Matthew Taylor

THIS week we have four suggested bets from the top two tiers of English football that we hope can help punters build their banks early on in a long season.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

Bournemouth v Watford

Watford’s intensity was very impressive in Round 1 and they fought right to the death to claim a point against Liverpool. That pace and determination wasn’t evident in Bournemouth’s game as they succumbed to defeat at West Brom despite dominating possession (71%). The Cherries looked tame in the final third and susceptible on the counter attack, something Watford could exploit. We acknowledge Bournemouth’s excellent record as home favourites last year but are happy to take them on here at odds on. While a draw is possible, we’re going to back Watford’s potency to get them over the line, albeit with some insurance.

Betting tip: Watford Draw No Bet @ $2.95 (Unibet)

Liverpool v Crystal Palace

This is a very confident play. Liverpool scored three goals away to Watford despite a number of wasted chances last week. On the flip side, Crystal Palace shipped three at home to promoted Huddersfield. Now Liverpool, on the back of a midweek European victory, gets a crack at the vulnerable Palace outfit still adapting to Frank de Boer’s ‘back three’. We expect Liverpool to have no trouble finding the back of the net here, with their pace among the front three too much for the Eagles to handle.

Betting tip: Liverpool to score Over 2.5 Goals (some shops listed as 3+ Goals) @ $2.30 (Centrebet)

Stoke City v Arsenal

Arsenal and Leicester played out an opening night thriller at the Emirates and despite conceding three, they netted four of their own to take the points. The Foxes’ pace and tenacity opened up Arsenal’s defence but Stoke, put simply, does not pose the same threat. Everton was there for the taking last week but they barely troubled the Toffees’ defence and it is hard to see the Gunners facing any issues of their own down back. The price on offer is acceptable to back the Gunners to make it two from two.

Betting tip: Arsenal to win @ $1.85 (Bet365)

ENGLISH CHAMPIONSHIP

Wolverhampton v Cardiff

A top-of-the-table clash has cropped up in Round 4 of the Championship with undefeated Wolverhampton and Cardiff facing off at the Molineux. Both have netted six times in three games but Cardiff is also yet to concede a single goal and that bodes well heading into a tricky away fixture. Wolves have been smashed into $4.00 title favourites but we’re yet to be 100% convinced and are not sure they deserve to be $2.05 here. We’re predicting a tight one and taking the +0.5 Handicap in favour of Cardiff at what looks generous odds.

Betting tip: Cardiff +0.5 @ $1.88 (Bet 365)