The Premier League is back and in emphatic fashion. Three matches, three results. Arsenal kicked off proceedings with a 0-3 win at Craven Cottage. At Selhurst Park, it was Crystal Palace taking the three points. The most exciting fixture was reserved until the end between Liverpool and Leeds United.
The Whites returned to the English top-flight after 16 years and gave a good account of themselves in the 4-3 defeat. Mo Salah was Liverpool’s hero with a hat-trick that undid Marcel Bielsa’s best-laid plans. That score line also saw all our tips for yesterday come through. It was a good way to start the Premier League campaign and even more to look forward to.
Today promises to be another interesting day with three exciting matches on offer. The selections available are enticing and we have looked at them exhaustively. Leicester City travel to West Brom, and Tottenham host Everton.
Taking something out of each match, we plan to build on our perfect record and give value to them. There is value to be had and we provide that with our picks today. So, without further ado, let’s get straight to the action of the day, shall we?
13/09/20: Featured Match: Tottenham vs Everton
Preview
Jose Mourinho transformed Tottenham and secured Europa League qualification despite the injury nightmares he faced. He took over from Mauricio Pochettino mid-season and gave the side his identity.
Similarly, at Goodison Park, Carlo Ancelotti ensured Everton play the football that best suits their players. The Toffees gave a good account of themselves despite failing to break into the top half of the Premier League table.
The match will be a grueling encounter between two master tacticians. Tottenham are experts of season openers, losing only one of their last seven. On the surface, the odds favor the hosts but we ascertain if there is value offered by bookies or not.
Tottenham to win
It is an interesting matchup between two different managers. Spurs are as different from Everton as they can be but are similar in their tactical makeup. Tottenham go into the fixture as favorites but the Toffees cannot be ruled out.
Form is on the hosts’ side, who only lost three home fixtures last season (W12, D3, L4). In addition, they have only lost three games to Everton in their last 28 games (W17, D8, L3).
Moreover, as far as season openers are concerned, Tottenham have only lost one of their last seven (W5, D1, L1). In Everton, they have opponents with a similar record, boasting off an unbeaten run (W2, D6) in the last eight years.
With Harry Kane and his preferred team at his disposal, Mourinho’s men are favorites for the win. Bet365 has them 1.83 odds and it should come to fruition.
Goals – Over 2.5
West Brom keep fixtures interesting and we expect them to continue the trend in their fifth promotion to English top-flight football. The Baggies dropped 26 points from winning positions in their last endeavors and not a lot has changed since them. They take on Jamie Vardy and the Foxes, who do not forgive their rivals.
Bet365 offer odds of 1.9 for the O2.5 and there is value in it. However, we prefer to stay in North London for our preference. Mourinho has yet to have a settled backline and Everton will cause Spurs issues. Moreover, with Son Heung-min, Harry Kane and Dele Alli available, the Londoners will trouble the scores.
Bet365 has odds of 2.0 for O2.5 goals and there is enough value for us to suggest it.
Anytime goal-scorer – Harry Kane
This is a tough pick. Harry Kane vs Jamie Vardy. The duo will be fighting for the Premier League Golden Boot come the end of the season and the battle begins in earnest after Mo Salah’s hat-trick.
Vardy finished last season with 23 strikes to his name. Kane’s season was interrupted by injuries but he still managed 18 strikes from his 29 outings.
Out of the two, Vardy has an easier task than Kane. However, with Tottenham’s game plan involving around the England captain’s strengths, there is value in picking him. Bet365 has Vardy at 1.9 and Kane at 2.2 as anytime goal scorers. It is difficult to pick Kane over Vardy given their previous form, but we go with the England captain. He has scored four braces against Everton in their last five encounters and should add to his tally.
Football Lover. All-round junkie of the beautiful game. Could be found watching football most of the time. If not he’s writing about them or making some punditry you don’t agree with. A certain bias for Arsenal and Santos FC.
