All articles by: Ieuan Ivett

Brighton vs Southampton – Match Preview

Brighton vs Southampton – Match Preview – Brighton and Hove Albion host Southampton this Sunday in Premier League action. Both sides are sitting comfortably midtable with Southampton two places ahead in 10th with one more point than their opponents.

Brighton most recently dispatched of West Ham 3-0 away from home with Glenn Murray stealing the headlines with a brace. Jose Izquierdo scored the other right on the stroke of half time in what was a good afternoon for Chris Hughton and his side.

Murray scored a brace against West Ham in their last game Photo Credit: skysports.com

In their previous outing, Southampton ran out 1-0 victors over West Brom thanks to an 85th minute goal from Sofiane Boufal. Southampton dominated the match, as they often do, but still struggled to find that clinical edge they require. The Saints have scored 8 goals in 9 matches so far, however in many of those matches they have had 15 or more attempts on goal.

Brighton have held their own since arriving in the Premier League, much thanks to Chris Hughton’s defensive tactics and their never say die attitude. They haven’t lost by more than a two-goal margin all season so far, meaning they are always still able to pull something out of the bag. They are likely to line up in a classic 4-4-2 formation that saw them get success away at West Ham. They often run a very rigid backline and their midfielders are often defensively minded first. Winger Anthony Knockhaert has won over the hearts of the Brighton fans not just for his attacking prowess but for his work rate. Can he help his side to victory?

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Brighton to Win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 11/4

Boufal has the creativity to break down the Brighton defence Photo Credit: skysports.com

Southampton have had a mediocre start to the season by their standards. Although they have won several matches, they have also drawn three matches against Swansea, Huddersfield and Newcastle who are all teams they would expect three points against. Brighton are of a similar level to those sides, so it is very possible that Southampton could have another poor day in front of goal as they so often do. Sofiane Boufal has really begun to come into his own after a shaky first season at St Mary’s. His pace on the counter has allowed Southampton to catch sides out this year, even if they haven’t taken full advantage just yet.

Skybet Match Result – Southampton to Win – 7/5

 

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Man Utd vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match Preview

Man Utd vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match Preview – Manchester United host Tottenham Hotspur in Premier League action this Saturday.

Both sides are occupying second and third spot in the league standings and are sharing an equal points tally, with only Manchester United’s superior goal difference the resulting factor.

Key players are still unavailable for this big clash with Jose Mourinho having to deal with Eric Bailly, Paul Pogba, Marcos Rojo, Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick all still sidelined and obviously Zlatan Ibrahimovic still partaking in his lengthy recovery. Huge disappointment for Pochettino as Harry Kane will be ruled out at Old Trafford due to a minor hamstring injury. Fernando Llorente or Heung Min Son could replace the England striker. Both Eric Lamela and Victor Wanyama are still unavailable for Mauricio Pochettino.

Rashford will cause the Spurs wing backs problems at Old Trafford Photo Credit: skysports.com

The hosts recovered from their out of character 2-1 loss to Huddersfield last weekend with a routine 2-0 victory over Swansea City midweek in the Carabao Cup. Two goals from Jesse Lingard booked the Red Devil’s spot in the next round, however they weren’t given much competition from a depleted and low on confidence Swansea side.

Tottenham had their first major disappointment of the season as they came crashing out of the Carabao Cup in dramatic fashion midweek. Leading 2-0 at half time was clearly not as safe as many thought as West Ham staged a remarkable second half comeback that left Spurs red in the face. Spurs haven’t lost twice in a row for over 7 months, can they hold that record?

Llorente is likely to replace Kane upfront Photo Credit: skysports.com

Manchester United’s pace in attack has left many defences for dead this season, however the Spurs defence is a rigid one. There is no doubt that the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial can cause Spurs issues but games like this often require moments of magic from your key players. The big Belgian striker has enjoyed a fruitful start to his career at Old Trafford with seven league goals and two assists thus far. Can he spur his side on to victory?

Skybet Correct Score Betting – Man Utd to Win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 15/8

Tottenham enjoy to dominate possession in most of their matches and exploit the flanks to allow maximum service to the forwards. United will make it not only tough for them to come down the wings but to have the ball at all. Both sides enjoy possession football, however Spurs have players like Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen that can keep the ball glued to their foot when needs be. With Fernando Llorente likely to step in for Kane, expect runners coming off the Spanish striker.

Skybet Match Result – Spurs to Win – 13/5

 

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Carabao Cup – Tottenham vs West Ham – Match Preview

Tottenham vs West Ham – Match Preview – Tottenham host a struggling West Ham in the Carabao Cup this Wednesday.

The hosts have enjoyed some delightful form as of late, most recently dispatching of Liverpool 4-1 this weekend in the Premier League. The visitors haven’t enjoyed such fortune however, with their previous outing seeing them lose 3-0 at home to Brighton and Hove Albion.

Whilst West Ham manager Slaven Bilic’s future remains in the balance, many Hammers fans will be hoping their side can form something of a cup run to take the concentration away from their Premier League woes.

Tottenham were unconvincing in their last round match in the Carabao Cup at home to Barnsley. A goal from Dele Alli was enough for Mauricio Pochettino to wipe away the sweat and see his side in the hat for the next round. West Ham found their previous round much more comfortable beating a Bolton side 3-0 at home.

Kane and Son will prove to be difficult for the West Ham defence Photo Credit: skysports.com

Harry Kane has been hitting back at his ‘two season wonder’ critics with goals aplenty in the Premier League. Many believe he is the most dangerous striker in the world at the moment, so good luck to the West Ham defence if he starts. The same faces are continuing to prosper in the Spurs squad and they are turning from strength to strength every time they step onto the field. Their possession-based style of play is proving tough for some of Europe’s best sides to deal with and could have West Ham running around like headless chickens. Can Spurs reach the next round?

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Tottenham to Win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 7/2

West Ham are close to hitting a crisis era, with nothing seeming to go their way. Their new signings haven’t fitted in at all and some are already looking at leaving, their managers tactics don’t seem to be working and their fans are becoming more frustrated by the minute. The London based club have won one of their last four matches; a 1-0 home win over Premier League strugglers Swansea. It was only a few weeks ago that West Ham took on Spurs in the Premier League and they won’t be hoping for a repeat of last time.

Arnautovic must improve for West Ham Photo Credit: skysports.com

New signing Javier Hernandez has shown glimpses of his talents but is yet to wow the West Ham fans. He could be a key figure if he features for the Hammers, as well as winger Marko Arnautovic. Their sheer pace and power on the counter could cause Spurs issues if they’re having problems finding the back of the net like in their last round match. Can the Hammers shock Spurs?

Skybet Match Result – West Ham to Win – 5/1

 

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