After the international break, the Premier League returns with a vengeance on Saturday, with Chelsea v Manchester United one of the season’s stand-out fixtures.
While there’s plenty of intrigue over Jose Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge, there’s plenty of other drama to keep an eye on up and down the league.
Our football betting expert has taken a look at the best bets this weekend.
Chelsea v Manchester United
At 2-0 down to Newcastle two weeks ago, it was looking unlikely that Jose Mourinho would remain in position at Old Trafford – though he’ll hope United’s second-half comeback can act as a springboard to success, rather than just granting him a stay of execution.
The international break came at a good time for Mourinho and United, who will hope to rebuild confidence after a shaky few weeks previous to the gap.
Stamford Bridge has not been a happy hunting ground for United in recent years – they have just the one win in 2012 to their name in the past 16 seasons, and are 4/1 with Grosvenorsport.com for Saturday’s game.
Chelsea will hope to pick up exactly where they left off before the internationals – the Blues sit level on top of the league, and are still unbeaten in all competitions under Maurizio Sarri. If you discount the Community Shield, of course.
Eden Hazard is in the form of his life and has seven from eight league games so far – he’d surely love to get one over his former boss Mourinho here too.
I like the look of Chelsea for this game – they look far better set up than their disjointed opponents, and are putting together some electric combinations going forwards that would scare any side.
The Blues beat United in the FA Cup final thanks to a Hazard goal, and I think the Belgian can fire his side to victory once again.
Back a wincast of Chelsea with Hazard getting the first goal at 5/1.
West Ham v Tottenham
The only surprise about this fiery London derby is that it’s not on TV – as West Ham and Spurs fans will tell you, it’s usually filled with passion and drama.
It’s also usually filled with Harry Kane goals – the England marksman has seven goals in nine appearances against the Hammers – and his 10/11 to net anytime here looks a great price.
Tottenham come into this one as favourites, and can be backed at 17/20.
West Ham have turned a corner under Manuel Pellegrini, though their impressive win over Man United was slightly soured by defeat to Brighton last time out.
The Hammers are 3/1 to claim victory at the London Stadium.
Spurs may have won their last three in the league, but they’ve come against Brighton, Huddersfield and Cardiff. West Ham should provide a much sterner test.
Pellegrini’s men have held Chelsea to a 0-0 draw at home, as well as that United win – and I think they can raise their game again in the derby.
I suggest backing the draw at 3/1.
Cardiff v Fulham
Two of this season’s promoted sides, with very different playing styles, face off at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday, with both of their managers under pressure.
Cardiff have yet to pick up a win on their return to the top flight, and have lost each of their last five.
It’s hardly been a surprise, but the Bluebirds are in serious danger of being cut adrift unless they improve fast.
Fulham have offered a lot more entertainment given their attacking brand of football, but they’ve been sliced apart too often.
The 21 goals they have conceded is more than anyone else, and they are winless in five. A win here would give them a much needed boost in their fight against relegation.
Looking at the two sides, it’s clear that Fulham are the one with far more Premier League quality.
Cardiff will work hard and make it difficult, but I think Slavisa Jokanovic’s men can slice through the Bluebirds.
Their own defence is still a worry, however, leading me to tip Fulham to win and both teams to score at 4/1.
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