CHECK OUT THIS WEEKENDS SLATE OF GAMES FOR THE PREMIER LEAGUE AS WAG PREDICTS EVERY GAME. INCLUDING ARSENAL VISITING MANCHESTER UNITED AT OLD TRAFFORD.
Another 4-6 weekend from MatchDay 6 putting me in the dumps. I was thrilled that Leicester City did their part, but why I keep betting the Manchester City Under is beyond me. It’s an addiction. One of the many steps for the road to recovery. I’m strong though, I stopped betting on Manchester United and look how that turned out for us. On the other hand, being a 19/20 Everton fan isn’t the greatest label to have either after they lost at home to Sheffield in the shittiest game from that weekend. MORE POSSESSION AND MORE SHOTS DON’T MEAN SHIT and the Toffees are struggling to understand that formula of football. Liverpool was doing Liverpool things, but Manchester United is back in the spotlight as Arsenal visit the ‘Theatre Of Dreams’.
We are 6 fixtures into the 2019/2020 Premier League season and the standings show how tough the Premier League really is. After a few clubs played their mid-week Carabao Cup fixtures, Wolves and Watford are at the bottom of the table with each team still looking for their first victory of the season. Sheffield United are pinching themselves, seeing their name be in front of Chelsea in 10th place. Chelsea is a very good team with a lot of promise, but 3 points against Brighton this weekend is a guarantee moving them up the table, pending other results. I’m not wasting my time talking about a sobbing Pochettino, or that Manchester United doesn’t have a striker due to their injuries (Didn’t even realize they had strikers, just penalty shankers), but West Ham, Bournemouth, and Leicester are all eye-opening teams as they continue to turn heads around the Premier League. Liverpool is 7 points away from third place as they remain perfect in the Premier League. But “Wag’s Game Of The Week” consist’s of the Gunners traveling to a struggling Manchester United side in what surely be a sloppy thriller.
Sheffield United vs. Liverpool
PREVIEW
Sheffield United kick things off for match day 6 as Liverpool visit the Blades on Saturday morning. Sheffield undeservedly won 2-0 at Everton after a Mina own goal in the first half, then super-sub Lys Mousset had the only shot on target to seal a Sheffield home win. Liverpool looked their usual self beating Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, heading into their third consecutive away fixture. Alexander-Arnold is proving to be more of an offensive threat after two clever Liverpool set plays he was involved in led to two goals. It’s amazing how a moving ball can shift defenders so much. Back in 06/07 when Sheffield was last promoted, they tied Liverpool at home 1-1. Could we see the same result come Saturday?
KEY STATS
- Liverpool have not won in their previous 2 visits to Sheffield United
- Liverpool Top Goal Scorer’s: Salah 4, Mane 4, Firmino 3
- No Sheffield player has more than 1 goal this season
PREDICTION
I think it is a no brainer that Liverpool will win this game. Even though previous results at Sheffield aren’t the greatest, it was 13 years ago. The focus on this bet is the Over because Liverpool has hit the Over every single game so far. Not fucking around with this one ladies and gentleman. Over 2.5 goals is your Saturday morning bet!
Wolves vs Watford
PREVIEW
The battle of the ‘W’s’, or should I say L’s as the winless Wolves and Watford go head-to-head in this fixture. Watford was on the wrong end of Manchester City’s schedule, and it definitely didn’t help Watford’s cause after City’s loss to Norwich as the Cityzens WHOOPED Watford 8-0. Watford turned into Pussy-Cats but survive the clash with 1 more life. If it were 9-0 Watford would have been dead pussy cat’s. Watford conceded five goals with-in 20 minutes. Reminded me of the Brazil-Germany World Cup semi-final, but nothing will ever compare to that. Wolves got away by the skin of their teeth after being down 10-man team, then scoring in the 95th minute thanks to Jota taking a point home from Crystal Palace. The two teams split their head-to-head fixtures last season hitting the Over on both of them (1-2 Wolves win / 3-2 Watford win)
KEY STATS
- Watford is Atrocious
- Watford has 18 goals conceded, thanks to Man. City
- Wolves have the most Ties in the Premier League (4)
PREDICTION
I have a few factors that are rolling in my head right now. Watford hasn’t had the easiest of schedules playing Arsenal and Manchester City already, but their loses to Brighton and West Ham do not belong in the ‘excuse pile’. It’s a tough 2 games for newly appointed manager Quique Flores, but this game should motivate Watford a lot more. Wolves are favored to win this fixture, but I’m staying away from the money line’s and betting the Under 2.5 goals.
