Premier League's Back! Opening Weekend Preview
Published August 11, 2017 by Sol FH
The time is finally here! The Premier League is back in action this weekend and we've got everything you need to know about Matchday 1.
The summer break is officially over and we can finally get back to what is really important, the Premier League. The first match of the year will take place on Friday Night between Arsenal and Leicester City, followed by a packed schedule over the weekend. There have been a lot of changes to all teams in the league over the summer and it will be thrilling to see what everything will look like.
The Champs vs Burnley
The Blues won the league title in Antonio Conte's first year as Manager. They will be looking to defend their title on Saturday at home against Burnley, and they will be looking to impress both fans, and the rest of the league with a win. Conte didn't put any big flair players on his roster over the summer, electing to strengthen his core with Alvaro Morata, Antonio Rudiger and Tiemoue Bakayoko. Burnley are a dangerous team, but less when they are playing on the road. Odds are in favor of the Blues at 1.25 to Burnley's 15.00.
Arsenal vs Leicester
The first match of the season will be between Arsene Wenger's men and Leicester City. Arsenal was delivered a serious blow ahead of their Matchday 1 battle, as Alexis Sanchez was ruled out due to an abdominal strain that he suffered in training. The match will be at the Emirates and Arsenal should be able to beat Leicester with or without Sanchez, but it will be more difficult. The Gunners should take over easily at 1.50 to Leicesters' 7.00.
Manchester United vs. West Ham
Probably the most anticipated match of the opening weekend will be between the Red Devils and West Ham. United finished the year with two pieces of hardware, but other than being difficult to beat, Mourinho's squad in his debut year was unimpressive. To better his attack, Mourinho took Romelu Lukaku from Everton and he will hopefully be the missing link to their lack-luster offence from last year. Progba will be reinforced at midfield with the addition of Nemanja Matic from Chelsea. Man. U are favorites to win at home at 1.30 to West Ham 12.00.
Watford vs Liverpool
One of the most active teams this year in the off season, Watford are looking to do more than just survive in this years league play. They signed a new head coach in Marco Silva, whom has added some heavy-hitters on the attack. New signing from Chelsea, Richarlison could make his debut on Saturday, with Nathaniel Chalobah and Will Hughes at midfield. They will be without Captain Troy Deeney and Mauro Zarate. The Reds are without Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge. Watford are the underdogs even with the home advantage at 6.50. Liverpool are expected to win at 1.57.
The rest of the matches being played over the weekend are between: Crystal Palace (1.83) vs. Huddersfield Town (5.00), Everton (1.70) vs. Stoke City (5.75), Southampton (1.61) vs. Swansea City (6.50), West Bromwich Albion (2.40) vs. Bournemouth (3.30), Brighton & Hove Albion (13.00) vs. Manchester City (1.30), and Newcastle United (5.50) vs. Tottenham Hotspur (1.70).
Premier League Betting Is Big This Year
This years action should be intense throughout every week of play and bettors will have thousands of opportunities to make a bundle with online bookmakers like bet365 Sports covering each and every match with pre-match, and live in play odds, as well as live streaming of a lot of the action. Throughout the entire season, bet365 Sports will be ahead of all the games with their Euro Soccer Bonus and their very popular Bore Draw Money Back offer, each with ways to win, or get ones bet back respectively. There will also be many new bonuses and special offers that member of bet365 Sports will be able to take advantage of and win lucrative cash.
The stakes are very high this year and it will be a pivotal season for the league. Premier League teams have not won major competitions like the Champions League in a few seasons and it is time for the "best" league in the world to pick it back up and do what it is expected to...win. Opening weekend should be a national holiday, but be sure there will be a lot less activity on the roads with all the games schedule for play.
