CHARLIE McCANN
WITH ALL HIS BEST SPORTING BETS
THE big game in the Premier League this weekend sees champions Liverpool travel to Stamford Bridge to meet new- look Chelsea this afternoon in the first clash of the season involving the so called “big six” teams.
I was singularly unimpressed with Frank Lampard’s side at the Amex on Monday and felt they were fortunate to pick up maximum points. Of Lampard’ new signings Timo Werner looked sharp and pacy and will improve, but Kai Havertz was disappointing.
He will have to raise his game today against the Reds who look sure to have Fabinho back alongside Jordan Henderson in the centre of midfield with new signing Thiago Alcantara unlikely to start even if his registration goes through in time for the Brazilian to play at the Bridge.
I expect Lampard to give debuts to defenders Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva against Liverpool. Chelsea became only the third club in the history of the Premier League to accrue 2,000 points courtesy of their win at Brighton, but I feel they will need more time to add to their tally. Note Manchester United lead the way with 2234 followed by Arsenal on 2014.
Liverpool did the league double over Chelsea last season but did lose out to the Blues in the
FA Cup back in March. The Reds are 6/ 5 with bet365 to take all three points with Chelsea 9/ 4 at Unibet with the draw at 14/ 5.
Liverpool cannot defend as badly as they did against Leeds and Klopp will not set his side up to be as open as they were on the opening day. This game might just come too soon for Chelsea and Liverpool to win and
BIG DEBUT: Thiago Silva both teams to score is the tip at 11/ 4 at Betfred.
Spurs travel to St Mary’s in today’s early kick- off and both have disappointed in the opening week of the season despite the fact that Jose Mourinho’s side came from behind to win their Europa League tie against nine- man Lokomotiv Plovdiv on Thursday.
Spurs have had a busy
start to the campaign with games on Tuesday at Leyton Orient and Thursday in north Macedonia to follow and Mourinho was forced to play near full strength side in Bulgaria with the Europa League just one leg before the Group stages.
Southampton have lost both games this week and they played a strong side on paper against Brentford in the League Cup midweek. I cannot split the teams and a 1- 1 draw is the recommendation at 6/ 1 with BetVictor.
Manchester City begin their bid to regain their Premier League title as the 5/ 6 favourites which I find is extraordinary as they have only added Nathan Ake to a squad that looked increasingly vulnerable last season.
Of course, they will bridge the 18- point gap to Liverpool this term and may, indeed, regain the title but they should not be odds on given how poor they were – albeit by their own high standards
City travel to Molineux tomorrow to meet a Wolves side who played well at Bramall Lane last Monday and will give market leaders a challenge.
City are 8/ 15 with Boylesports with the hosts 11/ 2 and the draw at 7/ 2 at Unibet. Wolves and the draw are 13/ 8 in the double chance market and that is the recommendation in what promises to be a terrific game.