Burnley v West Ham Preview

Week 7 saw Burnley pull out a 2-2 draw in its Leicester match, totaling it up to four draws of the seven matches they have played in the Premier League so far. The big question has been if Burnley will bring up another draw in its upcoming match, a popular prediction by many fans. The Clarets desperately need the win, as they are on the verge of being relegated. West Ham just managed one win this season, although the two home wins that they got in a row has helped them climb up the rankings in the Premier League. The Hammers are lodged between Arsenal and Tottenham in the score table.

Burnley is currently caught up in the relegation zone ranking in the 19th place with just four points. It is tied with Newcastle and Queens Park Rangers, and yet to get itself a good win. The Sean Dyche team has been undefeated on home grounds, although its performance this season has shown some of the worst offense and just three goals, two of which have come in from its Leicester City draw at King Power Stadium. Meanwhile, West Ham’s ten point score has landed it the seventh spot in the Premier League standings. Of the 12 goals that they scored this tournament, six have come from when they were away. The Hammers lost to Manchester United 2-1, in their previous match away from home.

The latest match will be the third time that they face each other in Premier League, the previous two being during the 2009-2010 season, where they won home games. The sides have played four other matches ever since, with West Ham in the lead with two, and one draw. In the previous game played between the two teams, during the Capital One Cup, Hammers clinched the win with an easy 2-0.

The newly promoted Burnley team hopes to celebrate its first win as it locks horns with West Ham at Turf Moor on Saturday. However, Burnley hasn’t yet adapted itself to the intensity of the Premier League matches, giving West Ham a good chance to get hold of its three points. Sam Allardyce’s team comes into the match evidently as the favorites. West Ham has the team and form to snatch a victory here, although it is evident that the Burnley team will not go down all that easily.

The prediction odds are stacked in favor of a draw at 3.4 points, with the odds of Clarets and Hammers winning this game at 2.75. Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho have been predicted as the favorites expected to score the first goal, with odds of 6 points, Danny Ings follows with 7 points. The Clarets have had a clean sheet in the past two games that they have played at the Turf Moor during this year’s Premier League; the odds of emerging with a clean sheet in this match are stacked at 3.3.

Arsenal v Hull City Preview

Arsenal has consistently shown a good form in all its previous five matches against Hull in the Premier League. They had defeated Hull City during the FA Cup Final with extra time on hand. The team last suffered a loss 1-2 against Hull City during the 2008 Premier League match. However, it happens to be the second worst Premier League start for the team, putting quite some pressure on the team members.

With the gunners showing the smallest of signs of faltering in the recent past, considering they haven’t won either of the last two matches in the Premium League, would it be safe to assume that they’ll continue on the same lines in the upcoming match? Or will they be able to reverse their form against the Tigers, a team, against whom they have performed surprisingly well in the past? Looks like we’ll have to wait this one out until October 18th, but here are some predictions anyway.

The injuries that have been plaguing Arsenal this season have been a major point of concern, and especially now, considering that they are up against Hull City who haven’t gone easy on any of their opponents this season. Hull City bounced back to level the score from a glum 0-2 against Man City, to be seen off eventually; Arsenal is surely not going to have it easy snagging three points from the Tigers in the upcoming match.

Hull City’s offensive threats have peaked this season, only at the cost of being vulnerable at the back, which has cost them points in the previous games. If Hull City manages to strike a good balance between strengthening the back and maintaining a strong attack, it may have a shot at giving Arsenal a good run for its money. What’s clear though is that taking down Hull won’t be as easy for Arsenal.

With Calum Chambers suspended, Olivier Giroud, Mesut Ozil and Mathieu Debuchy down with injuries, and Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey sitting out of matches until next month, the Arsenal team has surely seen better days in its line-up. Not having Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil around is certainly going to make it difficult for Arsenal, but if the team has Danny Welbeck on board, it may make up for Ozil missing the match. While some say that the line of suspensions and defensive injuries in the Arsenal team should give Hull City a good opportunity to clinch a surprise win as they did in the 2008-2009 Premier league match, others are skeptical about the match unveiling this way.

Hull City has been notoriously conceding goals recently, even though it flashed a clean sheet when it played against Crystal Palace. Being loose at the back should place a significant amount of pressure on the team. Knowing how Arsenal will be bringing the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Jack Wilshire, Santi Cazorla and Welbeck to the field, Hull City may very well have to stay on its toes the whole time to clinch a victory.

Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur Preview

Man City is sure going to try and keep the second spot in the EPL when it faces Tottenham this Saturday, October 18, at Eithad. The two teams have faced-off 130 times in the league matches in the past, with City emerging at the top with a slight lead of 31 draws and 51 wins. With only one win to their name in the past eight games that they’ve played against Man City, the Spurs have a sparse chance of winning in Eithad. However, they have been riding high ever since they snagged that last victory against Southampton, to end their win-less streak for four matches, making it seem like Saturday’s game could go either way.

