After the international break, many of the Premier League’s big names will be out with injury.
In a cruel twist of fate, Premier League title favourites Manchester City have lost their two most important pieces up front with David Silva and Sergio Aguero sidelined.
Meanwhile, Chelsea FC’s opposition may have lost their best chance of scoring after Branislav Ivanovic also suffered a knock…
Right then, on to this week’s selections.
Tottenham v. Liverpool
I will be watching this game very closely. I am interested to see the first incarnation of Liverpool under new boss Jurgen Klopp. For those who don’t know the former Dortmund manager’s style, his teams press hard and play fast attacking football. Adam Lallana could flourish under him in particular. And please all fourth officials do not, I repeat, do not get on his bad side:
This fixture itself has an interesting recent history. Liverpool have won the last five matches v. Spurs and the last six matches have featured over 2.5 goals. Take a fixture that already has a tendency to be a shootout, add Jurgen Klopp and I like the over once again.
Pick: Over 2.5 goals (-110)
Everton v. Manchester United
Everton have a real chance in this one. Most importantly they welcome back John Stones, who will solidify the back line and offer a great transition from defense to attack with his passing. United will no doubt be able to field one of their strongest lineups even though they have players dealing with minor niggles. But keep in mind that they fielded a strong lineup at the Emirates two weeks ago and were played off the pitch.
This may be United’s bogey team and the Toffees have beaten them in 4 of the last 6.
Pick: Everton Draw No Bet (+120)
Southampton v. Leicester
Leicester deserve a ton of credit for their start to the season but one reason why the success may not continue is that they give up far too many chances. The Foxes have conceded 15 goals in their 8 games.
They are sure to bring their cavalier brand of football to St. Mary’s this weekend and that will give Graziano Pellè, Sadio Mane, and Dusan Tadic the chance to punish them. This is the case of a defensively responsible team playing one that gives their opponent a lot of freedom. I like the home team here.
Pick: Southampton (-125)
La Liga Special: Real Sociedad v. Atletico Madrid
RANDOM FOOTY FACT: Koke’s real name is Jorge Resurrección Merodio
Atleti is without question a top 10 club in Europe. The international break came at the perfect time for them as well. Diego Simeone’s men were winless in 3 games and the two week break gave Koke the opportunity to heal up a hamstring injury that kept him on the sideline during their mini slump. He’s fit and back, and that’s bad news for whomever they play as he can control the midfield like so few players in Europe can.
Atleti have won 4 of the last 5 v La Real, who have been nothing to write home about themselves.
Pick: Atleti (+110)
Last week’s record: 1-1-1 (-0.1 units)
Overall: 13-19-3 (-7.95 units)
Next: Chelsea FC: Jose Mourinho Fine Is A ‘Disgrace’