Premier League Betting Tips and Predictions: Matchweek 1

After a short break, Premier League action returns this weekend with an intriguing London derby to kick us off.

Manchester United and Manchester City are out of action, as they have been granted additional time to prepare for the season after their prolonged European campaigns.

Defending Premier League champions Liverpool will be up against last season’s Championship winners, Leeds. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur vs. Everton should be another fascinating contest.

All kick-off times listed in our game-by-game preview are in SAST.

Fulham vs. Arsenal (Friday 12 September, 13:30)

Arsenal are a team in form after their FA Cup final win over Chelsea and Community Shield triumph over Liverpool. Mikel Arteta’s revolution appears to be bearing fruit.

The Gunners still have defensive issues to solve and Fulham have some interesting attacking players on their books. Aleksandar Mitrović is a familiar face to Premier League fans, but it is also worth keeping an eye on Neeskens Kebano.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the main danger man for Arsenal and they are likely to overpower their newly-promoted London rivals at Craven Cottage.

Prediction: Arsenal Win 3-1

Suggested Bet: Over 2.5 goals

Crystal Palace vs. Southampton (Friday 12 September, 16:00)

Southampton pulled off an impressive escape from danger last season after a difficult start and ended up in 11th place. They will be up against a Palace side which has been boosted by the arrival of attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze, although he is carrying a minor groin injury.

Both teams will be eager to get off to a good start to avoid being bogged down in the relegation quagmire. Home ground advantage will mean less than usual behind closed doors at Selhurst Park, so these evenly-matched sides are likely to play to a draw.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw

Suggested Bet: Draw at 3.25

West Ham vs. Newcastle (Saturday 12 September, 16:00)

Another clash between two of last season’s bottom-half sides sees the Hammers host the Magpies at the London Stadium.

The Hammers ended last season with eight points from their last four games and a victory over Chelsea not long before that.

Newcastle have not made any big-name signings at the time of writing, which is far from surprising given a botched Saudi Public Investment Fund takeover attempt last season. Theirs is a club in a worrying state and the Hammers are the likely winners here.

Prediction: West Ham Win 1-0

Liverpool vs. Leeds United (Saturday 12 September, 18:30)

Two grand old clubs have each undergone a revival in recent years and the time has come for Leeds to visit Anfield in the Premier League for the first time in 17 years.

Marcelo Bielsa has masterminded Leeds’ rise up the ranks and his tactical battle with Jürgen Klopp is bound to be an intriguing one.

Leeds lacked an out-and-out goalscorer last season and new signing Rodrigo will have a heavyweight on his shoulders should he start. 

With Trent Alexander-Arnold likely to return to action after missing the Community Shield through injury, the champions will be eager to show that they are still the team to beat.

Expect Leeds to hold their own in the top flight as the season progresses, but Liverpool should simply be too strong for them.

Prediction: Liverpool Win 2-0

Suggested Bet: Liverpool (-1) at 1.80

West Brom vs. Leicester City (Sunday 13 September, 15:00)

West Brom face a tough test in their first game back in the top flight as they host Leicester City at the Hawthorns. Boosted by the signing of attacking midfielder Grady Diangana, they will be up against a side smarting from missing out on Champions League football.

The Baggies will be eager to shake off the ‘yo-yo club’ tag and are tipped to get off to a good start on home soil. Leicester recently signed Timothy Castagne to replace Ben Chilwell, but they have been through a turbulent time and are unlikely to be at their best.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Everton (Sunday 13 September, 17:30)

The Toffees will travel to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday for a clash between two teams looking to break into the Premier League elite.

Not for the first time in recent years, Everton are making moves in the transfer market. They recently secured the services of Allan from Napoli and have been linked with Abdoulaye Doucouré and James Rodríguez.

Matt Doherty is the pick of José Mourinho’s new signings and the Portuguese tactician is one man who can give Carlo Ancelotti a run for his money on any given day.

This could just be the pick of the opening round fixtures and a draw is our prediction.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw

Suggested Bet: Under 2.5 goals at 1.86

Sheffield United v Wolves (Monday 14 September, 21:00)

Wolves were unlucky not to progress past the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals last season and can be proud of another tremendous season under difficult circumstances.

Sheffield United also did themselves proud with a ninth-place finish in their first season back in the top flight. However, there were signs of wear and tear towards the end of the campaign and the departure of goalkeeper Dean Henderson to parent club Manchester United is bound to have hit Chris Wilder where it hurts.

To their credit, the Blades did well to bring Aaron Ramsdale in from Bournemouth, but their first game of the season is likely to see their poor run of form extended.

Prediction: Wolves Win 2-1

Suggested Bet: Wolves to win at 2.40

Brighton Hove Albion v Chelsea (Monday 14 September, 21:00)

Chelsea have arguably been the big winners of the transfer window with Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva among their recruits.

The Blues still have a blind spot or two — particularly in the goalkeeping department — but are bound to be formidable going forward this season.

Chelsea should blow the Seagulls out the water without too much fuss, but don’t be surprised to see goals at both ends. It is far from surprising to see the odds on Both Teams To Score down at 0.76.

Prediction: Chelsea Win 3-1

Suggested Bet: Chelsea win and over 2.5 goals at 2.40