England Round 01

[rateandbet]

Season 20/10. And here we go again. Good luck!

England - Rate and Bet

Free soccer and football predictions, statistics. Compare results.

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[spkutano]

Liverpool vs Leeds United Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Liverpool:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Keita, Fabinho, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane

Leeds United:
Meslier; Ayling, Cooper, Koch, Dallas; Costa, Hernandez, Phillips, Klich, Harrison; Rodrigo

The newcomers Leeds United will visit Anfield to face the Premier League champions Liverpool in their opening match of the season. I expect an interesting clash, despite the fact many believe in one-way game. Both managers, Jurgen Klopp and Marcelo Bielsa, love to play attacking way, with lot of passion.

Few words about the team news. Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson isn't fully fit and may skip the match. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is definitely out with a knee problem, while Xherdan Shaqiri isn't available due to a muscle injury. Leeds, meanwhile, will be without Adam Forshaw, who continues to struggle with a hip injury. On the positive note, Helder Costa and midfielder Kalvin Phillips have returned to fitness during the break. New signing Rodrigo is expected to lead the attack.

I expect Leeds to upset the champions. Liverpool showed lot of weaknesses even before the break. They were eliminated from the Champions League after losing twice to Atletico Madrid. After the pause, they lost 4:0 to Manchester City, lost 2:1 to Arsenal and played an 1:1 draw with Burnley at home. The start of the new season wasn't successful too. Jurgen Klopp's men lost the Community Shield match from Arsenal. According to me, Liverpool are not in some form.

Leeds players will arrive on Merseyside with five wins from their last six away games. I am well aware of the fact those victories came at a different level, but the players confidence is definitely high and this fact should not be underestimated. The Whites will play without pressure at Anfield. Leeds have quality and very experienced manager in Marcelo Bielsa. They are definitely stronger after Rodrigo Moreno and Robin Koch signed during the summer.

Liverpool vs Leeds United Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.95 with Bet365

 

[spkutano]

Tottenham vs Everton Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Tottenham:
Lloris; Doherty, Alderweireld, Dier, Davies; Hojbjerg, Sissoko; Bergwijn, Alli, Son; Kane

Everton::
Pickford; Coleman, Keane, Mina, Digne; Gomes, Allan, Doucoure; Rodriguez; Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison

According to me, this is the derby of the opening round. Tottenham fans were largely disappointed last season as their club failed to secure Champions League. Even the coaching change didn't bring something spectacular. New manager Jose Mourinho, who replaced Maurizio Pochettino, failed to impress. The Special One is among the greatest managers of the modern era and has won lot of trophies in England. He wasn't under pressure last season, but this time is quite different. After all, the Portuguese coach was appointed to win trophies at the club. Mourinho brought Matt Doherty and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, but he is asking from the club officials to sign a striker. The hosts have two injury issues ahead of this match - Japhet Tanganga is confirmed absentee, while Giovani Lo Celso is rated as doubtful. Key players - Harry Kane and Dele Alli - are expected to start from the first minute.

Everton, lead by Carlo Ancelotti, have new midfield. The Toffees signed experienced Brazilian central midfielder Allan from Napoli for £22m, Abdoulaye Doucoure from Watford for £20m, and former Real Madrid star James Rodriguez for an undisclosed fee. Probably Everton are the "dark horse" in the Premier League and their fans are hoping for top 4 finish. But they are winless in 40 Premier League away fixtures against established top 6 opposition. Last time Everton beat some of the favorites in December 2013, when they celebrated a narrow 1:0 win at Old Trafford. The injury situation is another problem for Ancelotti. Mason Holgate suffered injury during the first half of last weekend friendly victory over Preston North End at Goodison Park. Cenk Tosun and Jean-Philippe Gbamin are also sidelined. Andre Gomes was forced to return early from international duty with Portugal after picking up a niggle but he will travel to London. This match is coming too soon for Fabian Delph, but Yerry Mina could play. Finally, Andre Gomes has recovered and could play here.

Tottenham vs Everton Prediction:

I think Tottenham are closer to the victory. The Spurs like to play against the Toffees. Tottenham have won 27 Premier League matches versus Everton, more than against any other opponent. The guests brought lot of quality players, but they need some time to adopt.

