Despite having lots of talent in the locker room, both Newcastle and West Ham are still without any points in the 2017/2018 season of the Premier League. That will change this Saturday, at least for one of these teams.
The same day, we’ll see another interesting clash – Watford versus Brighton. We’re going to see whether Watford players have what it takes to keep the good run going. Or, perhaps, the biggest relegation-candidate, Brighton, can cause an upset?
Newcastle United vs. West Ham United
Three-Way: 1: Newcastle +140; X: +250 Draw; 2: West Ham +237
Spread -0.5: Newcastle +137; West Ham -145
Total +2.5: Over +102; Under -106
NEWCASTLE
If you take a look at bookies’ offers on “First Premier League Manager to Get Fired in 2017/2018”, you will see that Rafael Benitez is the number 1 favorite. If you’re wondering why that’s the case, simply take a look at the recent run of Newcastle! Not only did they lose both of the matches in the Premier League (to Tottenham and Huddersfield), but they also lost in the League Cup on Wednesday. Nottingham Forest, a team playing in the Championship, beat them 3:2 at the St. James’ Park.
Something definitely needs to change in Newcastle unless they improve their form ASAP. They have a couple of relatively easy games ahead, so Benitez has a chance to prove he’s worth the managerial post. In September, Newcastle will have a good chance to win a couple points, as they play against Swansea, Stoke, and Brighton. Still, not losing to West Ham on Saturday would certainly be a massive morale-booster.
Newcastle definitely has a decent squad, made of players that dominated the Championship last season. On top of that, they’ve brought several very talented players this summer, including Siem de Jong, Henry Saivet, JaviManquillo, Jacob Murphy, Joselu, and so on. Unfortunately, Benitez won’t have the full squad at his disposal. Dummett and Lejeune are injured, while Jonjo Shelvey is serving a suspension. There’s also a doubt whether Gayle will be fit for this clash.
WEST HAM
Same as Newcastle, the Hammers also started this Premier League season rather poorly. They lost the opener to Manchester United, which was expected. However, they could’ve done better against Southampton last weekend. Actually, they did pretty well in that game, playing with 10 players after Arnautovic received a red card in the 33rd minute.
Chicharito scored both goals for West Ham in that game, proving that he was a superb signing. In fact, this season, the Hammers have a pretty decent squad. Despite a poor start, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they got into the competition for one of the Champions League places.
West Ham manager, Slaven Bilic, won’t be able to count on one of the last season’s best players, Manuel Lanzini, who is injured. The same goes for suspended Marko Arnautovic. Still, Bilic has plenty of top-quality players to choose from.
You can expect Diafra Sakho to start the match, as the attacker shower a real class this Wednesday in the League Cup duel with Cheltenham Town. He scored once and made an assist in the 2:0 win. Of course, Chicharito will feature in this game – that goes without a doubt.
Newcastle United vs. West Ham United
It’s hard to predict the outcome of this match. Still, one thing is certain – both sides will do their best to win their first points of the new Premier League season. That’s why it wouldn’t be bad to bet on goals on both ends.
Still, if you feel a bit more adventurous, perhaps betting on West Ham + BTS is the right solution. After all, the Hammers have the talent on their side, especially in the attack.
MY PICK: Both teams to score YES (-120)
Watford vs. Brighton
Three-Way: 1: Watford +106; X: +250 Draw; 2: Brighton +351
Spread -0.5: Watford -101; Brighton -104
Total +2.5: Over +134; Under -133
WATFORD
So far, Watford has been doing pretty well in the Premier League. They’re without a defeat so far, even though they played against Liverpool on an opening day. That game ended 3:3 after Britos brought his team the equalizer in the 3rd minute of the extra time. A week after, Watford traveled to Bournemouth and made a 2-0 win.
Unfortunately for Watford, they won’t be able to take on Brighton with their best 11. It’s because several key players are struggling with injuries, most notably Pereyra. The long-term absentees, Zarate, Kaboul, and Janmaat, are also out of the protocol. Still, these three were out in the previous games as well, which didn’t prevent Watford from grabbing the good results.
There is another good news, which is that Brice DjaDjedje might be ready to return. The right back has been away due to an injury for a while now, but it seems that he’s overcome that problem. The only thing that’s bothering him right now is the lack of match fitness.
BRIGHTON
Last season Brighton played in the Championship. They surely don’t want to get back there, but the bookies think this team will get relegated at the end of the season. In fact, Brighton is the top favorite for relegation. They haven’t done much to prove them wrong so far – Brighton lost both Premier Leagues so far. Still, to be fair, they played against much stronger sides, Manchester City and Leicester.
Brighton will be without a few players in the Saturday’s match, including Baldock, Brown, and Kayal. Still, most of their key players are fit and ready for the clash with Watford. But, the question is whether they have the quality to mess up the Hornets’ plans.
I think they don’t. If you take a look at their squad, you will see that they simply don’t have enough talent to stay in the Premier League. Surely, they will give their utmost to win at least a point on Saturday, but I honestly doubt that could happen.
Watford vs. Brighton – Match Prediction
This is a chance for Watford to grab a few more points before getting to play against much tougher sides. After the duel with Brighton, they will play Manchester City and Arsenal, respectively. I really doubt that Watford will miss such a good chance to get another 3 points.
MY PICK: Watford to win (+106)
