Chelsea have appeared defensively fragile at times this season so it was surprising to some to witness the rugged excellence of their back line in limiting Liverpool to one goal and, the fact David Luiz led the resistance was most eye-catching. The Brazilian fell out of favour under Antonio Conte last season, playing only four times after late November. Maurizio Sarri had his own preconceptions about the 31‑year‑old, who would have left had Conte remained. “He’s really better than I thought before, as a player and as a man,” said Sarri, who has warmed to the Brazilian’s straight‑talking approach, a trait which enraged his predecessor. “I found he was a little confused because, two seasons ago, he’d been a protagonist. Then he did not play for the last six months. But he’s swiftly been able to play my football: he’s very technical and able to start the action from the defensive line. He’s very suitable for me.”
With Chelsea’s improvements at the back and Hazard on fire, back Chelsea to win to nil away to Southampton and Hazard to score in the match 10/2 with Novibet.
Liverpool Captain could struggle in competition for places
Jürgen Klopp’s decision to substitute Mohamed Salah against Chelsea drew much attention but it was the change he made shortly afterwards that felt more notable. Off went captain Jordan Henderson and on came Naby Keïta, who immediately provided Liverpool with more aggression and progression from the centre of the pitch. It is now to be seen if the Guinea midfielder is handed a starting place for Wednesday’s Champions League visit to Napoli having found himself in and out of the side since arriving from RB Leipzig for £52m in the summer. Given his quality and fee it is surely only a matter of time before Keïta becomes a regular starter for Liverpool and considering how well Georginio Wijnaldum and James Milner are playing right now, Henderson appears the obvious fall guy, which is not a good position for any player to find himself in, let alone the club captain.
Liverpool are at home to Manchester City this weekend in what is sure to be a thrilling game. 4-3 to the ‘reds’ last year in what was one of the most memorable games of the league campaign. Another 7 goal thriller? Over 6.5 goals is 21/2. Tough to call this one with both teams playing midweek in the champions league, lots of things to consider. City have the easier game, yet will Pep risk resting players as they come off the back of a home loss to Lyon. Both teams to score and draw is 31/10.
Sigurdsson beginning to show his worth.
Gylfi Sigurdsson departed to a standing ovation against Fulham as Evertonians saluted a decisive contribution to victory from the club’s record signing. There have not been enough of them since the Iceland international arrived for £45m from Swansea City but, having finally been given a consistent run in the No 10 role by Marco Silva, he repaid his manager with a leading role and two impressive goals in Everton’s second league win of the season. It is now four goals in eight games for Sigurdsson. Silva said: “Something happens at a club, it’s not just one or two players. For players to achieve that consistency you have to be more mature, and we need to be more mature to manage the game in different moments. This was important for him.”
Sigurdsson to continue his form in front of goal – he will be 3/1 to score anytime in a tough game away to in-form Leicester.
Huddersfield have three games to turn season around.
The omens are not looking good for Huddersfield, still without a win this season and with only a single clean sheet to their name. If it was something of a surprise that three teams turned out to be worse than the Terriers last season, the bottom‑placed club may struggle to find the same sort of safety net this time. Tottenham were on top in West Yorkshire more than the scoreline might suggest. Two goals to the good by half-time with more than an inkling that their fast front three could get through the home defence at will, the visitors were content to see the game out with half an eye on Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Barcelona. Huddersfield have no such distractions, just the three games in October – Burnley, Liverpool and Watford will they manage to get a win on the board this month?
In the worst form of their Premier League life, Huddersfield are second favourites to go down at 2/7 and 2/1 to finish bottom.
Sané and Sterling finding form at right time
Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sané were in flying form for Manchester City before their pivotal trips to Hoffenheim and Liverpool. Sterling has four goals this season with his opener against Brighton, and he helped to create Sergio Agüero’s fine second. Yet Pep Guardiola is not pressuring him to beat the tally. “I would like to win the Premier League,” the manager said. “If he helps us, good, but it is not just about goals, though they are important for strikers. It’s the way when we attack down the left side for Sterling’s finish, he gets into the 18-yard box to score with desire, power. He was so clever – the assist for Sergio – so clear, outstanding.” Of Sané, who has regained his starting berth, Guardiola said: “He is playing really well in the last games. But our profession is so demanding, and we have to do every single day your best.”
Sane scored at Anfield last season and will be 4/1 to score anytime. It may be worth getting on the both players to score market when it becomes available at the weekend but as recommended with City this season, be sure to check they are both playing as Pep likes to rotate his stars.
Arnautovic dedicated to the cause
West Ham were relieved that Marko Arnautovic ignored the doctors and faced Manchester United after missing last week’s draw with Chelsea because of a knee injury. The talismanic Austrian forward demonstrated his dedication to the cause by playing through the pain barrier and his fourth goal of the season helped Manuel Pellegrini’s side continue their revival. “I have to say this week I was not 100%,” Arnautovic admitted afterwards. “I still feel my knee. I did just two training sessions but I wanted to play. I have pain. The medical staff, they say I don’t risk my knee. For me it’s just forget the pain and play. The gaffer gave me this opportunity and he expects me to score goals. I think the medical staff and people working with me are confident as well, so it’s all about being confident in your body and trusting your body. I trust a lot.”
West Ham are away to Brighton this weekend and with 7 points in their last 3 games in which they have faced Man Utd and Chelsea and an 8-0 cup win, confidence is now high after a poor start to the season, back them to win at 7/4.
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