Chelsea vs. Arsenal - Sunday August 19, 2:30am
A massive clash between two powerhouse clubs at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea opened up their account in impressive fashion last Sunday, defeating Huddersfield on the road 3-0 to sit second on the Premier League table.
The Blues’ AUD $126 investment in Kepa Arrizabalaga was validated, with the 23-year old looking comfortable after keeping a clean sheet.
Eden Hazard was eased into the action last week, coming off the bench in the 76th minute following his World Cup heroics with Belgium in the summer. Will Maurizio Sarri unleash him in this blockbuster clash with the Gunners? The Blues would want to see their star striker get on the score sheet.
Arsenal will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing opening match loss to defending champions Manchester City, as new manager Unai Emery looks to gel new boys Stephan Lichtsteiner, Bernd Leno, Lucas Torreira and Sokratis into the squad. But it’s hard to see them presenting a challenge to Sarri’s side at the Bridge.
Chelsea will do it pretty comfortably you’d reckon and will have their eye on top spot.
Brighton vs. Manchester United – Monday August 20, 1:00am
Manchester United got the result they were after last week, with an opening game 2-1 win over Leicester City last Saturday.
World Cup hero Paul Pogba, fresh from his victory in Russia, got them off to the start they wanted with a third minute penalty.
Despite grabbing maximum points, Jose Mourinho’s side received criticism for its defensive approach, although the Portuguese manager will have no complaints after only conceding a late Jamie Vardy goal deep into injury time.
They should find life easier this round as they travel to Falmer Stadium to take on Brighton, who were poor during last Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Watford.
It is hard to see the likes of Glenn Murray or Anthony Knockaert putting one past David de Gea’s trusty gloves.
Tip: Clean sheet: Manchester United - $2.10
Crystal Palace vs. Liverpool – Tuesday August 21, 5:00am
Liverpool put its title credentials forward with an emphatic 4-0 win over West Ham last Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp’s men will travel to Selhurst Park to face the Eagles on Tuesday in an encounter many would consider to be light work for last season’s Champions League runners up.
Crystal Palace are coming off their own solid victory over Fulham, but should find it much more difficult against the star-studded Reds outfit.
Naby Keïta will look to maintain his strong form, who adds another dimension to the Reds’ midfield this season. James Milner and Georginio Wijnaldum are coming off masterful performances too, while livewire forward Sadio Mane got his season off to a flying start after netting a double against the hapless Hammers.
Palace fans will be hoping to test new Liverpool gloveman Alisson on Tuesday, after he was barely sighted in the opening round.
The question isn’t who will win, but rather, how ugly will it get? Liverpool to win this one comfortably.
