The Premier League returns this weekend after the international break, with a tasty-looking west London derby set to headline Gameweek 8.
As Brentford welcome leaders Chelsea to the Community Stadium, the Bees themselves sit just four points off their capital neighbours and are unbeaten in three league games, having taken three points versus West Ham last time out, together with holding Liverpool during GW6.
The Blues meanwhile, returned to winning ways a fortnight ago but have a number of injury concerns ahead of this weekend. That could swing a result in the hosts’ favour. Chelsea remains odd-on to make the short trip home with a win at 4/7 with PaddyPower, Bet365 and BetVictor, but Brentford will be tough opposition and their price of 28/5 with SBK and Matchbook looks excellent value for the upset. Even for Both Teams to Score, MansionBet is the place to go at strong 6/5 odds.
The biggest banker of the weekend looks to be Manchester City as they host Burnley. As heavy 1/7 favourites to pick up their fifth victory of the campaign, Pep Guardiola’s men are however, winless in their last two games with defeats away to PSG coupled with an electric 2-2 draw at Anfield against Liverpool before the international break. The Clarets should not present too much of a challenge here though and went down 5-0 to City in both games last term, in the knowledge also, that Saturday’s hosts have won two of their three home games this season by the same scoreline.
Despite being held by Southampton the last time City entertained in the Premier League, Burnley look set to be on the receiving end here, and to lose 5-0 for the third game on the bounce versus their opponents this weekend, SkyBet’s boosted price of 16s from 12/1 looks one to check out.
Elsewhere this weekend, all eyes with be on St. James’ Park as Newcastle United embark on their new multi-billion-pound era with Saudi government investment on the horizon. It will also be a momentous day for Steve Bruce in his 1000th game as manager but one which looks to be his final game in charge of the Magpies. Bruce will want to go out on a high against Tottenham and to do just that, Newcastle are 13/5 with William Hill and Betfred.
Spurs meanwhile, remain wholly unpredictable and could easily upset Bruce’s swansong at 23/20 with SpreadEx. From a goalscoring point Harry Kane is yet to register a league goal this term, leaving Son Heung-min the biggest threat for the north Londoners. The Korean is 15/8 anytime with SkyBet to net his fourth of the campaign on Sunday.
GW8 draws to a close at the Emirates Stadium on Monday night as Patrick Vieira makes his return to Arsenal. Having spent nine years in north London, the Frenchman won seven trophies and was also part of Arsenal’s Invincibles side. It is likely to be a special occasion for the former Arsenal skipper and indeed the fans in attendance.
Now in charge of Crystal Palace, Vieira’s side roll into Islington without a win in three. The Gunners having resurrected their league form meanwhile, are now without a loss in four. Mikel Arteta’s men were however, held by Brighton last time out. The tale is similar for Palace who have drawn their last two and in total have taken a single point from four outings this term – including their last away-day trip in London. Putting narratives firmly to one side, the draw therefore looks decent value and at 3/1 with Betfred, and is one of the more appealing punts this weekend.
