year.
TIP: Arsenal @ $2.40 with William Hill
