English Premier League Betting Preview, Saturday 20 September
Saturday’s Premier League slate features seven fixtures, and we’re zeroing in on four of the most compelling clashes. From early-season momentum swings to tight local battles, these games promise drama on and off the pitch. Here’s a closer look, with insights and suggested bets for each.
Liverpool remain favourites to defend their crown at 12/10, with Arsenal close behind at 13/8. Manchester City sit at 7/1, while Chelsea, priced at 12/1, could offer early-season value, a good indicator of the current pecking order at the top of the table.
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LIVERPOOL v EVERTON – Click here to bet
Liverpool have hit the ground running this season, winning all four of their opening Premier League matches to sit top of the table with twelve points. While they looked a little rusty at the back in their first two league games, conceding four in total, they’ve steadied things domestically, keeping clean sheets in their last two outings. Last weekend’s dramatic 1-0 win at Burnley was sealed by a stoppage-time penalty from Mohamed Salah, maintaining their perfect start. Their club-record signing Alexander Isak, who arrived during the international break, made his first outing in midweek as Arne Slot’s men launched their Champions League campaign. That match was another rollercoaster at Anfield, with Virgil van Dijk striking deep into stoppage time to secure a 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid.
Everton come into the clash sitting sixth with seven points from two wins, one draw, and one defeat. They have yet to concede at home this season, but their away form has been less convincing, shipping three goals in two league trips. Their recent 0-0 stalemate at home against Aston Villa demonstrated their ability to stay organized under pressure, though scoring on the road remains a challenge. Everton’s reputation for resilience suggests they may aim to frustrate the hosts and possibly snatch a late goal in what promises to be a fiery Merseyside derby.
Head-to-Head
Last season’s meetings saw a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park before Liverpool edged the Anfield fixture 1-0 to take all three points.
Betting
Liverpool 9/20
Draw 4/1
Everton 11/2
Verdict
Liverpool’s recent defensive record in the league makes them look well equipped to keep Everton at bay. Back-to-back clean sheets have underlined their solidity at the back, and last weekend’s gritty 1-0 win at Burnley showed they’re capable of grinding out tight contests. With Everton still struggling to find goals away from home, the Merseyside derby could follow a familiar script and last season’s 1-0 at Anfield is a scoreline that feels highly possible again.
Suggested Bet: Liverpool to Win to Nil – Yes at 15/10
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WEST HAM UNITED v CRYSTAL PALACE – Click here to bet
West Ham have had a rocky start, collecting three points from one win and three defeats, leaving them 18th. Last weekend’s 3-0 loss at the London Stadium exposed defensive lapses, and the Hammers have conceded a staggering 11 league goals so far. With three London derbies in four matches already resulting in heavy defeats, West Ham will need to improve if they are to avoid another setback. They will also be without influential midfielder Tomáš Souček following his red card against Spurs, further weakening their spine.
Crystal Palace sit ninth with six points and remain unbeaten this season, having won once and drawn three times. They enter Saturday’s London clash off the back of a 0-0 draw at home to Sunderland, and earlier in the week advanced from the third round of the EFL Cup, edging Millwall 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park. The Eagles’ defensive discipline has been impressive, conceding just two goals in seven matches across all competitions, though their attacking output has been modest, with four league goals to date. Known for being difficult to break down on the road, Crystal Palace will aim to frustrate the hosts and maintain their unbeaten start in this London derby.
Head-to-Head
Last season was evenly balanced, with both sides winning on the road. Crystal Palace claimed a 2-0 victory at the London Stadium, while West Ham returned the favour by the same scoreline at Selhurst Park.
Betting
West Ham 2/1
Draw 12/5
Crystal Palace 29/20
Verdict
Palace’s organisation and defensive resilience stand in stark contrast to West Ham’s fragility, now compounded by the absence of midfielder Tomáš Souček. The Eagles may not be prolific, but they’re extremely hard to break down. With the safety net of a refund if it ends level, Crystal Palace draw no bet is the preferred play here.
