Everton vs. Liverpool
Goodison Park will host the first Merseyside Derby on Saturday, October 17 at 10:30pm (all times AEST).
It will be a Merseyside Derby like no other, with endless intrigue in this weekend’s fixture as a top-placed Toffees outfit host the reigning champions in Liverpool. The fixture will mark exactly 10 years since Everton’s last win over their arch-rivals as they look to continue their perfect start to the 2020/21 season.
For Everton, their new-look attack will provide promise and threat to an underperforming Liverpool defence, while their creative midfield and width will be the source of their attack. While they haven’t looked to have put a foot wrong, their remains plenty of weaknesses in Carlo Ancelotti’s side, namely in their back-third. No matter what centre-back pairing is placed on the team-sheet, there will be some questions raised over their accountability, along with gloveman Jordan Pickford.
However, if there has ever been a chance for the Toffees to break their Merseyside drought, it’s this weekend. With James Rodriguez and Dominic Calvert-Lewin steering the ship, the Evertonians have a strong shout.
In their way will be the competitions cream of the crop, Liverpool. Following a 7-2 loss at Aston Villa almost two weeks ago, the Reds have had time to cool off, regroup and reassess. Along with their fortnight of rehabilitation, star duo Thiago and Sadio Mane will return following their COVID-related isolations, boosting the away side’s chances of victory. The Reds will be favourites, and rightfully so, but derbies are a different breed of 90 minutes.
Tip: Liverpool win @ $1.83
Manchester City vs Arsenal
The Gunners travel to The Etihad on Sunday, October 18 at 3:30am.
A new instalment of master vs the apprentice, with plenty to play for in this weekend’s clash. Mikel Arteta will once again look to have a stranglehold on Manchester City and his former boss Pep Guardiola.
The Gunners have shown strong glimpses of a top four contending side, currently sitting within a Champions League position and 10 spots higher than Manchester City. Arsenal will also welcome shining recruit Thomas Partey to their line-up, with the Ghanaian international bringing a world-class pedigree to Arteta’s midfield. While the club are moving well, they won’t come in as favourites against their rivals, with some questions still remaining around their stability in defence.
So far the Gunners have defeated the bottom two placed sides in Fulham and Sheffield United, whilst edging past West Ham for their third victory. There’s plenty left to prove this season, and Arteta can send a strong warning to the competition this weekend.
For Pep, resurgence is key. The men in sky blue have failed to capitalise across their three opening fixtures, dropping points to Leeds and being mauled by Leicester the week prior. Hopefully the international break will act as a short restart for Manchester City’s season, opening up with a win at home over Arsenal.
Tip: Manchester City win @ $1.40
Newcastle vs Manchester United
The Magpies will host Manchester United on Sunday, October 18 at 6:00am.United’s season went from bad to much, much worse following their tumultuous 6-1 drubbing at the hands of Tottenham. The Red Devils’ defence fell apart after going up in the opening two minutes, with the next goal a touch more embarrassing than the last.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær could be on his last legs at the club, with Newcastle licking their lips at the thought of ending his tenure with Manchester United. The Norwegian manager has brought in some dazzling talent during the transfer window, with world-class fullback Alex Telles likely to make his debut while Edison Cavani won’t feature for United.
Newcastle head into matchweek five with a winning record, taking the scalps of Burnley and West Ham, whilst nabbing a point against the Spurs along the way. With a prolific amount of goal scoring talent up-front, the men in the black and white will be ready to cause chaos in their attacking third.
This weekend marks a vital point early into the season for both clubs as they’re out to prove where they stand in the top-flight. United, who will be without striker Anthony Martial through suspension, need to find their confidence again, wine Newcastle can price they are no bottom-half club.
Tip: Both Teams to Score @ $1.71
