logo
Premier League ref watch: Stats and bets for Gameweek 1

Premier League ref watch: Stats and bets for Gameweek 1

Telegraph19 hours ago
The Premier League kicks off this weekend and we've got the lowdown on the referees who will be officiating.
We've also assembled the vital statistics for the men in the middle and used this information to pick out some tips for Premier League disciplinary markets.
Take a look at where the referees will be in action this weekend and read on for our bet predictions.
Premier League – Gameweek 1 referees and stats
Games to watch in the cards and fouls markets
Here are the matches we think are worth considering if using bet365 to bet on the Premier League disciplinary markets over the weekend.
Already a bet365 member? Check out more free bets from the best betting sites, reviewed by our betting experts
Nottingham Forest vs Brentford (Saturday, 3pm)
Peter Bankes was one of the more lenient referees in the Premier League last season, recording the second-lowest average number of yellow cards out of the officials in charge of games this weekend.
Brentford are unlikely to cause him too many problems, unless they're about to adopt a serious change of strategy under new manager Keith Andrews. The Bees had the second-best disciplinary record in the top flight in 2024-25, with 61 yellow cards and one red.
In contrast, Nottingham Forest had the fifth-worst record (88 yellows, two reds). They look good value to pick up more cards than Brentford at 2/1, as even though they are at home, Nuno's team recorded the third-lowest average possession stats last season with 41.2 per cent.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace (Sunday, 2pm)
Chelsea kick off their season with a London derby against Crystal Palace on Sunday and the hosts are likely to give Darren England a busy afternoon.
The Blues picked up the second-highest number of disciplinary points in the Premier League last season, with only relegated Ipswich having a worse record.
In total, they received 100 yellows and two reds. England is a mid-ranking referee in terms of how many cards he gives out, but I'm banking on him showing Chelsea three or more.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Saturday's briefing: Alleged racist abuse of Antoine Semenyo mars Liverpool win
Saturday's briefing: Alleged racist abuse of Antoine Semenyo mars Liverpool win

The Independent

time11 minutes ago

  • The Independent

Saturday's briefing: Alleged racist abuse of Antoine Semenyo mars Liverpool win

Liverpool's win over Bournemouth in the Premier League curtain-raiser was overshadowed by alleged racist abuse directed at visiting winger Antoine Semenyo. The Premier League will launch a full investigation after the game was briefly halted in the first half, while Semenyo scored both the Cherries' goals in their 4-2 defeat. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe believes wantaway striker Alexander Isak could still play for the club – but that depends on the player. Premier League to investigate after reports of racist abuse The Premier League has said it will launch a full investigation after Liverpool's curtain-raiser against Bournemouth at Anfield was halted when visiting forward Semenyo reported being racially abused by a spectator. Match referee Taylor stopped play in the 29th minute and spoke with managers Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola before respective captains Virgil van Dijk and Adam Smith were called over to the dugouts. A Premier League statement read: 'Tonight's match between Liverpool Football Club and AFC Bournemouth was temporarily paused during the first half after a report of discriminatory abuse from the crowd, directed at Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo. 'This is in line with the Premier League's on-field anti-discrimination protocol. The incident at Anfield will now be fully investigated. We offer our full support to the player and both clubs.' Merseyside Police said a 47-year-old man was removed from the ground, and an investigation was under way after his identity was confirmed. Liverpool win marred by Semenyo incident Liverpool's defence of their Premier League title got off to an unconvincing start but the late victory was soured by the alleged racist abuse directed at Semenyo. The winger responded brilliantly with both the Cherries' goals as they came from two down as Iraola's side exposed the same defensive weaknesses Crystal Palace did in Sunday's Community Shield victory. But forgotten man Federico Chiesa, whose future looked to be elsewhere, volleyed home his first league goal in the 88th minute before Mohamed Salah scored for the eighth time in nine opening-day fixtures. But that did not diminish what was hugely-deserved credit for Semenyo, who did not allow the first-half incident to throw him off his game, as he gave former team-mate and Liverpool's new left-back Milos Kerkez a torrid time. Eddie Howe: Alexander Isak could still play for Newcastle again Newcastle boss Howe has admitted want-away striker Isak will determine whether or not he plays for the club again. The 25-year-old Sweden international will not be involved in Saturday's Premier League opener at Aston Villa after telling the club he wants to explore his options this summer, with Liverpool having had a £110million bid for the player rejected. Head coach Howe, who believes Isak could yet be reintegrated back into the squad, has been diplomatic to date when asked about his star striker, but asked if he could see him playing for the Magpies before the end of the summer transfer window, he replied: 'As I sit here now, I don't know that. Alex will control that.' Mikel Arteta in no doubt over captain Mikel Arteta insists there is 'no question' Martin Odegaard still deserves to captain Arsenal after former skipper Tony Adams called for the Norwegian to be stripped of the armband. Adams, speaking at an Irish Independent Sport event in Dublin, demanded the Gunners boss make the change ahead of the new campaign, arguing 'proper player' Declan Rice was the man for the job. But Arteta said: 'My opinion is clear and it's not just my opinion. It's all the staff and especially the players. 'I asked them to vote (for) the captain and I got the results yesterday. By a mile, by a big, big, by 100 miles, everybody chose the same person, Martin Odegaard, which is the most clear sign that you can have.' What's on today? The Premier League's first round of matches continues as 10 clubs launch their new season. Aston Villa face Newcastle in a lunchtime kick-off at Villa Park before Brighton play Fulham, newly-promoted Sunderland take on West Ham and Tottenham clash with Burnley – all in 3pm kick-offs. Manchester City play at Wolves in the evening match, while there is a full programme of English Football League, plus Scottish League Cup, League One and Two matches.

