PREMIER LEAGUE THURSDAY: The Striker previews Thursday’s games between FULHAM v ASTON VILLA and LEICESTER v LEEDS both with a recommended BETDAQ bet and extended match stats via FACTMAN.
FULHAM V ASTON VILLA
7.30pm We finished the midweek round of Premier League fixtures on BETDAQ Betting Exchange on Thursday with two huge fixtures towards the bottom of the table. We start the evening with Fulham hosting Aston Villa after a wild few days on social media regarding Aston Villa. Steven Gerrard was pictured on Twitter in his “local” Liverpool pub, and from there the rumours have been flowing saying he has been sacked. The reality is, at the moment, he is still in charge of Aston Villa but there’s no getting away from the fact that he is under pressure. The UK media haven’t really applied the pressure as much as social media, but Gerrard just hasn’t improved Villa and when you look at their xG figures you can see why they are fancied to be in a relegation battle. At the moment they sit just outside the relegation zone and have only managed nine points from their opening ten games. Despite not picking up a win in their last three games, they have actually played their best football of the season. Football is a funny game isn’t it? Gerrard is seemingly under the most pressure when his side have played their best football without much luck. They lost 2-0 to Chelsea at the weekend, but finished the game with an xG of 2.65 – probably their best performance of the season.
Prior to the loss to Chelsea, they recorded draws with Leeds and Nottingham Forest, both times playing well. There really wasn’t many chances in a very boring game with Nottingham Forest but they finished the game against Leeds with an xG of 2.58. Ironically the Leeds managed moaned Villa were boring, but Leeds only managed an xG of 0.32! Fulham will be absolutely delighted with their start to the season, and they have moved out of the relegation discussion for the moment. A loss here might see them under a little pressure again though, and you don’t need me to tell you that this is a massive game for both sides. It’s no surprise that we have an open market, and we should have a very close game here. Villa come into the game as favourites which is understandable given their recent performances. However, Villa just haven’t been taking their chances and I can see a pretty cagey game here anyway – the draw is worth a small investment at 3.5 in what should be a fascinating game. One wonders if Villa lose how long will Gerrard be in the job for!
The Striker Says:
One point win Draw at 3.5 with BETDAQ BETTING EXCHANGE.
You can view all markets here -> https://betdaq.biz/FulAst
LEICESTER V LEEDS
8.15pm We finish the evening with another fixture that will have a huge impact on the relegation battle as Leicester host Leeds. Leicester had another disappointing result at the weekend with a very dull 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace. It was nice to land a Max Lay on them though, and really and truly their performances have been woeful this season. Brendan Rodgers is surely going to be under a lot of pressure soon but the UK media haven’t really be on his case yet. Despite recently finally recording a win with a smooth 4-0 win here against Nottingham Forest, Leicester remain nailed to the bottom of the table with just five points from their ten games. It’s clear to see what the issue is for Leicester – they have just been conceding too many sloppy goals and they are giving away too many chances too. They are conceding an average xG of 1.7 in the Premier League this season which clearly isn’t going to win you many games. We all know that Leeds are a side with issues at the back too, but you have to feel that they are going to get plenty of chances here against this average Leicester side. It’s no surprise that we have an open market, but I still feel Leicester are too short as their current 2.4. I would have them higher and almost the same price as Leeds. You can understand Leicester being favourites though – they have home advantage and Leeds come into this game without a win for a while.
Indeed, Leeds are six games without a win since beating Chelsea 3-0. They actually started the season so positively with two wins and a draw from their opening three games but since then they haven’t managed to put a win in the back. They played very well at the weekend though against Arsenal and they were very lucky to lose. They lost 1-0 but finished the game with an xG of 2.35 – Arsenal are having a great season too and you have to be impressed with that performance from Leeds. While they concede a lot of sloppy goals too, I feel they have been playing their football at a higher level than Leicester this season. Obviously it is tempting to consider Over 2.5 goals for my best bet here at 1.76 given we should have an open game, however I can’t get away from the Leicester lay at 2.4. It’s not quite a Max Bet like the weekend but it’s a confident selection.
The Striker Says:
Three points lay (liability) Leicester to beat Leeds at 2.4 with BETDAQ BETTING EXCHANGE.
You can view all markets here -> https://betdaq.biz/LeiLee
