Man City vs Chelsea on Sunday – Premier League Betting Preview #2

GamingZion present the best betting odds before the second round of the 2015-16 Premier League season.

The English Premier League continues with one of the most important games of the season. Title-defenders Chelsea will visit their number one challengers, Manchester City. The hosts are favourites to win the 2015-16 Premier League title, with their outright win priced at 2.75 (7/4) by Bet365 Sportsbook. Though Jose Mourinho did everything to take off the pressure from his players, City are still favourites according to online sportsbooks in the UK.

• Villa vs Man Utd on Friday
• Chelsea to defend against City
• Shaqiri might hurt Tottenham

Second round will oddly kick-off on Friday night, with Manchester United travelling to Birmingham. Red Devils’ coach Louis van Gaal can expect a victory, but they will face an unusual challenge. Tottenham against Stoke should be fun to watch and bet on. Meanwhile Arsenal and Liverpool fans would be satisfied with ugly wins against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.

Why is the Aston Villa vs Man United match on Friday?

Man United surprisingly will kick-off round two on Friday evening at Villa Park. The match originally was scheduled to Saturday. However, as an English Defence League march will take place on Saturday in Walsall, the West Midlands Police asked for a reschedule. Since United will play a Champions League qualifier against Club Brugge on Tuesday, Sunday was not an option. Therefore the strange Friday evening kick-off time, that could be familiar for former Bundesliga player Bastian Schweinsteiger, or the ex-Blackburn striker, Rudy Gestede.

Man United are obvious favourites with odds of 1.67 (2/3) at Bet365 Sportsbook. However, Villa’s strong forward Gestede will pose a considerable threat towards United’s forming defence. The hosts won’t even mind the Red Devils’ possession football. It will actually suit them, as Gestede might win aerial battles after long balls against either Chris Smalling or Dailey Blind. Gestede is 4.33 (10/3) to score, gambling news report, which is a tempting offer since the hosts will expectedly rely on set-pieces. Gestede will arguably be the best header on the pitch. A close United win seems to be reasonable, so the visitors’ one-goal success for 3.40 (12/5) could be a good deal.

Shaqiri can make his Premier League debut at White Hart Lane

Tottenham against Stoke should be an interesting fixture on Saturday. Both teams suffered 1-0 defeats last week against top sides, despite showing an encouraging display. Spurs were beaten at Old Trafford, while the Potters went down against Liverpool at home. The two sides now play in similar styles, but Tottenham is ahead of Stoke regarding short passing football. However, if Mark Hughes will ask their players to show some muscles, they could unsettle the hosts.

If the Welsh manager opted for a counterattacking game, new acquisition Xherdan Shaqiri might cause some damage for Tottenham, probably as a second half substitute. The Swiss, who arrived from Inter this week, is 4.75 (15/4) to score according to Bet365 Sportsbook. Since both outfits have to improve their finishing, a galore of goals is not expected at White Hart Lane. However, both teams to score might be a useful option for 1.83 (5/6). Tottenham are 1.73 (8/11) favourites, draw is priced at 3.6 (13/5), while Stoke is available at 4.75 (15/4) on the winner market.

Mourinho need to strengthen Chelsea’s defence

Sunday’s attraction will be Manchester City against Chelsea. These two teams are projected to fight for the title this term. Their clash comes early, and the hosts could benefit from that. Jose Mourinho chose to bully his team doctor Eva Caneiro after the 2-2 draw against Swansea. By providing headlines for the entire week, the Special One obviously wanted to save his team from the extra pressure ahead of the important outing at Etihad Stadium. Especially after an unconvincing performance on the opening day.

Mourinho’s tricks might help Chelsea, though they will miss first choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian international was sent off against the Swans, so new signing Amir Begovic will take his place. Chelsea have some defensive problems, as there is only one natural full-back in their squad currently. So, many of those who gamble online don’t expect a Chelsea clean sheet, available at 4.00 (3/1) on Bet365 Sportsbook. However Mourinho could use his midfielders to protect the Blues’ backline, so a high-scoring game is unlikely. Over 2.5 goals were given even odds, while an under 2.5 tally goes for 1.80 (4/5).

Anyone who bet on sports in the UK might also note that Chelsea are unbeaten in 18 of their last 19 league games. Chelsea avoiding another defeat pays at 1.80 (4/5) on the Double Chance market. Their last two Premier League games both ended 1-1. The same scoreline this time is available at 7.00 (6/1), though a one-goal City victory is also tempting for 3.75 (11/4). On the winner market City goes for 2.05 (21/20), while Chelsea is available at 3.50 (5/2).

Arsenal and Liverpool expected to win

Arsenal will visit Crystal Palace on Sunday, while Liverpool will entertain Premier League rookie Bournemouth on Monday night. Picking the favorites might boost any bet slip, and it seems reasonable too. The newcomers seem anything but ready for a league upset at Anfield, while Arsenal mustn’t let another fiasco happen.

However, the upgraded Palace side can still cause some troubles for Arsene Wenger’s team, so if you look for a surprise, you should back Crystal Palace for 5.00 (4/1) or a draw for 3.75 (11/4) at Bet365 Sportsbook. Arsenal’s win is available at 1.67 (2/3), while Liverpool picking up three points is priced at 1.44 (4/9). Bournemouth escaping a defeat somehow pays at 2.80 (9/5).