The return of the Premier League is always a much-welcomed event in any sports season, and the 2025/26 season is no different. This season gets underway from August 15 to 18, and a lot of people, fans as well as those who lay their bets, are interested to see how the big teams of the league—as well as the most recent entrants—fare in their first games. Be it Liverpool’s stronghold at Anfield or Arsenal’s high-stake visit to Old Trafford, the first matchweek has drama, goals, and the most important factor for punters, potential value in the odds.
The first matches give Premier League betting a great opportunity to get favorable odds before the market ‘sharpens’ and the favorites become clearer. The initial games are often hard to predict due to factors like signings, fitness, and changes in strategy. However, form trends, the head-to-head history, and how the odds have shifted could combine to create profitable opportunities.
Here’s a quick look at the Premier League schedule and betting angles noted from the opening weekend:
| Date | Fixture | Notable Insight | Suggested Market |
| Aug 15 (Fri) | Liverpool vs Bournemouth | Liverpool won 11 of last 12 vs Bournemouth | Liverpool win + Salah to score |
| Aug 16 (Sat) | Aston Villa vs Newcastle | Villa strong at home; Newcastle improving | Villa +0.5 Asian Handicap |
| Brighton vs Fulham | Close matchup; no clear edge | Avoid or BTTS | |
| Forest vs Brentford | Historically even | Draw has value | |
| Sunderland vs West Ham | Sunderland newly promoted | West Ham win or -1 handicap | |
| Tottenham vs Burnley | Spurs often start strong | Over 2.5 Goals | |
| Wolves vs Man City | City heavy favourites | City -1.5 Handicap | |
| Aug 17 (Sun) | Chelsea vs Crystal Palace | Chelsea refreshed, Palace conservative | Chelsea win in acca |
| Man United vs Arsenal | Early top-four clash | BTTS; Double Chance Arsenal | |
| Aug 18 (Mon) | Leeds vs Everton | Survival six-pointer | Under 2.5 Goals |
Let’s dive into five outstanding value soccer bets from this weekend.
1. Liverpool vs Bournemouth – History Repeats Itself But For The Reds
Liverpool enter as the heavy favorite priced at [3/10], a historical narrative that would tell of domination by the Reds over Bournemouth, having won 11 of their last 12 meetings, and conceding just twice in their last eight Anfield encounters. Salah has good numbers when it comes to opening weekend’s fixtures and is definitely a good value in the anytime or the first goalscorer markets. For the final selections, consider placing monetary value on:
- Liverpool win + Salah to score
- Asian Handicap: -1.5 or -2.0 on Liverpool
2. Aston Villa vs Newcastle – A Tight Top-Six Clash
More expectation would surround Newcastle, but Villa had one of the best home forms in the league the previous season. Bookies could side with Newcastle because of the upgrade in the squad. However, Villa at home is always a trap for traveling sides.
- Value Bet: Aston Villa +0.5 Asian Handicap
- Over 2.5 goals is worth considering if both teams commit to attacking.
3. Man United vs Arsenal: Early Fireworks at Old Trafford
This fixture is unlikely to be a boring affair. After all, the two teams have scored more English league goals in aggregate than any other clubs: Manchester United 2,049 and Arsenal 2,022.
The weekend’s showpiece, United vs Arsenal may define early title storylines. The bookmakers can’t separate them as Arsenal are slight favorites in some markets. With neither team boasting much at the back this season and both having attacking intent, it is hard to look beyond:
- Suggested Tip: BTTS (Both Teams to Score)
- Double Chance: Arsenal/Draw
4. Liverpool vs West Ham – The Stakes
Reds visit Hammers at Upton Park. LFC 3 pts from 8 games – poor start or fixture list and patience needed?
Recommended Bet: Goals above 2.5
The weekend’s showpiece, United vs Arsenal may define early title storylines. The bookmakers can’t separate them as Arsenal are slight favorites in some markets. With neither team boasting much at the back this season and both having attacking intent, it is hard to look beyond:
- Suggested Tip: BTTS (Both Teams to Score)
- Double Chance: Arsenal/Draw
5. Chelsea vs Crystal Palace – Blues to Begin Strong
Chelsea underwent another summer of transition, but their depth of squad and intent in attack should be enough to handle this London derby. Palace often sit deep against the better sides but going away from home, an in-form Chelsea side should simply be too much for them to handle.
Outright Odds: Who is the Leader of the Title Race?
It is of course very early but pre-season odds to win the Premier League suggest a three horse only
- Liverpool: 2.00 – 2.95
- Arsenal: 2.25 – 3.50
- Man City: 2.25 – 3.86
- Chelsea: 7.80 – 16.00
- Newcastle United: 12.00 – 30.00
- Man United: 21.00 – 27.00
With new signings and extended upswing to the end of last season, it’s little wonder that bookmakers can make a case for Liverpool mounting a maiden trophy charge under Jürgen Klopp.
Squad continuity and strong finish last season had Liverpool marginal favorites in many books, but just one result away from City and Arsenal in the early odds markets.
End of the Line
Opening fixtures carry both excitement and opportunity for the bettor. Through a combination of historical data and sharp market reading, one can catch the value before the odds settle with the bookmaker. Whether you’re constructing a weekend accumulator or aiming for a single outstanding bet, Matchweek 1 shapes up as an auspicious landscape for profitable Premier League betting.
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