All articles by: Elliott Jackson

Arsenal vs Everton – Match Preview

Arsenal vs Everton
Saturday 23rd
 September 2018
FA Premier League, Emirates Stadium

Live on Sky Sports Football – Kick-Off: 16:00 GMT

Arsenal vs Everton: Arsenal will be looking for a fourth straight victory when they take on Everton, who will want to bounce back from defeat last weekend.

The Gunners extended their unbeaten run to four matches with a 4-2 midweek win over Vorskla Poltava. Goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Danny Welbeck and Mesut Ozil sealed the win, as Unai Emery named a strong line-up. Ozil’s strike made it two goals in as many games, as he tries to establish himself in Emery’s long-term plans. Whilst it was another important win on Thursday, Everton will prove a much stronger test for Arsenal. The worrying statistic behind their start to the season is they are yet to keep a clean sheet. Even on Thursday, they leaked two goals, which will concern Emery. Yes, the Gunners are trying to adapt to a new style at the back, but they are making a lot of basic defensive errors. If they want to carry on progressing and challenge for the top four, then they must improve in defence.

Everton suffered a surprising defeat at home to Everton last Sunday. The Toffees found themselves on the wrong side of a 3-1 scoreline, having gifted the Hammers a two-goal lead. Jordan Pickford was at fault for the second; needlessly giving possession away which allowed Andriy Yarmolenko to double their lead. With Yerry Mina and Michael Keane both injured, Mason Holgate and Kurt Zouma formed a young defensive pair. Without the experience of Keane or even Phil Jagielka, they struggled to keep West Ham’s attackers at bay. Like Arsenal, Everton are adapting to a more expansive, attacking style, but as a result, they are vulnerable defensively. They welcome back Richarlison from suspension for this game, which could be key if they need to outscore Arsenal.

Jonathan Moss is the referee for this game. The Englishman has officiated four games in the top flight this campaign, accumulating an average booking points total of 40. Therefore, I would advise a maximum of 50+ total booking points for this fixture.

Both teams have looked dangerous in attack, but shambolic in defence. For the neutral, this should make for a great game. Arsenal are in much better form than the visitors, however, and I think that will see them win this game.

Arsenal vs Everton will be televised live in-the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick-off at 16:00 GMT.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Everton

Suggested tips – Arsenal vs Everton – (BET365):

  • Correct score: Arsenal win 3-1 – (link no longer available).

Suggested tips – Arsenal vs Everton – (SKYBET):

  • Both Players to Score – Ozil and Richarlison both to score – 7/2.
  • BTTS Yes & Full Time Arsenal – 6/4.
  • First Goalscorer – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to score first and Arsenal to win 3-1 50/1.

Odds and markets last updated on Sunday 22nd September 2018 @01:48 GMT.

Remember to keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews around next weeks televised Premier league and SkyBet Championship matches.

 

 

Brighton vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match Preview

Brighton vs Tottenham Hotspur
Saturday 22nd
 September 2018
FA Premier League, Falmer Stadium

Live on BT Sport 2 – Kick-Off: 17:30 GMT

Brighton vs Tottenham Hotspur: Tottenham will be looking to bounce back from three consecutive defeats when they face Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday night.

Defeat in midweek against Inter Milan made it the first time Tottenham had lost three games in a row under Mauricio Pochettino. The Italian’s comeback from one goal down raised questions over Spurs’ inability to defend set pieces. Pochettino himself was criticised, having left both Toby Alderweireld and Keiran Trippier in London for ‘technical reasons’. The truth is that Tottenham lack a midfield general. Eric Dier doesn’t have the mobility to compete against the top teams, whilst Moussa Dembele is too offensive minded. Spurs have lacked a real holding midfielder since Scott Parker. Someone with athleticism and discipline, who can control that central area.

Against Liverpool, this showed. Harry Winks, Dier and Dembele were overrun by the Reds more energetic, vibrant midfield trio. Their defeat against Watford could be put down as complacency, but against Liverpool and Inter there was a serious lack of quality from Pochettino’s men. That will have to change if they are to claim another top-four finish and progress in Europe.

