This Saturday, we’ll examine three English Premier League encounters where all six teams will be eager to start their respective campaigns with a win. Here are our betting suggestions.
Before diving into the match analysis, let’s take a look at the outright markets for the EPL title race. As expected, defending champions Manchester City are the frontrunners, listed at 15/10. Last season’s runners-up, Arsenal, follow closely at 18/10, with Liverpool at 13/2. Both Chelsea and Manchester United are equally priced at 22/1, while the remaining teams are priced at 25/1 or higher.
Click here for English Premier League Outright Betting
ARSENAL v WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS– Click here to bet
Arsenal, last season’s runners-up, will host Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium this Saturday in what promises to be an intriguing encounter in London. The Gunners come into the opening week with a strong tailwind, having secured six consecutive wins in their final EPL matches last season. Arsenal will be keen to carry that momentum into this fixture, which has historically been favourable for them, as they have won all six of their previous league meetings with Wolves, both home and away.
Wolverhampton Wanderers, who finished last season in a disappointing 14th place, enter the opening week of the new campaign eager to turn the page after ending the previous season on a low note with three consecutive defeats. Historically, this fixture has not been a favourable one for Wolves, as they have struggled to secure positive results against Arsenal, particularly at the Emirates Stadium. As they begin their 2024/25 campaign, Wolves will be hoping to break this trend and start with a much-needed clean slate.
Head-to-Head
Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory over Wolves at the Emirates Stadium last season and also completed the double by winning 2-0 away from home.
Betting
Arsenal 2/9
Draw 6/1
Wolverhampton Wanderers 12/1
Prediction
All eyes will be on the Emirates as Arsenal will aim to make a solid start to their 2024/25 campaign. The Gunners are expected to come out firing, a tactic Mikel Arteta’s side frequently employed last season.
Suggested Bet: Halftime/Fulltime and Totals, Arsenal/Arsenal and over 1.5 at 8/11
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NEWCASTLE UNITED v SOUTHAMPTON– Click here to bet
Newcastle United are set to welcome Southampton to St. James’ Park, where the Magpies will aim to extend their impressive home league form. Last season, the Toon Army secured 12 victories out of 19 home appearances, suffering only 4 defeats overall. With talents like Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon in their ranks, they will undoubtedly look to give newly promoted Southampton a baptism of fire as they strive to secure maximum points this opening weekend.
Southampton face a challenging season opener this weekend as they travel to St James’ Park, where the hosts have turned the venue into a fortress. Having secured promotion via the playoffs, the Saints are aware of the significant challenge ahead if they hope to avoid relegation. With their new signings focused on strengthening their defensive structure, ensuring Premier League survival will be their top priority. This weekend’s encounter will serve as a stern test as they embark on their first outing since returning to the EPL this Saturday.
Head-to-Head
After not competing in the Premier League last season, Southampton’s most recent encounter against Newcastle United ended in a 3-1 defeat at St. James’ Park towards the end of the 2022/23 campaign.
Betting
Newcastle United 4/11
Draw 9/2
Southampton 13/2
Prediction
Anything less than maximum points for the Magpies would be a genuine shock in my opinion. Given the gulf in class between the two squads, Eddie Howe’s team should have far too much quality for the Saints to handle.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Newcastle United -1.5 at 10/11
WEST HAM v ASTON VILLA– Click here to bet
Newly appointed West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui will make his Premier League debut against last season’s most improved team, Aston Villa, who qualified for the Champions League. The Hammers are expected to show significant improvement this season, thanks to a series of high-profile signings made over the summer. After finishing 9th last season and missing out on European competition, West Ham is keen to address this, now boasting a more balanced squad with their recent additions. Unbeaten in their last nine consecutive league games at home against Aston Villa, West Ham will fancy their chances here.
Aston Villa will certainly be riding high after last season’s achievements but will be eager to overcome their lack of success in London when facing a determined West Ham outfit. Unai Emery will hope that West Ham’s new manager is caught slightly off guard, giving his team a chance to prove that last season’s improvement was no fluke. This Saturday presents an opportunity for Aston Villa to build on where they left off, but it won’t be easy given their recent misfortunes away to the Hammers.
Head-to-Head
These two sides drew 1-1 in the league at this venue last season, with Aston Villa securing a comfortable 4-1 victory in the reverse fixture at Villa Park.
Betting
West Ham 15/10
Draw 26/10
Aston Villa 7/4
Prediction
This should be a proper arm wrestle between two sides vying for much bigger aspirations this season. With nothing separating them in their last two encounters at London Stadium, it would hardly be surprising to see a similar trend once again.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Draw at 26/10
Click here for all the weekend’s English Football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
