The wait is over as millions across Planet Football celebrate the return of the English Premier League. The curtain goes up at the home of the champions, and Flashscore’s football writer Frank Monkhouse, fresh from tipping Chelsea to beat PSG in the Club World Cup at great odds, turns his attention to matchday one from the EPL.
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The 127th season of top-tier professional football in England begins on Friday from 20:00 BST when defending Premier League champions Liverpool host Bournemouth. Lovers of the EPL look forward to seeing the Reds take on the Cherries, kickstarting ten fascinating games played across four days.
What are the main attractions on Premier League matchday one? Which teams are expected to win, and where will you find the best betting odds and bonuses? Flashscore’s trusted football writer Frank Monkhouse casts his expert eye over the programme in a bid to help you land a profit.
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Liverpool vs Bournemouth, Friday, 20:00 BST
We have a tantalising opening match on Friday evening to begin what promises to be a thrilling weekend and another competitive campaign. Arne Slot’s Liverpool hosts a Bournemouth side led by Spaniard Andoni Iraola, as both teams aim to get off to a flying start by collecting all three Premier League points.
Liverpool crossed the finish line ten points ahead of nearest rivals Arsenal last term, and fans would love to see their heroes pick up where they left off in spring. It has been a hectic transfer window for the home team, and the new arrivals will take time to settle, but Liverpool are the pre-match betting favourites and fully deserve that tag. The locals warmed up with pre-season wins over the likes of Athletic Bilbao and Yokahoma. The squad is now ready to do it for real.
Bournemouth finished in mid-table last term, securing an admirable ninth-place finish. But they lost twice to Liverpool, beaten 3-0 at Anfield and 2-0 at Dean Court. The head-to-head stats at Flashscore show Liverpool have beaten Bournemouth without conceding a goal in their last three, scoring nine in the process. Trust the hosts to deliver more of the same.
Tip: Liverpool win to nil @ 11/8 (Betway)
Bet explanation: If Liverpool wins without conceding, you secure the profits.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United, Saturday, 12:30 BST
The second match from the opening round of Premier League 2025/26 fixtures is played at Villa Park. Aston Villa welcome Newcastle United in a clash you can follow live on television and live-streaming apps from early afternoon. It’s the first five games played on Saturday, but will Unai Emery’s squad claim the result needed to delight their army of fans?
Aston Villa finished in sixth place last season. It was a gallant effort, losing only ten of their 38 games, but they missed out on UEFA Champions League football. Improving a place and returning to dine at Europe’s top table is the goal for Emery and his talented squad. Beating Newcastle United on the opening day would certainly signal their intentions.
Villa caught the eye when hammering Roma 4-0 in pre-season, after racing into a 3-0 first-half lead. Another fast start would surely blow the Magpies away. Newcastle finished level on points with Villa last term, but ended with a better goals ratio. Despite that slender advantage, Newcastle suffered a heavy defeat when last at this venue, ending 4-1 earlier this year. It’s also worth knowing that both teams scored in three of the previous four, leading us to a bet at decent odds.
Tip: Aston Villa win and both score @ 11/4 (Betway)
Bet explanation: You need Aston Villa to win the match, but Newcastle to score at least one.
Tottenham vs Burnley, Saturday, 15:00 BST
We’re off to London for the pick of the 15:00 starts, where we prepare to enjoy Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley. Despite winning the Europa League last term, Spurs dismissed manager Ange Postecoglou after a dismal EPL campaign that saw them finish 17th. Respected boss Thomas Frank now sits in the hot seat, injecting some much-needed optimism back into supporters. It has been a busy summer, and everyone connected to the hosts will want to see an instant upturn in fortunes.
Burnley gained promotion from the Championship in the season just past, finishing second to secure automatic promotion. They fought hard to win the league, but lost the title to Leeds on goal difference. Impressive, but the Clarets face a huge step up in class when returning to the EPL from the EFL.
