WEEK THREE OF the Premier League season entails some pretty fascinating games, the main pair of them among the later matches.
Soccer journalist Johnny Ward has brought his tips, along with the latest odds from William Hill…
Sheffield United v Leeds United, 12pm Sunday
Johnny’s tip: An away win for Leeds at 13/8 with William Hill
Let’s start with the most confident bet of the lot: Leeds United to win at neighbours Sheffield. Who will finish higher of this pair this season: Sheffield, who so nearly made Europe last term, or promoted Leeds?
The Blades clearly overachieved last season and it is no surprise they’ve lost their first two games this term, during which time Leeds scored three at Anfield and four against Fulham, albeit only winning by the minimum. Home advantage is of little or no relevance here and there’s far more upside to this Leeds team than there is with Sheffield United.
Back Leeds at 13/8, a price that will probably be under pressure nearer kick-off. Believe in the Bielsa revolution. Also look at backing them to win by two or more.
Burnley v Southampton, 8pm Saturday
Johnny’s tip: A home victory for Burnley at 11/5 with William Hill
Southampton fell apart against Tottenham after a bright opening half last week. Burnley finished ahead of the Saints last season, though it is fair to say the Saints ended the season better than Sean Dyche’s reliable charges.
Are Southampton any stronger than Burnley right now? It is hard to say. Do they deserve to be favourites at Burnley? It is even harder to say. All told, despite it being hard to have a strong view on the game, 11/5 about the home team looks a value play.
Man City v Leicester City, 4.30pm Sunday
Johnny’s tip: Both teams to score at 8/11 with William Hill
Manchester City are odds-on to win the title but some doubts remain, particularly about their defensive qualities. Leicester will do really well to shut out the former champions at the Etihad Stadium but take them to score as well at 8/11 (price of both teams to score).
Leicester make the short visit to Manchester full of confidence and they will surely create chances. You will get better wagers than the skimpy 32/100 about the hosts.
Liverpool v Arsenal, 8pm Monday
Johnny’s tip: Arsenal draw-no-bet at 10/3 with William Hill
So the big game of the weekend gives a little bit more hope to those hoping this is not a two-horse race this season. There was possibly a little overreaction to Liverpool’s facile win at Chelsea, since they were gifted that win in some respects, but nobody could be unimpressed by Thiago Alcântara all the same.
Arsenal’s own quiet revolution under Mikel Arteta continues and they could be a bit of value here. Liverpool were all over the shop defensively against Leeds and Arsenal are full of confidence, while they’ve beaten Liverpool the last time they met.
Chance the Gunners at 10/3 draw-no-bet, even if it is one of those bets you expect to lose. As any good gambler will tell you, it’s all about reward versus risk, and this looks worth a small bet.
William Hill odds above correct at the time of writing. New online customers get €30 in free bets when they bet €10 with William Hill. Just use the promo code P30. For all the latest prices, visit williamhill.com. 18+, always gamble responsibly. For more information, see BeGambleAware.org
