English Premier League Betting Preview, Sunday 14 September
The Premier League weekend reaches its climax on Sunday with two mouth-watering fixtures to conclude matchday 4. First up, newly promoted Burnley face the ultimate test as they welcome defending champions Liverpool to Turf Moor. Then, attention shifts to the Etihad for the Manchester Derby, a clash that needs no introduction and promises all the intensity, drama, and storylines you’d expect when City and United collide.
It’s a fitting double-header to close out the gameweek, with points, pride and momentum all on the line. Here are my thoughts, along with suggested bets for each match.
While Sunday delivers a high-profile double-header, attention inevitably turns to the title race. Liverpool remain the bookies’ favourites at 12/10 as they aim to defend their crown, with Arsenal close behind at 37/20. Manchester City, surprisingly, are priced at 7/1, while Chelsea sit at 8/1. Beyond that, the rest of the field are priced at 40/1 or higher.
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BURNLEY v LIVERPOOL – Click here to bet
Burnley return to Turf Moor this Sunday for what promises to be their sternest test of the season so far, as they welcome reigning champions Liverpool. Under Scott Parker, the Clarets have sought to evolve into a more progressive side, but early results have highlighted the challenges of life in the Premier League. After opening their campaign with a 3-0 defeat at Tottenham, Burnley picked up their first points of the season with a 2-0 home victory over fellow Championship side Sunderland on matchday two. However, a 3-2 loss at Manchester United in their most recent outing exposed significant defensive frailties. That result left Parker’s men 14th in the table with three points from their opening three fixtures, and conceding three goals in two of those matches will be a major concern for the manager, who now faces the task of shoring up his back line against one of the division’s most potent attacks.
For Liverpool, the story is quite the opposite. Under Arne Slot, the Reds have hit the ground running in their quest to defend the Premier League crown, currently sitting atop the table with nine points from their opening three matches. Their most notable performance came just before the international break, a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Anfield over last season’s runners-up, Arsenal. The squad has also been bolstered with the addition of Alexander Isak, who could make his debut this weekend after featuring for Sweden on Monday, gaining valuable match minutes ahead of the domestic clash. Isak’s arrival could prove crucial for Liverpool, given his prolific 23-goal campaign for Newcastle United last season, the second-highest tally in the Premier League. It is a daunting prospect for Burnley, knowing that if he features this weekend, he will be eager to justify his price tag and make an immediate impact.
Head-to-Head
Liverpool have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning their last five consecutive meetings while conceding just one goal. Their most recent encounters came during the 2023/24 campaign, when Liverpool completed a league double by claiming a 2-0 victory in this fixture, followed by a 3-1 win at Anfield.
Betting
Burnley 8/1
Draw 5/1
Liverpool 1/3
Verdict
Burnley will aim to frustrate, and Turf Moor has historically provided a platform for them to punch above their weight. Still, against a Liverpool side that looks sharp in attack and has shown marked improvement in defence, Parker’s men face an uphill battle. The Clarets will need a near-perfect performance to cause an upset which is something I struggle to see happening here.
Suggested Bet: Liverpool to Win to Nil – Yes at 12/10
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MANCHESTER CITY v MANCHESTER UNITED – Click here to bet
Few fixtures capture the imagination like the Manchester Derby, and this Sunday’s clash at the Etihad Stadium arrives at a fascinating moment for both clubs. Manchester City, accustomed to early-season dominance, find themselves under the microscope after an unusual stuttering start. Consecutive league defeats, a 2-0 home loss to Tottenham followed by a 2-1 defeat at Brighton, left the Citizens languishing in 13th place with just three points from three games. Compounding matters, the squad is grappling with injury concerns, with up to 17 players across both clubs at risk of missing out. A third straight defeat here for Pep Guardiola’s side would intensify scrutiny and could dent confidence in a team that has long been synonymous with relentless consistency.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have faced scrutiny of their own following their shock EFL Cup exit to Grimsby Town. Yet, a dramatic 3-2 victory over Burnley at Old Trafford offered a timely boost. Twice surrendering the lead, the Red Devils showed resilience and belief to snatch all three points thanks to a stoppage-time penalty from captain Bruno Fernandes. That win lifted Rúben Amorim’s side to four points from three matches, leaving them ninth in the Premier League table, though inconsistency remains a theme. With neither side yet fully convincing this season, and both carrying their fair share of injuries, the playing field feels more level than in many recent derbies. Even so, United can still call upon the firepower of Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Šeško, and Fernandes’ creativity to pose a real attacking threat.
Head-to-Head
Manchester United are unbeaten in their last four meetings against Manchester City in all competitions. In league play last season, United secured all three points at the Etihad with a 2-1 victory, followed by a goalless draw at Old Trafford in the reverse fixture.
Betting
Manchester City 8/11
Draw 16/5
Manchester United 7/2
Verdict
With both sides managing a long list of injuries and still searching for rhythm, this derby feels far more open than many recent encounters. Goals look likely, with attacking quality on both sides and defensive vulnerabilities exposed. United’s recent record against City cannot be discounted, and they offer value to return home with at least a point this weekend.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance and Both Teams to Score – Draw/Manchester United and Yes at 2/1
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
