Premier Laegue, Week 3, August 23-25
- Thread starter spkutano
- Start date
Aston Villa vs Everton Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Aston Villa:
Heaton; Elmohamady; Engels, Mings, Taylor; Luiz, McGinn, Grealish; Trezeguet, El Ghazi, Wesley
Everton:
Pickford; Coleman, Keane, Mina, Digne; Gbamin, Gomes; Richarlison, Sigurdsson, Bernard; Kean
Aston Villa are newcomers in the Premier League after securing promotion through a play-off final victory over Derby. The Villans suffered defeats in the first two rounds and now share the bottom of the table. The defeat to Tottenham in the opening round was somehow expected, the Spurs are between the title pretenders. However, the home loss to Bournemouth is hard to be swallowed. Villa conceded two early goals inside 12 minutes and failed to turn the result, although the goal from Douglas Luiz in the second half gave some hope. By the way, he scored his first goal in European league football in his 40th career game - two matches for Aston Villa in the Premier League and 38 matches for Girona in Spanish Primera. John McGinn should also be mentioned, he had six shots, more than any other player on that game. Manager Dean Smith has three unavailable players for this match. New signing Kortney Hause is still recovering from an ankle injury, James Chester is nursing a thigh problem, while striker Jonathan Kodjia is out with an ankle injury.
Everton have four points after two rounds. The Toffees played a goalless draw with Crystal Palace in the opening round, while won 1:0 against Watford in the second. Bernard's goal after just 10 minutes was enough to give Everton their first victory in the new season. Lucas Digne has to be praised as well, he set up the only goal with a wonderful ball from deep inside his own half. Digne has have been directly involved in nine Premier League goals since the start of last season - four scored and five assisted. Only Liverpool full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold (14) and Andrew Robertson (11) have more. The good defense is pivotal for the successful results, as they are yet to concede a goal. Manager Marco Silva is doing an excellent job and the fans are satisfied. Most of them are dreaming about place that lead to Europe next season. Silva also has some injured players ahead of this match - Fabian Delph is struggling with a groin strain and he is rated as doubtful. Lucas Digne and Leighton Baines are also injury doubts.
Aston Villa vs Everton Prediction:
Aston Villa lost both matches in the Premier League, so the players confidence is low. It is always hard to play under pressure. Everton, meanwhile, played two inefficient games. The Toffees have scored just one goal, while kept their own net untouched. Considering these facts, I expect a low scoring match at Villa Park.
Aston Villa vs Everton Pick: Under 2.5 goals @ 2.07 with Pinnacle
Possible starting lineups:
Aston Villa:
Heaton; Elmohamady; Engels, Mings, Taylor; Luiz, McGinn, Grealish; Trezeguet, El Ghazi, Wesley
Everton:
Pickford; Coleman, Keane, Mina, Digne; Gbamin, Gomes; Richarlison, Sigurdsson, Bernard; Kean
Aston Villa are newcomers in the Premier League after securing promotion through a play-off final victory over Derby. The Villans suffered defeats in the first two rounds and now share the bottom of the table. The defeat to Tottenham in the opening round was somehow expected, the Spurs are between the title pretenders. However, the home loss to Bournemouth is hard to be swallowed. Villa conceded two early goals inside 12 minutes and failed to turn the result, although the goal from Douglas Luiz in the second half gave some hope. By the way, he scored his first goal in European league football in his 40th career game - two matches for Aston Villa in the Premier League and 38 matches for Girona in Spanish Primera. John McGinn should also be mentioned, he had six shots, more than any other player on that game. Manager Dean Smith has three unavailable players for this match. New signing Kortney Hause is still recovering from an ankle injury, James Chester is nursing a thigh problem, while striker Jonathan Kodjia is out with an ankle injury.
Everton have four points after two rounds. The Toffees played a goalless draw with Crystal Palace in the opening round, while won 1:0 against Watford in the second. Bernard's goal after just 10 minutes was enough to give Everton their first victory in the new season. Lucas Digne has to be praised as well, he set up the only goal with a wonderful ball from deep inside his own half. Digne has have been directly involved in nine Premier League goals since the start of last season - four scored and five assisted. Only Liverpool full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold (14) and Andrew Robertson (11) have more. The good defense is pivotal for the successful results, as they are yet to concede a goal. Manager Marco Silva is doing an excellent job and the fans are satisfied. Most of them are dreaming about place that lead to Europe next season. Silva also has some injured players ahead of this match - Fabian Delph is struggling with a groin strain and he is rated as doubtful. Lucas Digne and Leighton Baines are also injury doubts.
