Our soccer expert previews the action and shares his betting tips for matchday five as the Premier League returns following the international break.

 

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West Ham vs Manchester City (Saturday 14:00 UTC)

A battle of the top four kicks off our preview as the Hammers face off against the Citizens. Both sides have rolled into the new season exuberant following their respective Europa Conference League and Champions League triumphs last season. However, the Londoners have exceeded expectations for the domestic season already and have surged into their early 2023/24 campaign.

After a modest 1-1 draw at Bournemouth in the season-opening weekend, they have rallied together and have three straight top-flight victories under their belts, including a 2-1 win at newly-promoted and faltering Luton Town in the last run out. It appears the loss of the long-serving Declan Rice to rivals Arsenal hasn't knocked them, with newly arrived James Ward-Prowse from Southampton making an immediate impact in central midfield.

Leading the charge against the City defence will be Right Winger Jarrod Bowen, who rolls into the weekend joint fourth in the league's goal tally with three to his name, closely followed by veteran Jamaican international Michail Antonio with two. Moyes can only hope September’s international break won’t put a speed bump in his side's form, as they'll need every bit of forward momentum against the reigning champions. Total match goals - over 2.5 1.64.

Man City’s dominant form in the early stage of the season puts them in prime position to extend their eight-game unbeaten league run at the London Stadium. Indeed making it five wins out of five for the league start would set the Sky Blues up auspiciously for their Champions League curtain-raiser at home to Red Star Belgrade.

A late winner against the Blades ended the match 2-1 showing that they can ever threaten. Football fans will be feeling déjà vu, with Erling Haaland scoring six goals out of four games already - the club's main attacking arm hasn't lost any of its potency. The Norseman doubled his already solid tally with a hat-trick over Fulham to end the game 5-1. He's well on track to beat the record of most league goals he set last year and earn another Golden Boot in the process.

A potent early-season fixture, with both sides enjoying a heady start to their league campaigns. Favour for the visitors cannot be disputed, However, the result for the hosts could well prove to be a season-defining one.

1x2 6.54 4.70 1.49

 

Manchester United vs Brighton (Saturday 14:00 UTC)

The Seagulls fly north to Manchester, intent on continuing their good form. They are currently sitting in the top six, with only three points between them and leaders City. While the Red Devils will be looking to jump-start their campaign, as they languish in 11th place.

While Man United's form on the pitch has left a little to be desired, a drawn-out ownership saga amongst other off-pitch dramas has continued over the international break, not helping Erik ten Hag's predicament. Indeed, United supporters will be keen to just see a wholesome ninety minutes at Old Trafford ending in three points, and in the process get revenge for losing to the visitors at home last season 2-1. The same result to the Blues is at 11.45.

Two home wins and two away defeats have been measures of the Manchester club in their opening four Premier League games this season, with their latest setback suffered at the hands of Arsenal. Their ancient rivals enacted a coup de grâce in extra time with goals from Rice and Jesus, ending the match 3-1 in dramatic circumstances two weeks ago. Newly arrived Rasmus Hojlund is likely to make his full debut this weekend, and perhaps his anticipated entry could be the ingredient the wavering Northerners need for stability.

The Reds will need a morale boost ahead of their opening Champions League game against German titans Bayern Munich next Wednesday, and a solid performance at home could be the antidote. Not since the 1989-90 campaign under Sir Alex Ferguson has the side lost three of their opening five league games, though the forecast isn't all rain as the side has not lost any of their last thirty-two matches at home in all competitions.

The Seagulls soared to a magical 3-1 victory at home to Newcastle United before the international break, with teenage sensation Evan Ferguson netting his first Premier League hat-trick. Though he missed out on wearing the Irish shirt again this time due to a knee injury, the forward has been back in training at the club and will be pivotal to his side's attacking opportunity.

The Blues travel North having won four and lost four of their last eight Premier League away fixtures, with two of those four victories notably coming against Chelsea and Arsenal. A victory ahead of their first-ever Europa League match against AEK Athens next Thursday will be most welcome.

Both sides will be ravenous for victory ahead of their European campaigns next week. United will enjoy home advantage and have the record to prove it, though with both sides having mixed form recently it'll be a close-fought game.

 

1x2 2.23 3.99 2.97  

 

 

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Everton vs Arsenal (Sunday 15:30 UTC)

The Gunners make the trip to Goodison Park early this season, full of confidence with ten points out of four games. In stark contrast, The Toffees are currently sitting at eighteenth place with a solitary point to keep them company.

Prior to the international hiatus, Everton claimed their first point and goals of the season in a 2-2 draw with Sheffield United. Abdoulaye Doucoure gave them an early lead, while Jordan Pickford showed his resolve in front of the goal during the riveting clash with Sheffield, despite letting in a tragic own goal to give United the lead before the break. For the latest bout - Both teams to score? Yes at 1.72.

Everton are now belatedly off the mark for the 2023-24 campaign following a trio of losses to Fulham, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers without hitting the back of the net once. However, with fresh enthusiasm off the back of the last game, surely things can only get better? A 2-1 victory in the EFL cup over League Two Doncaster, gives some glimmer of hope. Though having lost five of their last six home games, a rough test is ahead when welcoming Arsenal.

In stark contrast, Mikel Arteta's side secured a breathtaking 3-1 win over Manchester United. Marcus Rashford and Martin Odegaard's rapid strikes held the tie all the way into extra time. It wouldn't be a United Arsenal match without some drama, and maybe the match should have ended before the dying embers, as Kai Havertz had a penalty overturned.

Declan Rice's effort and Gabriel Jesus's goal saw a resilient Arsenal deservedly come out on the correct end of the scoreline, the squad is still gelling but the side can be happy with the progress. Sitting comfortably in fifth place and only due to an inferior goal difference, Arsenal will be keen to grab another victory ahead of their Champions Leagues homecoming against PSV Eindhoven next week.

One of the league's most impressive teams, Arsenal now have just two wins to show from their last six top-flight away contests and have struggled at Goodison in recent years, losing four and drawing one of their last five matches at the ground since a 5-2 thrashing in Arsene Wenger's farewell season. With two assists already, Brazilian international Gabriel Martinelli will be key to adding to the Londoner’s success here.

A stern fixture awaits the visitors ahead of a continental expedition, however, it seems likely the ghosts of old will be put to rest at the Merseyside ground with the hosts struggling to find their feet.

1x2 6.26 4.51 1.52

 

Full list of Premier League fixtures - Matchday Five

 

Saturday 16th September

Wolves vs Liverpool

Fulham vs Luton Town

Tottenham vs Sheffield United

West Ham United vs Manchester City

Manchester United vs Brighton

Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace

Newcastle United vs Brentford

 

Sunday 17th September

Bournemouth vs Chelsea

Everton vs Arsenal 

 

Monday 18th September

Nottingham Forest vs Burnley

 

**Odds are subject to change. Odds accurate as of 11:00 UTC Friday 15th September**

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