Brighton came back from two behind on Monday night as they drew 2-2 at Southampton. The Seagulls struggled in the first 45 and found themselves 2-0 down thanks to goals from Pierre-Emile Hoijberg and Danny Ings. However, in true Brighton fashion, their big players came up trumps. Shane Duffy pulled one back before Glenn Murray sealed the comeback with a 90th-minute penalty. That result leaves them in 14th place, with five points from as many games. At home is where they prosper; the Amex Stadium has become a very difficult place to go and win. Therefore, this is not the ideal trip Tottenham could have asked for.

Chris Kavanagh is the referee for this match. The Englishman has officiated three top-flight games this season, accumulating an average booking points total of 26.7. Therefore, I would advise a maximum of 40+ total booking points for this fixture.

This is one of the last game Pochettino will have fancied, having lost their last three. Chris Hughton’s side always make it difficult for visiting sides and will have their tails up, given Spurs’ form. As a result, I’m going to edge for a score draw in this one.

Brighton vs Tottenham Hotspur will be televised live in the UK on BT Sport 2 with kick-off at 17:30.

Prediction: Brighton 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Suggested tips – Brighton vs Tottenham Hotspur – (BET365):

  • Correct score: draw 1-1 – (link no longer available).

Suggested tips – Brighton vs Watford – (SKYBET):

  • Both Players to Score – Murray and Kane both to score – 7/2.
  • BTTS Yes & Full Time Draw – 7/2.
  • Correct Score Group Betting – Tottenham to win 1-0, 2-1 or 2-0 – 2/1.

Odds and markets last updated on Saturday 22nd September 2018 @15:48 GMT.

Remember to keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews around this weekend televised Premier league and SkyBet Championship matches.

Fulham vs Watford – Match Preview

Fulham vs Watford
Saturday 22nd
 September 2018
FA Premier League, Craven Cottage

Live on Sky Sports Premier League – Kick-Off: 12:30 GMT

Fulham vs Watford: Fulham host Watford in a London derby, with both sides looking to bounce back from defeats last weekend.

Fulham come into this game having been beaten 3-0 last time out against Manchester City. That result left the Cottagers in 15th place, with four points from their opening five matches. It’s been a relatively solid return to the top flight, although it is obvious that their home form will be key in their survival. Having splashed the cash in the summer, many have tipped Fulham to do well this year. Alexander Mitrovic has continued his form from last year with four goals in their opening five games.

The Serbian will be their main supply of goals for the campaign, having completed his permanent move from Newcastle in the summer. Defensively, Fulham still have plenty to learn. They’ve conceded 12 goals already, which is the highest in the division. Whilst they often can out-score their opposition, they will need to tighten up at the back in order to secure a second year at this level.

Watford lost their 100% start to the campaign last Saturday, losing 2-1 to Manchester United. The Hornets were unable to complete their comeback after Andre Gray reduced their two-goal deficit. Still, it’s been a fine start for Javi Garcia’s men, who were tipped to struggle by many before a ball was kicked. They currently occupy fourth spot, just three points off the top. Much of their fine start has been down to their new system, which allows Gray and Troy Deeney to play together. With a more narrow midfield, the pair are enjoying their time as a partnership which has culminated in four goals between them.

Martin Atkinson is the referee for this game. The Englishman has an average booking points total of 36 across five league games this season. He is the only referee to have officiated that number of games this season, proving he is one of the best in the eyes of the FA. Therefore, I would advise a maximum of 50+ total booking points for this fixture.

Watford have started the season in fantastic form, securing results both home and away. Fulham leak goals, but are very entertaining to watch and are a tough match for anyone at Craven Cottage. As a result, I’m going to plump for a draw, but I’d expect there to be goals in this game.

Fulham vs Watford will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League with kick-off at 12:30 GMT.

Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Watford

Suggested tips – Fulham vs Watford – (BET365):

  • Correct score: draw 1-1 – (link no longer available).

Suggested tips – Fulham vs Watford – (SKYBET):

  • Both Players to Score – Deeney and Gray to both score – 8/1.
  • First Goalscorer – Mitrovic to score and win – 5/2.
  • Correct Score Group Betting – Fulham to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 5/2.
  • @FootyAccums Specials – BTTS, Mitrovic & Deeney 2+ shots on target each, 3+ corners each team and 10+ booking points each team – 14/1. (NAP – added 11:48).

Odds and markets last updated on Saturday 22nd September 2018 @11:48 GMT.

Remember to keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews around this weekend televised Premier league and SkyBet Championship matches.