The Premier League starts with the Merseyside derby, as Everton host Liverpool at Goodison Park.
Everton are desperate to register their first Premier League win of the season, and are sure to start quickly, trying to pressure their cross-city rivals with an aggressive press. While they are still winless, there are signs of life for Frank Lampard’s side, particularly in attack with the pace of Anthony Gordon.
Liverpool haven’t yet hit their stride as we have seen in recent seasons, and have made a recent habit of starting slowly in a number of games so far this season. They conceded first to Fulham, Crystal Palace, Manchester United and Newcastle, often being caught on the break.
We think Everton will start sharply, and while this may not translate into a Blues win, we will take a punt that Gordon opens the scoring, at a hefty price of 14/1.
The late game comes from the Midlands, as Aston Villa host Manchester City.
Villa boss Steven Gerrard is under pressure, with results and performances really poor to start the season. He’s going to find it very difficult to arrest the slump this evening, with the defending champions Manchester City in town.
City, by contrast, have looked peerless at times this season, and enter this game on the back of scoring six against Nottingham Forest and four against Crystal Palace. New striker Erling Haarland scored a hattrick in both games, but could be rested with one eye on Sevilla in the Champions League next week.
Although the pressure is mounting on Gerrard the players still appear to be behind him. This could lead to a committed performance, even though it may not be enough to claim a point. New captain John McGinn will want to lead by example in the key area of midfield. His has picked up 2 bookings already this season, and we’ll take the 3/1 on offer that he sees yellow again as he attempts to stop the blue tide.
Recommendations:
Everton/Liverpool: Gordon to score first, 1 pt, at 14/1, William Hill
Aston Villa/Man City: McGinn to be booked, 1 pt, at 3/1, bet365
