The start of a new Premier League season finally arrives this weekend, as nine months of drama awaits fans of the most followed sports competition on the planet. Important battles at both ends of the standings shape the opening weekend, and you can find our latest picks for some of the standout clashes below.
Burnley vs Manchester City
- Burnley: 8/1
- Draw: 9/2
- Man City: 1/3
The reigning champions kick off their campaign on Friday evening. Burnley were promoted to the top-flight after winning the Championship last term, but they will be handed an immediate reality check against last season’s treble winners.
City wasn’t at their best in the Community Shield, but we expect a much-improved performance this weekend, and they should have the quality to win comfortably.
Pick: Man City at 1/3 with BetXchange.
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest
- Arsenal: 1/4
- Draw: 11/2
- Nottingham Forest 10/1
Arsenal ran Man City very close in the race for the Premier League title last term, but they only had themselves to blame after dropping points in three consecutive matches. The Gunners warmed up for their opening match of the new season by landing the Community Shield.
I don’t expect Forest to have any issues at the bottom end of the standings this weekend, but their wait for a first win of the season will continue after Saturday.
Pick: Arsenal at 1/4 with BetXchange.
Newcastle vs Aston Villa
- Newcastle: 8/10
- Draw: 28/10
- Aston Villa: 34/10
The eye-catching match on Saturday in the Premier League comes from St James’ Park. Newcastle achieved a return to the Champions League for the first time in 20 years last term, and they will looking to continue their upward trajectory this term.
However, Aston Villa have spent big this summer, and they showed incredible progression under Unai Emery throughout the second half of last season. But, it could be challenging to overlook the Magpies, who are unbeaten in 15 home matches against the Villa.
Pick: Newcastle at 8/10 with BetXchange.
Chelsea vs Liverpool
- Chelsea: 18/10
- Draw: 26/10
- Liverpool: 29/20
The first heavyweight showdown of the new season takes place at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Mauricio Pochettino’s first match in charge of the Blues will come against Liverpool, and it will be interesting to see how his new-look outfit bounce back after their worst ever showing in the Premier League last term.
There will also be a fresh feel surrounding Liverpool, with both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson leaving the club this summer. The Reds have enjoyed a fine pre-season, and they could be good value to pick up an opening day win, especially following the news that Christopher Nkunku will be out of action for three months.
Pick: Liverpool at 29/20 with BetXchange.
Manchester United vs Wolves
- Man United: 4/10
- Draw: 39/10
- Wolves: 13/2
Man United open their Premier League campaign on Monday, as they host Wolves. Erik Ten Hag has continued to build his squad this summer, with the additions of Andre Onana, Mason Mount, and Rasmus Holjund.
It has been a difficult period for Wolves, and they could open the campaign without Julen Lopetegui, who looks set to walk away from the club after not being backed in the transfer market. It will be a difficult campaign for the visitors, which means that we expect United to make a winning start at Old Trafford.
