Chelsea Seek Redemption in London Derby; Spurs vs City to Spark Goals

London Calling: Chelsea Aim to Rebound Against West Ham

Matchday Two kicks off with a London derby that feels more like a rescue mission for West Ham. After a dismal showing last weekend, the Hammers are reeling from a 3-0 defeat to newly promoted Sunderland. Chelsea didn’t exactly sparkle either, drawing with Crystal Palace, but that result looks better on closer inspection, Palace have been sneaky solid, unbeaten in their last 11 and lifting two trophies along the way.

Chelsea were sharp in preseason and recently added silverware via the Club World Cup, so confidence in their camp is higher than West Ham’s, which is currently circling the drain. Backing Chelsea on the moneyline is the default move, but if you’re feeling spicy, Chelsea to win to nil is worth a peek. West Ham barely threatened Sunderland, don’t expect them to suddenly find goals against a defensively organized Chelsea side.

Goals Galore? Spurs vs. Man City Could Be a Shootout

Tottenham’s form has been decent, but morale is a concern heading into a clash with Manchester City. Spurs have historically been one of City’s bogey teams, but their current issues may limit their bite. That said, when these two meet, fireworks often follow. The over 3.5 goals market is tempting here, especially with both sides boasting firepower but carrying defensive question marks.

Van de Ven and Romero give Spurs a solid spine at the back, but even solid defenses can be shredded by City’s relentless attack. Expect goals, and lots of them. If you’re hunting value, both teams to score and over 2.5 goals as a combo bet could be a smart play.

Bournemouth to Feast on Toothless Wolves

Wolves look blunt. They’re missing key players and haven’t shown much going forward, making them prime prey for a Bournemouth side that impressed against Liverpool. The Cherries are 10/11 favorites and that feels generous considering the gap in attacking flair. Bournemouth’s frontline, led by Semenyo who’s priced at +200 to score, should have a field day against a Wolves team that’s allergic to goals.

Bournemouth on the moneyline is a strong standalone bet, but if you want a bit more juice, Bournemouth -1 on the Asian handicap could be a cheeky addition to your Saturday slip.

Burnley vs. Sunderland: A Relegation Six-Pointer in August?

It’s early days, but Burnley and Sunderland already look like they’ll be knee-deep in the relegation scrap come spring. Burnley are favorites, but Sunderland at 13/5 not to lose (double chance) is a value play. Burnley were dreadful last week and look like they’re going down the Southampton route, early collapse, low points tally, and a season-long struggle.

With both sides struggling to score, BTTS (both teams to score) No at around 10/11 is appealing. Pair that with under 2.5 goals for a gritty, low-scoring affair bet. This one’s got “tense 1-0 either way” written all over it.

Rancid Brentford No Match for Goal-Shy Villa

Brentford were abysmal in their 3-1 loss to Nottingham Forest, and things aren’t looking up. They’ve lost key attackers including Mbeumo and Toney (sold last season), and Wissa apparently wants out. Villa, despite their own scoring issues, should have enough to edge this one. They’re 6/5 favorites and that’s good enough to back straight up, but combining it with under 4.5 goals at 17/10 is a smarter angle.

Villa lack a natural goal-scorer beyond Ollie Watkins, and their FFP constraints mean no new forwards are coming. Still, they’re solid enough to take care of a Brentford side that looks Championship-bound. If you’re brave, Villa and under 3.5 goals is floating around +200. Conservative bettors should stick with Villa and under 4.5.

Arsenal to Flex Defensive Muscles Against Leeds

Arsenal are a rock-solid 2/7 favorite at home to Leeds, who eked out a win against Everton but are unlikely to repeat that feat at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta appears to be doubling down on defense this season, and with the signings of Mendy, Madueke, and Eze (pending), the Gunners look geared to grind out wins.

Arsenal to win to nil is available at plus money and looks tasty. The Gunners had a perfect record against promoted teams last season and boast arguably the best defensive depth in the league. Leeds, meanwhile, failed to score in all six of their Championship losses last season. Arsenal and under 4.5 goals is another sharp angle, especially since Arsenal have only scored more than three goals once in their last 17 games.

Crystal Palace vs. Forest: Morale High but Goals May Be Low

Palace are 5/4 favorites against a Forest side that stunned Brentford last weekend. Palace’s squad is in flux, Eze is off to Arsenal, Guehi could follow, and there’s an air of transition. Still, they’re tough to beat at home, and Forest aren’t exactly road warriors.

The smart play here is Forest double chance (not to lose) at 4/6. If you’re expecting a cagey encounter, under 2.5 goals at 4/5 is a decent shout. Palace haven’t been prolific, and Forest will likely sit deep and counter. Think chess match, not chaos.

Liverpool to Light Up St James’ Park

Monday night brings a sizzler: Newcastle vs. Liverpool. The Reds are slight favorites at 21/20, but this one screams goals. Liverpool’s matches have been high-scoring affairs lately, and their leaky defense is offset by a potent attack firing on all cylinders.

The bet here is Liverpool to score over 1.5 goals at 4/5. They’ve been consistent scorers away from home, and Newcastle, while organized, will struggle to keep them out. Over 3.5 goals at 13/10 is another angle if you expect a thriller. Liverpool’s matches are rarely dull, and this one should be no different.