English Premier League Matchday 2 Preview

EPL Game Betting Lines 

By Paul Seaton

Friday August 19th 2016 

Manchester United (-250) vs. Southampton (+750) 

Profit is temporary, trophies are permanent. Paul Pogba's return to the Old Trafford dressing room heralds a new era at Manchester United in a way no Angel Di Maria or Louis van Gaal ever did. Those captures suggested mystery, risking the identity of a club so steeped in tradition its foundations are dipped in bronze. Despite the hype, the #Pogback phenomenon suggests the opposite. Assuredness, the United 'way' and a guarantee of quality all spring to mind when you think of the 23-year-old French midfielder. He announced himself as being back in the red of United in typically understated fashion: 

Though the fanfare sounded last week, United fans (and Premier League pundits) have had to wait an extended period to talk about the man in question thanks to suspension, but how much can Pogba influence United? So much so that we'd suggest you take the +1000 for him to be Man of the Match against The Saints. Not only does Pogba rejoin as United's best central midfielder, Jose Mourinho will set the team up to support him. Factor in how desperate TV companies will be to interview the mercurial talents and it adds up to Pogba being 'The Man' in more ways than one. United should win handsomely, too. 

Our tip: Pogba to be MoM (+1000) 

Saturday August 20th 

Stoke City (+380) vs. Manchester City (-145) 7.30am ET

The Citizens travel to The Potters' formidable Britannia Ground on the back of their thumping of Steaua Bucharest in midweek: 

If Guardiola is under any illusions that Saturday's game will be a similar cakewalk, then his players will remind him of how wrong he is. City have a poor record in the Potteries and they'll face another tough time this weekend. We like the +290 on offer for the tie. 

Burnley (+500) vs. Liverpool (-190) 10am ET

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will be mindful of his players desire to play a part in Liverpool's season this year, meaning squad rotation in the Premier League. Firmino to open the scoring looks irresistible at +600.

Watford (+385) vs. Chelsea (-140) 10am ET

Chelsea edged West Ham on Monday, but while Watford do not look the force of early last season, we still think they'll join Chelsea on the scoresheet. Both teams to score is an appealing -110. Gary Cahill is a good shout to get on the scoresheet at +3300 (first goal) or +1200 (anytime). 

Tottenham Hotspur (-210) vs. Crystal Palace (+575) 10am ET

Spurs kick off their home campaign after getting themselves out of trouble at Everton last weekend in an entertaining game: 

While Crystal Palace may not seem in the best of form or fettle to cause Spurs problems, they have a freakishly strong recent record at White Hart Lane. The tie at +345.

West Bromwich Albion (+195) vs. Everton (+150) 10am ET

Everton are coming into a good period and can grab three points at the Hawthorns. Away win. 

Swansea (-120) vs. Hull City (+365) 10am ET

Neither side will mind having four points after two games. Take the tie at +240.

Leicester City (+185) vs. Arsenal (+140) (Tie +245) 12.30pm ET

Arsenal beat Leicester twice last season and will repeat the trick at +140. Get on.

Sunday August 21st

Sunderland (+150) vs. Middlesborough (+205) 8.30am ET

Moyes to edge his first Tyne Tees derby with value at +150. 

West Ham (-115) vs. Bournemouth (+310) 11am ET  

We like the 2-2 tie here at +1300, but Bournemouth may be greatest value to be winning at half-time with the 'no bet' option at +170 ideal. 

 

Category : Betting Picks

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