Premier League – Weekend Two Preview

By Patrick Callaghan

Chelsea rose from an early scare last week  to see off Burnley, easily dispatching the Clarets 3-1. This Saturday seems them take on another newly promoted side in Leicester and, despite an encouraging draw with Everton, the Foxes shouldn’t prove much of a challenge for the Blues. Sporting Index bettors can buy Mourinho’s men at 22.5 on the Win Index and should also keep an eye on the team sheets.

If Diego Costa starts, his goal minutes must be worth a look-in. The former Atletico man scored 36 in 52 games last year, and has already opened his Premier League account as he netted last Monday.

Aaron Ramsey left it until the 89th minute to grab the winner as Arsenal sunk Crystal Palace 2-1 last Saturday, before getting sent off in their goalless Champions League draw with Besiktas on Tuesday. A visit to Everton for Saturday’s late kick-off may be cause for a few nerves amongst the Gunners.

An injury to Kieron Gibbs will compound tired legs from the midweek game, whilst the World Cup winning trio of Mesut Ozil, Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski haven’t played any football since that fateful final.

Everton will have been frustrated by their inability to bury Leicester, but Goodison Park will give them confidence to push on. Buying the Toffees at 12 on the Win Index should prove wise, as a draw would still make up 10. If you’re less keen on Roberto Martinez’s charges, a match between those two attacking sides should guarantee goals, so have a small buy of Total Goals at 2.95. 

Last weekend bore witness to a rare thing. A 2-1 defeat at the hands of Swansea was the first time since 1972 that Manchester United lost their opening game at Old Trafford, getting Louis van Gaal’s tenure off to the worst possible start.

The defender Marcos Rojo has been swiftly acquired from Sporting Lisbon to boost their inexperienced backline, while the likely return of marksman Robin van Persie should be a boost as the Red Devils travel to face Sunderland this Sunday.

The Black Cats don’t look likely to cause United a second setback on the bounce, but last week’s shock defeat means United’s supremacy spread is a lot lower than we’re used to, so a buy at 0.9 is recommended.

Monday night will see Manchester City and Liverpool do battle in the weekend’s biggest fixture. The Reds’ capture of ex-City talisman Mario Balotelli will grab the headlines, especially if he plays, but whether he’ll be ready to face his former club in time remains to be seen.

The match is being held at the Etihad, which means Manuel Pellegrini’s team have home advantage as well as an arguably stronger squad. While City have been uncharacteristically measured in the window, adding a few players to their already quality core, their opponents have brought in no fewer than nine additions.

It’ll take time for this squad to properly gel, let alone adjust to the loss of Luis Suarez, so a home victory should be bought on the Win Index at 16.5.

Remember, with sports spread betting, losses may exceed your initial deposit or credit limit.