Tottenham vs Everton Pick: Home win @ 2.05 with Unibet

 

[spkutano]

WBA vs Leicester City Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

WBA:
Johnstone; O'Shea, Ajayi, Bartley, Gibbs; Livermore, Sawyers; Phillips, Pereira, Diangana; Austin

Leicester City:
Schmeichel; Justin, Ndidi, Soyuncu, Castagne; Gray, Tielemans, Mendy, Praet, Barnes; Vardy

West Bromwich Albion return to the top flight after spending two seasons in the Championship Division. They secured direct promotion as runners-up in the last season. Having on mind they are newcomers, their ambition is connect with avoiding relegation. It won't be easy, however their manager Slaven Bilic has big experience in English football. Previously he coached West Ham United in the Premier League from 2015 to 2017. Bilic has also worked in his native Croatia, Russia, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Matheus Pereira is the key player in the team, he registered an incredible 20 assists and scored 8 times. West Bromwich have signed permanent deal with him, as well as with two other players: Grady Diangana from West Ham and Callum Robinson from Sheffield United. In addition, goalkeeper David Button came from Brighton, while defender Cedric Kipre came from Wigan. Bilic has two worries ahead of this match as Conor Townsend and Kenneth Zohore are injury doubts.

Leicester City spent the vast majority of last season in the top-4, but they were awful in the finish and missed the chance to play in the Champions League. The last round's home defeat to Manchester United mean they will take part in the group stage of UEFA Europe League. I am sure the fans are disappointed for the missed opportunity. Manager Brendan Rodgers has transformed Leicester since replacing Claude Puel. The former Liverpool boss signed a new long-term contract until 2025. Jamie Vardy remain the key player in the squad. The 33-year-old striker has scored 23 goals last season and won his first ever Golden Boot. Defender Ben Chilwell decided to left the club and this is a big handicap. He signed for Chelsea for £45.2m. Rodgers has lot of injury concerns ahead of this match, most notably in the defense. Jonny Evans is out due to suspension, while Wes Morgan, Christian Fuchs and Daniel Amartey are all rated as doubtful due to injury. Ricardo Pereira and Filip Benkovic are still sidelined. In addition, Leicester will be without the injured James Maddison.

WBA vs Leicester City Prediction:

It is clear the guests will be very handicapped. Brendan Rodgers is missing almost the entire defense. Most probably Wilfred Ndidi will play as central defender once again, like he did on the last pre-season friendly match. The hosts could take advantage from this situation. I think they will stay unbeaten.

WBA vs Leicester City Pick: WBA +0.5 AH @ 1.89 with Bet365

 

[spkutano]

Liverpool vs Leeds United Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.95 with Bet365

4-3

 

[spkutano]

Sheffield United vs Wolverhampton Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Sheffield United:
Ramsdale; Basham, Egan, O'Connell; Baldock, Norwood, Lundstram, Fleck, Stevens; McBurnie, McGoldrick

Wolverhampton:
Patricio; Boly, Coady, Saiss; Traore, Dendoncker, Neves, Moutinho, Vinagre; Jimenez, Jota

Sheffield United will start the Premier League campaign with a clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Blades were fantastic last season, however manager Chris Wilder must be aware of "Second Season Syndrome". The strong defense was key for the success as Sheffield ended last season with the fourth-best defensive record in the Premier League - only Liverpool and the Manchester clubs conceded fewer goals. But goalkeeper Dean Henderson returned to his parent club Manchester United. Wilder hopes to found adequate replacement in Aaron Ramsdale, who came from Bournemouth for £18.5m. The preparation period was good, Sheffield beat Dundee United and Derby, while played a 2:2 draw with Preston. Most of the players are ready, only David McGoldrick is rated as doubtful due to a minor injury.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have finished seventh last season, but that was not enough for another Europa League campaign due to Arsenal finishing outside the top six but winning the FA Cup. Wolves visited Chelsea on the final day knowing that victory would guarantee a top six finish, but their 2:0 defeat at Stamford Bridge instead saw them miss out on the final Europa League spot on goal difference to Tottenham. Nevertheless, manager Nuno Espirito Santo is doing an excellent job and the fans are fully satisfied. The Portuguese coach took the club in 2017 in the Championship Division and earned them immediate promotion before two highly successful campaigns back in the Premier League. Wolves will try to improve and that means just one thing - securing European spot again. Raul Jimenez is the key player in the team. The Mexican striker has scored 27 goals across all competitions last season. Wolverhampton signed four new players - Matija Sarkic came from Aston Villa, Fabio Silva and Vitinha from Porto and Marcal from Lyon.

