We have finally arrived at the opening weekend of the 2023/24 Premier League season! Catch all the action as it begins on Friday night with the Chapons Man City facing newly-promoted Burnley.
Friday, 11 August
Burnley 8/1 | Draw 46/10 | Manchester City 3/10 (21:00)
These Friday night games are always tough on the opening weekend, even more so where you have a new addition to the league hosting a so-called ‘big name’. Yes, obviously, City aren’t ‘so-called’ but they will be up against an electric crowd and atmosphere!
Vincent Kompany gets his side’s campaign underway against his alma mater – I don’t think they stand a chance, but there could be good value in the goals department. Under 2.5 goals at 5/4 is my pick.
Saturday, 12 August
Arsenal 1/4 | Draw 54/10 | Nottingham Forest 9/1 (13:30)
Arsenal certainly looks as though they intend to continue playing with an aggressive appreciation for attacking football. Mikel Arteta has been uncompromising, but this is the season I think which defines him. Last year they were a prolonged surprise package. This year they are in the conversation around quality. Forest will have it all to do, but I see Arsenal dominating. Back the hosts + Over 2.5 at 13/20.
Sheffield United 39/20 | Draw 9/4 | Crystal Palace 15/10 (16:00)
This is likely the most even match of the weekend. Neither side can have any real claim here, the hosts will want to give their bouncing fans a positive first experience and if they can get on top of Palace early…they might just earn themselves all three points.
I’m interested to see Palace this season, they have had a quiet preparation and a few changes, but they are always consistent. Back the draw.
Bournemouth 18/10 | Draw 49/20 | West Ham 15/10 (16:00)
Rice, rice baby! Ok stop! Collaborate and listen…no, I’m getting ahead of myself. West Ham are without Declan Rice in midfield and how they perform without their former captain will capture the interest of everyone.
For me, more important is what they choose to do with that money and who they bring through the doors. I’m not sure Bournemouth will handle the potential pace West Ham can play with, so I’ll back the visitors.
Brighton 1/3 | Draw 44/10 | Luton Town 8/1 (16:00)
In truth, I’m not sure what I am more excited about…Luton, or Luton’s stadium hosting a Premier League game! Brighton are certainly the more tactically put together side, but they too have gone through a bit of adjustment during their summer break. Nevertheless, I think this is an open encounter and both teams scoring at even money is the play.
Everton 12/10 | Draw 5/2 | Fulham 9/4 (16:00)
I think this might be the first banana skin game of the season. Everton haven’t done much to justify any sort of confidence and in Fulham you have a side happy to play a rather simple game but show a devastating counter. I like the look of the visitors to be honest.
Newcastle 15/20 | Draw 29/10 | Aston Villa 7/2 (18:30)
This is a massive game, both sides will be confident in their own ability, and neither will concede a single thing during the fixture! I was impressed with both sides in the Summer Series, only because in our limited coverage, it was clear that they used the games for experimental purposes. I can’t split them defensively nor offensively, so I’m going for the draw. However, expect a cracking fixture!
Sunday, 13 August
Brentford 2/1 | Draw 5/2 | Tottenham 27/20 (15:00)
It’s probably way too early for this, but I think Spurs lose this one. Brentford will want to get at their defence and limit the space available in Spurs’ final third. If Harry Kane plays, he is a perpetual danger, but I think the home side nick it. Back the hosts and both teams scoring at a massive 44/10.
Chelsea 37/20 | Draw 51/20 | Liverpool 27/20 (17:30)
Click here to see our full preview for this game.
Manchester United 4/10 | Draw 42/10 | Wolves 13/2 (21:00)
These two sides have both had an up and down pre-season, but I say that with full knowledge that the point of the preparation is experimental and shouldn’t be read into wholeheartedly.
I think the work United have done in the window has been far superior to previous seasons – yet another feather I suppose we owe to Erik ten Hag! They have certainly strengthened the side and I’m intrigued to see how they get on this season. I think they win here though.