Manchester City clinched its second consecutive victory last Saturday when it played against Aston Villa, as the score card read 2-0. While the match didn’t unravel smoothly for Man City from the start, the game seemed to go their way 81 minutes up. Although it seemed like they would be drawing another stalemate until the 81st minute, luck swerved to their favor as Yaya Toure scored a shot between Philippe Senderos and Alan Hutton.

Following the goal, Sergio Aguero took advantage during the 88th minute to score another shot, bringing City a decent win against Aston Villa. The Argentine striker has been on a roll since the season kicked off, totaling up six goals this year, five of which have been during the EPL. It will be interesting to see how the match between Tottenham and Manchester City pans out on Saturday, after last season’s match where City completely crushed Tottenham with a 6-0 win, two of which were scored by Aguero.

Tottenham finally managed to claw back to the win column after its match against Southampton on Sunday, where it claimed a 1-0 win. Christian Eriksen scored a low shot past goalie Fraser Forster, bringing Tottenham their long awaited win and three points on the score table. Tottenham’s gameplay on Sunday’s match showed better purpose, something that they didn’t have in the other four matches. It’s impressive that they managed to hold back Southampton from scoring a single goal, considering the latter already has 11 goals to its name this season.

If Tottenham brings the same defensive gameplay on Saturday’s game, it may have a good shot at a win. Tottenham’s strategy should be to detain Man City’s attacks by packing the midfield, and Etienne Capoue may have a key role to play here. The midfielder was an asset in the match against the Saints, as he broke their attacks repeatedly through the course of the match. Tottenham currently stands in the sixth position in the score table with 11 points.

The EPL odds predict a win for the Citizens by a goal at a 3.75 score, with two goals at 4.5. A 6.0 score predicts a draw, while 9.5 score claims it will be a victory for the Spurs with a minimum difference.

Ryder Cup Betting 2014

We’ll see captains Paul McGinley (Europe) and Tom Watson (U.S.A) take each other on at Gleneagles when Scotland hosts the 40th Ryder Cup from September 26 through to September 28, 2014. McGinley and his side are the defending champions, who defeated the U.S. side in Medinah, Illinois in 2012. Watson, on the other hand, is the oldest man to have captained a side in Ryder Cup. He was also the captain back in 1993, when the American side won the Ryder Cup at Belfry. Though he is the non playing captain, the Scottish love him. Four of his five Open wins have been made on Scottish golf courses.

The European side seems to hold the trump card this season and could very well defend the trophy. For starters, the side hasn’t lost any match on its home soil for over two decades. Of the last nine Ryder events, it has won seven times. Further, they have the likes of Roy Mcllroy (world rank one) and Henrik Stenson (world rank two), who have been playing in from the whole season.

Stenson is, in fact, one of the most consistent golfers overall. When is he not in form? Martin Kaymer (world rank five) is another name worth mentioning here. If these men don’t drop their forms (remember Tiger Woods in consecutive Ryder Cup matches?), it is going to be very difficult for the American side. It’s not surprising, therefore, that a majority of wagers have been placed on a win for the European side.

However, Watson’s men are not to be underestimated. There is Rickie Fowler (world rank 10) and Bubba Watson ( world rank seven) along with Jim Furyk (world rank four) and Matt kuchar (world rank nine). Considering how close the matches have gotten in the last years (five in 11 Ryder Cup matches were won and lost with a one-point margin after a tie and two matches had a small two-point margin), counting on an easy win for the European side could be dangerous.

Further, the Ryder Cup is an event where underdogs often rise to the occasion. Compare both teams from the last five tournaments and you’ll see that the winners have always been the side with the lower best world average ranking! That’s definitely the U.S. side this year. The golf course layout is another thing that could help the Americans shake off the stress of playing on foreign grounds. The Scottish venue sports a design created by the U.S. golfing legend Jack Nicklaus.

Ian Poulter makes a strong case for himself as the top points scorer this year. Considering all major games like the Presidents Cup, Eurasia Cup, WGC Match Play, Seve Trophy and others, Poulter’s match play form is the highest of all 24 players. Graeme McDowell (Europe) and Matt Kuchar (USA) stand a close second. However, Poulter takes a clear lead when considering Ryder Cup form alone. With 12 wins and only three losses, he has a winning percentage of 80. No wonder Poulter was McGinley’s pick for Ryder Cup 2014. On the American side, Fowler can be the top points scorer.

