The big clubs made a statement on Matchday 1 of the new English Premier League season, with Matchday 2 headlined by a clash of last season’s top four sides with Arsenal and Aston Villa facing off! EPL expert, Jack Tobin has you covered with his best bets for the weekend. Check them out below and good luck to everyone following!
EPL 2024-25: Matchday 2 Preview & Betting Tips
Brighton vs Manchester United
American Express Stadium, Saturday 24th August, 9:30pm AEST
Brighton and Manchester United kicked off their season in winning ways, however the nature of both games were opposing. Brighton were ruthlessly efficient in Fabian Hurzeler’s first game at the helm, with a 3-0 victory over Everton coming from just 10 shots at goal. Manchester United required an 87th minute winner from new signing Joshua Zirkzee to get past Fulham, as the Red Devils struggled to convert the abundance of opportunities they had.
Despite only finishing above 8th once since being promoted to the Premier League in 2017/18, the Seagulls have given Manchester United plenty of troubles. Brighton have won four of their last five Premier League fixtures against the Red Devils, with an aggregate score of 10-3. With United’s centre back stocks looking incredibly shaking given injury and form issues, it looms as an area that Brighton can expose United in once again.
The American Express Stadium hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Erik ten Hag’s side, who have only one three of their seven Premier League matches at the venue. Manchester United have been poor starters on the road, failing to win the first away game of the season in five of their last six seasons. Brighton will continue their strong start to the season against a United side that still have plenty of issues.
Brighton $2.45 with Ladbrokes (1.5 Units)
$2.45 (1.5 Units)
Aston Villa vs Arsenal
Villa Park, Sunday 25th August, 2:30am AEST
The best game of the weekend sees a battle of fourth versus second from last season as Aston Villa host Arsenal at Villa Park. Villa got their season off to a winning start with a gritty 2-1 on the road against West Ham. Unai Emery’s side got off to a dream start as Onana scored in the fourth minute, however scores were evened up via a Lucas Paqueta in the 37th minute. Villa were able to hold on after John Duran’s goal in the 79th minute, giving them their first win on Matchday 1 since 2020/21.
Arsenal produced a convincing performance to kick off their title aspirations, with a 2-0 win over Wolves at home. The Gunners had 18 shots to 9 and recorded 53% possession, with stars Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka getting on the score sheet. Havertz and Saka also provided the assists for each other’s goals, which will have two of Arsenal's most important players full of confidence coming into this weekend.
This is going to be a tough encounter between two sides that will be contending for the title and top four, and Villa provide plenty of value in this matchup, particularly in the handicap market. Aston Villa were the only side to beat Arsenal twice last season, with 1-0 and 2-0 victories that proved costly as the Gunners finished second. Arsenal will be desperate to send a statement early in the campaign, however Unai Emery’s side will be good enough to keep this game close.
Aston Villa +1
$1.91 (1.5 Units)
Liverpool vs Brentford
Anfield, Monday 26th August, 1:30am AEST
Matchday 2 concludes at Anfield as Liverpool will be looking to make it two wins from two games to kick off the Arne Slot era. Brentford travel to Merseyside on the back of an upset win over Crystal Palace on the opening weekend of the season, courtesy of Yoane Wissa’s goal in the 76th minute. Liverpool started to slow against Ipswich Town, but produced a dominant second half to come away 2-0 winners. The Reds had 18 shots on goal to Ipswich’s 7, and maintained 63% possession.
Mo Salah scored for the ninth time on the opening Matchday of the season - the most in Premier League history, while Diogo Jota also got on the scoresheet. While there were promising signs, not being able to register a single shot on target in the first half does leave some concerns about their ability to adapt to Slot’s new game style. Although given the talent Liverpool have at their disposal, they should be able to get through the early parts of the season unscathed, not having to play a top four side from last season until October.
Brentford haven’t had much fun against Liverpool since being promoted to the Premier League in 2021. They have a 1-1-4 record across six league fixtures against the Reds including losses in both matches last season by score lines of 3-0 and 4-1. In four of their six games against Liverpool they’ve conceded at least three goals, and going to a venue that they haven’t won a Premier League match at doesn’t fill much confidence in the Bees.
Liverpool -2
$2.45 (1 Unit)
