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Flimsy Hammers could get smashed at Saints

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Manolo Gabbiadini celebrates scoring for Southampton
Manolo Gabbiadini celebrates scoring for SouthamptonCredit: Ian Walton

Bournemouth v Watford
Bournemouth struggled to break down a determined West Brom last weekend but punters should expect a goalfest when leaky Watford visit Dean Court.

Eddie Howe’s men created little at the Hawthorns but the Cherries enjoyed 71 per cent of the possession and they failed to score in just three home matches last season.

Watford played with a high intensity in their 3-3 thriller with Liverpool and they may feel like they can hurt the Cherries. But they have failed to keep a clean sheet in 14 league away matches and they are deficient defensively.

Recommendation
Both teams to score
2pts 8-11 Betfred

Team news
Bournemouth
Summer signing Jermain Defoe is in contention to start but Simon Francis faces a late fitness test.

Watford
Troy Deeney may feature but Daryl Janmaat, Roberto Pereyra and Younes Kaboul will all miss out.

Key stat
All four Premier League encounters between Bournemouth and Watford have ended in draws.

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

Burnley v West Brom
Burnley's form at Turf Moor played a big part in their Premier League survival last term and they can kickstart their 2017-18 home campaign with victory over West Brom.

The Clarets picked up 33 of their 40 points in Lancashire last season and a surprise 3-2 triumph at champions Chelsea in their curtain-raiser should have Sean Dyche’s troops in buoyant mood.

West Brom won just one of their final 13 away games last term and they beat Bournemouth 1-0 at the Hawthorns last weekend despite having just 29 per cent possession.

Recommendation
Burnley draw no bet
1pt 4-5 bet365

Team news
Burnley
Sean Dyche may name the same side that beat Chelsea, with Phil Bardsley and Dean Marney the only absentees.

West Brom
Gareth Barry could be handed his debut but Gareth McAuley and James Morrison are still out.

Key stat
Burnley are unbeaten in their last six meetings against West Brom at Turf Moor.

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com


Liverpool v Crystal Palace
Defensive frailties - all too apparent last term - came back to haunt Liverpool at Watford in their opener and they may need their fleet-footed frontmen to get them out of trouble when Crystal Palace come calling.

Jurgen Klopp’s Reds were a joy to watch when Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino were in full flow against the Hornets but they conceded three times from just four efforts on goal.

Palace have notched in ten of their last 11 meetings with Liverpool and can do so again.

Recommendation
Liverpool to win and both teams to score
1pt 15-8 bet365

Team news
Liverpool
Daniel Sturridge could be involved but Philippe Coutinho, Nathaniel Clyne and Adam Lallana all miss out.

Crystal Palace
Wilfried Zaha is sidelined but Yohan Cabaye and James McArthur may be fit enough to return.

Key stat
Liverpool conceded in 26 of their 38 Premier League games last term.

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

Leicester v Brighton
Leicester showed glimpses of their 2015-16 title-winning form when succumbing to a 4-3 defeat at the Emirates last weekend and the lively Foxes should have too much firepower for Brighton.

The Foxes were clinical infront of goal, they scored with each of their three efforts on target, and their classic counter-attacking style was used to good effect.

Harry Maguire and Wes Morgan have the makings of a resolute rearguard and the promoted Seagulls, who were defeated 2-0 by Manchester City last weekend, could struggle to land a blow.

Recommendation
Leicester
2pts 3-4 Betfred

Team news
Leicester
Danny Drinkwater, Vicente Iborra, Robert Huth and Nampalys Mendy remain on the sidelines.

Brighton
Izzy Brown and record signing Jose Izquierdo are out.

Key stat
Leicester have lost just one of their last seven Premier League home games.

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com


Southampton v West Ham
Southampton are finding goals hard to come by at St Mary’s but they continue to dominate and a visit from depleted West Ham may change their fortunes.

The Saints threw everything at Swansea in an entertaining goalless draw last weekend – they won the shot count 29-4 – and it shouldn’t be long until Mauricio Pellegrino’s men start firing.

The Hammers were pitiful in their 4-0 capitulation at Old Trafford, they registered just one shot on target, and with a number of key players on the sidelines they remain a work in progress.

Recommendation
Southampton
2pts 3-4 Betfred, Betway

Team news
Southampton
Ryan Bertrand should start and Mario Lemina could make his debut. Virgil van Dijk is still unavailable.

West Ham
Michail Antonio is in the squad but Andy Carroll, Cheikhou Kouyate and Manuel Lanzini remain out.

Key stat
West Ham have won just one of their last eight Premier League away games.

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

Aaron AshleyRacing Post Sport

Published on 18 August 2017inPremier League

Last updated 18:41, 18 August 2017

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