Aston Villa vs Everton Prediction:
Aston Villa lost both matches in the Premier League, so the players confidence is low. It is always hard to play under pressure. Everton, meanwhile, played two inefficient games. The Toffees have scored just one goal, while kept their own net untouched. Considering these facts, I expect a low scoring match at Villa Park.
Aston Villa vs Everton Pick: Under 2.5 goals @ 2.07 with Pinnacle
Norwich vs Chelsea Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Norwich:
Krul; Aarons; Hanley; Godfrey; Lewis; Vrancic; Leitner; Cantwell; Stiepermann; Buendia; Pukki
Chelsea:
Kepa; Azpilicueta; Christensen; Zouma; Emerson; Kante; Jorginho; Pulisic; Mount; Willian; Abraham
Norwich have three points after two rounds. They had a disappointing start, suffering a heavy 4:1 defeat from Liverpool at Anfield. I watched the game and I must admit Norwich weren't bad, but their inexperience was crucial eventually. In the second round Norwich managed to beat Newcastle with 3:1. All three goals were scored by Teemu Pukki, who also netted at Anfield. The 29-year-old striker scored 29 goals for Norwich in the Championship Division last season. I believe his confidence is very high at the moment. Pukki became the first player who scored in the first two Premier League appearances for Norwich since Ashley Ward in December 1994. The atmosphere in the squad is excellent at the moment. Manager Daniel Farke has some issues ahead of this match - Louis Thompson, Josip Drmic and Onel Hernandez are out injured. The summer signing Ibrahim Amadou may have his debut here, while Timm Klose and Christoph Zimmermann should also be included in the squad after returning from injury. Mario Vrancic is looking for a place in the starting eleven after being benched last weekend.
Chelsea started the new season in awful way. In the first match they suffered a heavy 4:0 defeat to Manchester United. The disappointment continued on international scene when Chelsea lost UEFA Super Cup final from Liverpool. Last weekend wasn't exception at all - the Blues dropped two points playing an 1:1 draw with Leicester City at Stamford Bridge. Manager Frank Lampard is the first Chelsea boss to fail to win any of his first three competitive games in charge of the club since Rafa Benitez in 2012. What is worse, Chelsea were outplayed by the Foxes. Young Mason Mount scored the goal for Chelsea and became the first English player to score on his first home appearance for the Blues in the Premier League since Paul Hughes did so against Derby in January 1997. Nevertheless, the atmosphere in the squad is poor, while the players confidence isn't high. Lampard has a difficult job to build a new Chelsea after key player Eden Hazard left the club and joined Real Madrid. The former captain has almost all players available for this match after Callum Hudson-Odoi and Antonio Rudiger returned to full training. The latter is closer to first-team action after taking part in an U-23 match against Liverpool on Monday. Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud are battling for one place in attack.
Norwich vs Chelsea Prediction:
Norwich score and conceded on both games played so far. They lost 1:4 to Liverpool and won 3:1 against Newcastle. Teemu Pukki is in fantastic form after scoring all four goals. Chelsea showed big weaknesses in the defense as they conceded five goals in the first two rounds. I believe the Blues will go for the victory, so I expect an open match with goals on both sides.
Norwich vs Chelsea Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.53 with Bet365
Possible starting lineups:
Norwich:
Krul; Aarons; Hanley; Godfrey; Lewis; Vrancic; Leitner; Cantwell; Stiepermann; Buendia; Pukki
Chelsea:
Kepa; Azpilicueta; Christensen; Zouma; Emerson; Kante; Jorginho; Pulisic; Mount; Willian; Abraham
Norwich have three points after two rounds. They had a disappointing start, suffering a heavy 4:1 defeat from Liverpool at Anfield. I watched the game and I must admit Norwich weren't bad, but their inexperience was crucial eventually. In the second round Norwich managed to beat Newcastle with 3:1. All three goals were scored by Teemu Pukki, who also netted at Anfield. The 29-year-old striker scored 29 goals for Norwich in the Championship Division last season. I believe his confidence is very high at the moment. Pukki became the first player who scored in the first two Premier League appearances for Norwich since Ashley Ward in December 1994. The atmosphere in the squad is excellent at the moment. Manager Daniel Farke has some issues ahead of this match - Louis Thompson, Josip Drmic and Onel Hernandez are out injured. The summer signing Ibrahim Amadou may have his debut here, while Timm Klose and Christoph Zimmermann should also be included in the squad after returning from injury. Mario Vrancic is looking for a place in the starting eleven after being benched last weekend.
