Premier League betting tips: Chelsea vs Brighton to be a goal-scoring fest, Liverpool to beat Nottingham Forest, and more Gameweek 2 predictions
Now then, now then. We went 0-4 on the first weekend in terms of tips. I’ll take that on the chin.
But no need to panic because you know what we are? Mentality monsters (just in my case, the sort that occasionally needs a lie down).
New week. New focus. I’m channelling my inner Jake Humphrey here. You know why?
No dog has ever woken up on Monday and thought, “F*ck’s sake, five more days.”
A tree does not suffer with the ‘Sunday Scaries’. The week is entirely our invention. Carpe diem.
Read on for a breakdown of the best bets from this weekend’s Premier League TV games from Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate - The Bookie Basher - including the clash between Manchester United and Ipswich Town on Sunday, August 30.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City
Two clubs in transition with new managers.
Crystal Palace lost 2-0 to Everton last weekend so could do with something here.
Jean-Philippe Mateta wants away while Liverpool are rumoured to be interested in Ismaila Sarr, who had a brilliant World Cup but seems unsettled in South London.
Manchester City edged past Bournemouth but rarely looked convincing.
Enzo Maresca has moved to sign red-hot prospect Ayyoub Bouaddi after selling central midfielders Rodri, Tijjani Reinders and agreeing to let Nico Gonzalez join Newcastle.
I may have been looking to take on the Cityzens here if it wasn’t for the fact that Sarr (groin) will be unavailable, according to coach Pierre Sage.
Instead, I’m going to have a risk-averse Bet Builder. Bonnet de douche.
Suggested bet: Both teams to score / Both teams 3+ corners at 29/20 (Coral / Ladbrokes)
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest
Liverpool are clearly still adjusting to life under Andoni Iraola if that breathless 2-2 draw with Newcastle is anything to go by.
Defensively, they looked all over the shop at times against the Toon, so expect a few goals here.
The Tricky Trees fell to a disappointing 1-0 at home to Leeds United on the opening weekend, a rather undistinguished beginning to their new dawn under Oliver Glasner.
Nottingham Forest weren’t terrible on the day but conceded in the 88th minute, and that was all she wrote.
My shekels will be going on Liverpool to win and both teams to score at Anfield. As an aside, how fast is Jeremie Frimpong?
The Dutchman is in his sporting prime right now at the age of 25, and every time I see him, I’m struck by his electric pace.
I know Turki Al-Sheikh is a fan of the column, so - Uncle Turki - let’s get a few million in the pot and have a 6 1/2-furlong match race between Frimpong and Ka Ying Rising at Doncaster.
Suggested bet: Liverpool to win & btts at 2/1 (betway / skyebt)
READ MORE: Liverpool’s title credentials under threat following worrying season opener
Tottenham vs Newcastle United
Tottenham - who have spent in the region of £237m this summer - were battered by Brentford on a weekend marred by 79-year-old Alan Sugar also turning up on my X / Twitter feed in a full Spurs kit.
They have spent big but look light up top. Richarlison huffs and puffs, but he's no Harry Kane.
What a shambolic performance that was against the Bees.
Newcastle meanwhile - who lost several key players in the summer window - were excellent in that 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
Despite sticking Spurs on the Mugs List after last weekend’s debacle, I am going to give them another chance here as my hunch is De Zerbi starts Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes and new signing Savio.
Progress, not perfection. Although I won't lie - either would be nice right now.
Suggested bet: Tottenham to win at 13/10 (Hills)
Chelsea vs Brighton
Chelsea’s front three were magnificent in that win over Fulham on Monday, August 24. Robert Sanchez? Not so much.
Xabi Alonso's glass will surely be half full though, as big-money summer signing Morgan Rogers combined effortlessly with Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro to produce a vintage attacking display.
Brighton got off to a flyer too on the first weekend but were helped by some Benny Hill-esque defending from Aston Villa in that 4-0 romp.
It wasn’t just the goals, however. Fabian Hurzeler’s men pressed high and got their rewards, and they won’t be fearful going into this (they are top of the league after all).
Reeks of goals this. Expect goals. Possibly even some defending.
Suggested bet: Over 3.5 goals at 7/4 (bet365 / Betfred)
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Maxence Lacroix Chelsea tactical analysis: How he fits in Xabi Alonso's 3-4-2-1
Manchester United vs Ipswich Town
Not exactly Nostradamus territory, but...Manchester United need a win here after that sh*t show against Hull.
Their midfield lacks physicality and power. In theory, Carlos Baleba should solve that issue.
New signing Baleba's appeal lies less in his deft creativity in the final third and more in his ability to win possession, cover ground like a lurcher and then carry his team forward (he’s basically Roy Keane without the pathological hatred towards Mick McCarthy).
The Tractor Boys have made a dream start, beating Sunderland and easing past Leicester in the League Cup in midweek.
2/5 about the home win isn’t for me, but 2/1 about a Red Devils win in a game where both teams find the net very much is.
These are early days, and Michael Carrick's side will improve, so need to panic. You can do that in October.
Suggested bet: Manchester United to win & btts at 2/1 (bet365)
READ NEXT: Lewis Hamilton takes responsibility for frustrated radio and media comments at Dutch GP
