English Premier League Betting Preview, Saturday 30 August
The third round of the English Premier League gets underway on Saturday with six matches on the card. We’ve picked out three fixtures to focus on from a betting perspective, along with a suggested punt for each.
Before we dive into the Saturday’s preview, let’s take a look at the outright markets. Liverpool and Arsenal are joint favourites at 7/4, with Manchester City next best at 9/2. Chelsea remain on my radar at 8/1, while the rest of the field can be backed at 28/1 or higher.
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CHELSEA v FULHAM – Click here to bet
Chelsea return to Stamford Bridge on Saturday fresh from an emphatic 5-1 victory away to West Ham last Friday, a performance that saw no less than five different goal scorers find the net for the Blues. That win followed a stalemate against Crystal Palace on opening day, leaving Enzo Maresca’s side 4th in the early standings with 4 points from 6. Last season’s 2-1 defeat to Fulham at the Bridge serves as a reminder that London derbies can be unpredictable, but Chelsea will be confident of bouncing back, particularly after an impressive display last weekend despite talismanic midfielder Cole Palmer missing through a groin injury.
Fulham, meanwhile, are yet to register a win this season and come into the clash following a 1-1 home draw with Manchester United, marking their second consecutive 1-1 result. After going behind to an own goal from Rodrigo Muniz, the Cottagers fought back with Emile Smith Rowe scoring just 93 seconds after coming on. Sitting 13th in the standings, Fulham are likely to adopt a cautious, counter-attacking approach on the road, but last season’s 2-1 triumph at Stamford Bridge and their resilient display against United suggest they could still trouble Chelsea’s defence.
Head-to-Head
These two sides met twice in the Premier League last season, with each team claiming a 2-1 away victory.
Betting
Chelsea 8/15
Draw 7/2
Fulham 5/1
Verdict
Fulham were not particularly impressive in last weekend’s draw against Manchester United, but they could still trouble a Chelsea side that were guilty of conceding at home on numerous occasions last season. While the Cottagers are unlikely to replicate last season’s result, they can potentially find the net. I like Chelsea to avoid defeat and both teams to score in this one.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance and Both Teams to Score – Chelsea/Draw and Yes at 21/20
MANCHESTER UNITED v BURNLEY – Click here to bet
Despite showing plenty of promise in their opening exchanges, Manchester United are still searching for their first win of the new campaign. Ruben Amorim cut a frustrated figure as his side dominated large portions of their trip to Fulham, only to return home with a point following a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage. With Bruno Fernandes largely absent for much of the game, including a missed penalty, the start to the season feels reminiscent of last term. That said, United look far more promising this time around, and while finishing their chances has eluded them so far, it is unlikely to continue for much longer given the quality at their disposal. They currently sit 16th in the early standings with just 1 point, reflecting their slow start despite showing encouraging signs.
Meanwhile, Burnley did not have to wait long for their first win since returning to the Premier League. Last weekend, the Clarets claimed their first set of maximum points with a 2-0 victory over Sunderland at Turf Moor. Scott Parker will be a relieved man, especially after opening their EPL account on matchday one with a heavy defeat away to Spurs. That win leaves Burnley 11th in the early standings. This Saturday, they travel to Old Trafford, a daunting prospect despite United’s current struggles. History is against them, having lost five of their last seven meetings with the Red Devils in all competitions, but with confidence from points already on the board, Parker’s side will look to defy the odds and cause an upset on the road.
Head-to-Head
These two sides last met in the 2023/24 campaign, with Manchester United claiming a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture, followed by a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford that saw both teams share the points.
Betting
Manchester United 4/10
Draw 4/1
Burnley 7/1
Verdict
Manchester United will be desperate to claim their first victory of the campaign, and at this stage even an ugly win would be welcomed to ease the growing pressure. Having been involved in the EFL Cup in midweek and suffering a shock exit at the hands of Grimsby Town, the need for a response has only intensified. Burnley arrive on the back of a morale-boosting win, but with United’s backs against the wall, Amorim’s side should finally find a way to grind out the three points they so badly need, albeit by the narrowest of margins.
Suggested Bet: Winning Margin – Manchester United by 1 at 27/10
LEEDS UNITED v NEWCASTLE UNITED – Click here to bet
Leeds United welcome Newcastle United to Elland Road this Saturday, where the Peacocks will look to respond after a damaging 5-0 defeat away to Arsenal last weekend. Having begun their campaign promisingly with a win at home to Everton, things quickly unravelled at the Emirates, exposing the gulf in quality between newly promoted sides and established teams like the Gunners. The challenge does not get any easier for Daniel Farke’s side, with Newcastle likely seething after Monday’s narrow defeat to Liverpool at St James’ Park. Despite the heavy loss, Leeds currently sit 12th in the early standings, having claimed three points from six in their opening two matches.
Newcastle United are still searching for their first win of the campaign. After opening with a stalemate at Aston Villa, they were cruelly beaten 3-2 by Liverpool on Monday night at St James’ Park, despite battling back from 2-0 down with ten men. That defeat came at a further cost, with Anthony Gordon suspended and injuries sidelining Sandro Tonali and Joelinton. Sitting 15th with just one point, the Magpies will look to their strong record against promoted sides, having won all three away last season, as they aim to break their winless duck before the international break.
Head-to-Head
The last time these two sides met was in the 2022/23 campaign, with both fixtures ending all square — a goalless draw at St James’ Park followed by a 2-2 stalemate at Elland Road.
Betting
Leeds United 5/2
Draw 26/10
Newcastle United 11/10
Verdict
While Newcastle United will be without the services of key players, they can still take confidence from their strong record against newly promoted sides. Their current league position does not truly reflect the level of performance they have shown so far, and this trend could well help the Magpies finally secure maximum points this campaign.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result – Newcastle United at 11/10
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
