Premier League Week 8: Expert Betting Tips by Luke Andrews
Get ready for a weekend full of drama and excitement in the Premier League as leading teams square off in pivotal matches that could shape the trajectory of their seasons. Our in-house football expert, Luke Andrews, delves into the betting forecasts for some of the weekend’s must-watch games, such as Arsenal v Manchester City, Luton v Tottenham, West Ham United v Newcastle United, Burnley v Chelsea, and Manchester United v Brentford.
Prepare for a thrilling weekend of Premier League action as top-tier teams battle it out in matches that could be game-changers for their seasons. The main event is the Arsenal v Manchester City game, with the Gunners hoping to continue their fine form while City will want to bounce back after a surprise defeat to Wolves last weekend.
Second-placed Tottenham could leapfrog Arsenal & Manchester City with a win against struggling Luton, West Ham United, and Newcastle United are battling for three points that could take either into the European spots.
Chelsea won on Monday and will be hoping it is a sign of improvement. They face fellow strugglers Burnley and Manchester United, who have had their worst start to a season in decades, face Brentford, a team they have enjoyed success against in recent seasons.
Join me as we delve deep into the stats that could tip the scales in your favour when Premier League betting.
Arsenal v Manchester City
This weekend’s must-watch game is Sunday’s fixture between Arsenal and Manchester City. Both teams have been in exceptional form this season, making this clash a tantalising prospect for football betting fans. Manchester City currently leads the league table with 18 points, having won six of their seven matches. Hot on their heels is Arsenal, sitting in 3rd place with 17 points. The recent form of both teams suggests that this will be a fiercely contested battle.
Manchester City comes into the game on the back of a 2-1 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers, their first defeat in the league this season, while Arsenal has been on a winning streak, most recently defeating AFC Bournemouth 4-0. This match could be pivotal in their respective campaigns, with just one point separating the two sides. A win for Arsenal could see them leapfrog Manchester City to claim the top spot, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this already tantalising game.
Over 2.5 Total Goals
Both teams have a high average of goals scored per game (Arsenal with 2.14 and Manchester City with 2.43). Additionally, Manchester City’s matches have a 71% rate of going over 2.5 goals.
Both Teams to Score
Arsenal has scored in each of their last seven matches, and Manchester City has also scored in their previous seven games. Both teams have a strong attacking lineup, making both likely to score.
Manchester City to Win
Manchester City has a higher points-per-game average (2.57) compared to Arsenal (2.00). They also have a higher win percentage (86%) than Arsenal (71%).
Manchester City to Score in Both Halves
Manchester City has a scoring rate of 57% in the first half and 71% in the second half. Given their attacking prowess, they could likely score in both halves.
Over 9.5 Corners for Both Teams Combined
Manchester City averages 6.71 corners per game, and Arsenal averages 5.29. Combining these gives an average of 12 corners when both teams are involved, which is higher than the 9.5 corners line.
Luton v Tottenham
Both teams have had contrasting fortunes this season, making this match an intriguing clash for the neutrals. Tottenham is currently in fine form, sitting comfortably in 2nd place with 17 points, having won 5 and drawn 2 of their last seven matches. Luton Town, however, is struggling to find their footing, languishing in 16th place with just four points.
Tottenham comes into this game with an impressive away record, remaining undefeated in their last four away fixtures. On the other hand, Luton Town is yet to secure a home win this season, making them the underdogs in this clash. Despite their struggles, Luton Town has found the net in all their home games, suggesting that they won’t go down without a fight.
Tottenham is looking to solidify their position near the top of the table, and Luton Town is desperate for points to avoid dropping into the relegation zone.
Tottenham to Win
Tottenham has been in strong form, with five wins and two draws in their last seven matches. They are also undefeated in their previous four away games. On the other hand, Luton Town has only one win in their last seven matches and hasn’t won a home game yet this season.
Over 2.5 Total Goals
Tottenham’s away games have an average of 4.25 total goals, and Luton Town’s home games have an average of 2.67 total goals. Both teams have a high percentage of matches where the total number of goals was over 2.5 (Tottenham 75%, Luton Town 67%).
Both Teams to Score
Luton Town has scored in 100% of their home games, and Tottenham has scored in 100% of their away games. Additionally, both teams have a high percentage of games where both teams scored (Tottenham 75%, Luton Town 100%). bet365 are offering 3/4 for both clubs to find the net.
Tottenham to Score in Both Halves
Tottenham has a 75% scoring rate in both halves when playing away. Luton Town has conceded in both halves 67% of the time in their home matches.
Over 8.5 Corners
Luton Town averages 8.67 corners in their home games, and Tottenham averages four corners in their away games. The total average corners for both teams exceed 8.5, making this a likely outcome.
West Ham United v Newcastle United
Another clash that should provide great entertainment is Sunday’s game between West Ham United and Newcastle United. Both teams have shown impressive form in their recent outings, with West Ham currently sitting at 7th in the league table and Newcastle not far behind at 8th.
