CAN you feel the energy in the air, Premier League fans?
One of the competition’s biggest rivalries headlines a massive week of English Premier League action as the Red and Blue sides of Manchester clash to determine who will potentially sit alone atop the ladder.
That is only just the beginning.
Leicester and Liverpool meet, both harbouring hopes of kick-starting their seasons after quiet starts and Arsenal and Southampton clash at the Emirates.
It is going to be a fun ride.
All odds for the opening week of the season are provided by Sportsbet.com.au.
New customers can get their first bet at Sportsbet matched up to the value of $501.
Selections for the EPL Week 4 multi:
Manchester United to defeat Manchester City ($2.25)
Bournemouth to beat West Brom ($2.05)
Arsenal to win against Southamption ($1.57)
Chelsea to beat Swansea ($1.60)
Combined multi value: $11.58 @ Sportsbet.com.au
Manchester United vs. Manchester City
Saturday, 10th September from 9.10pm, Old Trafford, Manchester
The biggest game of the year is upon us – the two powerhouses of the 2016/17 who also happen to be bitter rivals meet in the Manchester Derby to kick off our multi.
Does it get any better?
The Red Devils are flying at the moment, and after their last gasp win against Hull two weeks ago they remain one of only three teams that has maximum points after the opening month.
The other team being Manchester City.
The Sky Blues have demolished every team in the path so far, but they will have to compete this week without superstar striker Sergio Aguero, who will miss the next three weeks through suspension.
The loss of Aguero tips the Manchester scales over to the red side.
We are backing Jose to take the men in red to a fourth straight win.
Multi tip: Manchester United to win – $2.25
Bournemouth vs. West Brom
Sunday, 11th September from 12am, Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth
The idyllic coastal town of Bournemouth is the setting for one of this week’s most intriguing match ups.
The home side will be buoyed greatly by the loan deal of Jack Wilshere, who joins the club after failing to cement his position in the Arsenal 11.
He has superstar ability and steps straight into the Bournemouth side as their best player by the length of the pitch.
West Brom failed to make a big impact in the transfer window, and for a team that battled relegation last season it spells trouble.
The Baggies are $3.60 outsiders to be demoted this season, and we expect those odds to shorten significantly as the season progresses.
This should be a walk in the park for the Cherries. They are a quality and composed outfit at home and the addition of Wilshere will add some polish to the front third.
Multi tip: Bournemouth to win – $2.05
Arsenal vs. Southampton
Sunday, 11th September from 12am, Emirates Stadium, London
Two teams that began the season hoping to challenge for the top four find themselves in a precarious position after three weeks in the form of Arsenal and Southampton.
The Gunners start to the season has been one to forget.
In typical Arsenal fashion they dropped the opener at home against Liverpool, and have only managed to record a single win since.
If they are to compete for the title as they hope to they cannot afford to drop this home match up.
Southampton have been one of the teams that continues to defy the critics every year in the EPL, but this season the talent leaving the club may have caught up.
The Saints only have two points to their name; a disappointing return given they were favoured to win two of the three matches.
We do not the Saints will add to their points tally in game week four. Arsenal has too much class and too much to play for, even at this early stage of the season.
Multi tip: Arsenal to win – $1.57
Swansea vs. Chelsea
Monday, 12th September from 1am, Liberty Stadium, Wales
Joint league leaders Chelsea travel south to face the Swans of Swansea in a match that could get ugly for the home side.
Chelsea may be 3-0 to start the season but it could have been much different if Diego Costa’s form was not at the level it currently is.
Costa scored last minute back-to-back winners to secure the points for his team, ensuring maximum points cross the first three weeks of football.
The fiery Spaniard is arguably the best striker in the league right now, and after scoring a brace for his country during the week he will be fired up to keep the scoring run going.
It has been a disappointing fortnight of football for Swansea.
After upsetting Burnley at home on the opening day of the season, the Swans have failed to win since.
Swansea would have to pull something special out of the bag to beat Chelsea in Wales, but we do not think they have enough magic to subdue the likes of Costa and Eden Hazard.
Chelsea should prove too powerful for Swansea to finish our multi off in style.
Multi tip: Chelsea to win – $1.60
Premier League promotions for game week 4
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