Graham Ruthven | Isak’s Wicked Game: Something for the Weekend

Player to score – Alexander Isak (Newcastle v Southampton)

Last season saw Alexander Isak scored 21 goals in just 30 Premier League games and all signs point to the Swedish striker being a force again for Newcastle United this term. The Magpies are expected to start their campaign with a victory over Southampton and Isak will lead the frontline for the home team.

Newcastle have scored two or more goals in their last eight home matches against Southampton in all competitions. There has also been over 2.5 goals in 16 of the Magpies’ last 20 Premier League outings, hinting at Saturday’s game at St James’ Park being a match that produces a number of goals.

 

Over 2.5 total goals – Ipswich v Liverpool

Ipswich Town will play their first match back in the Premier League against Liverpool on Saturday afternoon with many interested in how The Tractor Boys will manage the step up from the Championship. Last season, Ipswich won promotion playing a brand of attack-minded football, but how will they are against opponents as good as Liverpool?

The Arne Slot era for the Reds will kick off this weekend. Liverpool might not have made any new signings in the summer transfer window, but pre-season was positive with Slot favouring a more possession-orientated approach. Saturday’s match at Portman Road could be an entertaining one. 

 

Match to be a draw – Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth

Nottingham Forest have a full squad to select from for their opening Premier League fixture of the season against Bournemouth with Nuno Espirito Santo charged with pushing the City Ground outfit further up the table after last season’s 17th place finish. Under Nuno, Forest are expected to be a defensive-minded side.

Bournemouth, on the other hand, have become renowned for their expansive play under Andoni Ireola and enter this season on the back of an extremely positive 12th place finish last term. However, the Cherries could be without as many as five first team figures for this weekend’s league opener.

 

Both teams to score – Man United v Fulham 

Manchester United have been busy in the summer transfer window, focusing most of their efforts on Erik ten Hag’s defence. Leny Yoro, however, is sidelined through injury while Matthijs de Ligt only joined the Old Trafford club this week – Friday night’s game might come too soon for the Dutch centre back.

Fulham, on the other hand, have integrated Emile Smith Rowe since signing him from Arsenal this summer and the attacking midfielder has scored two goals in two friendly matches for his new side. Friday’s curtain-raiser could see both teams find the back of the net.

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Graham’s Fourfold

It’s a brand new season but our red-hot tipster is back with his best bets from across Europe’s top leagues.

Think Graham’s pick’s sound tasty? Why not throw all four ingredients into a main course? £10 on this acca potentially returns £127 if they come in!

That’ll pay for a tasty meal (or two!)

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Graham’s Bet Builder | Chelsea v Man United

Manchester City enter the 2024/25 season as defending Premier League champions and are currently on a winning run of nine straight games in the division. They have also won the second half in each of their last nine games, hinting that Pep Guardiola’s take will finish strongly at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Oscar Bobb’s injury means he won’t start for City, but Jeremy Doku will almost certainly be included in the lineup and the wide attacker will have space to exploit in behind the Chelsea defence which has struggled to handle Enzo Maresca’s tactics over the course of pre-season. 

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