Friday’s football tips: Go for first-half goals at 11/10 as Brentford host free-scoring Chelsea

Chelsea have been the Premier League's great entertainers so far and tonight's London derby with Brentford could be another cracker.

Xabi Alonso made a storming start at Stamford Bridge but the last two games have provided a reality check, with defeat at Arsenal followed by a 2-2 home draw with Hull City.

Next up is a short trip to the Gtech Stadium and it won't be easy for the Blues against a Bees side who are unbeaten in their six outings this season.

Brentford vs Chelsea top betting tips

Brentford started the season by demolishing Spurs at home but they've since drawn three in a row in the Premier League.

BTTS has landed in their last five games in all competitions and it has also come up in five of Chelsea's six outings so far.

That points towards an exciting encounter tonight but combining BTTS and over 2.5 goals doesn't offer much value at just 4/6 with Bet365.

The same firm are offering 11/10 on over 1.5 first-half strikes and that's more appealing given it has landed in all four of Chelsea's Premier League matches.

Blues skipper Reece James has been playing in midfield under Alonso and is always a threat with his long-range shooting. He's 11/8 for a shot on target tonight and that bet has come up in his last two games.

Bayern Munich vs Union Berlin

German champions Bayern Munich have started the new campaign where they left off last season, winning five out of six in an unbeaten start.

Vincent Kompany's side have been particularly impressive at home, smashing five goals past Stuttgart and Bodo/Glimt so it's hard to hold out much hope for Union Berlin at the Allianz Arena tonight.

The capital club have picked up just a point from their first three Bundesliga matches and crashed 4-0 in Leverkusen on their last road trip.

That's why Bet365 make them 22/1 outsiders tonight and it's hard finding value with Bayern Munich just 1/16 for another win.

The player markets offer the best prices for punters and every Bayern player apart from Michael Olise is odds-against for an assist.

Harry Kane is usually the man on the end of their attacks but the England skipper has also provided one league assist so far and is 9/4 to set up another goal tonight.

Bristol City vs Watford

Bristol City's form has dipped after an encouraging four-match unbeaten run and will be looking to bounce back when Watford come calling in the EFL Championship tonight.

New boss Michael Skubala seemed to be getting a tune of out the Robins when he followed up a draw at Birmingham with three wins on the spin.

But Bristol City have since lost to Southampton and Lincoln City so it's hard to know what to expect from them tonight.

Watford's form has also been patchy, with three wins, two draws and four defeats in all competitions, so it's a tricky one to call tonight.

The Hornets have been poor on the road, though, with those three victories all coming at Vicarage Road.

That makes me think Bristol City might just edge it tonight and the bookies agree as Bet365 price the Robins at just 17/20.

I'm expecting a tight game though and the half-time draw offers more value at 5/4. That has landed in two of the last three for the Robins.

Super singles

• Over 1.5 first-half goals in Brentford vs Chelsea 11/10 Bet365
• Harry Kane assist 9/4 Bet365
• Half-time draw in Bristol City vs Watford

Upcoming match previews and betting tips

• Fri 20:00 Brentford vs Chelsea
• Fri 20:00 Bristol City vs Watford
• EFL Betting Tips: Millers to beat the Cobblers as goals rain in at the Wham Stadium

Racing tips

Rizzel's concentrating on the meeting at Ayr and has picked out three horses to watch.

• Friday’s Racing Tips – Hickory Lad Ready to Show His Class

As always, leave your own tips and comments below.

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