With two Premier League games scheduled for Sunday, we analyze both fixtures and suggest a betting option for each.
But before diving into the match analysis, let’s take a look at the outright markets for the EPL title race. As expected, the defending champions Manchester City are the favourites, priced at 5/4. Last season’s runners-up, Arsenal, follow closely at 15/8, with Liverpool at 7/1. Chelsea is available at 20/1, while Manchester United trails slightly behind at 22/1. The rest of the contenders are priced at 25/1 or higher.
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BRENTFORD v CRYSTAL PALACE– Click here to bet
After a disappointing 16th-place finish last season, Brentford will be eager to make amends and start their campaign strong when they host high-flying Crystal Palace this Sunday. The Bees may have lost some of their sting by dropping seven positions, but they showed resilience by going unbeaten in seven of their final nine league encounters, extending that overall tally to eleven from their last fourteen outings when including pre-season matches. With all three previous league meetings in Brentford ending in draws between these two sides, another tightly contested match is expected, with neither side likely to give an inch.
Having consistently made steady progress over the years, Crystal Palace secured a solid 10th-place finish last season. The Eagles have evolved into a team that can no longer be taken for granted in the top flight. Despite a relatively quiet transfer period, their settled squad has the potential to soar to greater heights, building on the impressive transformation and maturity as a club they’ve undergone over the years. Crystal Palace finished last season on a high note, registering six wins from their final seven league matches, extending their unbeaten run to twelve consecutive games when including five pre-season friendlies.
Head-to-Head
These two sides drew 1-1 in the league at this venue last season, with Crystal Palace securing all three points with a 3-1 victory in the reverse fixture at Selhurst Park.
Betting
Brentford 29/20
Draw 5/2
Crystal Palace 19/10
Prediction
Given recent encounters between these two at Selhurst Park, we should expect another close game. I’m finding it hard to separate the pair, so I’m leaning towards a draw, hoping it will provide both teams with an unbeaten start to their campaigns.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Draw at 5/2
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CHELSEA v MANCHESTER CITY– Click here to bet
Chelsea supporters have faced a challenging period recently. Since the club’s enforced sale by Roman Abramovich, Chelsea has struggled to re-establish itself among the elite. Despite significant investment in new talent, the Blues could only secure a 6th-place finish last season. With a new manager in charge, there is hope that last season’s signings will now be fully integrated and that the team can leverage their talent to return to their former glory. This Sunday presents a chance to make a statement as they face the reigning champions, Manchester City, at Stamford Bridge, aiming to make an impact and show their intent.
Eight-time league winners Manchester City were made to sweat in the final stages of the EPL last season. Despite Arsenal’s determined efforts to unseat them, City’s class ultimately prevailed, securing the title by just two points. Unbeaten in their last 23 Premier League appearances, Pep Guardiola’s side will aim to extend that impressive run when they visit Stamford Bridge for their opening match of the new season this Sunday. Coincidentally, these two sides met during pre-season in the United States, where Manchester City emerged victorious with a 4-2 win. However, it’s important to note that pre-season matches often lack the intensity of regular-season games, so drawing conclusions from that encounter may be misleading.
Head-to-Head
These two sides drew 4-4 at Stamford Bridge last season, with both teams sharing the spoils after a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium.
Betting
Chelsea 3/1
Draw 3/1
Manchester City 5/6
Prediction
Chelsea undoubtedly have the talent to make an impact on opening weekend, but given Manchester City’s recent dominance and pedigree in the league, this could still be a bridge too far for the Blues. Nonetheless, the match has the potential to be quite entertaining from both sides. I’ll take my chances by backing both teams to score, with a slight preference for City to avoid defeat.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance and Both teams to Score, Draw/Manchester City and yes at 9/10
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
