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Written by Cornermanden. The author’s opinions and predictions are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Unibet. Odds and details may change between the time of writing and when placing a bet – always check before betting.

The Premier League finally returns, and what a season we have in store. I can’t wait, so for that reason I have previewed a few of the most interesting games and found some appealing betting picks. Let’s go! Here are my betting picks for Premier League round 1.

Opening Day Dross?
Sheffield United v Crystal Palace

There’s no doubt that a newly promoted team (Sheffield United) will carry some momentum and excitement into their first Premier League game back after relegation. In the summer they’ve lost some key players: Doyle and McAtee have returned to City after their loan spells, and Ndiaye has left for France. Sander Berge is also close to a move to Burnley, as I wrote these words on Wednesday morning. I think United will struggle this season, maybe even finish last in the table, and in my opinion, their strongest hope of survival will be to carry on with their defensive solidity from last season and be a difficult team to beat. They only conceded 39 goals from their 46 games in the Championship, which is good, and simply has to continue for them to stand any chance. 

Crystal Palace chose to keep going with Roy Hodgson, a decision that is probably wise in the short run, but more uncertain in a long term perspective. They’ve lost Wilf Zaha and not really strengthened their team. I think this is a season where Palace will struggle for goals, but continue their style of being difficult to break down and create chances against. 

In an opening game between two sides who I think will struggle, I’m betting on this game to be quite cagey and uneventful. Under 2.5 goals at 1.70 is my first pick of the season.

Quite The Opposite
Chelsea v Liverpool

These are two sides that I expect big things from this season. Not in terms of points and silverware, but in terms of scoring goals and being enjoyable to watch. Liverpool have so many attacking options, and even though Chelsea must do without Christopher Nkunku for a couple of months, they still have attacking spice to hurt oppositions with. My only concern in going over on goals here is that it’s a big game between two teams with expectations on their shoulders. Opening day games can often be a bit of a snoozefest, so my hope here is that both continue like they’ve played in pre-season and put on a show for their fans. I’m going big with over 3.5 goals at 2.70. If it opens up, it really opens up, I think.

Toothless Wolves
Manchester United v Wolves

I’m worried about Wolves. Such a predatory animal, who this season seems to have lost its sharp teeth. Losing a number of key players and their manager Julen Lopetegui only a few days before the season starts, is clearly a huge worry for them. Wolverhampton Wanderers spent several years courting the Spanish manager, just to lose him after months. This is not the place to go into detail about why; my job is to capitalise on the uncertainty by making good betting picks.

First up for the Midlands club is Manchester United, who – contrary to Wolves – are surrounded by optimism and positivity. They have a manager in ten Hag who has had a year getting his ideas across, and their players – Antony, Rashford, Bruno, Lisandro, Sancho and Mount in particular – look sharper than ever. There’s no doubt that United are set up to be a force on the counter attacks, so I would side with those who worry about them in this type of game, where the onus will be on them to produce, create and score the goals. 1.36 can seem like a short price for a home win here, and it is, but considering that Wolves are in dire straits right now and a hot candidate for relegation, I don’t necessarily think it’s the wrong one. 

What am I picking for this one in Premier League round 1? Usually I’m very bullish on Man United to have plenty of shots, and I am so here as well, but the price doesn’t interest me. However, a corner handicap on The Red Devils might be something to consider. Wolves will obviously try to hang on for as long as possible here, and we’ve already discussed how United can find themselves stuck in games against deep opposition. Using the Unibet Bet Builder and combining over 5.5 Man United corners with a corner handicap of 0-1, gives us a price of 1.82, which I think is very reasonable. Even if they score early, they are set up to attack and score another one.

That concludes my betting preview for Premier League round 1 with a pick in each of the three aforementioned matches. Good luck, and I’ll see you for the 2nd round!

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