Premier League
How to Prepare for Your EPL Bets
How to Prepare for Your EPL Bets After the International Break
After a lengthy international break, Premier League football is back! As players return to their clubs, the concern of most managers is that their players return in the same physical state they left.
As exciting as the return of club football can be, the international break often means some changes to lineups either due to injury, form, or tactical reasons. So, if you are looking to bet on EPL matches this weekend, it is important to check how players fared during the break and which key players picked up injuries during the break.
Here are some selected matches we analyzed ahead of the return of the EPL:
The North London Derby
The EPL returns with one of the most exciting clashes on the calendar – the North London Derby. Arsenal host Tottenham Hotspurs with hopes of consolidating their first-place position, while a Spurs victory will see them leapfrog the Gunners.
Key players from both sides fared differently. For the English players like Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Eric Dier and Aaron Ramsdale, the Nations League matches were a disappointment as they were relegated from Group A after losing to Italy and a draw with Germany.
Regardless, there were some positives for Tottenham and Arsenal from England’s International exploits; Harry Kane continued his excellent goalscoring form, while Bukayo Saka came off the bench to great effect against Germany when he was moved to his preferred right wing. While Aaron Ramsdale would be disappointed he didn’t get to play in the two matches, the Arsenal management will be glad he got some rest.
However, it is the non-English contingent during the break that could have a greater effect on the derby. Positively for Tottenham, both Heung-Min Son and Richarlison scored for their countries. Son looks like he has found his touch in front of goal, he got the only goal against Cameroon, while Richarlison scored twice against Ghana and once against Tunisia.
Arsenal also got some good news from the break with captain Martin Odegaard playing two matches for Norway. What would bother Mikel Arteta are the knocks picked up by Kieran Tierney and midfield linchpin Thomas Partey.
Our Betting picks
Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspurs
A first Leicester win on the horizon
Leicester is the only team in the EPL without a win. As the league returns, they have a good chance of finally picking up points after a torrid start to the season.
While they have shown they can score, their problem has been keeping them out. Leicester held on to Youri Tielemans, but saw Wesley Fofana and Kasper Schmeichel depart, making the acquisition of Wout Faes and Alex Smithies necessary.
Against Nottingham Forest they have the best chance of picking up their first three points of the season against a team that has struggled to elevate their game to the standard of the EPL.
Fortunately for Leicester, most players on International duty returned unscathed, the only concern is Wilfred Ndidi who had to return early after an injury scare while on duty for the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Also, key players like James Maddison and Jamie Vardy were rested during the international break. Making Brendan Rodgers’ side better prepared for the challenge on Monday.
Our Betting picks
Leicester vs Nottingham Forest
Liverpool vs Brighton
Liverpool need some consistency after the topsy-turvy start they have had this season. Apart from the 9-0 drubbing of Bournemouth, the Reds have not looked like the team from the past seasons.
Most obvious is the lack of midfield dominance that has come to be expected of Liverpool and a dip in form for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Against Brighton, they play a team that is playing confidently and are looking to adjust to life after the exit of Graham Potter.
Roberto De Zerbi will be coaching his first game for the Seagulls against a Liverpool side that has been ravaged by injuries especially to its midfielders.
Fortunately for Jurgen Klopp, some players could be returning from injury just in time for the Brighton match. Ibrahim Konate has done some light training during the week and should be fit to play; Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones could also be fit enough to be part of the Brighton Squad. Alexander-Arnold’s exclusion from the England side means he is rested. Which could be what he needs to rediscover his form.
Having the break from games due to the postponed matches and the International break has been a blessing for Liverpool and they should now be in better shape as the EPL returns.
Our Betting picks
Liverpool vs Brighton and Hove Albion
Liverpool and Brighton draw @ 5.25
Blues life begins under Potter
Graham Potter was meant to start his managerial stint as Chelsea boss with a blockbuster clash against Liverpool, however that match was postponed. Instead, his first game in charge was in a tepid 1-1 Champions League match against RB Salzburg.
Graham Potter will hope his team has done away with the first game jitters of that match and he has had time to train with the core of the team that remained in London during the International break giving him more time to implement his ideas.
This group includes new striker Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and N’Golo Kante who has recently returned to training.
Fortunately for Chelsea, Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling, Connor Gallagher, Mateo Kovacic, Armando Broja, Jorginho and Reece James came through the international break with no injuries.
While the match against Crystal Palace might not be as high profile as playing Liverpool, the Eagles are well organized under Patrick Viera and have made Selhurst Park a difficult ground for visiting teams.
If you are looking to back Chelsea in this match, be aware that Crystal Palace have only lost once at Selhurst Park this season with that loss coming in the opening game of the season.
Our Betting picks
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea
Crystal Palace and Chelsea draw @ 3.65
