The Premier League returns this weekend after a short hiatus for the international break. There are some really interesting games on the fixture list this weekend with José Mourinho making his Tottenham dugout debut and Manchester City playing Chelsea in a top four clash.
West Ham vs Tottenham Hotspur
Saturday 23rd November 7:30AM
London derbies in the Premier League are usually exciting enough as it is but there will be even more attention on the London Stadium this Saturday lunch time. That’s all thanks to Daniel Levy and his decision to sack Mauricio Pochettino and replace him with The Special One, José Mourinho.
The three-time Premier League winner is back in the hotseat for the first time since his sacking from Manchester United in December 2018. He replaces one of Spurs’ most successful managers. Pochettino transformed Spurs into title challengers, both at home and in Europe. Unfortunately for him, he never managed to actually deliver any silverware and that’s one area where Mourinho usually excels. You wouldn’t bet against him winning a domestic or European trophy this season. They are a decent price of +800 to win the English FA Cup with CanPlay.
It’s hard to judge how this one will go on Saturday. Will Spurs benefit from the classic ‘new manager bounce’? Is Pellegrini under pressure in the West Ham dugout? Can either team get a win?
Neither side has picked up a win in their last five league games which is cause for concern. Mourinho will want to make a good first impression and we’re backing them to win at -135 with CanPlay. His most recent teams have been branded defensive and boring and we feel that’s a reputation he is looking to shake. There will be high-quality attacking players on show for both sides this Saturday and over 3.5 goals at +140 looks like an attractive bet with CanPlay.
Arsenal vs Southampton
Saturday 23rd November 10AM
The arrival of José Mourinho at White Hart Lane may also change the dynamic across north London at the Emirates. Unai Emery is under pressure. His captain is unlikely to play for the team again, his big money signings haven’t produced and pundits and fans are already calling for Pochettino to replace the Spaniard.
This game seems like the perfect opportunity to restore some semblance of sanity to the Gooners dressing room.
Ralph Hassenhuttl is under similar pressure in the Southampton dugout and he is now favourite to be the next manager to leave his post in the Premier League. However, this is more of a free hit for the Saints. Their away record is actually better than their St. Mary’s performance and they might fancy their chances of causing an upset.
One thing that is for certain is that both of these teams are shaky at the back. Southampton have the worst defensive record in the league while Arsenal have conceded 17 in the opening 12 games of the season. For that reason we’re tipping both teams to score at a reasonably priced -165. Arsenal to win and BTTS to score is also a good price at +150 with CanPlay.
Manchester City vs Chelsea
Saturday 23rd November 12:30PM
Manchester City’s grip on the Premier League title is loosening slightly. The 3-1 defeat to Liverpool on Matchday 12 left them nine points behind the league leaders and one behind Saturday’s opponents. That was their third defeat of the season. In their title-winning season in 2017/18, they only suffered two defeats. Their upcoming fixture list doesn’t look pretty either. Arsenal, Manchester United and Leicester all have to be played before Christmas.
Frank Lampard brings his Chelsea side to Manchester full of confidence. They’re aiming for their sixth Premier League win on the trot, scoring at least twice in all of their previous five. They have been very impressive so far this season with youngsters Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic providing the catalyst for their fast start.
This one will be closer than expected. Chelsea or Draw in the Double Chance market looks a decent bet at +180 with CanPlay. Sergio Aguero had an off day against Liverpool and he will be aiming to put that right against an inexperienced Chelsea defence. The Argentinian is +280 to score first. Tammy Abraham has scored 12 goals for club and country this season and he is +175 to score anytime on Saturday.
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