PREMIER LEAGUE SATURDAY: The Striker previews TOTTENHAM v BRIGHTON and CHELSEA v MANCHESTER UNITED both with a recommended BETDAQ bet.
TOTTENHAM V BRIGHTON
5.30pm We have an intriguing Saturday from the Premier League on Betdaq Betting Exchange this week! Two absolutely massive games – one in the relegation battle as Spurs host Brighton and another in the race for Champions League spots as Chelsea host Manchester United. You could say this is the best Saturday evening of the season so far! This is as high stakes as it gets for Spurs as they dropped into the relegation zone last weekend – a win for West Ham on Friday night was followed by a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland. Roberto De Zerbi was appointed on a five-year deal just before the international break, replacing interim boss Igor Tudor, who lasted just six weeks without winning a single league game. De Zerbi arrived with a reputation as one of the most exciting coaches in European football – he didn’t get a good welcome from the squad judging by the performance! It was, by most accounts, lifeless – the same problems that have plagued this side all season stubbornly refusing to disappear under new management. Spurs needed a “new manager bounce” and it didn’t come. One wonders how the atmosphere will be inside the stadium here; surely things could turn quite toxic quite early. It feels like the players have really let themselves down this season; they need to show some fight now.
We have an open betting heat – Brighton are the favourites at 2.48 with Spurs 2.9 and the draw is 3.85 at the time of writing. Relegation from the Premier League is not just a sporting failure – for a club of Tottenham’s size, it would be a financial catastrophe of the highest order. Those memes are quite funny of the Championship sides in awe of the stadium, but this is a club that cannot afford to be playing Championship football. Spurs have been poor all season though; their average xG created of 1.32 is a below par figure not far off the bottom of the table, reflecting a team that has struggled badly to create meaningful chances throughout the season. Defensively, they have an average xG conceded of 1.46 – not quite relegation standard but very poor. Brighton have been playing better football – their average xG created is 1.51, and their average xG conceded of 1.38 is also better than Spurs. Brighton have been lacklustre this season, but they have put three wins together coming into this game. The big question is whether the relegation pressure and De Zerbi’s arrival in his first home game generates the kind of urgent performance Spurs need. There really hasn’t been many positives this season. I couldn’t put anyone off Brighton at 2.48, but I do feel we’ll see goals here, and I’m happy with a small bet on Over 2.5 goals at 1.72.
The Striker Says:
One point win Over 2.5 goals at 1.72 with BETDAQ BETTING EXCHANGE.
You can view all markets here -> https://betdaq.biz/PLToBr
CHELSEA V MANCHESTER UNITED
8pm We stay in London to finish Saturday as Chelsea host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. I know an 8pm kick off time isn’t good for traveling fans, but it’s fantastic viewing for a TV game! This is probably one of the most consequential fixtures in the race for Champions League football this season. United obviously have a big advantage – they come into the game seven points clear of Chelsea with six games remaining, you’d have to call it a must win game for Chelsea. Time is running out. Chelsea come into the game as the favourites at 2.28 with Manchester United 3.3 and the draw is 3.8 at the time of writing. Michael Carrick’s side have been the story of the season in many ways; they boast the best attacking xG figures in the Premier League with an impressive average xG created of 1.79. Their xG conceded of 1.31 is in the top four defensive figures too. They did have these figures when Ruben Amorim was there in fairness, but Carrick seems to have given the squad confidence. Obviously they have benefitted from no European commitments – that really does help, and it will be interesting to see do United repeat the same cycle next season. They have been in this loop of appoint new manager, play well, play poorly, sack him and start again for years now.
Chelsea are under pressure in the Champions League races – the top five will get spots this season, but they come into the weekend sitting in sixth. They have an average xG created of 1.59 which is fifth best attacking figure and their xG conceded figure of 1.32 shows they are defensively sound too. Chelsea are a strong side at Stamford Bridge, but they have been very unreliable this season. They’ve also had their own manager drama too. I have to say on balance, I expected a more open betting heat – I’d have Chelsea a little bigger than their current 2.28. United have generally been good away from home this season; they’ve actually struggled more at Old Trafford to be honest. Chelsea have been sloppy at the back, and we should have an entertaining game here. Over 2.5 goals is trading 1.6 which is an appealing bet, however, it’s hard to get away from the Chelsea lay here at 2.28. I just expect a closer game than the odds suggest. United have been excellent going forward this season, and I’d have the market more even. I’m happy with a confident bet to end what should be a cracking day of action!
The Striker Says:
Three points lay (liability) Chelsea to beat Manchester United at 2.28 with BETDAQ BETTING EXCHANGE.
You can view all markets here -> https://betdaq.biz/PLChMu
