As the final embers of summer begin to fizzle out, the new season kicks into top gear this week with its first midweek offering. So what is on the menu for Gameweek 5?
We start on Tuesday night at Selhurst Park as Crystal Palace host Brentford in another of a what seems a constant stream of London derbies.
The Eagles would have earned an early 17/1 pay out for those that backed GW4’s tip against Manchester City and though having eventually lost to the champions, Palace again showed their quality under Patrick Vieira. With Wilfried Zaha absent at the weekend, Eberechi Eze grabbed his second assist of the season and here we are backing the talented midfield to find the net. For Eze to score anytime against the Bees, Betfred’s 5/1 anytime offer is appealing. To score from outside the area as he has done before, SkyBet are dangling a 28/1 price.
Tuesday evening’s other game from the capital looks an intriguing one. As Fulham host fourth-placed Brighton at Craven Cottage, Marco Silva’s men put Arsenal’s 100% record under sizeable jeopardy on Saturday and returning home will be confident of staying in the goals. Aleksandar Mitrovic has netted in both home games this term and scored a brace on the Thames versus Liverpool. The Seagulls, however, have conceded just once this term, scoring twice in both away games at Old Trafford and during their last capital trip to West Ham. Goals? We think so and for Mitrovic to score first, another boosted 5/1 shot with William Hill awaits. It may be wiser to cover goals also, for over 3.5 goals at 11/4 with SBK.
Sticking in the same category, Arsenal remain top of the table with a maximum 12 points and welcome struggling Aston Villa in GW5. In the past the Villans have caused problems at home for the Gunners, but after defeat to the Irons only days ago, the pressure is on Steven Gerrard. Arsenal were a shade fortunate to take three points at the weekend and a more energetic performance will be expected and indeed demanded from Mikel Arteta. We can see a handsome home win here and for Arsenal to score over 2.5 goals will fetch you odds of 9/5 with UniBet.
Jumping ahead to Thursday, after back-to-back wins, the picture for Manchester United is looking a little rosier as they travel to rock-bottom Leicester City. With the Foxes carrying three defeats on the trot, Erik ten Hag’s men can jump up into the top five with a victory here and might be the best bet for a reliable away win in GW5. For United to win at the King Power, 11/10 with UniBet, Betfred and SpreadEx could more than double your stake.
GW5’s marquee draw however, sees the next chapter in one of the Premier League’s classic fixtures: Liverpool versus Newcastle United at Anfield. With the rise of the Magpies since the turn of the year and with the Reds only opening their winning account in GW4 – albeit in record-equalling fashion – this game has the makings of another memorable encounter. Could we see another seven-goal thriller though? If it appeals, for Liverpool to win 4-3, a full 150/1 shot stands with QuinnBet.
With Club record signing Alexander Isak in line to start for the visitors, the goal threat will be present at both ends and Isak is 7/2 with Bet365 to score in 90 minutes. It might though, just be an evening for two England full-backs to take centre stage again. After Trent Alexander-Arnold grabbed a goal and an assist against the Cherries, Kieran Trippier is proving as big a statistical hit after netting against Manchester City in GW3. For Trippier to have 1+ shot is at 2/1 or 12/1 to have 2+ shots. For Trent to have 3+ shots meanwhile, is on for 11/4. For Trippier to grab and assist is 7/1, or for Trent a rather shorter 6/4. All prices with SkyBet.
