The 2021-22 Premier League campaign was tipped to be one of the most competitive for several years, and that prediction is certainly ringing true after seven matches. Just two points separate the top six teams, while a gap of nine points separates leaders Chelsea from 15th-placed Watford. Barring many unexpected occurrences, there will soon be a wider margin between the frontrunners and the chasing pack, but the return of the top flight after the international break could lead to some surprise results.
Just like people can take advantage of opportunities offered by online casinos such as Casino Gorilla, there are chances for punters to benefit from favourable betting odds in Gameweek Eight of the Premier League. If you spend your time reading social media, you may be convinced that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should not be in charge of Manchester United after his team's run of inconsistent results. Nevertheless, that should not stop United from bouncing back in style against a Leicester City side who are paying for failing to add a second new centre-back to their squad during the summer transfer window. Selecting the away win at betting odds of Evens looks attractive, but we feel that opting for a United victory with over 2.5 goals at 2/1 makes a lot more sense.
Norwich City have endured a disastrous start to life back in the Premier League, collecting just one point from their opening seven fixtures. Meanwhile, Brighton & Hove Albion have emerged as the surprise package, recording 14 points from the same amount of fixtures to put them in contention for a European spot. However, the international break could lead to a change of fortunes for both teams, and we see the value in backing the Canaries to prevail at betting odds of at least 5/2. Despite the criticism which has come their way, there is plenty of quality in Daniel Farke's squad, and we feel inclined to have a nibble at the 14/1 which is on offer for a 2-1 scoreline.
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The Saturday evening kickoff sees Chelsea make the short trip to face London rivals Brentford. Despite the Blues sitting four points clear of their next opponents, there is an argument that the Bees have performed more impressively this season. Thomas Frank's team would be unbeaten had they not shipped a last-minute goal against Brighton at the end of August, and they have bounced back with seven points versus Wolverhampton Wanderers, Liverpool and West Ham United respectively. However, Frank and his squad did not want the international break to arrive, something which can only play into the favour of Chelsea. Many of Thomas Tuchel's squad will have been away representing their country, potentially putting their record of not conceding a goal from open play in jeopardy, but those circumstances makes betting odds of 11/4 for a Chelsea win with both teams to score extremely appealing.
With the takeover of the club now complete, Newcastle United are turning their attention to a fairytale start under their new owners. If reports are to be believed, Steve Bruce is likely to be sacked before the Magpies play host to Tottenham Hotspur, and the uncertainly surrounding the manager's position is unlikely to do them any favours. On the other hand, Spurs have much to prove under Nuno Espirito Santo and you have to think that they will throw caution to the wind with Newcastle completely out of form. Nevertheless, Spurs are available at just under 3/1 - far higher than they should be - and punters should settle for a straight away win rather than being tempted into any further complicated bets on this occasion.
Gameweek Eight concludes with the match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace on Monday night. Six weeks on from beginning the campaign with three successive defeats, the Gunners are now the form team in the Premier League after collecting 10 points from four games. Mikel Arteta and the club's supporters will certainly not be getting carried away, but Arsenal will be right back in the mix if they can beat Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium. However, Palace have registered the most draws in the Premier League this season, and we feel that there is every chance of another share of the spoils against their fellow Londoners. Much will depend on whether the Eagles can cut our individual errors in defence, but Patrick Vieira would be delighted with a low-scoring stalemate, which is available at over 3/1, on his return to his former club.
