The Scout: EPL Matchday 4

Posted on August 30, 2019August 30, 2019 | Posted by The Scout

Leicester vs Bournemouth
31^st August, 10pm WST

4^th placed Leicester are unbeaten through three games with a win and two draws. Although it’s still very early days, something tells me we could look back at this game as a defining moment in the Foxes’ season.

Bournemouth find themselves 11^th on the table having gone draw-win-loss to start the season.

Leicester have clearly improved under Brendan Rodgers (who took over in February), losing just three times in 14 outings. A key reason for the spike has been the signings of Youri Tielemans and Ayoze Perez who have significantly bolstered the Leicester attack.

Bournemouth defender Charlie Daniels was stretchered off last weekend, adding to their already alarming injury list. The Cherries have conceded in every game this season and there’s nothing to suggest this trend won’t continue here.

Bournemouth have lost 11 of their last 15 matches on the road, and given their injury concerns, I expect them to struggle mightily here against a Leicester outfit aimed up at a top six finish.

Suggested Bet: Match Result Leicester @ $1.68*

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West Ham vs Norwich City
31^st August, 10pm WST

West Ham’s start to the season has had it all; a 5-0 loss to Manchester City, a lackluster draw with Brighton and a fantastic 3-1 away win against Watford. They get a great shot at back to back wins here against a newly promoted side with the most goals conceded to this point of the season (8).

17^th placed Norwich City have been anything but boring, and much better than their table position suggests. While conceding goals at an alarming rate, they have also scored six of their own, including two against Chelsea last weekend.

The Hammers’ victory last weekend came off the back of two goals from their latest signing, Frenchman Sébastien Haller. The striker was a constant threat in just his second Premier League match.

Norwich have a form player of their own in Finnish striker Teemu Pukki, who has five goals through the first three games. The chemistry and linkup play between Pukki and midfielder Todd Cantwell (1 goal, 2 assists) has been a shining light for the Canaries.

Although Norwich have been strong in attack, their defense remains a massive concern. West Ham will be looking to get their first victory at London Stadium, and with the weight of experience (particularly down back) should be getting the job done here.

Suggested Bet: Match Result West Ham @ $1.86*

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Burnley vs Liverpool
1^st September, 12.30am WST

Burnley come into this match 6^th on the Premier League table; one of 10 teams on four points. They’ve scored in every match which is promising given a tricky start that included away fixtures at Arsenal and Wolves.

1^st placed Liverpool are the only unbeaten team left in the Premier League, but would already be wary of Manchester City (2^nd) breathing down their necks. Can they afford a slip up this early in the season?

Liverpool’s attacking play has been typically magnificent with nine goals, including three (all in the space of 20 minutes) last weekend against Arsenal. The three-headed-dragon of Firmino (1 goal, 1 assist), Salah (3 goals, 1 assist) and Mane (2 goals) has been something to behold.

The only concern for Jurgen Klopp’s men has been their defense, with the Reds conceding in all three games. Last season their defense was at an all-time level, but they are yet to replicate that this season.

Burnley striker Ashley Barnes has four goals for the season (scoring in every game) and would love nothing more than putting one past last year’s top defense. He won’t get a better shot at it either!

Liverpool haven’t lost in their last 12 Premier League matches and will be treating this week as must-win. I expect Burnley to show some cheek, but ultimately their defense will struggle with the firepower of the Reds.

Suggested Bet: Match Result Liverpool & Over 2.5 goals @ $1.87*

*Odds correct as at 10am, 30th August 2019.

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