PREVIEW: Premier League – Week 1

Friday, 11 August

Burnley 8/1 | Draw 9/2 | Manchester City 3/10 

These Friday night games are always tough on the opening weekend, even more so where you have a new addition to the league hosting a so-called ‘big name’. Yes, obviously, City aren’t ‘so-called’ but they will be up against an electric crowd and atmosphere!

Vincent Kompany gets his side’s campaign underway against his alma mater – I don’t think they stand a chance, but there could be good value in the goals department. Under 2.5 goals is my pick.

Saturday, 12 August

Arsenal 1/6 | Draw 6/1 | Nottingham Forest 13/1

Arsenal certainly looks as though they intend to continue playing with an aggressive appreciation for attacking football. Mikel Arteta has been uncompromising, but this is the season I think which defines him. Last year they were a prolonged surprise package. This year they are in the conversation around quality. Forest will have it all to do, but I see Arsenal dominating. Back the hosts + Over 2.5.

Sheffield United 2/1 | Draw 2/1 | Crystal Palace 11/8

This is likely the most even match of the weekend. Neither side can have any real claim here, the hosts will want to give their bouncing fans a positive first experience and if they can get on top of Palace early…they might just earn themselves all three points.

I’m interested to see Palace this season, they have had a quiet preparation and a few changes, but they are always consistent. Back the draw.

Bournemouth 17/10 | Draw 23/10 | West Ham 6/4

Rice, rice baby! Ok stop! Collaborate and listen…no, I’m getting ahead of myself. West Ham are without Declan Rice in midfield and how they perform without their former captain will capture the interest of everyone.

For me, more important is what they choose to do with that money and who they bring through the doors. I’m not sure Bournemouth will handle the potential pace West Ham can play with, so I’ll back the visitors.

Brighton 3/10 | Draw 21/5 | Luton Town 8/1 

In truth, I’m not sure what I am more excited about…Luton, or Luton’s stadium hosting a Premier League game! Brighton are certainly the more tactically put together side, but they too have gone through a bit of adjustment during their summer break. Nevertheless, I think this is an open encounter and both teams scoring is the play.

Everton 23/20 | Draw 23/10 | Fulham 9/4 

I think this might be the first banana skin game of the season. Everton haven’t done much to justify any sort of confidence and in Fulham you have a side happy to play a rather simple game but show a devastating counter. I like the look of the visitors to be honest.

Newcastle 8/11 | Draw 13/5 | Aston Villa 7/2 

This is a massive game, both sides will be confident in their own ability, and neither will concede a single thing during the fixture! I was impressed with both sides in the Summer Series, only because in our limited coverage, it was clear that they used the games for experimental purposes. I can’t split them defensively nor offensively, so I’m going for the draw. However, expect a cracking fixture!

Sunday, 13 August

Brentford 13/8 | Draw 5/2 | Tottenham 29/20 

It’s probably way too early for this, but I think Spurs lose this one. Brentford will want to get at their defence and limit the space available in Spurs’ final third. If Harry Kane plays, he is a perpetual danger, but I think the home side nick it. Back the hosts and both teams scoring at a massive 44/10.

Chelsea 15/8 | Draw 12/5 | Liverpool 13/10

Please see featured game here.

Manchester United 31/100 | Draw 21/5 | Wolves 7/1

These two sides have both had an up and down pre-season, but I say that with full knowledge that the point of the preparation is experimental and shouldn’t be read into wholeheartedly.

I think the work United have done in the window has been far superior to previous seasons – yet another feather I suppose we owe to Erik ten Hag! They have certainly strengthened the side and I’m intrigued to see how they get on this season. I think they win here though.