English Premier League Betting Preview, Sunday 21 September
Sunday’s Premier League action serves up three fixtures, headlined by Arsenal’s blockbuster clash with Manchester City at the Emirates. Earlier in the day, Bournemouth welcome Newcastle to the Vitality, while Sunderland look to build on their solid return to the top flight when they host Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light. Below is a closer look at each game with betting insights and suggested plays.
In the outright market, Liverpool remain favourites to defend their title at 12/10, with Arsenal close behind at 13/8. Manchester City are priced at 7/1, while Chelsea sit at 12/1 as the next-closest challengers. The rest of the field are all 50/1 or higher.
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BOURNEMOUTH v NEWCASTLE UNITED – Click here to bet
Bournemouth have made an eye-catching start, sitting fourth with nine points from four games. After an opening-day defeat at Anfield, the Cherries have strung together three straight wins, including a gritty 1-0 success at Spurs and last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Brighton. Andoni Iraola’s side have scored six and conceded five, but crucially they’ve been perfect at home with two wins from two. History is also on their side, with Bournemouth unbeaten in their last five league meetings with Newcastle.
Newcastle, by contrast, sit 10th on five points despite easing the pressure with a 1-0 win over Wolves last weekend, a match where debutant Nick Woltemade grabbed the decisive goal. The loss of Alexander Isak to Liverpool leaves a significant gap in attack, and Eddie Howe’s side have managed just one league win from four. With a draining Champions League clash against Barcelona at St James’ Park on Thursday coming just days before this trip, fatigue and rotation could be factors. Combine that with their poor recent record against Bournemouth, and Sunday’s trip to the Vitality Stadium looks a tough assignment for the Magpies.
Head-to-Head
Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last five league meetings with Newcastle (W2 D3), including a 4-1 win in their most recent clash at St James’ Park and a 1-1 draw in the previous encounter at home last season.
Betting
Bournemouth 15/10
Draw 5/2
Newcastle United 18/10
Verdict
Bournemouth look confident at home and carry a strong head-to-head record, while Newcastle’s European commitment could leave them stretched. With the Cherries unbeaten in five against the Magpies, siding with the hosts on home turf appeals.
Suggested Bet: Draw No Bet – Bournemouth at 5/6
SUNDERLAND v ASTON VILLA – Click here to bet
Sunderland continue to impress on their Premier League return, sitting seventh with seven points from four matches. Régis Le Bris’ side have already picked up two wins and were solid again in a goalless draw at Crystal Palace last week. Conceding just three goals so far, the Black Cats boast an excellent defensive record for a newly promoted team — a solidity that will be key as they look to build on their strong start at the Stadium of Light this Sunday.
Aston Villa are struggling, rooted in 19th place with just two points. Unai Emery’s side remain winless, with two draws and two defeats, and are still searching for their first league goal. A 0-0 draw at Everton halted a run of back-to-back defeats, but Villa continue to lack cutting edge and are fragile on the break. Their EFL Cup exit in midweek, losing 4-2 on penalties to Brentford after a 1-1 draw, only adds to their concerns. Despite a historically strong record against Sunderland, Villa’s current attacking woes suggest the Black Cats could take advantage in this one.
Head-to-Head
The clubs last met in the 2017/18 Championship season, when Villa completed the double over Sunderland. Overall, Villa have lost just once in the last 12 meetings between the sides (W6 D5).
Betting
Sunderland 26/10
Draw 12/5
Aston Villa 23/20
Verdict
While I’m not confident enough to back the hosts to win outright, a draw looks very possible, which is why I like Sunderland to claim a positive result. The Black Cats look far more settled and resilient, while Villa’s struggles in front of goal remain alarming. Sunderland’s strong home form, combined with Villa’s lack of attacking spark, tilts this in favour of the hosts avoiding defeat.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance – Sunderland/Draw at 7/10
ARSENAL v MANCHESTER CITY – Click here to bet
The standout fixture this Sunday sees Arsenal welcome Manchester City to the Emirates. Mikel Arteta’s side sit second with nine points from four matches, bouncing back from their only defeat against Liverpool at Anfield with last weekend’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest. They also kicked off their Champions League campaign with a composed 2-0 victory in Bilbao, conceding just once while netting eleven across five matches in all competitions this season. Arsenal look balanced and efficient, with their home form and solid defence giving the hosts plenty of confidence.
Manchester City arrive off a resounding 3-0 derby win over Manchester United, a much-needed boost after back-to-back league defeats. Pep Guardiola’s men sit eighth with six points, scoring eight and conceding four across four games. They now face a quick turnaround, with Thursday’s Champions League clash against Napoli at the Etihad coming just days before this trip to the Emirates, which could leave City a step slow. With Arsenal sharper and fresher at home, City face a stern test in London.
Head-to-Head
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last four league meetings with City (W2 D2). Last season the Gunners drew 2-2 at the Etihad before thumping City 5-1 at the Emirates.
Betting
Arsenal 19/20
Draw 11/4
Manchester City 28/10
Verdict
This has all the makings of an early-season blockbuster. Arsenal look sharp, defensively sound, and carry recent head-to-head dominance, while City still seem to be finding their rhythm. With fresher legs and the Emirates factor, Arsenal have a real chance to assert themselves again.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result – Arsenal at 19/20
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
