We take a look at all seven English Premier League matchups taking place this Saturday, offering insights and providing a betting suggestion for each game.
Before delving into each preview, let’s take a look at the outright markets for the EPL title race. After week 1, Manchester City have shortened to 14/10, with Arsenal close behind at 18/10. Liverpool remain the third favourites at 6/1, while Manchester United are priced at 28/1. The rest of the field is available at odds of 33/1 or higher.
Click here for English Premier League Outright Betting
BRIGHTON v MANCHESTER UNITED– Click here to bet
After an impressive start to the season with a fourth consecutive opening day victory at Goodison Park, Brighton sit atop the current standings following their 3-0 win over Everton. This weekend, they will host Manchester United at the Amex Stadium for their first home game of the season—a fixture where the Seagulls have seen success, winning four of their last five meetings. However, there will be a sense of revenge on the line, as Manchester United claimed a 2-0 victory in their most recent visit, marking the first time Brighton failed to score against United in their last five league matchups.
Manchester United travel to the South Coast this weekend, aiming to build on their match day one performance. Although their opening victory was not entirely convincing, they managed a hard-fought 1-0 win over Fulham, providing a positive start to the season and a welcome clean sheet. However, Brighton have traditionally posed a tough challenge for the Red Devils, with United having secured only three points from a possible fifteen in their last five league encounters with the Seagulls.
Head-to-Head
Manchester United secured a 2-0 win on the final day of the 2023/24 season, but in the reverse fixture, Brighton emerged 3-1 victors at Old Trafford.
Betting
Brighton 15/10
Draw 11/4
Manchester United 33/20
Prediction
Despite both teams failing to score in four of their last six league encounters, I believe that trend will change this Saturday. Following their match day one victories, both sides will be keen to build on their success, potentially leading to an explosive encounter at the Amex Stadium.
Suggested Bet: Totals And Both Teams To Score, Over 2.5 And Yes at 15/20
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CRYSTAL PALACE v WEST HAM – Click here to bet
Saturday’s opening-day defeat to Brentford marked the end of Crystal Palace’s impressive form from the latter part of last season, during which they went seven games unbeaten. The Eagles might feel somewhat aggrieved, as their performance suggested that the 2-1 loss to the Bees was a harsh result. This weekend, they have the chance to bounce back in their first home encounter of the season. A likely packed Selhurst Park awaits as they face West Ham, a fixture that has historically yielded positive results for the hosts, who have registered back-to-back high-scoring victories against the Hammers when they’ve come to town.
West Ham visit Selhurst Park this Saturday, similarly to their opponents, coming off a defeat from the opening weekend. Despite their strong home record against Aston Villa, it was the visitors who triumphed 2-1, ending West Ham’s nine-game unbeaten streak at home against the Villains. It hasn’t been an ideal start for new head coach Julen Lopetegui, as a home win on match day one would have certainly eased the pressure ahead of what appears to be an extremely difficult fixture in London this weekend.
Head-to-Head
Last season, this fixture saw Crystal Palace secure a convincing 5-2 victory, while the reverse fixture ended in a 1-1 draw.
Betting
Crystal Palace 12/10
Draw 26/10
West Ham 9/4
Prediction
This should be a cracking game at Selhurst Park. This encounter typically produces plenty of drama and goals from both ends. With an average of 4.71 goals in their last nine meetings at Selhurst Park, it’s reasonable to expect a similar trend this Saturday. The odds of 21/20 for both teams to score and over 2.5 goals definitely grab my attention.
Suggested Bet: Totals And Both Teams To Score, Over 2.5 And Yes at 21/20
FULHAM v LEICESTER CITY– Click here to bet
Fulham currently sit 15th in the league having failed to earn any points after their 1-0 defeat away to Manchester United last Friday. Following an impressive performance last season, the Cottagers will be looking to either replicate or surpass that success this time around. This weekend, they have an opportunity to bounce back from their recent setback as they face Leicester City, a team heavily tipped for relegation. With back-to-back victories over Leicester in their previous encounters, Fulham will be confident in their chances against what appears to be a significantly weakened Leicester side.
Despite being under pressure for most of Monday’s match against Tottenham, Leicester City secured a valuable point with a 1-1 draw in their return to the top flight, thanks to a goal from Jamie Vardy. Currently 10th in the standings, Leicester City will now travel to Craven Cottage for their first away game of the season. Based on their performance in the opener, the Foxes will need a bit of luck to achieve a similar result against Fulham on Saturday.
Head-to-Head
The last meeting between these two teams was in the 2022/23 season, where Fulham secured a double by winning 5-3 in this fixture and 1-0 in the reverse encounter.
Betting
Fulham 5/6
Draw 29/10
Leicester City 33/10
Prediction
I believe Fulham will be too strong for Leicester City at Craven Cottage. Leicester’s vulnerability on the road was evident towards the end of last season in the Championship, and with the increased challenges of the Premier League, they are likely to struggle even more this time around.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Fulham at 5/6
MANCHESTER CITY v IPSWICH TOWN– Click here to bet
Manchester City welcome Ipswich Town to the Etihad Stadium this Saturday in what appears to be one of the easier fixtures for the hosts, given the disparity in personnel. The Citizens are coming off a well-earned 2-0 win away at Chelsea over the weekend, which should raise alarm bells for what the Tractor Boys can expect this coming weekend. Last season, as anticipated, Manchester City secured maximum points both home and away against all three newly promoted teams, a trend likely to continue this coming weekend.