Chelsea started the new season in awful way. In the first match they suffered a heavy 4:0 defeat to Manchester United. The disappointment continued on international scene when Chelsea lost UEFA Super Cup final from Liverpool. Last weekend wasn't exception at all - the Blues dropped two points playing an 1:1 draw with Leicester City at Stamford Bridge. Manager Frank Lampard is the first Chelsea boss to fail to win any of his first three competitive games in charge of the club since Rafa Benitez in 2012. What is worse, Chelsea were outplayed by the Foxes. Young Mason Mount scored the goal for Chelsea and became the first English player to score on his first home appearance for the Blues in the Premier League since Paul Hughes did so against Derby in January 1997. Nevertheless, the atmosphere in the squad is poor, while the players confidence isn't high. Lampard has a difficult job to build a new Chelsea after key player Eden Hazard left the club and joined Real Madrid. The former captain has almost all players available for this match after Callum Hudson-Odoi and Antonio Rudiger returned to full training. The latter is closer to first-team action after taking part in an U-23 match against Liverpool on Monday. Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud are battling for one place in attack.
Norwich vs Chelsea Prediction:
Norwich score and conceded on both games played so far. They lost 1:4 to Liverpool and won 3:1 against Newcastle. Teemu Pukki is in fantastic form after scoring all four goals. Chelsea showed big weaknesses in the defense as they conceded five goals in the first two rounds. I believe the Blues will go for the victory, so I expect an open match with goals on both sides.
Norwich vs Chelsea Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.53 with Bet365
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Manchester United:
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw; McTominay, Pogba, Pereira; Lingard, Rashford, Martial
Crystal Palace:
Guaita; Ward, Kelly, Dann, Van Aanholt; Townsend, Milivojevic, McArthur, Meyer; Zaha, Benteke
Manchester United started the season with a high 4:0 win over Chelsea. It was fantastic performance by Ole Gunar Solskjaer's men as they recorded their biggest Old Trafford win over the Blues since 1965. Marcus Rashford scored a brace, while young Anthony Martial and Daniel James netted the remaining two. The fans start dreaming about the title, but United dropped two points at Wolverhampton in the second round. They played a disappointing 1:1 draw after Paul Pogba failed to convert a penalty. The Frenchman has missed four penalties in the Premier League since the start of last season and the biggest question remains - why Pogba and not Rashford, who scored the penalty against Chelsea on the opening weekend. The goal for Manchester was scored by Anthony Martial. Since his debut in September 2015, Martial has scored 50 goals in all competitions for the Red Devils - more than any other player. Solskjaer has most of his key players ready for this match. Eric Bailly, who picked up a knee injury in a friendly against Tottenham in July, remains long-term absentee. Alexis Sanchez, who's heavily linked with a loan move to Inter Milan, is not in contention.
Crystal Palace have just one point after the opening two rounds. What is worse, the Eagles failed to score a single goal on the mentioned two matches. Worst for Palace, they haven't even looked like scoring. The fans are afraid that the 2017/18 season could be seen again, when they go a record-breaking seven matches without a goal. Manager Roy Hodgson is already under big pressure, as well as the players. August isn't a good month for Crystal Palace anyway, they have won only one of their past 11 Premier League matches played in August, failing to score in eight of those games. The atmosphere in the squad is poor, while the players confidence isn't high. Hodgson has some additional issues as he will be without first choice centre-backs. James Tomkins is out with a groin injury, while Mamadou Sakho is struggling with a knee problem. The veteran coach is likely to start with Martin Kelly and Scott Dann in the heart of the defense. Gary Cahill is also looking for a starting place after signing from Chelsea on a free transfer over the summer.