Tottenham still have a long way to go before they’ll be considered genuine title challengers again, but that European trophy provided some crucial confidence. Spurs fans won’t see the finished article on Saturday, but Frank’s team have the class needed to secure a win, driven by an expectant crowd inside the stadium.
Tip: Tottenham -1 handicap @ 10/11 (Betway)
Bet explanation: If Tottenham win by two or more goals, you’ll be counting the profits.
Wolves vs Man City, Saturday, 17:30 BST
Saturday evening’s live match from the returning Premier League sees the TV cameras set up at Molineux Stadium. Wolves finished a disappointing 16th in the standings last time after carding 12 wins, six draws and 20 defeats. It was far from their most impressive year, but the club managed their goal of safely avoiding relegation and keeping their spot in the division. Will the coming campaign give home fans more to cheer? That remains to be seen.
It was also a disappointing outing for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Despite starting this time last year as the firm betting favourites to win another Premier League title, the cash-rich Cityzens couldn’t get near runaway leaders Liverpool. All eyes are on Man City to see if last term was a slip or a sign of things to come. We won’t get an answer to that on Saturday under the bright lights in the West Midlands, but followers will get a feel for what’s ahead.
Man City secured two narrow wins over Wolves last season, including a 2-1 at this venue. A repeat performance would come as no surprise, but we’ll not take on the correct score market just yet. Instead, I’m backing both teams to score in a Man City win. Interestingly, 2-1 was the final score in each of City’s last two visits, and another tight match is likely.
Tip: Man City win and both score @ 9/4 (Betway)
Bet explanation: You need Wolves to score at least one goal, but Man City to win the game.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace, Sunday, 14:00 BST
Three matches make up the first Super Sunday of the season, opening at Stamford Bridge for a London derby. Chelsea head into the campaign as the newly crowned FIFA Club World Cup champions after dispatching PSG in the final with minimal fuss. The Blues have high hopes for the season, and they’re my value pick to win the league.
Followers will want to see Chelsea get off to a winning start at home against a neighbour. The locals will be fully rested and raring to go following their summer adventure, and will pick up where they left off. Looking at the head-to-head stats available on the Flashscore app now, we see both teams scored in their last four meetings, with 2-1 and 3-1 Chelsea wins, followed by a couple of 1-1 draws. Stick with the stats and back Chelsea to win and both teams to score, hoping this match catches fire early.
Tip: Chelsea win and both score @ 11/5 (Betway)
Bet explanation: You’re looking for a Chelsea win here, but need Palace to score at least one goal in the game.
Man Utd vs Arsenal, Sunday, 16:30 BST
Game of the day and pick of the opening round comes from Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. Manchester United aim to use home advantage to get the ball rolling with a win at the first time of asking. A perfect start would help banish the bad memories of the previous campaign, but the Red Devils are a team in the middle of a transitional period. They’ll finish higher than last season’s 15th-place finish, but it’ll take a few rounds for the team to settle and show their potential.
Arsenal finished as runners-up in each of the last two years, ending as the best of the rest behind Man City and then Liverpool. There’s real pressure on Mikel Arteta to show he’s the man to bring the glory days back to North London. Arsenal secured a draw here in March, meaning the previous two meetings were a draw, with two goals scored in each. Take these giants to scrap out another share of the points.
Bet explanation: If the match ends in a draw, your bet is a winner.
Leeds vs Everton, Monday, 20:00 BST
Leeds United are back in the big leagues, and Premier League fans hope they’re as entertaining as they were on their last visit. The home team is full of goals, with Daniel Farke’s crew firing 95 in their Championship-winning season. They step up in level here, but have the quality and crowd to hold their own.
Everton ended 13th last season, scoring 42 goals, but conceding 44. They were the lowest scorers in the division outside of the bottom three. They leaked goals, but had a decent defensive record, leaking the same number as Manchester City and fewer than Newcastle United in the Champions League places. The stats suggest a tactical affair, and I don’t expect either team will be dragged into a shootout this year. Back the draw.
Bet explanation: You need the final result to be a draw, and the scoreline isn’t important.
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The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.