English Premier League Week 8 Preview

Brighton

Last 5 matches: LDDLL
Ladder Position: 15^th
Goal Difference: -5 (GF 6, GA 13)

West Ham

Last 5 matches: LLWDW
Ladder Position: 14^th
Goal Difference: -4 (GF 4, GA 12)

Its been a disappointing five weeks for minnows Brighton and they have slipped worryingly close to the bottom three. This does loom as a better opportunity than they faced against Manchester City last week, but they’ll need to be at their best to take anything away from the high-flying Hammers, who are now undefeated through three matches, thanks to last week’s demolition job of Manchester United.

Leicester City

Last 5 Matches: WLLWW
Ladder Position: 8^th
Goal Difference: +3 (GF 13, GA 10)

Everton

Last 5 Matches: DDLLW
Ladder Position: 11^th
Goal Difference: 0 (GF 11, GA 11)

Leicester City have restored some pride in their jersey this season and are seeking a third-consecutive win after recording a well-earned 2-0 triumph against Newcastle on the road. Everton snapped a winless run of form by beating Fulham last weekend but face a far tougher task in the Foxes, particularly on the road.

Burnley

Last 5 Matches: LLLWW
Ladder Position: 12^th
Goal Difference: -2 (GF 9, GA 11)

Huddersfield Town

Last 5 Matches: DDLLL
Ladder Position: 20^th
Goal Difference: -13 (GF 3, GA 16)

Burnley finally appear to be recapturing some of the form that delivered their best-ever result in the Premier League last season and are primed for a third-consecutive win on Sunday. Huddersfield have failed to record anything of a competitive or consistent run of form and are anchored to the bottom of the table after another loss to Spurs in Week 7.

Watford

Last 5 Matches: WWLDL
Ladder Position: 6^th
Goal Difference: +3 (GF 11, GA 8)

Bournemouth

Last 5 Matches: DLWLW
Ladder Position: 7^th
Goal Difference: 9 (GF 12, GA 12)

One of the better contests in Week 8 looks like materialising when Watford and Bournemouth square off at Vicarage Road. Not a lot was expected of either club at the beginning of the season, but they have each flow the blocks and are firmly entrenched in the top ten, at least for the time being. Given the calibre of opponents they have beaten and the fact they’re playing at home, I think Watford looks a nice bet in a low-scoring affair.

Tottenham

Last 5 Matches: WLLWW
Ladder Position: 4^th
Goal Difference: +7 (GF 14, GA 7)

Cardiff City

Last 5 Matches: DLLLL
Ladder Position: 19^th
Goal Difference: -12 (GF 4, GA 16)

This looks like being one of the bigger mismatches in Week 8 of the Premier League and Spurs should be recording a comfortable win over the struggling Cardiff City at home. Cardiff have really struggled at both ends of the pitch, but it’s tough imagining their attack causing too many headaches for a rock-solid Spurs defensive line.

Crystal Palace

Last 5 Matches: LLWDL
Ladder Position: 13^th
Goal Difference: -3 (GF 5, GA 8)

Wolves

Last 5 Matches: DWWDW
Ladder Position: 9^th
Goal Difference: +2 (GF 8, GA 6)

Wolves have really started to realise their potential and they represent terrific value to win again in Week 8. They are the only club to have taken points away from City this season and returned to winning form with a dominant performance against Southampton last week. Palace were the latest club to taste defeat at the hands of Bournemouth last week and while they are capable on their day, I expect they’ll face too great a task in Wolves.

Manchester United

Last 5 Matches: LWWDL
Ladder Position: 10^th
Goal Difference: -2 (GF 10, GA 12)

Newcastle

Last 5 Matches: LLLDL
Ladder Position: 18^th
Goal Difference: -6 (GF 4, GA 10)

Neither club will be pleased with how they’ve started the 2018/19 Premier League season and will view this match as an ideal opportunity at points. At Old Trafford, United are fitting favourites but I cannot have them as short as the $1.45 displaying in head-to-head betting. Both defences have been pretty leaky of late and it would not be surprising to witness a goal-fest.

Fulham

Last 5 Matches: WDLDL
Ladder Position: 17^th
Goal Difference: -8 (GF 8, GA 16)

Arsenal

Last 5 Matches: WWWWW
Ladder Position: 5^th
Goal Difference: +5 (GF 14, GA 9)

Arsenal have found a great vein of form and they’re offered another terrific opportunity at points when they travel to crosstown rivals Fulham in Week 8. Fulham have struggled to gain a foothold on the competition since returning to the Premier League and it won’t get any easier when they host Arsenal. The Gunners are typically low-scorers and won’t threaten too much, if they can an early lead.

Southampton

Last 5 Matches: LWDLL
Ladder Position: 16^th
Goal Difference: -5 (GF 6, GA 11)

Chelsea

Last 5 Matches: WWWDD
Ladder Position: 3^rd
Goal Difference: +10 (GF 15, GA 5)

Another big mismatch looks like materialising when Chelsea travel to Southampton and it could be an absolute field day for the Blues’ stars. Eden Hazard has found a purple patch of form to begin the season and remains the leader in Golden Boot standings, having netted six. This is another terrific opportunity for the Belgian and he represents great value to score at any time.

Liverpool

Last 5 Matches: WWWWD
Ladder Position: 2^nd
Goal Difference: +12 (GF 15, GA 3)

Manchester City

Last 5 Matches: DWWWW
Ladder Position: 1^st
Goal Difference: +18 (GF 21, GA 3)

The match of the season will see Liverpool host Manchester City is a mouth-watering top of the table clash at Anfield, early on Monday morning. Both clubs have been outstanding through the first seven weeks of the season and Liverpool will attempt to reclaim top spot after dropping points for the first time in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea last week. At Eastlands I’d happily tip City, but I think that Liverpool can salvage a draw.