Chelsea, Manchester United, and Spurs Try To Get Ball Rolling After International Break

With the international break now over, the Premier League returns for Round 5 in a big way with seven of the weekend’s ten games all on Saturday. The break came at a good time for some of the struggling teams (looking at you Red Devils), whereas teams like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Leicester will be champing at the bit to get back out on the pitch and continue their run of good form.

There are some valuable plays come Saturday, specifically prop bets, so let's take a look at four games that yield some value.

Liverpool (-770) vs Newcastle (+2000), Draw (+800)
Liverpool have been firing on all cylinders since the campaign began in August. With the full 12 out of a possible 12 points, they sit on top of the EPL and look like the class of England at this early stage. They have also proven in the past that the international break does not slow them down in the slightest, as last year they won all three of their league matches after the international break. So here comes Newcastle limping into Anfield. In their four EPL games, they have a dismal record of 1-2-1. What’s worse, they have only scored three goals in their four league games. With Liverpool flying high and at home, what could go wrong? To answer a rhetorical question, almost everything. Newcastle has not beaten Liverpool since 2015, and twice in the last three games Liverpool have won to nil. The value here is definitely not in the moneyline. Over 3.5 goals (+108) is the play here as Liverpool has averaged 3.0 goals in their last three matches vs Newcastle. They may get that in the first half, but Newcastle could help matters by scoring one goal themselves. If that doesn’t entice you, Home Team to win to nil Yes (-129) is another recommended play.

Manchester United (-121) vs Leicester City (+350) ​,​ Draw (+270)
After a cracking start vs Chelsea to begin the campaign, a 4-nil drubbing of the Blues, things have gone downhill for the Red Devils, and fast. Draw, loss, draw, and not to the top tier of the league, either. Wolves, Crystal Palace (especially embarrassing as this was a loss at Old Trafford), and Southampton--hardly the cream of the crop. It appears the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer honeymoon has definitely ended and the marriage is on the rocks after not even a year. This is where the international break could help a team. At least that’s what United fans hope. Leicester City on the other hand come into Old Trafford on a run of good form, having won three in a row (including and EFL Cup victory over Newcastle); all in all, they have not been on the losing side in all five competitive matches this season. Jamie Vardy is leading the way with three EPL goals this season, and as he goes, so go the Foxes. Leicester haven’t beaten United since--wait for it--2014. The last ten matches have seen United win seven, and draw three. It looks like everything is all in United’s favor here, yes? Not so fast. These are strange times at Old Trafford, and all of the past statistics can get thrown out of the window. The mystique is gone (exhibit A, losing at home to the aforementioned Crystal Palace). This game has draw (+270) written all over it for me, but taking Leicester moneyline (+350) is a very viable play here as well.

Tottenham (-265) vs Crystal Palace (+800), Draw (+390)

On the surface, this matchup may look like an easy one for Spurs, but if you dig deeper, this is arguably the most intriguing matchup of the weekend. One quick look at the table and one would think they were in some sort of Freaky Friday: The Soccer Edition, as both team’s usual roles have been reversed. Palace is sitting in the top four, while Spurs are nestled in 9th place. Again, it’s early in the campaign, but still it’s a snapshot of the current form. Palace is a confident bunch after going into Old Trafford and coming away with a victory, while Spurs have struggled with only one victory to start the season, with a glaring loss at home to Newcastle. Most of Tottenham’s games have been exciting, however, with four combined goals in all but the 1-nil loss to the aforementioned Newcastle. Palace’s league matches so far have been the exact opposite, with scores of 1-nil (W), 2-1 (W), 1-nil (L), and 0-0 (D)--that’s not pretty. Tottenham’s defense have shown some loose moments this season, and Palace should take advantage of that. The favorite plays here are Both Teams To Score Yes (-118), and I love Home Team To Win And Both Teams To Score Yes at +195. Putting a little something on a draw here is also a viable option at +390.

Wolves (+190) vs Chelsea (+150), Draw (+235)
Things have not gone as planned so far for Chelsea in the 2019-20 season. Bringing in favorite son and club and country icon Frank Lampard had fans of the Blues giddy with excitement, but sadly for them, it’s only been the blues as Chelsea has sputtered to a 1-1-2 start. Frankly (no pun intended), they have been uninspired so far, evident in their last league match vs Sheffield United, which ended in a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge. Most years, those two teams wouldn't belong on the same pitch. Eden Hazard is sorely missed at the front, and there are no more John Terrys and Ricardo Carvalhos dominating the back like days of yore. All of their games have been tight this year, but again, only one win to show for it. Wolves have gotten off to an even worse start, with only three draws and a loss on their record. They obviously play tight matches, more importantly, they have scored in all but one league match this year. They haven’t been beaten in their last ten EPL home matches, and only a draw here would make that eleven. They have six wins and four draws in those ten home games, and have failed to score only once. My favorite play here is Home Team To Win and Both Teams To Score Yes (+450). I also like Tie And Both Teams To Score Yes (+335). In the end, Wolves win this one (+190) at home.

Those are the favorite matchups and plays of the weekend. Good luck!

*Credit for the main photo in this article goes to Rui Vierira/Associated Press