From The Horse's Mouth - Mark Van Deventer

Though plenty of goals have been scored across the first two rounds of matches, it still feels premature for a definitive take on the EPL. But some insights may help Interbet soccer fans put together smart bets, be they Pool bets such as the Interbet EPL 10, Fixed Odds punts or Multis.

For starters, Arsenal looks formidable and have arguably the best defensive team in the world. Even their attackers position themselves so cleverly and press so powerfully that they make it incredibly difficult for the opposition to gain any traction.

So far, the Gunners have faced the fewest shots (11), the fewest shots on target (1) and allowed their opponents the lowest xG (0.54) of any Premier League team.

Conversely, whilst brilliant going forward, Chelsea is fragile defensively. These two sides clash on Sunday afternoon at the Emirates Stadium in what should be a fascinating match, though the Blues have a dismal recent record playing at this venue.

Brentford have impressed. They are such a stable outfit with an organized and direct approach. These attributes make them extremely hard to play against.

Newcastle have shown that losing Eddie Howe and key players has not led to a precipitous drop in standards. Young and charismatic manager, Jaissle promotes high energy football, if not quite as direct as Howe’s sides used to play. 

Crystal Palace may have come to the end of a cycle where they overachieved. It’s early days to slate them, but they have been uninspiring in losses to Everton and Manchester City so could be in a spot of bother unless they shine up.

Brighton & Hove Albion are still an entertaining watch. Injuries are a problem at present, but they remain capable of winning plenty of games when at full strength.

As for Spurs, much was expected under charismatic manager de Zerbi and they’ve spent big on inbound transfers. Yet they were disappointing in Matchweek 1 & 2 losses to Brentford and Newcastle.

The transfer market is a tough and tricky environment. Everton are the latest club to fall foul of the poker-like games, deceit and legal wrangling associated with buying and selling multi million pound “commodities”. They’ve sold key players, yet the replacements have not arrived as anticipated, leaving them in the lurch with a problematic squad.

Manchester City have made a bright start with Maresca’s new signings coming to light. However, they remain heavily dependent on Haaland as sole striker. They will be vulnerable if he cannot start, for whatever reason.

Liverpool is going through a strategic transition under new boss, Iraola. He is more about creating chances than controlling the game. It remains to be seen if that strategy works at a big club and they might get exposed without defensively-minded midfielders.

As for gauging Manchester United, a wait and see attitude is sensible. A shock loss to Hull (originally touted as most likely side to be relegated yet winners also vs Coventry City) was followed up by thrashing Ipswich Town, who are also slated for the drop. Yet, Ipswich had caught Sunderland by surprise on opening day.

Such are the vagaries of the EPL!

The Goal Guru will be watching MatchWeek 3’s action keenly.

Good luck and enjoy the soccer.