The column took a hit in midweek as Liverpool failed to beat Chelsea in 90 minutes in the UEFA Super Cup. The Premier League’s second weekend of the season brings a second top-six clash as Manchester City’s clash with Tottenham.
Running total: +£1.25
The Banker
Manchester City have barely put a foot wrong domestically over the past two seasons, winning back-to-back Premier League titles and accumulating 198 points in the process. During that period they’ve also beaten Spurs four times in the league and have only lost three of 53 home league games since Pep Guardiola arrived. The Citizens looked irresistible as they eased to a 5-0 win over West Ham last weekend while Tottenham took an age to get going before eventfully beating Aston Villa 3-1. Raheem Sterling — our pick for the Golden Boot this season — scored a hat trick last weekend and the England star can help City claim another crucial three points here. Guardiola’s men are a shade under even money to cover a one-goal handicap and on last weekend’s evidence that looks a banker.
Selection: £5.50 on Manchester City (-1) to beat Tottenham at 10/11 with bet365.
The First Goal Flutter
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks a worthy favourite at 11/4 to score first for Arsenal against Burnley this weekend. The Gabon star clearly relishes playing the Clarets, having already plundered six goals in just three previous games against Sean Dyche’s men. Arsenal are red hot 1/3 favourites for the win and Aubameyang can get the party started at the Emirates.
Selection: £4 on Aubameyang to score first at 11/4 with bet365.
The Tasty Treble
Liverpool have scored 11 goals in four meetings with Southampton and are warm 4/9 favourites to win on the south coast this weekend. The European champions should have too much class for the Saints, who looked poor in losing 3-0 to Burnley in week one.
Elsewhere Norwich City lost 4-1 against Liverpool but should find Newcastle a much easier assignment at Carrow Road and look worth a bet at 5/4. Emi Buendia produced eight goals and 12 assists as the Canaries won the title in the Championship last season and he can help steer them to victory on Saturday.
Finally add in Everton at 8/11 to see off Watford. The Hornets were terrible as they lost 3-0 to Brighton last time out and Marco Silva’s side will hope that home advantage can help them to deliver their first win of the season at Goodison. The Liverpool/Norwich/Everton treble is paying better than 9/2 with bet365.
Selection: £3 on the treble at 4.61/1 with bet365.
The Euro Wager
Paris Saint-Germain are undisputed top dogs in France but lost five times on their travels last season and without Neymar could be vulnerable against Rennes on Sunday night. Boss Julien Stephan masterminded their Coupe de France victory last season, when they beat PSG on penalties after a 2-2 draw in extra-time. PSG can blow hot and cold so at 13/2 Rennes look a value shout with bet365.
Selection: £2 on Rennes to win at 13/2 with bet365.
The Wildcard Tip
Leicester City have lost only one of their last four trips to Chelsea and look a value bet at just under 4/1 to win in west London on Sunday. Frank Lampard has endured a tough baptism as Chelsea boss and without the creative spark of Eden Hazard in attack one wonders where the goals are going to come from this season? Leicester under Brendan Rodgers look a quality side this season and a win on Sunday would not come as a huge shock, particularly when you consider that Chelsea could be jaded after their UEFA Super Cup effort against Liverpool in midweek.
Selection: £2 on Leicester City to win at 15/4 with bet365.
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