Manchester United v West Ham United Preview & Odds

The Premier League will set Manchester United against West Ham United on the afternoon of Saturday, September 27 at Old Trafford. Both sides are among the eight current clubs to have never gone below tier two of English football so you can expect a game that is thrilling by all standards. The Red Devils will be playing at home this Saturday afternoon. Comparing the two sides with respect to their larger league victories, we’d say Man United has the upper hand. Unlike Man U, West Ham have never won a Premier League title and have pretty much been the underdogs. In the League this season, they are unbeaten however, having won at Crystal Palace and tied at Hull.

Placing large wagers on Man United for this meeting could be risky however. The Red Devils are facing their worst start to the League in over a decade. They’ve been impaled by the Foxes last week, after an earlier defeat in a League game. After five matches this season, they have managed to score only five points and are currently 12th on the table. Manager Louis van Gall is desperate for a win.

The Irons on the other hand, head to Old Trafford with the momentous Upton Park victory where they slayed the Reds with a 3-1 win. The men of Sam Allardyce, who were largely invisible before their clash with Liverpool are now going to have a larger number of backers. Their confidence for Saturday’s game has also been bolstered by the injured Red Devils. The absence of Jonny Evans, Ashley Young, Jesse Lingard, Marouane Fellaini, Michael Carrick, Chris Smalling, Sam Johnstone, James Wilson and Phil Jones will weaken Man United’s defense and open up new opportunities for the Hammers to rise from the underdog status.

Again, choosing a favorite for a win at Old Trafford is going to be a tricky affair, because the Hammers don’t have home-playing advantage they had against Liverpool. West Ham will not be as adventurous and fast as they were against the Reds. Further, the Hammers couldn’t keep a clean sheet. United have won their last game at Trafford this season, which is also the only game they’ve won. If you compare their scores in all meetings and not just the League ones, the Red Devils have defeated the Hammers seven times in a row.

Expect the match to go over two and a half goals when the Hammers meet the Red Devils. While the former have averaged at one goal a match only, (for the last 18 games that were played at Man United’s home ground), the latter have a scored a total of seven goals in their two matches. They also have a strong lineup to master the attack and score.

Expect Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Falcao to score and take the total to three scores. One of Winston Reid, Diafra Sakho or Morgan Amalfitano can be expected to hit the target for the Hammers as well. The Hammers have never made more than one goal at Old Trafford. That would bring the game to a 3-1 win for the Red Devils.

Liverpool v Everton Preview & Odds

Barclays Premier League will see Liverpool host Everton for a big lunchtime clash on Saturday. Liverpool won famously against Everton in the last season (4-0). Will they repeat the same streak this Saturday at Anfield? Probably not. Both the teams have yet to perform to their full potential this season. Liverpool, for instance, have lost two of their five League games. The record of Everton is no good, either. They have won two and lost three of the last five matches played. Combine that weak form with the fact that both teams have quite an impressive attacking potential, and you can be sure this is going to be one thrilling match for both audiences and bookies.

The performance of both the Reds and the Toffees have left us wishing for more. Odds are in favor of a draw or a close win by Liverpool. Manager Brendan Rogers could use the four man defense, preferably diamond, which will help the Reds back their goals. Further, they have their confidence restored after the penalty shootout last week against Middlesbrough. Defense is a problem for both teams, but more so for the Toffees in comparison. Everton will need to play strong at the back and the front as well to drive results in their favor.

Comparison of the 181 games where the two teams have battled head on also show odds in favor of Liverpool. Apart from the 58 matches that ended in a draw, Liverpool have won 71 of the 181 games.

If stats from previous years are anything to go by, expect plenty of goals as the Reds take on the Toffees on their home ground. The Reds have conceded eight goals in their last five games. They put another seven goals in the net of the other team. The Toffees are no less. In their last five games, they’ve put 11 goals in the opponent’s net and 13 in their own targets.

Liverpool already make many shots at the target. Plus, they have the comfort of playing at home this Saturday. Another factor that could work to their favor is the considerably weak form that goalkeeper Tim Howard has been in, so far in this season. On the other hand, the Toffees, who have won nine times in the League Championship, can easily score another one or two goals. Their average this season has been 4.8 goals. Further, the record for the highest number of goals by any club in the Premier League rests with them.

In all of their last seven League matches, they’ve have made upwards from one goal. The same performance in one match more, and they’ll have a new Premier League record for their club. Isn’t it more than likely then that the Toffees will give all they’ve got in attacking and conceding goals at Anfield this Saturday? This brings us back to the probability of a draw or a Liverpool win by a very close margin. A safe bet would therefore be the waging on both Reds and the Toffees to score.

