A tough midweek for the column after shock defeats for both Barcelona and Real Madrid in La Liga — the first time both clubs have lost on the same day since January 2015. There’s another round of Premier League fixtures this weekend though, and we fancy both Arsenal and Tottenham to win again.
Running total: -£26.51
The Banker
They may be pretty short but we can’t see beyond wins for Arsenal (2/5) and Spurs (2/5) this weekend against Watford and Huddersfield respectively. Arsenal have won their last six and should be too slick for a Watford side who have lost their last two in the league. Since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signed for the Gunners he’s hit 14 goals in 21 games and he seems to be developing a fine understanding with Alexandre Lacazette. Meanwhile Huddersfield did well to stay up last season but a return of just two points from six games is genuinely worrying and Spurs look good things to add to their woes.
Selection: £6 on Arsenal and Tottenham win double at 0.95/1 with bet365
The Tasty Treble
Manchester United’s joyless season took another twist this week after footage emerged of a tense exchange between Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba in training. It remains to be seen whether Pogba will even feature against West Ham and if he doesn’t, the draw looks a decent shout at 13/5 as two teams desperate not to lose meet at the London Stadium. Elsewhere, Wolves (8/11) look to have solid claims when they face Southampton at Molineux. They were excellent at Old Trafford and their expansive, passing game can get them over the line against the Saints. Finally, Cardiff could be worth a punt at 6/4 to record their first win of the season in Sunday’s crunch relegation clash with Burnley. Neil Warnock will have the Bluebirds fired up for this and even though both teams have struggled so far Cardiff look to have a slightly more settled look about them than the Clarets. The treble is on offer at 14.54/1 with bet365 and looks interesting.
Selection: £2 on the treble at 14.54/1 with bet365
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The First Goal Flutter
Eden Hazard has looked really sharp for Chelsea in recent weeks and 5/1 seems a good price for him to score first against Liverpool. It should be an open game at Stamford Bridge between two teams who like to bomb forward and the Belgian — who scored a wonder goal in the Carabao Cup against the Reds in midweek — has the guile and pace to cause Liverpool nightmares again.
Selection: £1 on Hazard to score first at 5/1 with bet365
The Euro Wager
The Rome derby takes centre stage in Italy on Saturday and Lazio look a decent price at 7/4 to claim local bragging rights. Roma have endured a tough start to the season, and Wednesday’s win over Frosinone was actually their first in five matches. The Stadio Olimpico should be bouncing as these old enemies lock horns for the first time this season and we fancy Simone Inzaghi’s men to claim three points.
Selection: £2 on Lazio to win at 7/4 with bet365
The Wildcard Tip
Newcastle have endured a torrid start to the season and with the fans unhappy about a perceived lack of investment in the club they look fragile favourites at home to Leicester this weekend. The Foxes have made a decent enough start to their campaign and with Jamie Vardy back up front they look a tempting proposition at 2/1 to win on Tyneside.
Selection: £3 on Leicester to win at 2/1 with bet365
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