With another big weekend of European football in the pipeline, our attentions turn towards the top Premier League clashes, and namely the respective games on Sunday at Goodison Park and Stamford Bridge. Everton host Liverpool in the first Merseyside derby of the season, before Manchester United take on Chelsea in a top-of-the-table battle. Here, we take a closer look at the bets on which your money might be well spent.
Everton vs Liverpool – Match Preview
It is always a feisty affair between the rivals from Liverpool, and the atmosphere at Goodison Park will ensure it is yet again, even if there are plenty of new, young players involved in their first Merseyside derby. With Liverpool traditionally the superior side but Everton having by far more success this season, much is riding on the result of this game and neither team will want to lose.
Unsurprisingly, there have been more red cards in this fixture than any other in Premier League history, with 20 players having been sent off during Merseyside derbies. Furthermore, Everton alone have had six players dismissed in their last 7 home games against Liverpool. A bet on a sending off this time around - at odds of 2.75 - could be worth a punt.
As for the goalscoring side of things, no team in Europe’s top 5 leagues has had more shots on goal this season than Everton (157 – the joint most with Manchester City). They have been dangerous going forward this season, and with the probable return of Maroune Fellaini, their attack will carry even more threat. Liverpool, meanwhile, are growing in confidence, particularly after their midweek win over Anzhi in the Europa League. Both sides have scored and conceded plenty of goals this season, with the sides’ matches averaging 2.88 goals scored. Odds of 1.85 on over 2.5 goals are tempting.
Finally, Liverpool have scored exactly 2 goals in four of their last five league trips to Goodison Park. They could do so once again, though while they won each of those four matches, with Everton playing more confidently this season, a high scoring 2-2 draw - at odds of 12.00 – could be a good ‘longshot bet’.
Chelsea vs Manchester United – Match Preview
Chelsea have surpassed all expectations so far this season, most recently romping to a 4-2 victory at White Hart Lane last weekend, when many had thought that might be the game they finally slip up in. After the blip of losing to Shakhtar in midweek, they will be looking to get back to winning ways against the Red Devils.
Roberto Di Matteo’s men have won 10 and lost only 1 of their last 13 home Premier League games, and have also lost just one of their last 12 against Manchester United in all competitions at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea’s front 4 or Torres, Mata, Hazard and Oscar are in fine form and with Man United’s defensive problems, a good bet could be on Chelsea to win, at odds of 2.30.
Additionally, there have been over 2.5 goals in each of United’s last 7 Premier League games as well as 7 of the last 8 meetings between these sides in all competitions. As previously mentioned, Chelsea’s attack are on fire, and further to that, each of Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez have great scoring records against Chelsea. Rooney has five goals in his last six against Chelsea, van Persie has netted 5 times at Stamford Bridge in the past, and Hernandez has scored in three of his last four appearances against the Blues. Goals for both sides could be on the cards and so over 2.5 goals scored here could be a good shout, with odds of 1.65 reflecting its likelihood.