Chelsea v Aston Villa Preview & Odds

Barclays Premier League will pit Chelsea and Aston Villa on Saturday, September 27, at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea plays to keep the unbeaten starts to the season ongoing. While Aston Villa will play with the intention of defeating the Blues on their home ground, unbeaten starts to the season will not be on the agenda. Their unbeaten streak has already been snapped the week before. The Blues remain unbeaten even though the draw at Manchester City snapped their 100 percent start to the season.

Among betters, Chelsea are the clear favorite to win the match. Odds look more promising for the Blues in light of the last seven Premier League games where Chelsea hosted Aston Villa. The Blues have scored a total of 27 goals in these matches compared to the eight that were attempted by Aston Villa. They have won by large margins including a massive 8-0 win and another 7-1 win against Villa.

Overall, Chelsea have dominated the League games since mid-2000s. A constant feature of the “Big Four” of the League, they current sit at the top of the table this season. They have all of their last five matches in the League save the one against Manchester City, which ended in a draw.

Villa don’t look so strong in comparison. They have not won three away games at Premier League matches since the spring of 2010. Last weekend saw them lose to the Gunners (Arsenal won 3-0) and drop to number three on the table. They do, however, head to Stamford Bridge with memories of the recent victory at Anfield and could very well perform the same feat on Blues’ home grounds. However, much of the disaster against Arsenal was due to the absence of several players who were hit by the flu and the Villains will be prepared to salvage themselves. It is also noteworthy that Villa are the only League team this season to yield an away goal.

Given the 27 goals made by Chelsea while hosting the Villains, expect an action packed game with three goals at the very least. By the men of Jose Mourinho, that is. Mourinho has managed the men for nine games against Aston Villa and scored 13 points in total from these games. Guess where a majority of these points have been scored?

Stamford Bridge has been the venue of 10 of these points! To ensure his men continue to have the upper hand over Paul Lambert’s men, the manager has made several changes to the line up and Chelsea thus are well rested for the battle at Stamford Bridge. These include striker Diego da Silva Costa, who is expected to make a return after his hamstring injury.

Diego has hit the ball on target more times than the Villains have as a team in the Premier League. He has scored 11 goals for the Blues in total and is the betting favorite this year. André Schürrle has scored only two of his 10 League goals at Stamford Bridge. If the forward overcomes his aversion for Chelsea’s home-ground, the Blues can look for a sure win.

Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur Preview & Odds

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur will battle it out at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, September 27 and expect it to be nothing but outright fierce. Arsenal will certainly have the advantage of home grounds, but given the sheer intensity of rivalry in this North London derby, both groups will certainly bring their A games when they meet Saturday evening. In the 44 meetings of the Gunners and the Lilywhites till date, the two have scored a whopping 126 goals. This makes their derby Premier League’s highest goal-scoring football fixture in the history of English football.

Stats-wise, winning odds are in favor of the Gunners, who have also largely dominated all Premier League meetings with Spurs since the beginning. They beat Spurs 18 times and drew with them four other times. In fact, the last two North London derby matches saw Arsenal beat Spurs 1-0 each time.

Plus, they are the three-time winners of the Premier League. Spurs have yet to register any victory in the larger context of the Premier League championship. Arsenal’s table ranks have also been higher than their rivals in 19 out of 21 seasons in total. On home grounds, the Gunners have lost only once against the Spurs in the last 21 games.

However the Lilywhites are not to be taken lightly. They opened the season with two impressive wins and the Europa League group entry, which made qualification look easy. Their strong start dissipated quickly, however, with losses against the Baggies and the Reds. The Lilywhites are now desperate for a win and archenemy Gunners can be the perfect opponents. Especially when many of them (including Yaya Sanogo, Theo Walcott, Oliver Giroud, Mathieu Debuchy and Serge Gnabry) are nursing injuries at the moment.

It has also been a rather ordinary season for them as Arsenal won two and drew three of their last five League games. However, this has not changed the fact that they are one of the only two teams with unbeaten starts in the season thus far. And they’ll play to maintain that unbeaten streak. This brings us to another strong possibility – a draw. A draw is, in fact, always a safe bet to play when the North London arch rivals battle it out in the League. Of the 175 meetings in total, the derby has drawn 47 times.

Expect Arsenal to concede at least two goals, which has also been their average thus far this season. In the last two matches where they played home, exactly two goals were scored. Count on Alexis Sanchez to net the most number of goals. Spurs have also scored in the two games they played away but the subsequent losses show they’re not quite ready to bring Arsenal down. Their love of fast play possession is remarkable, but it doesn’t translate into goals as much as the Lilywhites would have liked. Their attack fails to impress, as well. We couldn’t say the same about their defense and midfield, though. Forward Emmanuel Adebayor will be the man to place wagers on if you absolutely must bet on the Lilywhites.