Premier League Bet Builder tips: Fabian Schar could fall foul of referee at Villa Park

When to bet

Aston Villa vs Newcastle
TNT Sports 1, Saturday 12.30pm

Nottingham Forest vs Brentford
Sky Sports Premier League, Sunday 2pm

Manchester United vs Arsenal
Sky Sports Main Event & Premier League, Sunday 4.30pm

Best bets

Fabian Schar to be shown a card
1pt 11-4 Betfair, Paddy Power

Mikkel Damsgaard to score or assist 
2pts 10-3 Betfair, Paddy Power

Bukayo Saka to score or assist 
2pts 6-5 Betfair, Paddy Power

Recommended

4/5

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Premier League Bet Builder tips

Eddie Howe has plenty to mull over before Newcastle's opening clash against Aston VillaCredit: Harriet Massey

Aston Villa vs Newcastle

The talk around Aston Villa’s lunchtime clash with Newcastle will be dominated by the players who aren’t playing rather than the ones who are, with Magpies striker Alexander Isak on strike and Jacob Ramsey completing a transfer between the two clubs.

On the pitch, Eddie Howe famously gives new signings plenty of time to bed in so don’t expect new central defender Malick Thiaw to start.

Fabian Schar looks likely to play at the heart of Howe’s defence and is a tempting price to be shown a card.

The 33-year-old looks set to struggle against the pace of Ollie Watkins - he was controversially booked in this fixture last season after a foul on the pacy forward, and that was one of ten cards that Schar received last term.

Nottingham Forest vs Brentford

A fascinating encounter between Nottingham Forest and Brentford starts tomorrow’s card with a clash between teams in a state of transition.

Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has bemoaned a lack of signings and the Tricky Trees have only scored one goal in seven preseason games.

Meanwhile the Bees have had a major clearout and new manager Keith Andrews will be taking charge of his first game.

One interpretation of Brentford’s transfer business is that they have a lot of faith in Mikkel Damsgaard. The Dane was a revelation last season and will have to step up in the absence of Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa and Christian Norgaard.

Andrews was set-piece coach last season and Damsgaard was the secondary taker behind Mbeumo. 

He will be the main man this term and looks a big price to score or assist in this opener, after recording ten assists and two goals last season.

Bukayo Saka's hamstring injury was a hammer blow for Arsenal's in the final months of the seasonCredit: Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Manchester United vs Arsenal

An overreliance on Bukayo Saka has been a major issue for Arsenal for some time and the signs from pre-season are that plenty will be asked of the forward once again.

The England international had ten assists and six goals in just 25 league appearances last season and managed 16 goals and nine assists in 2023-24.

Against a Manchester United side who still look a major work in progress, particularly off the ball, Saka is expected to once again be the Gunners’ main attacking threat.

Recommended

4/5

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2024-25 Premier League player stats

Stats refer to Premier League games only

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