Looking ahead to Matchweek 2 of the 2023/24 EPL season, we break down the five best bets for the weekend of Premier League action.
1. Tottenham H2H vs Manchester United @ $2.85
United were thoroughly unconvincing at home to Wolves to kick off season 2023/24, and benefitted from some questionable refereeing that allowed them to walk away with three points. Spurs, by contrast, could only grab a point to open their EPL campaign, however showed great signs in their first competitive outing under Aussie Ange Postecoglou. This looms as a huge affair. And, given we know how Postecoglou operates, he will implore his side to go hard at United early. And that approach may well pay off, given how many times Wolves (and in particular Matheus Cunha) sliced through on Tuesday morning.
It seems Ange Postecoglou has already won over his midfield maestro ❤️
When they say players will run through walls for Ange, you can see why.#OptusSport pic.twitter.com/HXPnKsaQSf
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 14, 2023
2. Manchester City or Draw vs Newcastle United & Over 2.5 goals @ $2.05
The most intriguing clash of Matchweek 2. Newcastle delivered the statement win of Matchweek 1, thrashing Villa 5-1. But City’s 3-0 win away to Burnley wasn’t too far behind, considering the shortened pre-season Pep Guardiola’s men had after their history-making treble last season. Eddie Howe’s side have shown no indication that the high-octane football that defined their last EPL campaign will be letting up. So if any side can travel to the Etihad and score goals, it’s them. But City rarely, if ever lose at home. Last season they set the record for most home wins (28) in all competitions by an EPL team. Guardiola also has a key cog back for the clash.
[🚨🌕] NEW: Ruben Dias will be avalabile for #ManCity vs Newcastle.
[@Jack_Gaughan] pic.twitter.com/hFxlKlbTf9
— City Zone (@City_Zone_) August 16, 2023
3. Brentford H2H vs Fulham @ $2.65
A West London derby provides real intrigue on Matchweek 2. Both Brentford and Fulham performed admirably on the opening day of the season. The Bees in particular were dynamic throughout and responded brilliantly after going 1-0 down to Spurs early. Despite stars Ivan Toney (suspension) and David Raya (just signed on loan to Arsenal) not being there, Thomas Frank’s system stands up in the EPL. Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa have shown they can pick up the slack for Toney. In what should be a tight contest, I’m backing Brentford to get it done on enemy territory.
Since the start of last season, Bryan Mbeumo & Yoane Wissa have both scored in 5 of the 6 @premierleague games they have started together for @BrentfordFC in Ivan Toney's absence – doing so twice against Tottenham pic.twitter.com/c4Hk2IBTsa
— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) August 13, 2023
4. Aston Villa -1.0 vs Everton @ $2.95
I’m willing to write off Villa’s 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Newcastle as typical EPL day-one-madness. The Magpies were electric on home turf, and it’s far too early to say there were bad signs for Villa. It was more than likely just an off day. They return home for what should be a much more straightforward affair against Everton who, like Villa, were beaten on the season’s opening weekend. Except theirs was more damning, at home against Fulham. Unai Emery’s men should bounce back strongly in this one.
Aston Villa are in for a fantastic season and with Unai Emery at the helm, Anything is Possible.@WeAreTheOverlap #avfc pic.twitter.com/mFXPX3B5gA
— UTV PODCAST (@UTVpodcast_) August 8, 2023
5. Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal) anytime goalscorer vs Crystal Palace @ $3.05
With main man Gabriel Jesus missing the start of this EPL season, Eddie Nketiah led the line well in Arsenal’s opening weekend win over Nottingham Forest, bagging the Gunners’ first goal of the campaign. And after having three shots against Forest, he looms as good value to double up. Nketiah scored in Arsenal’s final pre-season match prior to the Community Shield final, too. With a host of attacking talent down the wings, teammates are set to provide a number of chances for him to bag another at Selhurst Park.
Eddie Nketiah scores Arsenal's first goal of the season 👑
The Gunners are up and running for season 2023/24.
Watch 📲 https://t.co/PslbAns0gQ#PL #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/KBDsI3UKJO
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 12, 2023