The Editors' Premier League Betting Battle 2014/15: Round 2

Will Martinez oversee another draw?

There were red faces all round with not one of the four BB editors putting up a winner, so will anyone strike gold in the second week of the Battle?

Mike Norman
Back Southampton @ 1.910/11 to beat West Brom
Saturday, 15:00

Last week West Brom were my selection but they conceded a very late goal to scupper what would have been a dream start, especially due to the other guys also recording losing starts. So this week I'm opposing the Baggies, but with good reason.

I was very impressed with Southampton at Anfield, and although they eventually lost the game by a narrow margin they showed enough quality to banish any fears that they'll be a relegation side given the amount of outgoings at the club.

Tricky midfielder Dusan Tadic caught the eye and I believe the Serbian could prove a hit at St Mary's, maybe even fill the void left by Adam Lallana.

The Saints won both games last season against West Brom without conceding a goal and I'm backing them to record another victory of Alan Irvine's men.

Don't get me wrong, I don't think West Brom have suddenly become a bad side because they failed to beat Sunderland, but away from home, against a Southampton side that impressed last Saturday and were generally good in front of their own fans last season, then I have to side with Ronald Koeman's men.

Mike Norman 2014-15 P/L: -10

Joe Dyer
 Back The Draw @ 3.55/2 in Everton v Arsenal
Saturday, 17:30
Live on Sky Sports 1 

Plenty has changed in the Premier League since last season and we're  still learning  about how certain teams will perform under new managers and how promoted teams will fare. 

Just four of this weekend's fixtures feature teams who played each other under the same manager last season - Aston Villa v Newcastle, Everton v Arsenal, Hull v Stoke and Manchester City v Liverpool. 

That makes betting tricky when you're looking for  reliable trends  so it's with a certain amount of trepidation that I strike my second battle bet of the season having got off to a losing start. 

And there's added  nerves  to this week as I'm playing what is the outsider of the three options in the match odds with a back of the draw in  Everton's Saturday evening match with Arsenal . 

These two met on three occasions last season with Roberto Martinez and Arsene Wenger each celebrating a win following a stalemate in their first clash. 

Arsenal are the stronger of the two, but home territory is a big plus for the Toffees and after letting Leicester back in on the opening weekend I think they'll really  buckle down to at least secure a point. The Gunners were in action on Tuesday and that is an added plus for anyone seeking to get against the visiting side in some way. 

Joe Dyer 2014-15 P/L: -10

Dan Thomas

Back Manchester City to beat Liverpool at 1.875/6
Monday, 20:00

When Gylfi Sigurdsson put Swansea 2-1 up with around 20 minutes left at Old Trafford last weekend, I thought I was on to a winner with my Over 3.5 Goals bet, but the Welshmen held out and I drew a blank.

But so did the other editors and, stop me if you've heard this before, we go again, this time across to the other side of Manchester.

The champions weren't at their fluent best in winning 2-0 at Newcastle, but they were assured, with new boy Fernando extremely impressive in the middle of the park.

I suspect they will have too much for Liverpool, who laboured to victory over supposed relegation candidates Southampton at Anfield last week. Indeed, Daniel Sturridge's winner came at a time when the Saints were bossing the game.

We're not getting a huge price on the home win, but worth recalling that City scored 63 goals at the Etihad last season - more than 15 of the other top flight clubs did home and away - so I'm happy to jump on board.

Dan Thomas 2014-15 P/L: -10

Luke Moore

Back Under 1.5 Goals in Crystal Palace v West Ham at 2.747/4
Saturday, 15:00

Despite the departure of Tony Pulis, I think Crystal Palace will still be a reasonable proposition at home this season, and this game just screams 'low-scoring affair'. Palace are never going to trouble the top scorers in the league with their fire-power, and Big Sam Allardyce's men don't really create many chances. When they do, the likes of Carlton Cole isn't able to finish them anyway.

Of course, Palace's first game of the season went Overs but they were away from home and West Ham are no Arsenal, and The Hammers' first fixture was decided by the odd goal. That's the way I can see this one going, and I really like the price too - 2.747/4 is more than fair when it features two teams that managed just 73 goals between them last season.

I had a let-off last week when all my opponents also lost. Here's hoping I can get something on the board in week two.

Luke Moore 2014-15 P/L: -10

A 10 bet is placed on each selection on Betfair's Exchange. Profits are calculated before commission.

2014/15 Season P/L

1. Mike Norman: - 10.00
1. Dan Thomas: - 10.00
1. Joe Dyer: - 10.00
1. Luke Moore: - 10.00