Premier League Gameweek 1 Tips: Goals To Flow At Villa Park?
The Premier League makes its much-anticipated return with a clash between champions Liverpool and Bournemouth on Friday night, with that fixture marking one of seven televised games across the opening weekend.
There are some huge clashes, none bigger than Arsenal’s showdown with Manchester United - and we have picked out a top tip in four of the televised matches, starting with Friday’s curtain-raiser.
Tip 1 – Liverpool to win and both teams to score @ 29/20
Liverpool vs Bournemouth (Friday, 8pm)
Jurgen Klopp’s departure should have left Liverpool lost and in a rut. Instead, it galvanised the Reds, who responded brilliantly to Arne Slot’s fresh ideas to romp to the title, finishing 10 points clear of Arsenal.
They will face a major challenge in retaining their title, with all of their rivals spending big money this summer, but they haven’t exactly stood still themselves, splashing well over £200 million on Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, while still trying to lure Alexander Isak to Anfield.
Those new signings mean Liverpool still have one of the strongest squads in the division and they can start their defence with a victory over Bournemouth, who have lost their last five meetings with the Reds.
The Cherries flirted with a European finish before fading away last term but significant sales over the summer suggest they may not enjoy themselves as much this time around, with key defenders Dean Huijsen, Illia Zabarnyi and Kerkez all departing.
Andoni Iraloa’s side still possess plenty of talented attackers, though, and after scoring in nine of their 12 games against the big six last term, they should have enough to get on the scoresheet in defeat at Anfield.
Tip 2 – Over 3.5 goals @ 17/10
Aston Villa vs Newcastle (Saturday, 12.30pm)
Newcastle’s summer began with the promising signing of Anthony Elanga, a move which many thought would kickstart a spending spree. However, the opposite has played out, as the Magpies have missed out on target after target and are now preparing for the potential of life without their best player, Alexander Isak.
Eddie Howe must refocus his side’s attention to on-pitch matters, but a tricky opener away at Aston Villa will make that difficult, as will the lack of confidence following a shocking pre-season which included a 4-0 thrashing by Celtic and a 1-0 defeat the the K-League Stars.
Villa finished level on points with the Magpies last term and have only strengthened this summer, adding promising forward Evann Guessand in attack and keeping hold of star men Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers.
Unai Emery’s side can blow teams away at their best, while Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and Elanga should provide plenty of attacking threat in Isak’s absence and it makes sense to go long on goals in a fixture which has provided plenty in recent years.
The past six meetings have produced a total of 25 goals and with four of those clashes featuring at least four strikes, over 3.5 is an appealing bet in Saturday’s lunchtime offering.
Tip 3 – Chelsea to win and both teams to score @ 2/1
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace (Sunday, 2pm)
Crystal Palace landed their first major trophy when winning the FA Cup last season and the feel-good factor around Selhurst Park should see them trouble Chelsea in their opening game.
Of course, the Blues also enjoyed themselves last term, winning the Club World Cup and Conference League in Enzo Maresca’s first season at Stamford Bridge.
As ever under Todd Boehly, Chelsea have splashed the cash this summer. Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens will provide more options for Cole Palmer to create for and they look set for another successful season.
The Blues have won 14 of their last 16 matches and are hard to oppose in this all-London affair. However, a clean sheet could prove beyond them, with Levi Colwill’s season-ending injury leaving them light at the back.
Palace have scored in eight straight games, putting two past Liverpool in the Community Shield on Sunday and can net in defeat at Stamford Bridge.
Tip 4 – Manchester United draw no bet @ 29/20
Manchester United vs Arsenal (Sunday, 4.30pm)
Another side to splash the cash this summer are Manchester United, who have spent £200 million on forwards alone, bringing in Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Combined with Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Amorim’s attack-first methods may finally begin to work at Old Trafford and they look a mammoth price to shock Arsenal on the opening weekend.
The Gunners have title aspirations and have brought in Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi, as well as some solid squad players, to strengthen their chances.
However, those are players with different profiles to their predecessors and it may take a while for Mikel Arteta’s side to get going.
Arsenal won just two of their final seven games of last season and were beaten on penalties in the FA Cup and held to a draw at Old Trafford by a United side far weaker than this new-look outfit, suggesting it may be anything but a perfect start for the Gunners in Manchester.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change
