Chelsea’s English Premier League dominance has been well-documented early on this season and while fans of the Blues have celebrated their team’s success, the rest of the league is looking to keep them from running away at the top of the table. Liverpool is already 12 points back of the league leaders but they will have a shot to end Chelsea’s undefeated season when they clash in the English Premier Game of the Week this Saturday.
Liverpool vs. Chelsea – Saturday, 7:45 AM ET
Odds: Chelsea +115, Liverpool +250, Draw +245
Chelsea has already won eight of 10 and a win at Anfield this weekend would give them a tremendous confidence boost at the top of the table. Liverpool could also use something to rally around after the team has stumbled in both the Premier League and Champions League, and it won’t help that Daniel Sturridge and John Obi Mikel are both unlikely to play. The key will be in the midfield where Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana will need to be able to provide the type of pace and style that could frustrate Chelsea. Mario Balotelli has been a source of frustration at Liverpool but he has the talent to produce at any moment, and this team is desperate for a spark. However, even if the Reds manage to score they will have a tough time containing Diego Costa and an explosive Chelsea attack. Costa has already scored nine league goals and he will have plenty of support with Oscar, Cesc Fabregas, and Eden Hazard right behind him once again. Pick: Chelsea[divider]Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace – Saturday, 10:00 AM ET
Odds: Manchester United -325, Crystal Palace +925, Draw +455
United is coming off a tough loss in the Manchester Derby. With just 13 points in 10 league games, they are off to their worst start in the Premier League since 1986. However, Crystal Palace has earned just nine of a possible 30 points this season and this could be the perfect opportunity for the home side to get back on track. Louis van Gaal has come under fire early on and while this team has a long way to go to turn things around, the chance to secure three points at home will at least provide a temporary reprieve for a proud club that is looking for something to rally around at this point in the season. Pick: Manchester United[divider]Queens Park Rangers vs. Manchester City – Saturday, 12:30 PM ET
Odds: Manchester City -220, Queens Park +625, Draw +360
City’s win over United kept them within six points of Chelsea for top spot in the Premier League and they have a golden opportunity to build off that victory at QPR this weekend. Sergio Aguero provided the lone goal in the win and while the victory gave them crucial points, this team is still looking for the answer upfront as they continue to underwhelm. The Citizens will be hoping that Liverpool can at least hold the Blues to a point with a chance to close the gap even further against a Queens Park team that has lost more league games than any other team so far this season. Pick: Manchester City
