Matchday 5 in the Premier League is serving up a blockbuster weekend, with Manchester United squaring off against Chelsea at Old Trafford and Arsenal locking horns with Manchester City in North London.
Contents:
- Liverpool vs Everton: Iliman Ndiaye (EVE) 1+ Tackles + 1+ Fouls Committed
- West Ham vs Crystal Palace: Under 2.5 Goals
- Manchester United vs Chelsea: Both Teams to Score + Over 2.5 Goals
- Manchester United vs Chelsea: Amad Diallo (MUN) 1+ Shot on Target (SoT)
- Arsenal vs Manchester City: Arsenal win
Liverpool vs Everton: Iliman Ndiaye (EVE) 1+ Tackles + 1+ Fouls Committed
Odds:
- American: -139
- Decimal: 1.72
- Fractional: 18/25
Liverpool are expected to dominate possession as they host their Merseyside rivals at Anfield on Saturday. With Liverpool frequently attacking down their left-hand side, Iliman Ndiaye, positioned on Everton’s right, is likely to face a challenging task.
So far this season, Ndiaye has averaged 1.62 tackles won per 90 minutes and 1.35 fouls committed per match. Given Liverpool’s attacking quality, particularly on the left, I expect Ndiaye to be beaten on the ball at least once, resulting in him committing a foul. I also see him winning at minimum one tackle with how many defensive duties the entire Everton squad will have to deploy.
Pick: Iliman Ndiaye (EVE) – 1+ Tackles + 1+ Fouls Committed
Note: Pick is voided if player does not start.
West Ham vs Crystal Palace: Under 2.5 Goals
Odds:
- American: -125
- Decimal: 1.80
- Fractional: 4/5
Crystal Palace and West Ham have both struggled to find the back of the net this season, with each side averaging just 1.0 goal per match, scoring four goals in their first four games. Defensively, Crystal Palace have been solid, conceding only once in four matches, while West Ham have allowed a staggering 11 goals in the same period.
I expect West Ham to dominate possession in this match, aided by their home advantage. So far this season, Crystal Palace have averaged just 42% possession (third-lowest in the Premier League). They tend to concede possession while maintaining a compact defensive shape, looking to create opportunities on the counter.
I anticipate this being a low-scoring affair, with both sides maintaining tight defensive organization.
Pick: Under 2.5 Goals
Manchester United vs Chelsea: Both Teams to Score + Over 2.5 Goals
Odds:
- American: -125
- Decimal: 1.80
- Fractional: 4/5
I am taking a leap of faith in this Manchester United side and predicting they will find the back of the net in this one. United rank second in the Premier League for expected goals (xG) with 7.9, trailing only Manchester City’s 8.4. While their finishing has been lacking, they have consistently created quality chances in front of goal so far this season.
Chelsea, meanwhile, sit third in the xG standings with 7.7 and lead the Premier League in shots on target, registering 20 across their opening four matches. Both sides are capable of creating opportunities, yet each remains vulnerable in different areas of the pitch and in various phases of play.
I am backing both teams to score and expecting 3+ goals in what should be an open and entertaining contest.
Pick: Both Teams to Score + Over 2.5 Goals
Manchester United vs Chelsea: Amad Diallo (MUN) 1+ Shot on Target (SoT)
Odds:
- American: +110
- Decimal: 2.10
- Fractional: 11/10
Amad will likely feature on United’s left wing in this match if Mason Mount does not return. Manchester United aim to involve all three of their forwards, ensuring chances are created across the front line. At the start of the season, Amad operated in a deeper, wider role as United’s right midfielder or right wingback. However, with Cunha sidelined, he looks set to step into the front three to provide more scoring opportunities.
So far this season, Amad Diallo has appeared in all four of United’s opening matches, starting the last three. He has averaged 2.36 shots per 90 minutes and 1.01 shots on target per 90 in those appearances. With Amad now positioned higher up the pitch, I like his chances to register a shot on target for Manchester United.
Pick: Amad Diallo (MUN) 1+ Shots on Target (SoT)
*pick is voided if player does not start
Arsenal vs Manchester City: Arsenal win
Odds:
- American: -110
- Decimal: 1.90
- Fractional: 9/10
Arsenal have taken three wins from their opening four Premier League matches this season. The Gunners will be boosted by the return of Christian Nørgaard to the lineup. William Saliba resumed training in midweek, giving him a chance to feature in Sunday’s match.
Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Ben White have not been completely ruled out, but their availability for Sunday remains doubtful. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are still sidelined with injuries.
Manchester City have recorded two wins and two losses to start their Premier League campaign. Last weekend, the Sky Blues delivered a dominant 3-0 victory over rivals Manchester United in the derby. They followed that up with a 2-0 win against Napoli in the Champions League on Thursday.
John Stones and Rayan Aït-Nouri are considered unlikely to be available for Sunday’s clash with Arsenal, though neither has been officially ruled out. Omar Marmoush, Rayan Cherki, Mateo Kovačić, and Kalvin Phillips are all sidelined for an extended period and will miss the match.
I am predicting an Arsenal win in what should be a tightly contested match. With both sides missing key players, squad depth will play a decisive role, and Arsenal’s depth across all positions is among the strongest in the Premier League this season. I expect the Gunners to create chances on the break and take advantage of any mistakes Manchester City make.
For City, Erling Haaland remains in red-hot form and will look to continue his scoring run, but he could find life difficult against Arsenal’s defense. Unlike their slow, defensive-minded approach against Liverpool at the Emirates before the international break, I expect Arsenal to be more proactive here and look to take the game to City.
Pick: Arsenal win
Disclaimer: The betting picks and analysis shared are for informational purposes only and are not guarantees of outcome or financial advice. Please gamble responsibly and only risk money you are willing to lose.