Newly promoted Ipswich Town marked their return to top-flight football after a 22-year hiatus with a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in their season opener at Portman Road. After holding the Reds to a competitive 0-0 at half-time, the game quickly turned around the hour mark, becoming a tale of two halves as Liverpool’s class ultimately prevailed. Having registered just seven goal attempts and two shots on target against Liverpool, Ipswich will need to improve significantly if they hope to mount any sort of challenge this coming weekend. The Tractor Boys face a daunting task as they travel to Manchester to take on the defending champions in their own backyard.
Head-to-Head
We have to go as far back as 2001 to find the last time these two teams faced each other in the league, when Ipswich secured the double with a 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture and a 3-2 win in this fixture.
Betting
Manchester City 1/10
Draw 10/1
Ipswich Town 25/1
Prediction
This should be as straightforward as they come, and I can’t see anything other than a comfortable win for the hosts here. After keeping Chelsea’s attack at bay last weekend, I believe City can replicate that performance by securing another solid win to nil in this match.
Suggested Bet: Manchester City To Win Both Halves, Yes at 15/20
SOUTHAMPTON v NOTTINGHAM FOREST– Click here to bet
Southampton entertain Nottingham Forest this Saturday as they open their first home game of the season upon their return to the EPL. Currently 16th in the table after a 1-0 defeat away at St James’ Park against Newcastle, the Saints will be hoping to secure a victory this weekend following a courageous performance against the Magpies. Southampton would have learned a lot from match day one, and despite dominating in many aspects of the game, their inexperience in the top flight seemed to be their downfall. This is something they will need to adapt to quickly if they are to survive among England’s elite clubs. Last season, Southampton managed to secure 15 home wins in the Championship but were guilty of conceding at least one goal per game at St Mary’s Stadium.
Nottingham Forest visit St Mary’s on Saturday after securing a point from their 1-1 draw against Bournemouth at home. Known for their tendency to share the spoils, Forest will be aiming to build on their opening result and improve their fortunes away from home. With both teams seeking their first win of the season, this match is likely to be a competitive encounter where the hosts will look to capitalize on home advantage. Forest, meanwhile, will aim to solidify their structure, drawing on their success against newly promoted opposition away from home last season, where they secured 7 points from a possible 9 with 2 wins and 1 draw.
Head-to-Head
These two last met in the 2022/23 season, where Nottingham Forest secured the double with a 1-0 win in this fixture, followed by an entertaining 4-3 victory in the reverse fixture.
Betting
Southampton 31/20
Draw 5/2
Nottingham Forest 18/10
Prediction
The visitors should have enough to get something from this one, but given Southampton’s resilient performance against Newcastle United, this should be a closely contested encounter. Both teams are likely to cancel each other out and may ultimately be satisfied with sharing the spoils.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Draw at 5/2
TOTTENHAM v HOTSPUR v EVERTON– Click here to bet
Tottenham Hotspur are set to host Everton this weekend, providing Spurs with an opportunity to bounce back from Monday’s result against Leicester City. Although they were the better side for most of the match, Ange Postecoglou’s team had to settle for a 1-1 draw, which will be seen as a missed chance for maximum points. Everton will present different challenges this Saturday, but with Tottenham having won their last three encounters at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against the Toffees, the London-based team will certainly be confident of returning to winning ways.
Everton find themselves at the bottom of the table after a disappointing start to the season. They struggled to make an impact in their first league encounter at home, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Brighton at Goodison Park. Now, as they head to London, they face a Tottenham side eager to recover from recent frustrations. Having conceded 9 goals in their last three visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium while scoring just once, Everton’s already fragile goal difference could take another hit this weekend. This presents a particularly daunting challenge for Sean Dyche and his team.
Head-to-Head
Tottenham Hotspur won this fixture 2-1 last season, while the reverse encounter ended in a 2-2 draw.
Betting
Tottenham Hotspur 40/85
Draw 4/1
Everton 11/2
Prediction
I expect a strong response from Spurs in front of their home crowd this weekend, and given their superior record against Everton, I’m backing the hosts to come out firing early—something we’ve seen in two of their last three matchups against the Toffees in London.
Suggested Bet: 1st Half Winner, Tottenham Hotspur at 19/20
ASTON VILLA v ARSENAL– Click here to bet
An intriguing battle awaits as last season’s most improved team, Aston Villa, take on league runners-up Arsenal at Villa Park this weekend. Aston Villa head into match day two off the back of a hard-fought 2-1 victory away to West Ham, a fixture that has historically been challenging for them. Having secured all three points this time around, Villa will be eager to continue their positive momentum. Last season, under the expert guidance of Unai Emery, they completed the double over Arsenal, and they’ll be looking to repeat that success again this season. Their home record was particularly impressive, with Villa securing the 5th best in the league, earning 40 points from a possible 57, with 12 wins, 4 draws, and just 3 defeats.
Having come perilously close to winning the title last season, Arsenal will undoubtedly be in contention again this season. However, it won’t be easy, as this season promises to be extremely competitive. The Gunners have hit the ground running, kicking off their campaign with a solid 2-0 win at home against Wolves. This weekend, they make their way to Villa Park, where Arsenal have struggled in recent times, suffering three defeats from their last five visits. Draws have also proven to be a rarity at this ground, with the last one between these two teams at Villa Park occurring 12 years ago. Boasting the second-best away record last season, Arteta’s side will be desperate to turn the tide against what appears to be one of their bogey teams, which could potentially derail their title ambitions.
Head-to-Head
Last season, Aston Villa won both encounters against Arsenal, securing a 1-0 victory at Villa Park and a 2-0 win in the reverse fixture.
Betting
Aston Villa 33/10
Draw 29/10
Arsenal 12/10
Prediction
I’m not convinced we’ll see both teams scoring here, but I do believe we will see a winner. My preference would be to back either side to win to nil by taking the following market.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance And Both Teams To Score, Aston Villa/Arsenal And No at 14/10
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
