Premier League picks: Back Leicester City on the road

The Premier League officially returned this week from its three-month suspension brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, as Aston Villa and Sheffield United kicked off the re-start with a scoreless draw that brought about instant controversy.

Liverpool has all but officially wrapped up the Premier League title, but there is still plenty to play for. Teams like Leicester City are hoping to secure a spot in the Champions League, while teams like Watford are fighting to avoid possible relegation. 

Those two clubs meet Saturday, in the first of four Premier League fixtures that day. 

Here are three bets we fancy for Saturday’s Premier League action. 

Watford vs. Leicester City

Sitting third in the Premier League table, Leicester City was enjoying a nice run of form prior to the season being suspended. 

Leicester City shook off some rather underwhelming results in February to win its last two matches before the break, including a 1-0 win over Birmingham City in FA Cup competition and a 4-0 spanking of Aston Villa on Mar. 9. Jamie Vardy, who had been working his way back from a calf injury and mired in a lengthy slump, scored twice in that final match, and will look to close out a Golden Boot title as the Premier League’s top scorer for this season. 

Meanwhile, Watford is eyeing possible relegation. Watford is currently tied with Bournemouth – the final team in the relegation bubble – with 27 points, but remains narrowly outside the bottom three clubs thanks to a slightly better point differential. 

On paper, it should be a mismatch. Leicester City recorded a 2-0 win in the last meeting between these clubs, holding a 63% edge in possession, 12 total shots and six on target. Watford had only four total shots and one on target, offering little challenge in a battle between two teams now at opposite ends of the table. 

Watford is the host club on Saturday, and under normal circumstances, it would be a little easier to talk yourself out of backing a Leicester road win. There are, however, no actual supporters in attendance, and home field advantage may no longer be a factor. 

Getting Leicester City at odds of +115 to win against a team on the verge of possible relegation is just too good to pass up. 

Pick: Leicester to win (+115)

West Ham United vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers

The Wolverhampton Wanderers are favorites on the road against West Ham United on Saturday, and a win could move Wolverhampton into the top five in the Premier League table. 

That could be huge for their Champions League aspirations. Their opponent is facing possible relegation and has given up the third most goals against in-league competition this season. 

Wolverhampton should have plenty of motivation to get three points, facing a lesser opponent. Given West Ham’s propensity to give up goals, expect Wolverhampton to get its share of opportunities, even on the road, which should help us with the Over 2.5 goals prop. 

The Over 2.5 goals has hit in seven of West Ham’s last 12 matches in league competition prior to the hiatus. Back it here, and add a little more value to a Wolverhampton win. 

Pick: Wolverhampton to win and Over 2.5 goals (+235)

Brighton vs. Arsenal

The return of the Premier League brought a swift and rude wake-up call for Arsenal, which suffered a 3-0 loss to Manchester City on Wednesday. 

That’s a disappointing, albeit predictable result for Arsenal, which is still in the hunt to qualify for the Champions League, despite sitting ninth in the Premier League table.

It will be a quick turnaround for Arsenal, which will take on host Brighton on Saturday. Arsenal had been stingy in away matches prior to the hiatus, including a run of five straight draws on the road in league competition. 

While fatigue might be a factor for Arsenal following a disastrous showing Wednesday, the Gunners are facing a Brighton side that hasn’t won a Premier League game since the end of December, and had four draws in its past five league matches before the season was halted.

There is nothing too inspirational about this matchup. These teams have combined for 24 draws this season. Winning was apparently so last year for Brighton, and Arsenal will only have two full days between games. 

Bring on the draw but sprinkle in a pair of goals. 

Pick: Draw with goals (+295)

Combine these picks into a three-way parlay for total odds of +2745 at BetAmerica! A $25 wager has the potential for a total payout of $711.25! 

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