Post ten Hag Era Begins - EPL Games to Watch
Life after Erik ten Hag starts for Manchester United on Sunday with the visit of Chelsea to Old Trafford. United fans will be desperate for an upturn in fortunes, going into this game 14th in the English Premier League table, though the two teams can’t be split at the WPT® Global Sportsbook, with both teams 2.47 to take the three points, the draw being a 3.70 shot.
A tumultuous two-and-a-half years under the Dutchman ended this week following yet another defeat at the weekend, going down 2-1 at West Ham to a controversial injury time penalty. While that may have been unlucky, few would argue that Ten Hag hasn’t been given a fair crack of the whip, with United at their lowest ebb in a generation. It’s been 11 years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired having secured his 13th EPL title, and his old club look as far away as ever from winning another.
Chelsea are no strangers to the managerial merry-go-round themselves, but look to have found a good one in Enzo Maresca. He has galvanised the troubled London club since assuming the hot-seat in the summer, and an impressive victory against Newcastle last week sees Chelsea head north standing 5th in the table.
Chelsea have not tasted EPL victory at Old Trafford since that final season under Ferguson, a deflected Juan Mata goal earning the Blues the points in May 2013, with United already having wrapped up the title.
Week 10 starts with Arsenal’s trip to Newcastle in the Saturday lunchtime game. Neither team is in great form, United losing at Chelsea last weekend to extend their winless run to five games, while the Gunners were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Liverpool, keeping them five points adrift of the league leaders.
Value hunters might be tempted by the 3.55 on the home side in this one, given Newcastle have won two of the past three clashes between these two teams at St James’ Park. Anthony Gordon got the only goal of the game last season, and his fitness could be key to Newcastle’s chances of victory this weekend.
Arsenal have injury problems of their own, with doubts over the fitness of defenders Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori and midfielder Martin Odegaard. The 1.91 on an away win might look a little skinny unless those three key players are confirmed as fit.
Aston Villa are loving life in the Champions League and are currently top of the standings under the new format. One team that would love to replace them in next year’s competition are Spurs, meaning this weekend’s clash between the two at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could be crucial.
Inconsistent Spurs undid all the good work done in bouncing back from defeat at Brighton by thumping West Ham when they suffered another away defeat last weekend, this time across London at Crystal Palace. What version of his team shall Ange Postecoglou see against Villa?
The hosts are 1.86 to grab the three points, while Villa, four places and five points better off standing 4th in the EPL, are 3.55 for an away win.
Given Villa have won on their past two visits to Spurs, are in better form and are enjoying a better season, that price is tempting many to back Villa to pile the pressure on Tottenham’s Aussie boss.
Other Premier League games this weekend:
- Bournemouth vs Manchester City
- Ipswich vs Leicester
- Liverpool vs Brighton
- Nottingham Forest vs West Ham
- Southampton vs Everton
- Wolves vs Crystal Palace
- Fulham vs Brentford
Turn to the WPT Global Sportsbook each day and each week to find your favourite teams, odds and bets to place.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
The best news and articles, once a week, delivered to the post office
Popular Poker News
Engaging videos, in-depth stories and exclusive interviews take you behind the scenes with the world's greatest poker players and moments.