West Ham, are having a fine start to this year’s campaign, showcasing a balanced attack and a solid defence. On the other hand, Newcastle United have also displayed moments of brilliance, particularly in their attacking play.
With both teams closely matched in terms of talent and form, it is a game that could go either way. The two teams have been in action in Europe in midweek, so squad depth might be crucial.
Both Teams to Score
West Ham has scored in 6 out of 7 of their recent games, and Newcastle has scored in all but one of their games this season. Both teams have strong attacking capabilities, making it likely that both will score.
Over 2.5 Total Goals
Newcastle’s games have an average of 3.57 total goals, and West Ham’s games have an average of 2.71 total goals. Both teams have shown a tendency for high-scoring games, making it likely that the total goals will be over 2.5.
West Ham to Win or Draw
West Ham has a good home record, with two wins and one loss in their last three home games. While strong at home, Newcastle has lost two of their three away games. Newcastle had a stunning 4-1 win in midweek against PSG, but so often in football, it is a case of “after the Lord Mayor’s show”, and given West Ham’s current form, a win or a draw for them is likely.
First Half Draw
Newcastle has been level at half-time in three of their seven matches this season. West Ham has also had a couple of games where they were level at half-time. Given the competitive nature of both teams, a first-half draw is possible.
Newcastle to Score First but Not Win
Newcastle has scored the opening goal in 5 out of their seven matches but has also lost three games this season. West Ham has the capability to come back from a goal down, as seen in their previous matches.
Burnley v Chelsea
Burnley has had a challenging start to the season, with only one win in their last seven league games. Their recent form has been particularly concerning, suffering four consecutive home defeats, which has seen them slip to 18th place, the first relegation spot. Chelsea, on the other hand, has had a mixed start but shows signs of promise. They’ve secured two wins and two draws in their last seven league matches. Goals have been like busses for The Blues; you wait almost 300 minutes for a Premier League goal, and then two come in 82 seconds.
Over 2.5 Total Goals
Both teams have a history of matches where the total number of goals exceeded 2.5. Burnley’s home matches have a 75% rate of going over 2.5 goals, while Chelsea’s away matches have a 33% rate. Given these stats, expecting a game with at least three goals is reasonable.
Chelsea to Win
Chelsea has better Points Per Game (PPG) at home and away than Burnley. Chelsea’s PPG is 1.14, while Burnley’s is 0.57. Additionally, Chelsea has won two out of seven total matches, while Burnley has won only one. Chelsea also seems to be in slightly better form.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
Burnley has scored in 50% of their home matches, and Chelsea has scored in 67% of their away matches. Both teams have a decent scoring rate, making it likely that both will find the back of the net.
Over 8.5 Corners
Both Burnley and Chelsea have a high rate of matches, with over 8.5 total corners. Burnley’s home matches have a 100% rate of exceeding 8.5 corners, and Chelsea’s away matches have an 84% rate. This suggests a high likelihood of a corner-rich game.
Chelsea to Score First
Chelsea has scored first in 33% of their away matches, while Burnley has conceded first in 75% of their home matches. Given Chelsea’s stronger form and higher PPG, it’s more likely that they will be the first to score.
Manchester United v Brentford
Both teams find themselves at a pivotal moment in their respective seasons, with Manchester United eager to improve on their recent poor form, which sees them in 10th place in the Premier League table. The visitors are also struggling in 14th with nine points, two shy of the hosts.
The Red Devils have the home advantage, but Brentford’s recent goal-scoring form (four goals in the last six fixtures) suggests that this will be anything but a straightforward match. It could be any scoreline, with both sides boasting attacking talents but leaky defences.
Neither team is able to field a full-strength side due to injuries and suspensions. Manchester United have Lisandro Martínez, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tyrell Malacia, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw, Jadon Sancho and Sergio Reguilón unavailable, while Brentford are missing Rico Henry, Kevin Schade, Josh Dasilva, Mikkel Damsgaard, Ben Mee, Shandon Baptiste and Ivan Toney.
Both Teams to Score
Both teams have shown the ability to find the back of the net. Manchester United has scored five goals in their last seven matches, while Brentford has scored nine. Given the attacking talent on both sides, it’s likely that both teams will score.
Over 2.5 Goals
Manchester United have been conceding goals for fun, eight in their last six games in all competitions, including three against Galatasaray in midweek. Brentford haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last six games.
Manchester United to Win
Despite their recent poor form, Manchester United has won three of their last four matches against Brentford. They will be keen to turn their fortunes around, especially at home. However, backing the Red Devils is a risky proposition at the moment.
Brentford to Score First but Not Win
Brentford has been taking the lead in recent matches but failing to secure the win, as seen in their last match against Nottingham Forest. Given Manchester United’s shaky defence, Brentford might score first but may not hold on for the win.
Draw at Half-time
Both teams have been struggling for form, and given the high stakes, a cautious approach from both sides could lead to a draw at half-time.
