Early Premier League leaders Everton will look to build on their fine start to the 2020-21 campaign when they welcome Merseyside rivals and current champions Liverpool to Goodison Park on Saturday.
Toffees to Make Life Tough for Reds
Everton fans saw some signs of improvement after Carlo Ancelotti was appointed in December but they lost their way after Project Restart and failed to mount a challenge for a European berth.
After some shrewd business during the summer transfer window, which saw the likes of James Rodriguez, Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure added to the squad, Everton have started the new term very well.
Allan and Doucoure have offered extra protection for Everton’s backline, while James’ creativity has brought the best out of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Indeed, Calvert-Lewin has scored a joint-league high six goals in four games with the Colombian chipping in with three goals and two assists.
Confidence is gushing through the camp at Goodison and it could be argued that Everton haven’t had a better chance to beat Liverpool since they last triumphed over their cross-city rivals which, incredibly, came way back, in October 2010.
Liverpool’s 7-2 loss to Aston Villa prior to the international break will also offer further hope to the Everton faithful.
The Reds’ form on the road, which stretches back to last season, is also worth noting after losing four of their past eight league games when playing away from Anfield.
Everton are attractively priced at 57/20 to pick up all three points, but backing the Toffees or a draw in the double chance market at 20/21 could be the way to go.
Arsenal Seeking Statement Win
Arsenal, much like Everton, have been in the ascendancy since bringing in former midfielder Mikel Arteta in December.
They ended 2019-20 on a positive note as they beat Chelsea to seal a record-extending 14th FA Cup and they have continued to build on that success in 2020-21.
Arteta is looking to secure a top-four spot this season and, if they can maintain their early season form, that appears to be a realistic target.
The Gunners have picked up nine points from their opening four games, losing only to Liverpool, and a result at Manchester City on Saturday would send out a serious statement to their rivals.
City have been underwhelming so far this term and boast just four points from three matches after seemingly suffering from their exploits in the latter stages of the 2019-20 Champions League.
Pep Guardiola’s men failed to bounce back from a humiliating 5-2 defeat at home to Leicester when playing out a draw at Leeds last time out.
The north Londoners, led by Arteta, beat City 2-0 when they met in the semi-finals of the FA Cup in July but haven’t enjoyed much success against them over recent years, having failed to win at the Etihad since 2015.
Without Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus to lead the line, City have looked somewhat toothless and Arsenal, who could have newboy Thomas Partey in midfield, look well worth a punt at 5/1.
Magpies Look to Pile Further Misery on United
Newcastle have been steady away, claiming seven points from a possible 12 in 2020-21, and they will fancy their chances of adding to that tally when they host Manchester United on Saturday.
Barring the loss at home to Brighton in September, Steve Bruce will be delighted with the way his troops have performed.
The arrival of Callum Wilson over the summer has given the north east outfit a serious bite in the final third, while the news of Allan Saint-Maximin’s new deal earlier this week is also a further boost to their hopes of building on last season’s 13th-place finish.
Manchester United head north in desperate need of a win after a humiliating 6-1 loss at home to Tottenham prior to the international break.
However, they can’t call on Anthony Martial following his sending off in that defeat, while new signing Edinson Cavani isn’t available.
Loanee Odion Ighalo, who has just nine minutes of Premier League action under his belt this season, could be called on to lead the line.
Newcastle are unbeaten in three of their last four home meetings with United, winning twice during that sequence, and therefore they offer plenty of value in the double chance market at 11/10.
*All odds correct at time of writing