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Prediction:
I expect Manchester United to win this match. Even more, they should win with at least two goals. The key reason for my pick is Crystal Palace. The Eagles failed to score a single goal in the opening two rounds. Plus, Hodgson will be without both first choice central defenders James Tomkins and Mamadou Sakho due to injury. Palace have failed to score on their last six visits to Old Trafford and I expect to continue struggling.
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Pick: Manchester United -1.5 AH @ 2.11 with Pinnacle
Possible starting lineups:
Manchester United:
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw; McTominay, Pogba, Pereira; Lingard, Rashford, Martial
Crystal Palace:
Guaita; Ward, Kelly, Dann, Van Aanholt; Townsend, Milivojevic, McArthur, Meyer; Zaha, Benteke
Manchester United started the season with a high 4:0 win over Chelsea. It was fantastic performance by Ole Gunar Solskjaer's men as they recorded their biggest Old Trafford win over the Blues since 1965. Marcus Rashford scored a brace, while young Anthony Martial and Daniel James netted the remaining two. The fans start dreaming about the title, but United dropped two points at Wolverhampton in the second round. They played a disappointing 1:1 draw after Paul Pogba failed to convert a penalty. The Frenchman has missed four penalties in the Premier League since the start of last season and the biggest question remains - why Pogba and not Rashford, who scored the penalty against Chelsea on the opening weekend. The goal for Manchester was scored by Anthony Martial. Since his debut in September 2015, Martial has scored 50 goals in all competitions for the Red Devils - more than any other player. Solskjaer has most of his key players ready for this match. Eric Bailly, who picked up a knee injury in a friendly against Tottenham in July, remains long-term absentee. Alexis Sanchez, who's heavily linked with a loan move to Inter Milan, is not in contention.
Crystal Palace have just one point after the opening two rounds. What is worse, the Eagles failed to score a single goal on the mentioned two matches. Worst for Palace, they haven't even looked like scoring. The fans are afraid that the 2017/18 season could be seen again, when they go a record-breaking seven matches without a goal. Manager Roy Hodgson is already under big pressure, as well as the players. August isn't a good month for Crystal Palace anyway, they have won only one of their past 11 Premier League matches played in August, failing to score in eight of those games. The atmosphere in the squad is poor, while the players confidence isn't high. Hodgson has some additional issues as he will be without first choice centre-backs. James Tomkins is out with a groin injury, while Mamadou Sakho is struggling with a knee problem. The veteran coach is likely to start with Martin Kelly and Scott Dann in the heart of the defense. Gary Cahill is also looking for a starting place after signing from Chelsea on a free transfer over the summer.
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Prediction:
I expect Manchester United to win this match. Even more, they should win with at least two goals. The key reason for my pick is Crystal Palace. The Eagles failed to score a single goal in the opening two rounds. Plus, Hodgson will be without both first choice central defenders James Tomkins and Mamadou Sakho due to injury. Palace have failed to score on their last six visits to Old Trafford and I expect to continue struggling.
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Pick: Manchester United -1.5 AH @ 2.11 with Pinnacle
Liverpool vs Arsenal Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Liverpool:
Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Milner, Fabinho, Henderson; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Arsenal:
Leno; Maitland-Niles, David Luiz, Sokratis, Monreal; Guendouzi, Willock, Ceballos; Pepe, Lacazette, Aubameyang
Liverpool started the season with a high 4:1 win over newcomers Norwich City. Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Divock Origi and an own-goal from Grant Hanley were enough for Jurgen Klopp's men to recorded their first victory. Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold should also be mentioned, he became only the 8th player in the Premier League's history to register an assist in five consecutive league appearances. On the negative note, regular keeper Alisson Becker suffered serious injury that will leave him out for three to six weeks. In the second round Liverpool traveled to Southampton. It was a difficult match, but the Merseysiders managed to win 2:1 thanks to the goals scored by Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. The Senegalese winger scored his 20th goal for Liverpool in all competitions in 2019, at least eight more than any of his teammates in this calendar year. For this match Klopp is still without Alisson meaning Adrian will continue in goal. Midfielder Naby Keita is set to miss out due to a groin problem. Nathaniel Clyne remains long-term injury victim. The situation with Dejan Lovren is unclear as he is linked with AC Milan move.
