Matchday One
England’s top tier of football returns this weekend and fans are set for nine months of dizzying highs and crushing lows.
The opening weekend of fixtures promises to be of intrigue and ferocity. New boys Brentford take on Arsenal to commence proceedings in a London derby at 5am Saturday, before Manchester United take on fierce rivals Leeds later that night at 9:30pm, in a rare Australian-friendly viewing time.
Then come Monday morning, perhaps the most fascinating match of the weekend unfolds as Tottenham Hotspur take on Manchester City. Both teams are in a tug of war over Spurs’ star man Harry Kane, with the England captain reportedly wanting to leave his boyhood club for Pep Guardiola’s champion team.
But, without doubt, the most exciting aspect for the 2021/2022 Premier League season is the fact that fans are back, which should translate to a less predictable season than last year.
Brentford ($4.33) vs Arsenal ($1.80) – Saturday 14th August @5am
Newly promoted Brentford take on Arsenal in their first ever Premier League match at Brentford Community Stadium in a London derby.
Arsenal will be out to spoil the party in west London and are in dire need to kick their campaign off with three points after missing out on European football last season for the first time in over two decades.
The Bees’ star man Ivan Toney has been declared fit to play for the Premier League new boys, while Arsenal will be without defensive midfielder Thomas Partey following an injury picked up in pre-season.
Best Bets
Match Result: Draw ($3.60)
Manchester United ($1.53) vs Leeds United ($5.50) – Saturday 14th August @9:30pm
Manchester United will take on old foes Leeds United in front of an Old Trafford which should be near capacity.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjear will need his Reds team to kick on after finishing second last season but were lightyears away from crosstown rivals Manchester City.
Leeds will be hoping to build on a fantastic first season back in the Premier League and will once again be looking for a top 10 finish, at a minimum.
New signing Jadon Sancho is unlikely to feature for United due to lack of match fitness, while Edinson Cavani is also doubtful to play.
Leeds should field close to their strongest side, with the exception of Diego Llorente, who is likely out with a knee injury.
Best Bets
Match Result: Draw ($4.33)
Tottenham Hotspur ($5) vs Manchester City ($1.60) – Monday 16th August @1:30am
Tottenham and Manchester City are in an off-pitch battle over Harry Kane, which makes for a fascinating on-field scrap come Monday morning.
Spurs have fallen away from the chasing pack in recent years following their Champions League final appearance in 2019, while City continue to vacuum up the trophies after clinching the League and League Cup last season.
New Spurs Boss Nuno Espirito Santo has the arduous task of re-building Tottenham, a contrast to Pep Guardiola, who has just added Jack Grealish to his already star-studded City team.
Manchester City are likely to be without both Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden due to injury, while Spurs’ star man Harry Kane will likely not play due to the ongoing transfer saga that will likely rumble on until the transfer window closes.
Surprisingly, Manchester City have not scored a goal, let alone won at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in three attempts. They’ll be in for a hostile atmosphere in front of a Spurs crowd who haven’t been able to attend a game at full capacity since the Covid pandemic outbreak, compounded by the Kane saga which is getting messier by the day.
Best Bets
Match Result: Tottenham Hotspur ($5)
