The international break has come to an end and club football is back.
The Nations League has improved these fortnights without the Premier League but watching semi-competitive internationals still cannot compete with the buzz of Saturday 3pm kick-offs.
Some managers might just be fighting for their jobs this weekend. This break could be a turning point for some, and a confirmation of what we’ve seen so far for others.
Here are a few thoughts on four of the Premier League’s 3pm kick-offs…
AFC BOURNEMOUTH vs Southampton
Bournemouth have started the campaign brilliantly. Aside from the bizarre 4-0 defeat to Burnley, the Cherries have performed very well (and even then they were unlucky).
Eddie Howe’s side have a tendency to have bad days, but they are one of the best sides to watch in the league when they are on form.
It’s bleak for Southampton again. Mark Hughes’ side have lost their last three without scoring a goal.
Hughes is one of the favourites to be the first manager to lose his job – Southampton must be close to handing him his P45, despite keeping the club in the Premier League last term.
The home side sit at 21/20 to win this one. Given the results and performances from Hughes’ men of late, that looks like a steal.
TIP: Bournemouth to win @ 21/20
PREDICTED SCORE: Bournemouth 3-1 Southampton (Priced at 13/1 with 888sport)
Cardiff City vs FULHAM
Cardiff are bottom of the league with two points in eight matches. Neil Warnock’s side were expected to struggle this season and a difficult run of fixtures has made for a particularly poor start.
Home matches like these are crucial if Cardiff are to have any chance of safety come Christmas.
Slavisa Jokanovic is in that group of managers who might be a loss or two from the sack. Fulham have just five points and the league’s worst defensive record.
Performances are getting worse if anything for the west London club. Fulham’s extra quality should shine through in this clash though.
This is a massive match for both sides and it could be a very tense occasion, despite the fact it’s not even Halloween yet...
TIP: Fulham to win OR draw @ 11/20
PREDICTED SCORE: Cardiff 1-2 Fulham (Priced at 9/1 with 888sport)
WEST HAM UNITED vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
It’s a little surprising that this London derby wasn't selected for the television cameras this weekend.
Tottenham, led by a return to form for Harry Kane, have pulled themselves together after a September dip, while West Ham have begun to resemble a football team after a torrid start to the Premier League season.
Manuel Pellegrini has tinkered with his midfield to build some protection from his defence. It’s his front three, though, that make West Ham a real force.
Marko Arnautovic has picked up where he left off last season and his new teammates, Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko, have hit the ground running.
This should be a good match to watch with plenty of goals. The hosts’ attacking trio are capable of causing Spurs problems, but the visitors will fancy their chances of goals against this West Ham defence.
TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ 4/6
PREDICTED SCORE: West Ham 2-2 Spurs (Priced at 11/1 with 888sport)
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS vs Watford
These two teams got out the blocks quickly. Wolves sit just three points short of the top four, while Watford are in the top half despite picking up just one point from their last four matches.
The home side have won four of their last five. Wolves have combined an inventive attack with a very resilient defence.
The newly promoted side are giving up fewer chances than any other non-top-six side.
Watford’s defence was similarly resolute in the first few matches, but they have leaked goals lately, conceding nine in their last four.
The hosts are the value pick for this match at 4/5. Wolves look every bit a top half Premier League team and Watford are on a bad run.
TIP: Wolves to win @ 4/5
PREDICTED SCORE: Wolves 2-0 Watford (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