Aston Villa vs. Burnley
PREVIEW
Aston Villa will be playing at home this weekend as Burnley come to town. Villa couldn’t control a 10 man Arsenal team as the Gunners completed their comeback beating Villa 3-2. Villa’s goals come off of mistakes from who else but David Luiz as he didn’t follow John McGinn’s run after a cross, only to be followed by completely missing the clearance as Moraes poked the ball into the net from Luiz’s back. Burnley’s 2-0 win over Norwich City put them into the top 10 of the Premier League after the previous weekend. It took 15 minutes for Chris Wood to score his brace as they were the only goals to fall. Norwich was the better team towards the end but struggled to find the target after only hitting it twice from 11 shots.
KEY STATS
- Aston Villa’s last home defeat was vs. Bournemouth (2-1) Beating Everton at home the following week (2-0)
- Ashley Barnes has 4 PL goals in 6 matches
- Villa has 2 players score more than 1 goal (Wesley & McGinn)
PREDICTION
Looking back at last weekends slate of games, the home team has won 5 games, there were 2 draws, and Liverpool, Bournemouth, and Sheffield won away from home. It’s no secret, I just needed clarity that the home team, in fact, have an advantage. Aston Villa’s performance at the Emirates will boost their morale, or they will be disappointed and bring that hateful energy against Burnley. All in all, Villa’s energy will be no match for Burnley’s.
Tottenham vs. Southampton
PREVIEW
The Spurs and the Saints will face each other for their seventh fixture of the season. Tottenham is VAR’s worst enemy as the technology is making its mark in the Premier League. Great for us bettors because we bet the Leicester money line, but Harry Kane’s exceptional acrobatic goal didn’t fuel the Spurs enough to come out of King Power Stadium with a victory. It’s not like the Spurs were offensively dominant anyways just like Bournemouth, but they beat Southampton 3-1 regardless of Southampton’s 25 shots on target and having 65% of the possession. Yikes to you Saints.
KEY STATS
- Tottenham won last 8 home games vs. Southampton
- Tottenham lost 10 of 24 PL games in 2019
- Southampton look for 3 consecutive away wins in the Top-flight
PREDICTION
Tottenham have won 1 game in their last 5 matchups and Pochettino’s seat is getting hotter. This is practically a must-win situation for Pochettino, which will happen in this game. I think Tottenham coming back home since their last home victory was the 4-0 first half thrashing against Crystal Palace. It’s not worth betting the Tottenham money line, but the Over is looking like a malfunctioning ATM spitting out Benjamin’s.
Chelsea vs. Brighton
PREVIEW
Chelsea plays their third consecutive home game against the Seagulls of Brighton after Liverpool left their mark at Stamford Bridge this past weekend. Two set-piece goals were the resulting factor’s of Chelsea’s defeat, including sleeping on forward Firmino who was wildly free in the box heading in Liverpool’s 2nd goal. Kante is looking fit after his injury setbacks have sidelined him in recent fixtures, providing the lone goal for Chelsea. Brighton traveled to Newcastle to play a scoreless draw and would have preferred to watch paint dry. Brighton dominated the game but couldn’t find the back of the net with their 16 shots (3 on target).
KEY STATS
- Chelsea 4 straight PL game vs. Brighton scoring 11 goals; conceding 1
- Brighton have 11 shots in 2 away fixtures vs. Chelsea
- Brighton have only taken 1 point from big six teams since 2017
PREDICTION
Lampard’s trust into Chelsea’s youth is proving to pay off even if the Premier League standings don’t show. Tammy and Mount looked comfortable against Liverpool expressing their maturity and confidence within those 90 minutes. No upset will happen in this fixture as Brighton are practically nonexistent when they visit Stamford Bridge. In the 4 fixtures, these teams have faced each other, 3 goals were scored in three of those fixtures.
Bournemouth vs. West Ham
PREVIEW
Bournemouth travels back home after an unconvincing victory in Southampton as West Ham United come to town after their 2-0 victory over visiting Manchester United. Bournemouth shot had 6 shots, three of those shot’s hit the target resulting in a 3-1 win. Talk about efficiency in front of the net for the Cherries. That was Bournemouth’s third win in four games, whereas West Ham United’s 2-0 victory over struggling Manchester United was their fourth win in five games, staying unbeaten in those five games. These two teams are sitting in 5th and 6th in the Premier League standings surprising everybody at their success so far this season.
KEY STATS
- Bournemouth hasn’t lost in the last 5 PL fixtures vs. West Ham
- Last 4 fixtures at Vitality Stadium involved 17 goals
- Bournemouth hit the Over last 3 fixtures / West Ham hit the Under in their last 4 fixtures
PREDICTION
This one is a doozy ladies and gentleman because I have no clue what the hell is going to happen in this game. One thing is for sure, these guys love playing against each other. The goal conversion numbers are extraordinary when Bournemouth and West Ham play. Bournemouth is strong at home. They only conceded three goals against Manchester City. West Ham has the impressive victory over Manchester United, but is it that impressive though with Ole’s woes? I like Bournemouth in this one. Actually, I love Bournemouth in this game.
