The English Premier League has returned in all of its unwavering glory, and I am sure I speak for the masses when I say: We are chomping at the bit to get stuck in this year!
The mystery and intrigue as to which twists and turns are going to make headlines along the way continue to hold our attention, this is truly a league which captures the imagination!
To bring it all together – I have included a 10/1 quad for your perusal.
Friday 5 August
34/10 Crystal Palace | Draw 11/4 | Arsenal 8/10 (21:00)
Selhurst Park is the stage for the season opener where Arsenal once again travels to a so-called ‘lesser’ side to get their campaign underway. These are usually the sorts of games Arsenal struggle – but they have been thrilling to watch so far in preseason.
I think Gabriel Jesus can be incredible for Arsenal and if they are able to find some consistency and put away games such as these…well Europe surely awaits? Back the Gunners at 8/10.
Saturday 6 August
8/1 Fulham | Draw 48/10 | Liverpool 3/10 (13:30)
Liverpool should get their season off to a flying start and I can’t even fault the price available on the away win – no matter how hard I try.
Fulham were impressive in the Championship and their talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic was electric, we just must wait and see whether he is able to replicate this in the Premier League.
Back Liverpool and over 2.5 at 15/20.
51/20 Bournemouth | Draw 49/20 | Aston Villa 21/20 (16:00)
The Vitality stadium will no doubt be bubbling to welcome fans back for a Premier League game! The Cherries were quite disappointing in the break though, losing to the likes of Braga and Bristol City.
They will have it all to do against a Villa side who have produced fine displays whilst under the pupilage of Steven Gerrard.
I think Villa win this, get on.
13/20 Newcastle | Draw 28/10 | Nottingham Forest 44/10 (16:00)
These two sides haven’t met since the turn of the millennia, but you best believe there will be no love lost when they collide at St James’ Park on Saturday evening.
The home side enjoyed a relatively successful end to the 2021/22 campaign and will surely look to consolidate those performances early on this year.
Forest have done well to get themselves into the league again, but I don’t think they match up to Newcastle here. Eddie Howe has the better side and I think they perform as such in front of their passionate fans.
4/10 Tottenham | Draw 42/10 | Southampton 13/2 (16:00)
Antonio Conte’s side are seen as strong favourites to win this game, but I don’t think it will be as simple as that. They will need to work and prove their superiority against the Saints.
Richarlison will miss the game due to suspension – remember? Southampton aren’t a slouch by any means, and I think a high scoring game might be the order of the day. Over 2.5 goals is available at 6/10 and I think it might be the banker of the weekend.
27/20 Leeds United | Draw 23/10 | Wolves 21/10 (16:00)
Leeds might be lucky to still have a place in the league – but they will be optimistic of their season this year and likely welcome the clean slate.
They have lost key players (think Raphinha) but summer signing Brenden Aaronson has attracted a fair amount of attention in the media and I am intrigued to see him in the league.
Wolves have arguably done well to keep their squad intact, and although they will be without Raul Jimenez, Adama Traore returns from his loan spell at Barcelona, but I still feel this encounter will be closer than many assume.
I’m going to stay on the fence and say a draw at 23/20 – don’t judge me.
39/10 Everton | Draw 28/10 | Chelsea 7/10 (18:30)
A few seasons ago, this is certainly the feature of the day…oh how the mighty have fallen right?
Chelsea will want to get off to a positive and confident start when they travel to Goodison Park, but when you come up against a slowly melting toffee how can you not feel blue?
Probably not my best – but you know you smiled. Back the away win.
Sunday 7 August
1/1 Leicester | Draw 26/10 | Brentford 51/20 (15:00)
In truth the best bit of business done by the Foxes is undoubtedly the fact that they managed to keep ahold of so many talented players. They will surely want to improve on their rather dismal display last season.
The Bees are now without Christian Eriksen, who has joined United and will surely be missed.
To add to their misery reports out of London suggest the visitors will be without further players as well for the opener and so I can’t see past a Leicester win.
11/20 Manchester United | Draw 31/10 | Brighton 52/10 (15:00)
United have at times flattered to deceive during preseason and new manager Erik ten Hag surely faces a rather complicated season ahead.
Irrespective of that rather pessimistic view, the side is packed with talent and should have no issue scoring – mean Benny in the eighteen area and all of that!
Brighton have been a gritty team in recent years though and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them give United a run for their money and force them to be expressive should they want all three points.
I’m going to go with the home win – tentatively so.
7/1 West Ham | Draw 42/10 | Manchester City 7/20 (17:30)
QUAD @ 11/1
Arsenal Win 8/10
Liverpool + Over 2.5 goals 1/1
Chelsea Win 7/10
Leicester Win 1/1
