EPL Week 3 Picks

This is an article written by Pat Taylor

Bournemouth-Tottenham, 7:30am ET, Saturday

We start with the sole lunch time KO in the Premier League between Bournemouth and Tottenham. Tottenham have certainly had the brighter start to the season and are the deserved favorites.  Spurs are certainly an intriguing option if I had to choose a side on the 3 way moneyline but the total holds alot of value. If you’re drowsy waking up to watch this one on the East Coast, you should wake up quite quickly. The new look Tottenham side has been end to end in their first two matches under Ange Postecoglou and I don’t expect this week to be any different. There should be plenty of chances for both sides. The Cherries and Spurs have allowed a whopping 75 shots combined in the first two weeks. Both clubs also rank in the top 10 in xGA (expected goals allowed). I expect there to be bundles of goals in this one. The total sits at 3 (-110) and I’ve gone over here in one of my favorite wagers of the weekend. 

Everton-Wolves, 10:00am ET, Saturday

This clash between the two clubs that reside at the bottom of the Premier League table will probably be the most unwatchable match of the weekend. There is just not many redeeming qualities about either squad in attack, especially with the likes of Alex Iwobi and Dominic Calvert-Lewin out for Everton. Both managers would be happy with a point here and certainly do not want to get 0 from their first 9 possible points to start the campaign. Everton should sit deep as Dyche always prefers and without there being much quality in terms of attack, they almost have to. Academy type players will be in use at times. The only worry here is that Wolves really go for it and put 3 past Everton but I can’t see Wolves really putting it to them away from home. I expect this to be a cagey affair for the most part. I’ll happily indulge in the total here at 2.5 with the under. 

Burnley-Aston Villa, 9:00am ET, Sunday

Aston Villa have certainly been impressive their past two times out. Winning at Hibernian 5-0 in the midweek after thrashing Everton on the weekend 4-0. Despite this, the Villains give me pause long term. The loss of Tyrone Mings at CB and Buendia in the midfield will hurt sooner than later. You just cannot lose that type of quality in key positions and expect to keep the same levels. Burnley got the week off after Luton Town’s stadium was not up to Premier League snuff but reportedly did beat United in a closed doors match in midweek (?). Kompany’s side certainly will have their hands full all season as the squad lacks the talent of a side that usually stays up. Despite that, Kompany is one of the best young managers in the country and will have his players rearing to go every time. While the week off certainly is not ideal this early on as you want to gain match fitness and familiarity, I think this particular scenario favors them. They have had the time to train, play a friendly, and scout ahead of Sunday. Villa will be playing their 3rd match in 9 days and their second away from home in 5 days. Turf Moor should be buzzing for this Sunday matinee clash and I expect Burnley to get some kind of result out of it. Give me Burnley +.5 (-130).