Suggested Bet: Draw No Bet – Crystal Palace at 8/10
BRIGHTON v TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR – Click here to bet
Brighton have struggled for consistency, claiming one win, one draw, and two defeats to sit 13th with four points. Last weekend, they were edged 2-1 by Bournemouth, with Kaoru Mitoma scoring their only goal in a spirited display. The Seagulls have conceded six goals so far this season and are yet to keep a clean sheet, showing that their defence has been leaky. This Saturday, back at the Amex Stadium, Brighton will look to tighten up at the back while being more clinical in front of goal and from set-piece situations.
Tottenham Hotspur arrive in third with nine points, having won three of their four opening games, including a 3-0 demolition of West Ham last weekend. Their defence has been particularly impressive, conceding just once this season, the only game they lost, while keeping three clean sheets and scoring eight goals overall. Spurs also kicked off their Champions League campaign on Tuesday with a 1-0 win over Villarreal in the league phase, a result that adds to the sense of momentum around Thomas Frank’s side. With plenty of options going forward, they look well-equipped to sustain their early-season form this weekend.
Head-to-Head
Brighton had the upper hand over Spurs last season, completing the double with a 3-2 victory at the Amex before cruising to a comprehensive 4-1 win in the reverse fixture in London.
Betting
Brighton & Hove Albion 5/4
Draw 27/10
Tottenham Hotspur 2/1
Verdict
Brighton have struggled defensively, conceding six goals so far and still searching for their first clean sheet, while Spurs under Thomas Frank look a different outfit altogether. They’ve conceded just once all season, keeping three clean sheets, and carry momentum from their midweek Champions League win over Villarreal. Last season’s meetings were goal-fests, but this time Tottenham’s structure and form suggest they can take control. An away win appeals, with Spurs to win to nil also worth consideration.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result – Tottenham Hotspur at 2/1
MANCHESTER UNITED v CHELSEA – Click here to bet
Manchester United’s defensive frailties continue to overshadow their campaign, and Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City was a sobering reminder of the gap to their rivals. It was also the Red Devils’ first loss to their “noisy neighbours” in the last four meetings, underlining just how much they’ve regressed. Ruben Amorim’s side sit 14th in the table with just four points from one win, one draw, and two defeats, having conceded in all four league fixtures so far. The pressure is mounting, and while Bruno Fernandes remains United’s creative spark, Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt will need to front up if they are to steady a shaky backline.
Chelsea, by contrast, have carried the momentum from their World Club Cup triumph into the domestic campaign. The Blues sit fifth with eight points and remain unbeaten, winning two and drawing two. After a goalless opening-day stalemate, they’ve found their rhythm in attack, scoring nine goals across their last three league matches. João Pedro, Moisés Caicedo, and Enzo Fernández have all chipped in with two each, and Chelsea are looking dangerous in transition. Their midweek return to the Champions League ended in a 3-1 defeat away to Bayern Munich, but domestically they look well equipped to respond. United’s defensive issues have been evident, and with Chelsea’s pace and movement going forward, the visitors will fancy their chances of taking full advantage at Old Trafford.
Head-to-Head
Chelsea are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Manchester United (W2 D1). In the league last season, the sides played out a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford before the Blues edged the reverse fixture 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Betting
Manchester United 17/10
Draw 27/10
Chelsea 29/20
Verdict
Manchester United will be desperate to avoid a repeat of last week’s derby collapse, and that alone should make this encounter far more competitive than the 3-0 blowout against City. Even so, their defensive flaws can’t be ignored, and Chelsea arrive in decent form with the tools to frustrate their hosts. With United eager to steady the ship but the Blues likely to control the tempo, Chelsea to avoid defeat & under 4.5 goals looks a sensible play.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance and Totals – Draw/Chelsea and Under 4.5 at 8/11
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
