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Premier League Predictions Matchday 1
| Match | Pick | Odds |
|---|---|---|
Liverpool vs Bournemouth | Liverpool Moneyline | -300 |
Brighton vs Fulham | Brighton Moneyline | -105 |
Nottingham Forest vs Brentford | Draw | +240 |
Manchester United vs Arsenal | Arsenal Moneyline | +100 |
Leeds vs Everton | Leeds Moneyline | +140 |
Odds via BetMGM, correct as at time of publishing and subject to change.
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Prediction 1: Liverpool vs Bournemouth: Reds to come out swinging
- Date: 08/15
- Kick-off time: 3pm ET
- Our tip: Liverpool Moneyline @ -300 with BetMGM
Liverpool strengthened substantially over the summer, and they have been very proactive in preparing for their title defence. They should have more than enough to see off Bournemouth, even if the Cherries cause a few problems. The Reds have scored nine past the Cherries without conceding over their last three games.
The signings of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike have boosted Liverpool's firepower, while Andoni Iraola has had a tough summer. The Cherries have practically lost their whole backline to bigger clubs, and they will have work to do to get settled again. A home win at Anfield seems inevitable.
Prediction 2: Brighton vs Fulham: Seagulls to soar on opening day
- Date: 08/16
- Kick-off time: 10am ET
- Our tip: Brighton Moneyline @ -105 with BetMGM
Brighton & Hove Albion kick off their 2025/26 campaign at home to Fulham, and go into the tie as favourites. Their summer transfer window has been a mix of highs and lows. They’ve signed some exciting players but also lost Joao Pedro and a few others along the way. Fabian Hurzeler knows what he’s doing, however.
The Seagulls had a strong pre-season, beating the likes of Wolfsburg and Las Palmas, and they ended 2024/25 on a five-game unbeaten run - winning four. The Cottagers, meanwhile, lost six of their last nine as last season came to an end, and they haven’t made any notable signings this summer.
Prediction 3: Nottingham Forest vs Brentford: A scoring stalemate
- Date: 08/17
- Kick-off time: 9am ET
- Our tip: Tie Moneyline @ +240 with BetMGM
Nottingham Forest and Brentford have both had eventful summers, but in different ways. Forest parted ways with Anthony Elanga, a key part of last season’s success, yet managed to tie down Morgan Gibbs-White and made savvy additions. The Bees, meanwhile, lost their manager but have made some interesting signings, like Antoni Milambo and Michael Kayode.
It’s fair to say that the Tricky Trees overperformed last season, earning more points than they possibly should have - so they’ll have to be careful. Keith Andrews will be eager to keep things tidy as his managerial career gets underway, so Brentford probably won’t go gung-ho. These two could end up cancelling each other out in order to avoid opening-day defeat.
Prediction 4: Manchester United vs Arsenal: Gunners blast off
- Date: 08/17
- Kick-off time: 5.30 pm
- Our tip: Arsenal Moneyline @ +100 with BetMGM
Not that long ago, this was a Premier League Clash of the Titans, but Manchester United’s fall has lowered its significance. Arsenal enter as favourites, and a really strong summer could see them open up the gap on the Red Devils even further. Viktor Gyokeres’ arrival could be a huge step for Mikel Arteta’s Gunners.
United haven’t beaten Arsenal in a 90-minute game since 2022, and Old Trafford isn’t the fortress it once was. Ruben Amorim has made some astute signings recently, and they should improve in 2025/26, but Arsenal should have a bit too much for them. With the two meeting so early in the season, the visitors’ consistency from last season stands them in good stead.
Prediction 5: Leeds United vs Everton: United ready to return
- Date: 08/18
- Kick-off time: 3pm ET
- Our tip: Leeds Moneyline @ +140 with BetMGM
Leeds United are back in the big time, bringing top-flight football back to Elland Road. Daniel Farke will be under pressure to start well after their impressive Championship campaign, and they have the quality to do so. They need more if they’re to make a big push to stay up, but have a solid core and - in this case - home advantage.
The arrival of Jack Grealish is big for the Toffees, and they should have a solid campaign this time around, but they may need time. The atmosphere will be electric in Yorkshire, and could give the hosts that little bit extra that they need to get a result. You could absolutely see Dominic Calver-Lewin scoring on his debut, too.
Conclusion
The Premier League is back, and fans can now once again cheer on their teams. We’ve looked at all elements of the division for our Matchday 1 predictions, choosing favourites but also looking for value.
Arsenal, for instance, are away at Old Trafford, so you get more value if they win. Leeds, meanwhile, are newbies, but they could be dangerous as they have home advantage.
We’ve looked at statistics and summer business to justify these picks, but please remember to bet responsibly when using them.
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