Crystal Palace vs. Norwich
PREVIEW
Crystal Palace gets to stay home another weekend as Norwich City visit the Londoners. Palace couldn’t take advantage of a 10 man Wolves team last weekend, letting the Wolves score an equalizing goal in the 95th minute. Crystal Palace has only recorded 4 goals so far this season as they are tied for the lowest, along with Watford and Newcastle. Norwich City will play their second consecutive away game after suffering an early 2-0 deficit that proved to be the knockout blows against Burnley. Teemu Pukki can’t do it all. However, when these two teams go head-to-head, it becomes a low scoring game.
KEY STATS
- Norwich is winless in last 15 away fixtures vs. Palace
- Norwich is winless in last 19 away fixtures vs. London team
- Norwich have lost 12 of last 13 away PL fixtures
PREDICTION
It looks like that I’m leaning towards a Crystal Palace money line bet, but I don’t trust the Eagles as much as the numbers suggest I should. Crystal Palace has looked flat ever since their victory at Old Trafford earlier in the season. They didn’t look like a great team when they played Aston Villa even though Villa had 10 men a majority of the second half. Then their 1-1 tie against the Wolves doesn’t look good on their resume either. All in all, I do think Palace will win this game at home, but it will be a low scoring affair meaning you should bet the Under.
Everton vs. Manchester City
PREVIEW
The flaming chariot occupied by the Cityzens will be arriving at Goodison Park for the last Saturday fixture where Everton awaits them. Everton’s loss to Sheffield United was surely one to forget. Funny how Everton played the Blades’ cross-town rivals Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao cup winning the match 2-0 thanks to Calvert-Lewin’s early goals. Manchester City unleashed their demon’s inner demon thrashing Watford 8-0 and continued that momentum into their Carabao Cup fixture against Preston. Surprising stat of the day, there was a time when Everton was decent and beat the Cityzens at Goodison Park 4-0 in 2017. Could this be one of those occasions? PSHHHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
KEY STATS
- Everton won 1 of last 12 PL fixtures vs. City
- Everton won 10 Home PL fixtures vs. current Champions
- Everton have 4 points from 21 PL games when they trail
PREDICTION
Manchester City is ruthless. There is not much else to it. Manchester City is going to walk onto that pitch, blink their eyes at Everton, and run up the score 3-0 before kickoff. That is how strong this Manchester City team is. That is how Pep likes to control his opponents. Defensively, City already has 5 clean sheets from their previous 7 games. City keeps hitting the Over ladies and Gentleman and isn’t looking to stop their streak.
Leicester vs. Newcastle United
PREVIEW
The Foxes of Leicester City play host to the northerners of Newcastle as they are the only Sunday fixture this weekend. Leicester City made good friends with VAR after some controversial calls saw the foxes beat Tottenham 2-1. James Maddison pulled the trigger to give Leicester 3 points keeping them 3rd in the Premier League. Newcastle played a scoreless draw against visiting Brighton as Newcastle’s offensive struggle continues. Newcastle had 29% possession throughout that game.
KEY STATS
- Leicester lost last 2 fixtures vs. Newcastle
- Leicester won 2 of last 18 Sunday fixtures
- Last 4 fixtures between Newcastle and Leicester, the Away side won
PREDICTION
Leicester and Newcastle played each other for the Carabao Cup, which saw Leicester advance on penalties.mLeicester was more dominant, but struggled to hit the target after Maddison’s first-half goal. Leicester at home is a different story though this year. Their last home defeat did come against Newcastle at the end of last season. But Leicester’s attack will be guaranteed to score 2 goals.
PREVIEW
The struggling Red Devils will have to defend Old Trafford against the Gunners who are poised to pounce on a vulnerable Manchester United team. United’s owners have their picture painted that the Red Devils won’t be contending for a title by 2022, already canceling the rest of their season this year. It’s probably to distract the ‘Ole Out’ murmurs after suffering a defeat to West Ham 2-0. Arsenal crawled their way back out of a hole against visiting Villa’s 2-1 lead with 10 minutes left. Chambers and Aubameyang completed the Gunner comeback finishing the game 3-2. This ‘top six’ fixture will continue to add to the rich history these storied clubs have to offer.
KEY STATS
- Last Arsenal win at Old Trafford, 2015 (FA Cup) / 2006 (PL)
- United scored 4 goals in previous 5 games
- Pogba will be back
PREDICTION
Manchester United will look to 17-year-old Mason Greenwood as their starting striker. He has made seven appearances for the Red Devils so far but could prove to be a dark horse heading into this game. Remember when Rashford made his debut with Van Gaal at the helm, scoring two goals? It was against a Europa League team, but never the less it happened at Old Trafford. Arsenal haven’t won back-to-back fixtures against Manchester United since 2006/2007 season where Arsenal won 1-0 at Old Trafford in the first fixture. I think Arsenal can do it again and beat Manchester United in back-to-back fixtures, after beating the Red Devils at the Emirates on March 2019.
