Seven matches have been played in the Premier League season. The table is starting to look a lot like it could do come May. Manchester City are at the top, and teams that were expected to struggle, are struggling. It all looks pretty normal.
Form is beginning to come relevant. Sample sizes are growing and we’ve got a decent idea of what each team will be this season. Below are a few thoughts on four of this weekend’s Saturday 3pm kick-offs.
BURNLEY vs Huddersfield Town
Burnley have corrected their slow start with back-to-back victories.
Sean Dyche’s side saw off Cardiff away from home last weekend to pull them up to mid-table and are strong favourites to beat a struggling Huddersfield side this weekend.
The Terriers are bottom of the table and have lost three straight. David Wagner’s side were always in for a difficult campaign, but this has been a terrible start.
Huddersfield have scored just three goals so far this term. Wagner did wonders with a sub-par squad last season, it’s a big ask to do that two campaigns in a row.
Burnley are a difficult team to beat at home. Dyche’s side are good value to build on their good form this weekend.
TIP: Burnley to win @ 11/10
PREDICTED SCORE: Burnley 2-0 Huddersfield (Priced at 8/1 with 888sport)
Crystal Palace vs WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Crystal Palace were outplayed by Bournemouth last Monday. The dependence on Wilfried Zaha is a growing problem for the Eagles, with the Ivory Coast international frequently kicked around the pitch.
Stop Zaha, and you stop Palace. A few yellow cards are a small price to pay.
Watford's tactics against Wilfried Zaha.
— 888sport (@888sport) September 28, 2018
Is there a place for this in football? pic.twitter.com/Mc9TnfEpD4
Meanwhile, Wolves are just three points outside the top four after a great start to the campaign.
Southampton made them work for victory last weekend, but last season’s Championship winners look a well-balanced team. The attack is creating chances and the defence is as solid as any in the league.
Palace have disappointed at home so far this season. The Eagles may struggle to stop this Wolves side, who could easily finish in the top eight.
TIP: Wolves to win or draw @ 12/25
PREDICTED SCORE: Palace 1-2 Wolves (Priced at 9/1 with 888sport)
LEICESTER CITY vs Everton
These two were expected to be wedged in mid-table this season. Separated by just three points, they are already in position.
Claude Puel’s side have mixed the very good with the very bad, as shown by winning two of their last four and losing the other two.
Marco Silva’s Everton have been similar. The Toffees got just their second win of the season last time out but have not always got the result their performances warranted.
Silva is very reliant on Richarlison in the final third. The Brazilian is 6/1 to open the scoring.
Home advantage just tips this one in the Foxes’ favour. Everton have performed well on the road so far this season, but Leicester to avoid defeat is the safest bet.
TIP: Leicester to win or draw @ 4/11
PREDICTED SCORE: Leicester 2-1 Everton (Priced at 15/2 with 888sport)
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs CARDIFF CITY
Tottenham’s difficulties in September have quickly been forgotten thanks to back-to-back league wins.
Harry Kane is looking something like his usual self and Spurs are sitting in the top four, just four points off the top of the Premier League. For all the furore around the stadium, this has been a solid start to the season.
Eat. Sleep. Score. Repeat. ⚽️
— 888sport (@888sport) September 29, 2018
Just another weekend in the life of Harry Kane.#THFC pic.twitter.com/KjFYVf507i
Cardiff have lost four in a row. Defeat to Burnley at home last weekend was a nightmare for Neil Warnock, who is one of the favourites to be the first Premier League manager sacked.
Without a win yet this season, the Welsh club could easily be cut adrift in the next few weeks. Avoiding humiliation is the main objective for this match.
Anything other than a comfortable Spurs win would be a big shock. Goals are the way to go.
TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ 11/25
PREDICTED SCORE: Tottenham 3-0 Cardiff (Priced at 13/2 with 888sport)
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
