Betting tips: Saka and Salah in the goals; Leeds, Brighton and Newcastle to win
The Bookie Basher is back and has cast his eye over Leeds United’s trip to Hillsborough, Man Utd’s battle with Brighton and Liverpool’s Anfield clash with Brentford among other games.
Sports News Blitz’s betting expert landed Man City goal machine Erling Haaland opening the scoring at Stamford Bridge, and was unlucky not to see Bruno Fernandes get on the scoresheet at Old Trafford, where he spurned a host of chances before United’s late win over Fulham.
This week, he’s predicting good news for beleaguered Leeds United fans, and fancies the Seagulls to pose problems for Erik ten Hag.
He is also tipping Liverpool talisman Mo Salah to fill his boots against the Bees, who are buzzing after pipping Palace in their season opener but look likely to lose star striker Ivan Toney in the summer transfer window.
Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds United
The bookies made Leeds piping hot favourites to win the Championship before a ball was kicked, and while they are still unbeaten after two matches, they are also without a win.
The good news for Leeds fans is that Daniel Farke’s mob face a Sheffield Wednesday side on Sky on Friday night who were absolutely abysmal last time out against Sunderland.
Both Owls full-backs were exposed on Wearside, the midfield lacks balance and in truth this Sheff Wed squad looks the imperfect blend of youth, experience and sh**e.
Trust Leeds at 5/6 to finally kick-start their season at Hillsborough.
Suggested Bet: Leeds United to win at 5/6 (Hills/Ladbrokes)
READ MORE: Leeds United analysis: New signings essential after stuttering start to season
Brighton v Manchester United
Brighton enjoyed a dream start after thumping Everton 3-0 last Saturday.
Fabian Hurzeler is the Premier League’s youngest ever (permanent) manager and he will surely be looking forward to welcoming Manchester United, who failed to shine and needed a late winner to edge past Fulham, to the south coast.
I’m not convinced by Erik ten Hag’s summer transfer business, and the starting XI v Fulham still looked depressingly similar to the team that limped home ignominiously in the league last season.
Remember the Red Devils started their 2023-24 campaign miserably, taking just nine points from their first seven Premier League games.
Moreover, another poor start cannot be ruled out given what we have seen so far.
The Premier League head-to-head between these teams is surprisingly close, with the Red Devils winning eight and Brighton winning six of 14 previous matches.
There should be goals in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off, but I fancy Brighton to get over the line.
Suggested Bet: Brighton to win & both teams to score at 3/1 (bet365/Hills/Skybet)
Aston Villa v Arsenal
Villa won both fixtures last season against the Gunners, and did so without conceding.
However, this positively reeks of goals - 74% of Villa's home games in the Premier League last term featured goals at both ends, and if Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka are in the mood then we should be in for an entertaining game.
Saka is 6/1 to score first at Villa Park, and quite frankly I like them apples.
Suggested Bet: Saka to score first at 6/1 (Betfair/Paddy Power)
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Bournemouth v Newcastle United
Stoic. Insusceptible. Resilient. All words that could describe the Toon’s impressive defensive display after going down to 10-men against Southampton last Saturday.
I agree with Alan Shearer. Ben Brereton Diaz's theatrics when tangling with Fabian Schar were not 'clever', but mere 's***housery’.
Maddest part about the whole thing? Finding out Brereton Diaz is f**king 25! Some paper round by the way.
Newcastle have not beaten the Cherries since 2020, but their team spirit and the aggressive brilliance of Anthony Gordon could see them snap that four-match sequence without a win here.
Suggested Bet: Newcastle United to win at 6/5 (General)
Liverpool v Brentford
It was an absolutely sublime team move for Diogo Jota’s goal against Ipswich, and Liverpool created the most big chances (6) across the opening Premier League weekend.
The Arne Slot era has officially begun, folks.
Slot may look like a non-confrontational Stone Cold Steve Austin, but he just might be the tactical genius who can deliver Liverpool another Premier League title.
Klopp was the cocksure man-of-the-people with an amazing set of gnashers.
Slot might be the baldest man I have ever seen, but his team were so good in that second half at Portman Road.
Since Brentford's promotion to the top flight in 2021, these two sides have met six times.
As one might expect, the Reds have been the superior team, winning four of these games.
Mo Salah is a 16/1 shot to score a hat-trick against the Bees, and while 16s is not exactly value, it is not a price I would be prepared to lay myself all the same.
The streets might not be ready for skinhead Salah, who looked razor sharp in Matchweek 1.
No player in Premier League history has scored more goals on the opening day of the season than the mercurial Egyptian (nine), who could create more goal-scoring headlines this weekend at Anfield.
Suggested Bet: Salah to score a hat-trick at 16/1 (Skybet)
