Ante Post Betting – English Premier League – Part 4
Premier League Betting – Team Analysis
Welcome to Part 4 of our Premier League Betting Analysis for each team. Today, and over the next few days, we'll highlight the major changes, transfers and insights for each of the 20 premier league sides, along with our best bet per team on the season-long markets.
– Southampton
Last season was a disaster for the Saints; it’s hard to see a season this time around where improvements aren’t made. Stuart Armstrong, Mohamed Elyounossi and Jannik Vestergaard are the standout singings for Mark Hughes, in a window where they have been selective, but quick. Vestergaard has been signed to cover van Dijk after the Dutchman left for Liverpool last season; it’s clear that a defensive leader was top of Hughes’s priorities.
Losing Dusan Tadic to Ajax may prove to be the biggest blow for Southampton with a real void being left by his missing creativity.
Gabbiadini will probably be tasked with leading the line if a new striker isn’t signed. A lack of goals was what dragged Southampton into a relegation dog fight last campaign.
To finish in the bottom half: 15/8
Southampton’s incomings aren’t enough to cover their losses. They’re likely to bob between the top and bottom halves of the league throughout the campaign; 15/8 is a great price to finish underwater.
– Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham have once again sleepwalked through this summer without making any signings. Toby Alderweireld still looks destined to leave Pochettino’s side, but without any immediate cover planned it’s a concerning sign for Spurs. Sure, they have quality in their starting eleven, however, without any real depth it is hard to see the North London side fighting on four fronts next season.
Kane needs to end his August drought to enable Tottenham to get off to a fast start. With two wins out of their previous nine ‘first three’ fixtures, they are used to playing catch up at the start of each season.
Top goalscorer: Harry Kane 5/2
Kane knows this league inside out now. We can ASSUME that Salah won’t have a repeat season in front of goal this campaign, leaving the Spurs striker to romp to the trophy again. With the amount of shots Kane takes, goals are always inevitable.
– Watford
Making a big profit in selling Richarlison to Everton has enabled Javi Gracia to strengthen in typical Watford style. This typical Watford style being: plucking players from obscurity. Marc Navarro, Adam Masina and Ken Sema fit that bill this year, with an exciting midfield still in place looking to supply the strike force.
That aforementioned ‘strike force’ is the biggest issue, however. Without signing a recognised front man, Troy Deeney may be relied on for another season; Andre Gray may well get the nod as the season rolls on.
Gracia needs to start fast, or Watford could get sucked into trouble.
Watford to be relegated: 2/1
With Fulham and Wolves expected to flourish in the top tier, a gap opens up at the bottom of the standings. If Watford struggle for goals, they could soon be in a relegation battle.
– West Ham
The Hammers’ transfer movements have turned heads in the Premier League. Felipe Anderson, Issa Diop, Andriy Yarmolenko, Lukasz Fabianski and Jack Wilshere have all made the move to the London Stadium, however, West Ham fans have a history of seeing big money signings flop in claret and blue.
Wilshere will inject an energy into the heart of the midfield; his creativity will allow the wider threats to flourish, as well as West Ham’s main man this season – Marco Arnautovic. The Austrian finally found his feet after a move from Stoke last campaign.
Manuel Pellegrini’s arrival was a savvy move by the owners. The former Premier League winner will, of course, be under pressure to get results, but with his influence already being shown in the transfer market the Chilean looks up to the task.
Without the big six: 7/1
This may be too much to ask, however, if Pellegrini can get off to a fast start, West Ham’s fire power and speed may enable them to finish the ‘best of the rest’.
– Wolverhampton Wanderers
The hype has already started surrounding Nuno Santo’s Wolves. Their exciting brand of football enabled them to waltz to the Championship title last season scoring 82 goals in the process, whether they can stick to their philosophy in the top tier is the biggest question.
Benik Afobe, Raul Jimenez, Rui Patricio, Joao Moutinho and Jonny Castro Otto have all joined in the summer to add to the Iberian feel around the club; their passing, possession style of football could be the key in breaking down some of the more robust defensive sides.
Costa, Jota and Jimenez are expected to lead the line for Wolves, in a season that could see them knocking on the door of Europe. Neves in midfield is their star.
To finish in the top half: 11/10
There are enough weaker sides in the league for Wolves to take advantage of. A top half finish would be incredible, but, achievable.
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Freelance sports writer, sports data analyst and content creator; Lewis has provided some of the biggest names in the betting industry with written content and betting tips over the past seven years. Specialising in football, boxing, and darts, his eye for detail – as well as value – has seen him yield a significant profit as BetVictor's darts tipster. Lewis co-authored the Football Advisor World Cup Stats Betting Pack