Sheffield United vs Wolverhampton Prediction:

I expect a low scoring match here. Last season both matches weren't too efficient. Sheffield United won 1:0 at home in July, while the reverse fixture ended 1:1. I expect something similar again and no more than two goals.

Sheffield United vs Wolverhampton Pick: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.52 with 1XBet

 

[spkutano]

Brighton vs Chelsea Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Brighton:
Ryan; Veltman, White, Dunk, Burn; Propper, Bissouma; Gross, Lallana, Trossard; Maupay

Chelsea:
Caballero; James, Zouma, Rudiger, Alonso; Kante, Jorginho; Havertz, Mount, Hudson-Odoi; Werner

Brighton & Hove Albion have finished as 15th last season. The fact they escaped the relegation have marked the season as successful. It was very important as the first season with Graham Potter in charge after Chris Hughton’s five years. It was surely a brave decision from the club officials. The last season's results were mixed, the Seagulls recorded a 3:0 victory against Tottenham in October, recorded double victory against Arsenal, but at the same time suffered two high defeats from Manchester City (0:9 on aggregate). Four players came during the summer transfer window: Zak Emmerson from Oldham, Jensen Weir from Wigan, Adam Lallana from Liverpool and Joel Veltman from Ajax. Brighton played two friendly games during the preparation period. Interesting, one of them was exactly with Chelsea and finished 1:1 (29.08.2020). In the remaining match they played a goalless draw with WBA. Potter has the key players available for this match.

The previous season was very hard for Chelsea. The club had transfer ban from UEFA, while the inexperienced Frank Lampard was appointed as new manager. However, the Blues finished inside top-4 and secured a Champions League spot. The summer transfer window was incredibly good as Lampard found the way to attract some of the Europe’s finest players. Hakim Ziyech came from Ajax for £36m, Timo Werner signed from Leipzig for £47.7m and Kai Havertz came from Bayer Leverkusen for £72m. That's not all, two defenders should also be mentioned: the experienced centre-back Thiago Silva came from Paris Saint-Germain and left-back Ben Chilwell signed from Leicester City. Owner Roman Abramovich has spent a total of £200.9m this summer, so far more then Arab owners of Manchester City. Some players left the club, like Mario Pasalic (Atalanta) and Willian (Arsenal). For this match Lampard has two issues - Christian Pulisic made good progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury, but this match come too soon for him. Mateo Kovacic is serving a suspension for the red card earned last season.

Brighton vs Chelsea Prediction:

Chelsea look very strong this season. Lampard is doing an excellent job and I believe he will find a way to compose the best team. He has two alternatives for every position and I believe the Blues are genuine title pretenders this season. Chelsea have enough quality to win this match.

Brighton vs Chelsea Pick: Chelsea @ 1.67 with 1xBet

 

[bat-bet]

Brighton vs Chelsea predictions

Chelsea has been dominant in head to head matches of these two sides, as the Blues failed to win just once in their six clashes. We believe they are going to meet the expectations and deliver another victory.

Chelsea to win @1.60

Goals Market Prediction

Their clashes at Amex Stadium have always been fascinating and efficient, and we don’t believe this one should be much different. Therefore, football fans should enjoy at least three goals in total.

Over 2.5 FT @ 1.80

 

[spkutano]

Tottenham vs Everton Pick: Home win @ 2.05 with Unibet

0-1

 

[spkutano]

WBA vs Leicester City Pick: WBA +0.5 AH @ 1.89 with Bet365

0-3

 

[spkutano]

Sheffield United vs Wolverhampton Pick: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.52 with 1XBet

0-2

 

[spkutano]

Brighton vs Chelsea Pick: Chelsea @ 1.67 with 1xBet

1-3

 

[spkutano]

Brighton vs Chelsea predictions

Chelsea has been dominant in head to head matches of these two sides, as the Blues failed to win just once in their six clashes. We believe they are going to meet the expectations and deliver another victory.

Chelsea to win @1.60

Goals Market Prediction

Their clashes at Amex Stadium have always been fascinating and efficient, and we don’t believe this one should be much different. Therefore, football fans should enjoy at least three goals in total.

Over 2.5 FT @ 1.80

Both picks WON
Expect more for the upcoming Round 2