*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Aaaand we’re back! Bournemouth take on West Brom in what looks to be an early-season promotion shootout, if Paddy’s markets are anything to go by – and they usually are. Meme machine Scott Parker takes on the shrewd Valerien Ismael in what will be a fascinating encounter to raise the curtain on the 2021/22 EFL season.
Friday 7.45pm: Bournemouth v West Brom
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Both clubs have new mangers and I expect both of them will be going about their tasks in very differing manners. Parker prefers to knock it about while Ismael leans towards knocking seven bells out of the opposition and puts winning above everything else. It should be an interesting encounter so let’s get stuck into your three best bets for Friday night’s feast.
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Short-price punt: Under 2.5 Goals
West Brom slunk out of the Premier League in fairly pathetic fashion last season under the astute guidance of Big Sam Allardyce. Their deference was a shambles, they conceded by far the most goals in the league, and they only scored more than three other teams. A heady mix for disaster.
Bournemouth started slowly and a late charge under Jonathan Woodgate was enough to secure an ultimately unsuccessful playoff place. They were, as you might expect, pretty good going forward but will need to sharpen up at the back. Parker implemented a good defence at Craven Cottage last season and if they can maintain their attacking threat they will be dangerous this season.
You can expect West Brom to tighten up in the far-easier surrounds of the second tier and I think this might be a cagey affair with both bosses desperate to avoid defeat on their debuts. It will be safety first and I think we’ll safely see Under 2.5 Goals here.
Value Bet: West Brom to Win
Bournemouth are the favourites here but I think West Brom’s price to win is simply way too big. As mentioned we’re in unchartered territory with two new managers and one team playing in a different division from last year. I’m really sweet on West Brom, particularly Ismael, and think they could be title winners. Sorry, West Brom fans.
I have a feeling The Baggies will be a little too streetwise for Bournemouth here and will have enough to pip this one way or another. Of course Bournemouth can win, they’re a very good team at this level, but if we’re looking for value in this game then West Brom to Win is the way to play.
Long Shot: West Brom to Win 2-0
So here we are. All this West Brom hype means all my eggs are firmly in the Baggies’ basket as they say over on ITV2 at 9pm. My hunch is West Brom to Win 1-0, and that’s a fine bet, but at very juicy odds I’ll take a chance on West Brom to Win 2-0 as my long shot here.
I don’t think both sides are going to score and I don’t think we’re going to see loads of goals. I’m backing the away side and, with all that factored in, West Brom to Win 2-0 might be a very shrewd long shot indeed.
Tips for Bournemouth v West Brom
Safe Bet: Under 2.5 Goals
Value Bet: West Brom to Win
Long Shot: West Brom to Win 2-0
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
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