After a busy and somewhat disappointing week of European action, as far as the English sides were concerned, we turn our attentions back to the Premier League on Saturday with six intriguing matches. The day kicks off with Arsenal travelling to Blackburn at 12:45pm, before five 3pm matches take centre stage for what are likely to be close encounters.
Blackburn v Arsenal (12:45)
The Gunners head to Ewood Park off the back of what was a good point at Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League opener. Having been outplayed for much of the game, Arsenal were lucky to take a point against the German champions. That result will have served to boost the confidence of Arsene Wenger’s men though and they will fancy their chances of getting the better of Blackburn.
Arsenal are a decent value 10/11 for the win against bottom club Rovers, who are 10/3 with the draw 12/5. The Gunners will also be boosted by the return of Alex Song and Gervinho from suspension, the latter having looked very lively in midweek. Arsenal will still be missing a number of first team regulars through suspension, as too will Blackburn, but should have enough to see off Steve Kean’s strugglers.
Match bet – Gervinho to score at anytime @ 11/8
Aston Villa v Newcastle
After all the drama of Alex McLeish taking over at Villa Park the Midlands outfit have made a solid start to the season, maintaining their unbeaten start with a 2-2 draw at Everton last week. They now play host to a Newcastle side who also look to have come on since last season, so this should be a tight encounter.
Traditionally the home side has come out on top in this fixture, with three points staying with the host in seven of the last eight meetings. With that in mind, it is no wonder Villa are 10/11, with Newcastle 10/3 and the draw 12/5. Given how evenly matched the two sides appear to be on paper a low scoring draw looks to be a safe bet.
Match bet – Under 2.5 goals @ 5/6
Bolton v Norwich
Bolton’s start to the season couldn’t have been much tougher and they’ll probably still be licking their wounds after the 5-0 mauling they were on the end of last week against Manchester United. However, they need to get themselves together quickly for the visit of Norwich, a game they should win if their confidence hasn’t taken too much of a blow.
Bolton’s recent home record is poor, with two wins from six, but with a fixture against a Norwich side who already look like they are going to struggle, the Trotters could have found the answer to their prayers. The Canaries have looked good in most of their games, but only have two points to show from their first four games. With Bolton’s Premier League experience you’d expect them to get the better of the newly promoted side, especially as they’ve won all seven of their previous home games against Norwich.
Match bet – Bolton to win @ 4/5
Everton v Wigan
These two have made solid yet unspectacular starts to the season, with Everton so far dealing well with a lack of investment this summer. The Latics were found wanting at Manchester City last week, but they won’t be the only team to get rolled over at Eastlands this season. Latics boss Roberto Martinez kept the majority of his squad together during the off season and they look to have picked up from where they left off at the end of the last campaign.
Wigan haven’t won at Goodison Park since 2005 and have a pretty awful record on the road, hence why they are 6/1 to claim the three points. If Everton are to avoid being sucked into a relegation battle, then this is the kind of game they need to be winning.
Match bet – Everton to win to nil @ 13/10
Swansea v West Brom
The Swans have been so unlucky not to have won a game yet this season, the Welsh outfit pushing Arsenal all the way last weekend. Brendan Rodgers’ side deserved something from their trip to north London and should be full of confidence for the visit of West Brom. The Baggies were a bit fortunate to come away with three points last weekend but with Roy Hodgson in charge, West Brom have looked a more solid outfit.
Even so Swansea’s hard work will give them just reward before too long and Saturday could be the day they finally get their reward of a first Premier League goal. The Swans are 20/21 to score first on Saturday and that could be enough to see them to their first win.
Match bet – Swansea to win @ 13/8
Wolves v QPR
Has the bubble burst for Wolves already? That will be the question on the lips of Wanderers fans after they saw their unbeaten start to the season ended by Tottenham last week. The visit of an upbeat QPR side probably isn’t the fixture they wanted after the 2-0 lose to Spurs, but Mick McCarthy won’t have let his team stay down in the dumps for too long. Wolves are traditionally tough to beat at home but have only taken maximum points twice from the last seven at Molineux.
QPR did everything but score against Newcastle on Monday and Neil Warnock was understandably pleased. With so many new additions it will take time for everyone to bed in, but Rangers should have enough about them already to at least take a point from their visit to the Black Country.
Match bets – Joey Barton – First Goalscorer @ 12/1 and draw @ 12/5
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