VAR continues to be the main storyline through the first two weeks of this year’s Premier League. Manchester City were the latest team to feel victimized by VAR as a late Gabriel Jesus winner against Tottenham Hotspur last week was disallowed after a review. That left City gritting their teeth after a 1-1 draw against Spurs, and they are no longer at the top of the table. Liverpool and Arsenal are the only teams with two wins after two games, and it’s those two that are atop the standings.
Premier League Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
August 24
Manchester United -270
Crystal Palace +743
Draw +392
Over/Under 2.5 and 3
A disappointing draw to Wolves has blunted the Manchester United optimism we saw after their thrashing of Chelsea in the opener. Paul Pogba has been criticized for adamantly insisting that he take a penalty kick instead of Marcus Rashford, but the team has rallied around Pogba after he was subjected to racial abuse after the miss. I think that will smooth over any potential locker room conflict and help the Red Devils pick up a win on their return to Old Trafford.
Brighton & Hove Albion +141
Southampton FC +206
Draw +224
Over/Under 2 and 2.5
The Seagulls have been quite impressive to start the year. Brighton was a popular pick to be relegated after doing little during the summer transfer period, but the club has looked sharp in a road win over Watford and a draw against West Ham. They have a good opportunity to pick up points against winless Southampton.
Liverpool FC -196
Arsenal FC +462
Draw +376
Over/Under 3 and 3.5
First place in the Premier League is on the line when Liverpool hosts Arsenal at Anfield this Saturday. The Reds are a sizable favorite per the EPL betting odds and expected to win considering their talent, and this one could get ugly. While Arsenal are 2-0, they haven’t been overwhelming in their wins and they were blown out 5-1 the last time they went to Anfield.
Watford FC +108
West Ham United +240
Draw +262
Over/Under 2.5 and 3
Watford are off to a dreadful start this season. The Hornets are one of two teams that has yet to score a goal, and dreams of a spot in Europe have been replaced by just wanting to finish in the middle of the table. West Ham aren’t off to a great start either after settling for a draw against Brighton last week, and one of these fanbases will be seriously disappointed afterwards.
Norwich City +304
Chelsea FC -121
Draw +296
Over/Under 3
Without Eden Hazard, Chelsea have not been able to create much offense. Christian Pulisic, Willian, and Tammy Abraham have failed to have the same effect as the magical Hazard, and Chelsea’s transfer ban likely means the Blues will struggle to get back to Europe. Norwich is a live home dog in this one.
Sheffield United +245
Leicester City +123
Draw +220
Over/Under 2 and 2.5
It’s been a magical return to the Premier League for Sheffield United. Everyone expected the Blades to be one and done, but they are sitting on four points after two matches following their win over Crystal Palace last weekend. Knocking off Leicester City will be more difficult though.
Aston Villa +221
Everton FC +117
Draw +260
Over/Under 2.5 and 3
The Villans spent a ton of money this offseason to ensure they would remain in the Premier League, but the early returns haven’t been good. A loss to Spurs in the first game wasn’t unexpected, but Villa have failed to register a point following a 2-1 loss to Bournemouth last week. Aston Villa allowed two goals inside of 12 minutes, and they can’t allow Everton to have similar success.
August 25
AFC Bournemouth +1254
Manchester City -526
Draw +619
Over/Under 3.5
This is probably going to be a rout. City are sure to be upset after VAR kept them from notching a win over Spurs, and Bournemouth are not solid enough in the back to park the bus and hope for the best. Six of the last eight games between these teams were wins by two or more goals for City, and it feels like we’ll see a similar result here.
Tottenham Hotspur -416
Newcastle United +1104
Draw +530
Over/Under 3
More and more people are projecting Newcastle to drop down to Championship after an awful start to the season. The Magpies did not look sharp against either Arsenal or Norwich, and they allowed Teemu Pukki to net a hat trick in Carrow Road last week. This is Son Heung-min’s return to action, and Spurs are liable to run riot.
Wolverhampton Wanderers -116
Burnley FC +361
Draw +239
Over/Under 2 and 2.5
Wolves have the talent to challenge for a spot in the Champions League. They had to settle for draws in their first two matches, so they must break through here if they are going to establish themselves as legitimate contenders.
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