After the Champions League swung into gear in not-altogether scintillating fashion, the weekend sees focus turn back to the Premier League for Gameweek 5.
As Manchester City and Arsenal meet at the Etihad Stadium in Sunday’s blockbuster clash – after both City and the Gunners drew blanks versus Italian opposition – another close encounter is expected at Eastlands.
So, this weekend, BestofBets steer away from dogfight at the top and look further afield for our Goalscorer Treble at 10/1 with Boylesports, but who has made out cut for Gameweek 5?
Ollie Watkins
After his Euro’ semi-final heroics, Ollie Watkins can be forgiven for having a sluggish start to campaign.
However, as super-sub Jhon Duran remains his back up option, and after Watkins ended an eight-game league scoring drought against a haphazard Everton, a derby encounter against Wolves looks inviting.
The Villa man was forced off as a precaution in Tuesday’s Champions League meeting in Bern, but boss Unai Emery has said his frontman should be ok for Saturday afternoon.
Wolves, meanwhile, have shipped two goals a game in all but one of six contests in all comps – five at home to Chelsea – and if Villa are in the mood, Watkins could have a field day.
Though the menacing threat of Duran lingers to start ahead of him at Villa Park, we will stick to our guns with this one.
Mo Salah
For Mo Salah, 180 minutes without a goal is something of a goal drought, but having blanked away in Milan and at home to Nottingham Forest in the Reds’ surprise defeat, the Egyptian should have better fare here.
As Bournemouth make the trip to Anfield, Arne Slot may be wary of successive upsets, but despite a plucky showing against Chelsea, we do not foresee any issues for Liverpool.
Salah has scored in three of four league games so far, and has a tally of four goals at home against the Cherries in his time on Merseyside – including one in the same fixture last season.
Bournemouth may not ship nine goals as they infamously did in 2022, but we’re backing Salah to find the net all the same.
Jamie Vardy
For the third piece of Gameweek 5’s treble there are contenders aplenty, but Jamie Vardy gets the nod this time.
The Foxes’ veteran striker has netted in half his league games this term so far, but crucially to our hopes, as Leicester City welcome the aforementioned Toffees’ porous back line, Vardy could be in line for another notch on the tally.
Twice now in successive league outings, Everton have surrendered a two-goal advantage, and Vardy played the full 90 minutes against both Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.
With Steve Cooper having few alternatives up top, Vardy looks good to play the duration again, and cause Everton further angst.
Gameweek 5 goalscorer treble: Watkins, Salah + Vardy to score @ 10/1 with Boylesports.
