The Scout: EPL Week 3

Posted on August 26, 2021August 26, 2021 | Posted by The Scout

Manchester City vs Arsenal

Defending champions Manchester City (9th) bounced back from an opening week loss with a 5-0 demolition of newly-promoted Norwich City. Arsenal (19th) have had back-to-back 2-0 losses and the fans are (predictably) growing restless.

City haven’t (yet) replaced Sergio Aguero and are still without Kevin De Bruyne, but the addition of Jack Grealish has added yet another piece to a roster already overflowing with world-class talent. Grealish was the first City player to score in last week’s romp, finding the back of the net at 22 minutes, following a 7th minute own goal.

Arsenal are in serious trouble and haven’t looked comfortable across any part of the pitch. The Gunners are yet to score a goal this season and have lacked any creativity or link-up play from their midfielders.

Defensively, Manchester City remain among the very elite teams in the EPL, leading the league in clean sheets last season with 19. The development and leadership of Ruben Dias has proven pivotal in creating this almost impenetrable defensive setup.

Suggested Bet: Manchester City Win Both Halves @ $2.60*

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West Ham vs Crystal Palace

West Ham sit atop the Premier League table after two matches with eight goals to their name and wins over Leicester and Newcastle. Crystal Palace on the other hand find themselves 14th with one point, and no goals scored.

West Ham are looking like early contenders for a top six finish, with last week’s 4-1 win over Leicester particularly impressive. Winger Said Benrahma has transformed the Hammers midfield and is providing plenty of creativity along with forward Michail Antonio.

Antonio is flourishing as the number one option, tallying a staggering three goals and three assists in the first two matches. The Englishman’s patented speed and finishing has been on full display to this early point of the season.

Suggested Bet: Michail Antonio First Goalscorer @ $4.20*

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Burnley vs Leeds United

Burnley (17th) have opened their Premier League campaign with two straight losses while Leeds responded to a 5-1 loss against Manchester United with a gritty 2-2 draw with Everton.

Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa never deviates from his strategy of pressing and attacking. Unfortunately this sometimes backfires (see Manchester United loss) but against a team like Burnley, it has the chance to go very right.

Burnley are a team that prefer to sit back and play a tight game which should play into the hands of Leeds who will attack for the duration of the game.

Leeds striker Patrick Bamford has been quiet so far this season but I’m expecting we’ll see a more dangerous version of him here. He scored 17 goals last season and is the type of quality finisher missing from this Burnley squad.

Suggested Bet: Leeds (Match Result) @ $2.30*

*Odds correct as at 9am, 26th August 2021.

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