Last updated Aug 11, 4:56am ET

The start of a new Premier League season brings with it fresh hope and optimism that teams can defy expectations. Fascinating battles will get underway at both ends of the standings this weekend, and you can find our outright picks ahead of the big kickoff here. Below, you can find our Premier League Matchday 1 picks for the matches between Aug 15 and 18.

Premier League Matchday 1 Schedule

StatInformation
WhenFriday, August 15, 2025 – Monday, August 18, 2025
WhereVarious Stadiums, England
How to WatchNBC/USA/Peacock

Premier League Matchday 1 Picks

Liverpool vs. Bournemouth

The 2025-26 season kicks off at the home of the champions, as big-spending Liverpool aim to put their Community Shield defeat against Crystal Palace behind them.

Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike both caught the eye at Wembley last Sunday, and both look set to form an integral part of the new-look Reds forward line. Bournemouth have lost three players from their backline this summer, and a challenging start to the season could see them handed a big defeat at Anfield.

Pick
Liverpool (-322)
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Aston Villa vs. Newcastle

Aston Villa were humbled by Newcastle on the opening day of last season, but it could be a different story on Saturday when the sides meet at Villa Park. It has been a frustrating summer for Eddie Howe, as the Magpies have missed out on a number of transfer targets, and they could yet lose Alexander Isak before the deadline.

Villa have been smarter in the market, as they balance their spending with PSR. However, the Midlands side have won two of their last three home matches against Newcastle, and a strong start to the season could be made by Unai Emery’s side.

Pick
Aston Villa (+126)
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Brighton vs. Fulham

An interesting clash between Brighton and Fulham is also set for MD1 in the Premier League. Both sides have been relatively quiet in the summer transfer window, but the Seagulls will be looking for a response in the final third after selling Joao Pedro.

Interestingly, each of the last three meetings between these sides have been won by the team playing with home-field advantage, including most recently when the Seagulls landed a 2-1 win at the Amex Stadium. A similar result could be a good chance on Saturday.

Pick
Brighton (-114)
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Tottenham vs. Burnley

Tottenham begin life under Thomas Frank at home to newly promoted Burnley this Saturday. However, Spurs already have injury issues to address, as both James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski have been ruled out.

Burnley boasted an excellent defensive record in the second tier last term, allowing just 16 goals in their 46 matches. Armando Broja could be an inspired signing, with the striker boasting Premier League experience. While it may be a huge swing, an away victory could upset the apple cart on Saturday.

Pick
Burnley (+775)
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Sunderland vs. West Ham

Sunderland’s promotion back to the Premier League was welcomed by neutrals, as the team from the North East haven’t played in the top-flight since 2016-17. Regis Le Bris’ squad has been strengthened throughout the summer, with notable incoming coming in the form of Granit Xhaka.

Scoring goals could be a big challenge for Graham Potter’s West Ham this term following the departure of Mohammed Kudus, and there will be huge pressure on Jarrod Bowen. A moody feeling around the London Stadium could continue with defeat on matchday 1.

Pick
Sunderland (+218)
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Wolves vs. Man City

Pep Guardiola’s Man City endured a frustrating 2024-25 season, as their grip on the title ended after finishing third. Huge investment has been made this calendar year, and the arrival of Tijani Reijnders could be one of the best bits of business this summer.

Uncertainty clouds the chances of the home team this term, as Wolves have allowed many of their first-team players to depart the club. The loss of Matheus Cunha restricts their chances of scoring, and a straightforward win for City on matchday 1 looks among the solid picks of the round.

Pick
Man City (-223)
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Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford

Nottingham Forest surpassed all expectations last term to achieve a European finish, and more of the same will be expected this term. A new era at Brentford will see Keith Andrews take charge of the club, but the Bees are widely expected to struggle after selling a couple of their most important players.

However, it could be worth chancing the away victory on Sunday, as Brentford have won three of their last five matches against Forest, and they have lost just once across the last six head-to-head clashes.

Pick
Brentford (+265)
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Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace ended last season by winning a first major honor, and they looked excellent on their recent to action this term when beating Liverpool in the Community Shield. Oliver Glasner has kept hold of his main players during the summer, and a strong start to the campaign could put them in a promising position to challenge for a European place.

Enzo Maresca has once again been backed this summer with the additions of Pedro and Liam Delap. However, it remains to be seen whether they have the defensive quality to maintain a title charge. An entertaining draw could be an interesting betting angle on MD1.

Pick
The Draw (+325)
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Man United vs. Arsenal

The big match of the opening round will see Ruben Amorim’s new-look Man United host Arsenal. Amorim should have goals in the forward areas following the arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo.

However, Arsenal also have a new number nine to lead their line following the arrival of Viktor Gyokeres. There will be pressure on both managers on the opening day, but the mood surrounding Old Trafford is positive, and a win on Sunday could enable fans to dream that the good times may be returning.

Pick
Man United (+238)
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Leeds vs. Everton

Leeds United make their return to the Premier League in the first match to be played on a Monday this term. The Whites cruised to Championship glory last term, and Daniel Farke has added physically imposing players to his squad this summer.

Everton ended last term excellently under David Moyes, but the manager’s frustrations over the lack of transfer activity has been evident throughout the summer. A home win could give Leeds a dream start on their EPL return.  

Pick
Leeds (+157)
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Premier League Matchday 1 Picks: Parlay

Pick
Brighton/Sunderland/Man City/Leeds (+2122)
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Alex Dudley
Alex Dudley

Sports Analyst and Betting Expert

Alex has over 15 years of experience in sports betting, specializing in soccer and horse racing. He uses his deep knowledge of markets and strategies to guide readers through disciplined and informed betting.

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