Premier League opener halted after Antoine Semenyo reports racist abuse
Premier League opener halted after Antoine Semenyo reports racist abuse

Sky News

time37 minutes ago

  • Sky News

Premier League opener halted after Antoine Semenyo reports racist abuse

A man was ejected from Anfield after reports of racial abuse directed at Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo during the season's opening Premier League game against Liverpool. Match referee Anthony Taylor paused play in the 29th minute after Semenyo accused a spectator of racist abuse. An anti-discrimination message was read out to the Anfield crowd, and it is understood that police officers went into the referee's room at half-time. Merseyside Police said an investigation is under way after the 47-year-old man's identity was confirmed and he was removed from the ground. Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton, the match commander for the Liverpool v Bournemouth game, said: "Merseyside Police will not tolerate hate crime of any form. "We take incidents like this very seriously, and in cases like this we will be proactively seeking football banning orders, with the club, against those responsible." He added: "There is no place for racism and it is vital that anyone who witnesses such an offence reports it to stewards, or the police immediately, so we can take the necessary action like we did this evening. "As with all matches, we work very closely with both Liverpool and Everton FC to ensure the safety of the public, and the players." A spokesperson for Liverpool said the club was "aware of an allegation of racist abuse made during our Premier League game against Bournemouth". The Liverpool spokesperson said: "We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society, or football. "The club is unable to comment further as tonight's alleged is incident is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, which we will support fully." After the incident, Semenyo scored twice in the second half to help bring Bournemouth back from two goals down at Anfield before Liverpool went on to eventually win the contest 4-2. Bournemouth captain Adam Smith told Sky Sports News afterwards: "It shouldn't be happening. I don't know how Ant's played on to be honest and come up with those goals. It's totally unacceptable. "Something needs to be done. Taking the knee isn't having an effect. We're supporting him and hopefully he'll be OK. "I wanted him to react because that's what I would have done, but this shows what type of man he come up with those goals showed the type of guy he is. "To be fair the Liverpool players were very supportive as well towards Antoine and the rest of the team. It was handled in the right way but... so angry. "I don't know what else we can do. No one's getting it. I don't know what to say anymore. I just feel for Ant... shocking." The Premier League said in a statement that its "on-field anti-discrimination protocol" had been followed and the incident "will now be fully investigated". "We offer our full support to the player and both clubs," it added. "Racism has no place in our game, or anywhere in society. We will continue to work with stakeholders and authorities to ensure our stadiums are an inclusive and welcoming environment for all." The Football Association said it was "concerned" about the allegation of racism towards Semenyo and that it would ensure "appropriate action" would be taken. The incident comes two days after Tottenham Hotspur player Mathys Tel faced racist abuse online following a missed penalty in his team's UEFA Super Cup victory over Paris Saint-Germain.

Arsenal transfer news: Gunners decide on Alejandro Garnacho move as Mikel Arteta plays key role
Arsenal transfer news: Gunners decide on Alejandro Garnacho move as Mikel Arteta plays key role

Daily Mirror

time42 minutes ago

  • Daily Mirror

Arsenal transfer news: Gunners decide on Alejandro Garnacho move as Mikel Arteta plays key role

Arsenal have been hard at work bolstering Mikel Arteta's squad ahead of their Premier League opener against Manchester United and it appears that a Red Devil could have become a Gunner Arsenal are now just one day from their Premier League opener against Manchester United. The Gunners travel to Old Trafford on Sunday keen for a positive start to the season. ‌ And supporters will get the chance to see a host of new signings for the first time. Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke are among Arsenal 's headline signings this summer and will hope to be included. ‌ Meanwhile, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera and Kepa Arrizabalaga have all been signed to add increased strength in depth. But Arsenal might not be done there. ‌ Eberechi Eze remains linked with a move to the Emirates, albeit it looks unlikely that he will pitch up in North London before the trip to Manchester. With all of that being said, take a look at the latest transfer news and rumours - both on the incoming and outgoing fronts - all in one place: Arsenal reject Garnacho Arsenal chose not to pursue a move for Man United misfit Alejandro Garnacho having kept tabs on the Argentine. Garnacho is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim. According to the Manchester Evening News, Arsenal launched assessments into a potential deal, with North London rivals Tottenham and Spanish side Atletico Madrid. But none of the three have followed through with a move for Garnacho having found alternatives. Arsenal and Spurs hold an interest in Crystal Palace wideman Eze, with the latter also keen on a deal for Manchester City's Savinho. Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid have elected to move for Villarreal star Alex Baena. ‌ Arteta plays crucial role Mikel Arteta has revealed the importance he places upon first impressions when it comes to picking Arsenal's transfer targets. The Spaniard is known for his eccentric methods when it comes to management, but with old classics remain - a good chat and determining whether they are ready for the task. He said: 'Personality [is the most important attribute for a player]. Without that, you have no chance. You have to look at somebody's eyes. ‌ 'When I go to sign a player, sometimes it's on Zoom and I open the laptop, it's the first impression. Is this guy ready to put that jersey on, work in that dressing room and take all the noise that is surrounding his signing and deal with it in the right way?' Zubimendi explains switch Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi has revealed why he chose to pursue a move to the Emirates just 12 months after rejecting Liverpool. Speaking to DAZN Espana, the midfielder said: 'Last year, I also had my doubts. 'I felt I could still contribute a lot to Real Sociedad and that I still had steps to take. But this summer, I felt like my time had come. 'Once the signing was close, we talked, but he [Arteta] didn't need to convince me. I already knew what I wanted by seeing how the team played.' Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store