Three. More. Days.
The grueling wait is almost over. The sizzling football summer had us indulge in what’s arguably been one of the best World Cup tournaments in history but the tedious football-free rest is now over with world’s most entertaining – and arguably the best – competition set to start on Friday night.
You know it already, the Premier League 2018/19 action kicks off with Manchester United welcoming Leicester City at Old Trafford in a highly anticipated curtain-raiser. And in this article you will be given a Matchday 1 preview along with some most interesting betting picks and predictions that will most certainly help you spice up the action this weekend, and throughout the season.
If the 2017/18 campaign is anything to go by, we should be in for a tantalizing football year.
Exciting Season Ahead
Manchester City lifted the title in style after breaking the 100-point barrier and will be widely expected to defend the trophy this year. The Champions League finalists Liverpool have gone on a spending spree this summer and will surely be looking to make one step forward in relation to last year. Jurgen Klopp is slowly assembling the puzzle and will go all in for the Premier League glory with the Egyptian King Mo Salah – hopefully – in fine form yet again.
Those of you who are in for some long-shot bets can back Citizens at 4/6 to defend the title this year. As for the Golden Boot race, Mo Salah is just neck behind Harry Kane who is expected to win the accolade with 5/2 stacked in his favour.
The year ahead of us is expected to provide answers to some rather provoking questions.
Chelsea are beginning a new era under Maurizio Sarri whose unique style of play should be a breath of fresh air for the Premier League as a whole. The Blues have a perchant for winning the title under new manager and there is a 12/1 bet to support Sarri to become the second Italian to claim the domestic trophy in just two seasons’ time.
The same sense of excitement is not to be found at Manchester United who appear to be going rearguard despite the overwhelming attacking potential Jose Mourinho has at his disposal. The Portuguese tactician has emerged as one of the favourites to become the first manager to be sacked this season.
Arsenal will be the ones to watch as well. With Arsene Wenger putting an end to his two-decade tenure at the club, the pressure is high on Unai Emery to deliver and get Gunners back to the Champions League. Having specialized in international football during his time at Sevilla, Emery will be expected to use his experience and help Arsenal get back on track. Same will be expected from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The former Borussia Dortmund striker finished the season with 10 goals from 12 starts since his January move to London and 13/2 offers fantastic value for him to join – and win – the Golden Boot Race.
Sizzling Weekend Before Us
Let us handpick three matches you shouldn’t miss this weekend – both from the punter’s point of view and as regular fans wanting to tune in on some top-notch action this weekend. There’s plenty to choose from for those who will be staying at home and not hitting the grounds this weekend as no less than 5 matches will be televised live in the UK.
With 2/5 betting odds offered on Manchester United to deal with Leicester City this Friday, you’ll be better off watching this game as a neutral. Jose Mourinho’s side are widely expected to claim three points but there’s more value – and entertainment – on the second and third day of the weekend.
Newcastle United and Tottenham open the Saturday’s schedule with a clash at St James’ Park. Both sides have been relatively quiet during the summer but will nevertheless be expected to show significant progress during the 2018/19 season. There is a parallel to be drawn between these two clubs in terms of expectations and delivery but we can’t look past Spurs for this particular occasion as 21/20 on away win is too good to miss out on.
Sunday is, however, where the proper action lies.
Liverpool kick it off at Anfield against West Ham and will be widely expected to close it with ease. With Alisson Becker between the sticks, Naby Keita and Fabinho holding the ground for Mane, Firmino and Salah upfield, the Irons will need all the luck in the world to try and stop the Reds. All eyes will also be on heavily criticized Shaqiri who used the preseason to score some quality goals – in games and in training – whereas his overall work rate has been nothing short of impressive.
And finally, to close it up nicely, we have a proper cracker coming up at the Emirates.
Arsenal are playing host to reigning champions and Community Shield winners Manchester City who will be looking to extend the starting run with another big-name scalp. Gunners can be backed at 5/2 to surprise Citizens who have been given a 1/1 price to win.
Matchday 1 Fixtures
Friday, 10 August 2018
- Manchester United vs Leicester City (20:00 BST)
Saturday, 11 August 2018
- Newcastle United vs. Tottenham Hotspur (12:30 BST)
- Bournemouth vs Cardiff City (15:00 BST)
- Fulham vs Crystal Palace (15:00 BST)
- Huddersfield Town vs Chelsea (15:00 BST)
- Watford vs Brighton & Hove Albion (15:00 BST)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Everton (17:30 BST)
Sunday, 12 August 2018
- Liverpool vs West Ham United (13:30 BST)
- Southampton vs Burnley (13:30 BST)
- Arsenal vs Manchester City (16:00 BST)
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