Just as Liverpool, Arsenal also have maximal effect after two rounds. They managed to beat Newcastle with 1:0 and Burnley with 2:1. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the lone goal at St James Park, while he and Alexandre Lacazette secured the victory at the Emirats. The Gunners will try to make it "three of three" for the first time since 2004 when they finished second behind Chelsea. However, playing at Anfield is all but easy. The Gunners are without a single victory in their last six league games at Anfield, losing three in a row. In addition, Arsenal are without a win in their last 22 Premier League away fixtures against other 'big six' teams. Last time they recorded an away victory was against Manchester City at the Etihad in January 2015. Nevertheless, the players confidence is high after the first two victories. Manager Unai Emery has some injury issues ahead of this match. Hector Bellerin (knee), Konstantinos Mavropanos (groin), Kieran Tierney (groin) and Rob Holding (knee) remain sidelined. Mesut Ozil and Granit Xhaka should be ready after recovering from illness and injury respectively, but Mohamed Elneny remains doubtful. Emery may give club-record signing Nicolas Pepe his full debut at Anfield.
Liverpool vs Arsenal Preview:
This is the highest-scoring Premier League fixture with 155 goals across 54 games. The last matches were also efficient, with 53 goals scored in the last 12 matches across all competitions. Both teams have started with two victories and the players confidence is high. I expect more than three goals at Anfield.
Liverpool vs Arsenal Pick: Over 3.5 goals @ 2.10 with Bet365
Possible starting lineups:
Liverpool:
Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Milner, Fabinho, Henderson; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Arsenal:
Leno; Maitland-Niles, David Luiz, Sokratis, Monreal; Guendouzi, Willock, Ceballos; Pepe, Lacazette, Aubameyang
Liverpool started the season with a high 4:1 win over newcomers Norwich City. Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Divock Origi and an own-goal from Grant Hanley were enough for Jurgen Klopp's men to recorded their first victory. Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold should also be mentioned, he became only the 8th player in the Premier League's history to register an assist in five consecutive league appearances. On the negative note, regular keeper Alisson Becker suffered serious injury that will leave him out for three to six weeks. In the second round Liverpool traveled to Southampton. It was a difficult match, but the Merseysiders managed to win 2:1 thanks to the goals scored by Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. The Senegalese winger scored his 20th goal for Liverpool in all competitions in 2019, at least eight more than any of his teammates in this calendar year. For this match Klopp is still without Alisson meaning Adrian will continue in goal. Midfielder Naby Keita is set to miss out due to a groin problem. Nathaniel Clyne remains long-term injury victim. The situation with Dejan Lovren is unclear as he is linked with AC Milan move.
Just as Liverpool, Arsenal also have maximal effect after two rounds. They managed to beat Newcastle with 1:0 and Burnley with 2:1. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the lone goal at St James Park, while he and Alexandre Lacazette secured the victory at the Emirats. The Gunners will try to make it "three of three" for the first time since 2004 when they finished second behind Chelsea. However, playing at Anfield is all but easy. The Gunners are without a single victory in their last six league games at Anfield, losing three in a row. In addition, Arsenal are without a win in their last 22 Premier League away fixtures against other 'big six' teams. Last time they recorded an away victory was against Manchester City at the Etihad in January 2015. Nevertheless, the players confidence is high after the first two victories. Manager Unai Emery has some injury issues ahead of this match. Hector Bellerin (knee), Konstantinos Mavropanos (groin), Kieran Tierney (groin) and Rob Holding (knee) remain sidelined. Mesut Ozil and Granit Xhaka should be ready after recovering from illness and injury respectively, but Mohamed Elneny remains doubtful. Emery may give club-record signing Nicolas Pepe his full debut at Anfield.
Liverpool vs Arsenal Preview:
This is the highest-scoring Premier League fixture with 155 goals across 54 games. The last matches were also efficient, with 53 goals scored in the last 12 matches across all competitions. Both teams have started with two victories and the players confidence is high. I expect more than three goals at Anfield.
Liverpool vs Arsenal Pick: Over 3.5 goals @ 2.10 with Bet365
