Matthew O’Regan takes on the Premier League with a couple of opinions and a few bets. Follow Matthew on Twitter
Now that the dust has settled after the long awaited return of the Premier League, I will be previewing some games and providing some ‘best bets.’
Brighton vs. Newcastle
What a game to start the preview off – no biases at all (I promise). Both teams will come into this game full of confidence, with Brighton recording a 2-1 win at Old Trafford, with Newcastle defeating newly promoted Nottingham Forest.
Albion looked in-control in Manchester. Graham Potter is a manager known for his tactical versatility and the fluidity that his sides demonstrate. Solly March and Leoandro Trossard played as make-shift wing-backs, with Alexis MacAllister, Adam Lallana, Moises Caicedo and Pascal Groß dominating the midfield. The German Groß in particular stood out, bagging a brace in a more advanced position. This made it 4 goals in as many games for Groß – . His shift from a deep playmaker to a shadow striker who will arrive later in the box has unlocked the goalscoring form seen 4 seasons ago. Therefore, Bet 365 pricing Der Kaiser at 9.5 is very tempting.
Brighton have hit over 4 corners in 14 of their last 16 home games, with Potter relying on the wing-backs for creativity. With March and Trossard both tricky customers to deal with, I can see Brighton racking up the corners again. Newcastle have also picked up a second half card in 15 of their last 17 away games. With a tight and cagey game predicted and Brighton possessing pace on the bench in Kaoru Mitoma, Jerermy Sarmiento and Tariq Lamptey, I can see some tired tackles late on. Brighton have also attracted a second half card in 13 of their last 17.
On the subject of cards, one player who looks a nice price for a card is Moises Caicedo at 5/1. Whilst he only has 2 cards in 9 Premier League starts, the youngster is not afraid to put a challenge in, as shown by his 3 cards in his last 3 Ecuador starts. Despite saying Potter favours creativity from out wide, he also likes to crowd the midfield, leading to opposition midfielder cards. Joelinton was booked last time out against Brighton and is a tasty 3/1 to repeat the feat again. I will be backing these 2 as singles and as a double, as well as adding Joel Veltman, who opposes the trickery of Allan Saint-Maximin in a treble.
Matthew’s bet recommendations
TeamCBK bet – Pascal Groß to score at anytime – 9.5 @ Bet 365
Brighton over 4 corners and over 0 Newcastle SH cards – 2.0 @ Bet 365
Moises Caicedo card – 5/1 @ Bet 365
Joelinton Card – 3/1 @ Bet 365
Caicedo and Joelinton card double 26/1 @ Bet 365
Caicedo, Joelinton and Veltman treble 100/1 @ Bet 365
Southampton vs. Leeds
Staying on the south-coast for this game, I sense goals will be the theme of the day in Southampton vs Leeds. Southampton started this season the same way they finished the last – a resounding 4-1 defeat. This made it 7 games without a win for the Saints. Ralph Hassenhuttl’s side also only have 1 win in their last 13. Of these 13 games, over 2.5 has landed in 10, with BTTS landing in 8. They are a side who leak goals for fun, conceding 2+ in 11/13 and in their last 7. Leeds are also a team known for their end-to-end games, coming off the back of a 2-1 home win again Wolves. However, Wolves looked potent in attack and recorded a 1.84 XG. In fact, in their last 28 games, 26 have seen them concede over 1xg. Their last 14 away games have seen an average XG against of over 2. The Whites play a front-foot approach and hopefully this sees goals.
Onto the bookings and a price that stood out straight away – Tyler Adams. I think 4.33 is a nice price for a card considering the American was booked on his Premier League debut. On top of this, he was also booked in 5 of his last 12 Bundesliga starts.
Matthew’s bet recommendations
TeamCBK bet – Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals- 1.95 @ Bet 365
Tyler Adams to be booked – 4.33 @ Sky Bet
Both teams to Score in the first half & the second half- 12.0 @ Bet365
Wolves vs. Fulham
Last but not least, we have Wolves hosting Fulham. Fulham looked tremendous in their 2-2 home draw vs Champions League finalists Liverpool. Aleksandar Mitrovic continued on from his record breaking 43 goal season bagging a brace. He will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing an inexperienced Wolves back-line that shipped 2 to Leeds. Wolves have shifted from a back 5 to a back 4- a move which will improve their attacking prowess but exploit defensive vulnerabilities.
Andreas Pereira impressed on his debut at Craven Cottage, playing off the bustling Mitrovic. Whilst he only recorded 1 shot, he got himself into dangerous positions and looks good to have 2 shots this time out. Mitrovic also recorded 2 shots on target (both goals) so a sky bet combination of him and Neto (who recorded a shot on target vs Leeds) to record 3 shots on target is a bet worth backing.
Matthew’s bet recommendations
MAIN BET- Both teams to score – 1.80 @ Bet 365
Andreas Pereira over 1.5 shots – 2.20 @ Bet 365
Pedro Neto and Aleksandar Mitrovic to have 3+ shots on target combined – 2.875 @ Sky Bet
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