The premier league returns this weekend after last weekends round of shock results. Unexpected defeats for both Manchester clubs were the headline grabbing results but we can't forget to mention Cardiff also grabbing a result at Fulham. This weekend I'm looking into the perceived theory that trends are the friend of punters.
Manchester City v Everton
The early kick sees an out of sorts Man City host the only unbeaten team left in the premier league Everton. Both these teams have scored and scored regularly this season but City have been their usual impressive selves at home. City must look to bounce back after their disappointing efforts recently but a draw would also be taken gladly by Everton. Looking at trends for this match Man City have seen three or more goals in two of their three home matches. This is also backed up by Everton seeing three or more goals scored in two of their three away matches.
GOALS
Cardiff City v Newcastle United
Cardiff have made a good start to their first premier league season with results now both at home and away. Newcastle masked another poor first half display with a good effort in the second half against Everton. In truth there are major problems both on and off field at Newcastle and I don't see either being rectified quickly. Cardiff have proved strong at home and an out of form Newcastle must be travelling low in confidence and expectation. The stand out trend between these two teams is there record for second half goals. Two of the three matches at Cardiff and half of Newcastle away matches this season have seen most goals come in the second half.
SECOND HALF GOALS
Fulham v Stoke
Both of these two disappointed me last week end with both performance and results. Stoke impressed at Arsenal by never got started at home against Norwich last week whilst Fulham looked very poor at times against Cardiff. Martin Jol is under pressure and already there are doubts how much longer he will be in charge at the Cottage. The strongest trend I can find between these two teams is for less than three goals to be scored. It landed in two out of three Stoke away games and half of Fulham home matches this season.
UNDERS
Hull City v Aston Villa
This is a battle of two mid table teams with impressive records in relevant matches. Villa boast two away wins at present whilst Hull are unbeaten at home. One blow for Villa will be the loss of Benteke and they were not as impressive at Norwich recently when he went off. These are the types of matches that Steve Bruce knows he needs to collect points from if he is to avoid a relegation battle. Whilst Paul Lambert must look at these types of matches as his best chance to boost his teams chances of a higher league finish. I'm following the trend for Villa to avoid defeat at Hull and maybe pinch a result.
VILLA / DRAW DOUBLE CHANCE
Liverpool v Crystal Palace
After returning to winning ways last week these are the types of matches that Liverpool have stumbled with. Palace will get numbers behind the ball and deny Liverpool space, Liverpool have struggled at times to break down teams at Anfield and today is another one of these tests. Palace have looked good at times but have also lacked quality at vital moments to force results. Their defensive organisation will be majorly tested today and they could face long period without the ball. The most common trend in this match is for a clean sheet for the home team. Liverpool have only conceded once at home so far this season whilst Palace have failed to scored in half of their away matches.
HOME CLEAN SHEET
Sunderland v Manchester United
Few would of predicted this match at the start of the season being billed as a match between two strugglers. The media are loving their chance to attack David Moyes and this is another awkward match for them after travelling to the Ukraine in midweek. Sunderland showed only a mild improvement last week against Liverpool whilst United lacked tempo once more against West Brom. The home support will be really up for this match but United have a great record against Sunderland at the stadium of light. The most obvious trend for both Sunderland home and Manchester United away matches is goals and that's what I'm siding with again.
GOALS
Thanks for reading and good luck!
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