From The Horse's Mouth - Mark Van Deventer

Last week’s tiny R72 perm suggested by the Goal Guru went 9/10 –a surprise West Ham defeat of a below par, Newcastle was the only wrong call.

Looking forward, we launch ourselves with enthusiasm into Match Week 11. Again, there are a fascinating mixture of close matchups that could go any which way, with other games that appear clear cut/predictable. But you never can be sure in sport – as the out-of-the-blue, skilled and spirited West Ham performance showed last Saturday.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 35 vs MANCHESTER UNITED 39: This should be a cracking contest between two closely matched teams. They have the same number of points on the E.P.L. table (17) and are only separated by 4 points on the G.G.I. Whilst United are marginally preferred as they are eventually getting Amorim’s system working smoothly, the practical solution is to respect Frank’s home side and cover all three outcomes. [1][2][3]

WEST HAM UNITED 19 vs BURNLEY 3: The Irons staged a remarkable comeback to beat Newcastle last week at odds of 9/2. If they can maintain momentum and produce another compact, resilient and energetic performance at London Stadium then they could be too tough for visiting Burnley, who has the weakest G.G.I. rating in the League. [1]

EVERTON 28 vs FULHAM 25: Too close to call between sides right next to each other on the table and with little separating them on the G.G.I. Moyes is cautious and pragmatic with how he sets up Everton team.  Fulham have not quite been in top gear either, with strikers on both sides rather blunt. With goals potentially so scarce Pickford and Leno might not be too busy, till something dramatic suddenly happens, that is… [1][2][3]

SUNDERLAND 23 vs ARSENAL 55: Gyokeres continues to slot goals and Raya between the sticks keeps out practically all the (rare) opposition forays into his box. The Gunners exceptional x GD of + 11 signals them as the best team in the League and the 4/10 faves are confidently tipped to get another winning result, against Sunderland. [3]

CHELSEA 36 vs WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS 19: Chelsea enjoy a significant 17-point advantage on the Goal Guru Index. If Pedro and Fernandez shine again in a refreshed squad, then they are fully expected to beat Wolves (zero wins and two draws from ten matches), languishing at the bottom of the table. [1]

BRENTFORD 20 vs NEWCASTLE 45: Newcastle are mixing their form (maybe Champion’s League participation is proving too onerous) and let us down last week when folding against the Hammers, much to a bewildered, Eddie Howe’s chagrin. Their still pretty good G.G.I. score belies a modest position on the log (14). The temptation is to see last week’s wipe- out as an aberration and take a chance on them regaining the winning thread given such a whopping 25-point edge on the G.G.I. Adding the draw might be a prudent compromise as Brentford are a solid team that don’t lie down easily. [2][3]

NOTTINGHAM FOREST 34 vs LEEDS UNITED 30: The 19th placed side take on 16th place in a lower tier showdown. Rodon and Okafor are eager to add to their couple of goals for Leeds; lanky, Wood is Forest’s go to striker. Dyche (Forest’s 3rd manager of the season) is doing what he can to shore up Nottingham’s leaks and make them more competitive. Let’s cover all bases. [1][2][3]

ASTON VILLA 31 vs BOURNEMOUTH 36: Emery has righted the ship and Villa are back winning matches again (four out of the last five, though a resurgent Liverpool proved better last week.) Semenyo is a massive attacking threat for 5th on the Log, Bournemouth. They are an attractive, hard to beat unit. This could go either way. [1][2][3]

CRYSTAL PALACE 37 vs BRIGHTON & H/A 34: A decades long bitter rivalry makes this a real humdinger. Brighton can be brilliant yet are prone to inconsistency and their suspect defense may be exposed by a creative, well organized Palace side who sport a neatly positive xG that is bettered by only Arsenal and City. [1][2] is the gamble though adding a possible Brighton away victory would not be a sign of madness.

MANCHESTER CITY 45 vs LIVERPOOL 51: Genuine match-winner, Haaland is in the form of his life with a whopping 13 goals as City continue to progress after a tentative start. Liverpool went through an unprecedented slump, but Slot has extracted better performances from his rejigged outfit with, interestingly, some new signings falling by the wayside. Hard to say what will happen here – but should be a spectacular watch for lovers of the beautiful game! [1][2][3]

The suggested Interbet EPL 10 perm for this week follows. Remember it can be taken at the ten cents minimum unit if you wish to reduce costs.

1 2 3 x 1 x 1 2 3 x 3 x 1 x 2 3 x 1 2 3 x 1 2 3 x 1 2 x 1 2 3 = R972 or R97.20 at the minimum outlay.

A slightly leaner ticket is offered as an alternative for those with smaller budgets:

2 3 x 1 x 1 2 3 x 3 x 1 x 3 x 1 2 3 x 1 2 3 x 1 2 3 x 1 2 3 = R486 or R48.6 at the lower rate.

Good luck and enjoy the soccer!