It really does tame you, this gambling lark.
Last Sunday, I had a £60 bet on Manchester United and Arsenal to win. I also backed both teams to score. The double was paying over £700.
I was one injury-time Ainsley Maitland-Niles worldie away from collecting.
I’m still not over it. Also, how is Maitland-Niles still only 29?
One more thing to ponder. Why is it impossible to say Dua Lipa without sounding like Dennis from Auf Wiedersehen, Pet?
Anyway, let’s get to the football.
Here are the best bets and football predictions from this weekend’s Premier League TV games. The big attraction is the Manchester derby on Sunday, September 13.
Tottenham vs Everton
Tottenham badly need a win against Everton.
Spurs have taken only one point from their opening three Premier League games. They have also failed to score in the league.
The goalless draw at Nottingham Forest offered some defensive encouragement. However, Spurs failed to register a shot on target.
The lack of a recognised centre-forward remains a concern. That issue could hurt Roberto De Zerbi’s new-look Tottenham side.
There is another factor to consider. Spurs have an excellent home record against Everton.
Tottenham have won their last five league meetings with Everton in North London. That run includes a 1-0 victory in May.
However, Everton now look like a difficult opponent. Tottenham’s attacking confidence also looks fragile.
I’m going Desmond.
Suggested bet: 2-2 draw at 14/1 (bet365 / Betfred / Boylesports)
Sunderland vs Arsenal
Arsenal face Sunderland at 8pm on Saturday.
That comes after their Champions League trip to Naples on Wednesday. Therefore, the Gunners could face a demanding schedule.
Sunderland have made an encouraging start to the season. They also have no major injury or suspension concerns.
However, Arsenal have greater squad depth.
The Gunners won 1-0 against Napoli in their Champions League opener. More importantly, they controlled large parts of the match.
Arsenal should have enough quality to control this game too.
As a result, backing Arsenal to win without conceding looks interesting.
Suggested bet: Arsenal to win to nil at 13/10 (Hills)
Coventry City vs Brighton
Coventry City have lost their first three Premier League games. Still, they have shown signs that they can compete at this level.
Frank Lampard’s Sky Blues lost only 1-0 to Manchester City last time out. That defeat came at the Etihad Stadium.
Brighton, meanwhile, have started the campaign with plenty of attacking threat.
Therefore, I am not going to overcomplicate this prediction.
The Bookie Basher predictive algorithm gives Brighton a strong chance of winning. It also points towards a game with goals.
So, this looks like a good opportunity to back Brighton and over 2.5 goals.
Suggested bet: Brighton to win and over 2.5 goals at 15/8 (Sky Bet)
Manchester United vs Manchester City
The first Manchester derby of the season could produce plenty of drama.
Manchester City currently sit at the top of the table. However, their recent record against Manchester United is not dominant.
City have won only one of their last four Premier League meetings with United. The other three produced one draw and two defeats.
Manchester United also have a strong home record since Michael Carrick took charge in January.
United have won nine of their last 10 Premier League home games during that period. They have also scored at least twice in every match during that run.
Carrick is a strange cat, no?
He is 45, yet his hair looks almost unchanged from 20 years ago. I’m convinced that barnet will one day be studied at Harvard.
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