Premier League Betting Guide for Matchweek 3
Manchester City shockingly dropped points at home last weekend against Tottenham, so will we see anything that can top that this weekend?
Using Soccer odd as the source for lines, let's take a look at some bets you should zero in on this week.
Please note that lines are subject to change after this article is published, which impacts betting advice. All betting lines were taken from FanDuel Sportsbook, and you can check here to see their most updated numbers.
Liverpool vs. Arsenal
Liverpool to win (-195)
Liverpool were breathtaking at Anfield last season, finishing 17W-2D-0L and they continued that success early this season in their dominant 4-1 victory over Norwich. Jurgen Klopp's side have won 90% of their last 20 home league games, but their implied odds to win this weekend are a mere 66%.
Of course, the main reason for the gap between Liverpool's recent home record and implied odds is because Arsenal are clearly an above average EPL side. However, while this is true, there is still a clear gap between the Gunners and the top teams in the EPL.
Unai Emery's side finished last season a mediocre 7-4-8 away from home last season, including a 5-1 defeat at Anfield last season. The Gunners are 2-0-0 so far this season against the likes of Burnley and Newcastle and despite the victories, they were actually outshot in both matchups.
Arsenal is clearly still looking to hit their stride this season and they were already a couple of steps behind Liverpool, so expecting them to get a result from this game would appear to be overly optimistic.
Norwich City vs. Chelsea
Olivier Giroud to score (+130)
Obviously, this bet is dependant on Giroud starting, but he should be expected to start given his sizeable height advantage in this matchup. Giroud is an immensely talented player in the air and, at 6'4" he holds a 2-inch height advantage on Grant Hanley and a 4-inch advantage on Ben Godfrey, the two Norwich starting center backs.
Due to their lack of height, Norwich are 19th in the league in aerials won during this young season and that should be an area that Giroud can exploit.
Not only is this a favorable matchup for Giroud, but Norwich have a leaky defense to begin with, as they have already conceded 5 goals in just 2 games this season. Chelsea should have no problem finding the net this weekend and Giroud will likely be their main target.
Sheffield vs. Leicester
Under 2.5 Goals (-160)
Both of these teams are in the bottom 5 in the league in shots on target this season and they are both also in the bottom 6 in the league in shots conceded. So, while it is extremely early in this young season, neither team is creating or conceding chances which is not an environment for goals.
Sheffield have played well this season but they will likely play conservatively against a quality Leicester side that finished in the top half of the table last season. It would be surprising to see more than a goal or two in this matchup.
