Premier League Preview Week 4
The goals continued to pile in last weekend with 36 goals across 10 Premier League fixtures. There were plenty of shock results too with Leicester dispatching Manchester City 5-2 at the Etihad while West Bromwich Albion ran Chelsea close in an enthralling 3-3. West Ham registered their first win of the season, cruising past a disappointing Wolves to win 4-0 and Aston Villa continued their bright start, beating strugglers Fulham 3-0.
This weekend, there is plenty to be won and lost as the Premier League begins to take shape before the first international break of the 2020/21 season. Chelsea will be looking to return to winning form against Crystal Palace in the early Saturday kick-off before a sensational Everton face a positive Brighton side on Saturday. Plucky Leeds then take on a stuttering Man City on Saturday evening. On Sunday, free-scoring Leicester host West Ham and Jose Mourinho returns to Old Trafford to oversee his Spurs side as they face Manchester United.
All odds are from bet365 and subject to change.
Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets
18+ New Players only. For free bet wagering requirements and minimum odds read T&C’s. www.begambleaware.org
Leeds United v Manchester City
Leeds have continued their high-tempo approach in the Premier League this season and it appears to be paying off as they sit seventh in the league and are the joint third top-scorers with eight in three games. Marcelo Bielsa’s side registered their first clean sheet of the season in all competitions against Sheffield United last weekend and have conceded eight in their first four fixtures.
City lost their first league fixture in four games on Sunday and conceded five for the first time ever under Pep Guardiola. Despite dominating possession, City were unable to convert a host of chances. Their away form last season may play into Leeds’ hands also as Guardiola’s side lost seven of their 19 fixtures on the road in 2019/20.
City’s defensive frailties were brutally exposed by Leicester and Leeds will look to take advantage of this on Sunday which could provide another shock result for City in game week four.
Pablo Hernandez (groin), Adam Forshaw (groin), Kiko Casilla (ankle), and Gaetano Berardi (knee) remain unavailable for Leeds. For City, Joao Cancelo (ankle), Jesus (muscular injury), Bernardo Silva (thigh), Ikay Gundogan (coronavirus), and Sergio Aguero (knee) are ruled out but John Stones could return this weekend after missing out recently due to a lack of match fitness.
Southampton v West Brom
After a slow start with two losses in their first two, Southampton edged past Burnley last weekend to earn their first win of the season. The Saints are notoriously better at home and gained 31 of their 52 points at St Mary’s in the 2019/20 season and only lost four fixtures at home all season. Southampton also have a good recent record over West Brom, beating them five times in the last six meetings.
West Brom showed their potential in the opening 25 minutes against Chelsea, clinically punishing mistakes through swift counter-attacking play to earn their first point of the season. But it was a similar story in defence. The Baggies have already conceded 11 goals in the Premier League this season (the highest amount in the league) and have the second worst goal difference (-6).
West Brom will visit Southampton full of confidence after their result against Chelsea. But the Saint’s home form is too strong which will see them run out comfortable winners this weekend.
Nathan Redmond is likely to be out for Southampton until after the international break with an ankle injury but Mohamed Salisu could be in contention for the Saints. Ahmed Hegazi, Branislav Ivanovic and Kamil Grosicki could all feature for West Brom this weekend. But the Baggies will be without Keneth Zohore (calf) and Conor Townsend (ankle).
Manchester United v Tottenham
Man United were unconvincing against Brighton last weekend and were saved by a late VAR decision to eventually win 3-2. The Red Devils have already conceded five in their first two games of the season, more than they let in during their final six at the tail end of the 2019/20 season. United’s home form, however, is stronger and they have only lost two in their last 10 in all competitions at Old Trafford.
Jose Mourinho’s side look a tough proposition this season. Aside from their opening day loss to Everton, Spurs are unbeaten in their last five in all competitions. The North London side have only conceded four goals this season. But Spurs have struggled against United in recent years, only taking one point from them in the last four meetings, which came in the 1-1 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last season.
Although United are stronger at home, their slow start may cost them on Sunday. Mourinho has Spurs playing consistently at the moment so a cagey, low-scoring draw could be likely at Old Trafford this weekend.
Manchester United with be without Axel Tuanzebe (ankle) and Phil Jones (knee) while Heung-Min Son (hamstring) and Gareth Bale (knee) are out for Spurs.
Aston Villa v Liverpool
Aston Villa appear to have put their disappointing 2019/20 season behind them. Dean Smith’s side have racked up two straight wins without conceding a goal and put three past Fulham last weekend. Villa picked up the majority of their points at home last season, winning seven and drawing three of their 19 games at Villa Park. They ran Liverpool close at home last season and led 1-0 for much of the game, until two late Liverpool goals saw them fall to a 2-1 defeat.
Despite their jittery opening day performance against Leeds, Liverpool have put in two sold, professional performances against Chelsea and Arsenal in recent weeks. Following their 3-1 win over Arsenal, Jurgen Klopp’s side have five consecutive last Premier League games stretching back to last season, scoring 17 goals in the process.
Villa have started well and they will give Liverpool a tough game. However, the Reds look incredibly strong this season and they will eventually have too much quality for Villa on Sunday, which could lead to a two or three goal winning margin.
Tom Heaton (knee), Wesley (knee) and Bjorn Engels (thigh) will be unavailable for Aston Villa. Liverpool will be without new signing Thiago Alcantara, who tested positive for coronavirus this week. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlin (knee) and Joel Matip (muscular injury) will also be unavailable.
Bet £10 Get £50 Free Bonus + 30 Free Spins
18+. New customers only. Min spend £10 on qualifying games. Certain deposit types excluded. £50 Bonus on selected games su...
Relevant news
21-22 Premier League Preview Week 38
The stage is set for an enthralling finale to the 2021/22 Premier League season. Lead…
21-22 Premier League Preview Week 37
Man City are on course to secure another Premier League title this season. The Citizens…
21-22 Premier League Preview Week 35
The 2021/22 Premier League season is coming to a head. With just five matches left,…
21-22 Premier League Preview Week 33
Fresh off the back of a breath-taking weekend of Premier League action last weekend, more…
2022 FA Cup Quarter Finals
The 2021/22 FA Cup has reached the quarter-finals with just eight teams left fighting for…
21-22 Premier League Preview Week 29
The Premier League fixtures have been coming thick and fast recently. There was a full…