FORM can often go out the window after an international break and the latest one has been like no other.
It wasn’t just a double header but a triple decker and if in case anyone didn’t notice Scotland qualified for a major tournament then reverted to type.
Top Premier League teams will welcome back players from all round the globe – some will be raring to go, others knackered and unfortunately some will return and be forced to isolate such as Mo Salah and Kai Havertz.
So picking winners this weekend isn’t just about looking at form and stats – there is the added problem of fitness and availability.
When I looked at the coupon one of the standout bets was Aston Villa at 5-4 with bet365 home to Brighton.
Villa have been impressive this season, hammering the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal, and should see off the Seagulls.
My one concern would be the energy levels of key men Jack Grealish and John McGinn who have been starring for England and Scotland respectively. The midfield maestros are now on course for a fascinating h2h at Wembley in June.
Villa have won five out of seven while Brighton have just six points from 24 although they’ve probably played better than that.
I fancy Villa and if Grealish has anything left in the tank back him to score at 5-2 with William Hill.
Saturday’s opening game sees Chelsea head to Newcastle and while the Blues are hot favourites they’ll have to gauge the fitness of many of their stars who have been away.
Chelsea are the league’s top scorers with 20 while both teams have scored in five of Newcastle’s last six. Back both to score at 5-6 with Betway.
After the Villa game we have Spurs vs Man City and all eyes will be on Ferran Torres who netted a hat-trick for Spain against Germany.
Torres hasn’t been given too many chances by Pep Guardiola but has netted three times and could get the nod ahead of Sergio Aguero who is ready for his comeback. Torres to score is 3-1 at bet365.
Spurs have finally got going under Jose Mourinho and have lost just once in 17 in all competitions. They lie second and could be the value at 33-10 with Unibet.
Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min have netted 15 between them and Spurs not to lose could be the best bet at evens with Betfred.
In the late game Man United are just 1-3 at home to West Brom. They should win but at that price I can’t trust them.
Elsewhere best bets are Ipswich at home to Shrewsbury. The Tractor Boys have won five in a row without conceding and are 17-20 at bet365.
Double up Ipswich with Charlton at home to Gillingham. Charlton have won six in a row with six clean sheets out of seven, including shut-outs against Sunderland and Portsmouth.
Top Treble
- Newcastle v Chelsea btts (12.30pm)
- Aston Villa
- Spurs not to lose (5.30pm)
- (15-2, unibet)
EFL Double
- Ipswich
- Charlton
- (21-10, BetVictor)
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