The 2016-17 EPL season begins this weekend and each week we will be previewing the matches with the most value. Continue reading for our EPL Week 1 Preview and Betting Tips.
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Hull City vs Leicester City (Saturday 9.30pm AEST)
The season will begin with the champions on the road against the newly promoted Hull City. There have been a few changes to the line up for Leicester City with the most notable player N’Golo Kante departing for Chelsea. The central midfielder was a key component of their success last year as he controlled the midfield terrifically and was crucial in defence. He will be a big loss for the side but in a boost they were able to resign Jamie Vardy and they have managed to hold on to Riyad Mahrez. These two players combined for the most goals for the Foxes last season and there attack should be just as strong as last season.
Hull City has had little impact in the transfer market and will take a similar team into the premier league season that saw them promoted. They are one of the favourites to be relegated and are 1500-1 to lift the premier league trophy, will they pull off a Leicester City miracle against the Foxes? Definitely not.
TIP: Leicester @ $2.50 with Ladbrokes using promotion (See below)
Everton vs Tottenham (Sunday 12am AEST)
The Spurs will want to get off to a good start in the title race to get over their capitulation at the end of last season. They had one of the most balanced sides last year, as they were able to finish the year as a top goal scoring team as well as one of the best defensive sides. Throughout the offseason they haven’t had to replace any players but instead sign players for more depth, as they will be taking part in Champions League football.
Meanwhile Everton will start the 2016-17 season with a new manger in Ronald Koeman. Their expectations won’t be too high heading into the year as they have sold defender John Stones to Manchester City whilst Chelsea are chasing their striker Romelu Lukaku. Stones will need to be replaced before the transfer window closes whilst they will need to do the same if they decide to sell Lukaku. In a boost for the side Lukaku will take the field this weekend.
Tottenham are notorious for slow starts to the season and they will need to overcome that to have a real title race the giants of the premier league will be stronger this year. However, we are seeing this game ending in a draw.
TIP: Draw @ $3.30 with Sportsbet
Arsenal vs Liverpool (Monday 1am AEST)
The first real blockbuster match of the 2016-17 season will arrive early Monday morning. The Gunners will host the Reds as both sides will want to have the perfect start to the season by earning three points whilst giving their opponents none.
Arsenal started the transfer window off strongly signing Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka to help strengthen the centre of the pitch. However, they haven’t managed to sign a strong striker and they will be once again relying on the goal scoring of Oliver Giroud. The side also has a few injuries at the back and can’t afford another one without adding extra depth.
There has been a lot of turnover in the Liverpool squad and manger Jurgen Klopp has now declared that this is the team he wanted. He had a lot of success with Borussia Dortmund and if he can have a similar impact on Liverpool fans will be delighted. Sadio Mane will add a lot to the midfield and will provide a lot more in attack from that area.
The Gunners generally have great starts to the season before falling away in the middle of the season. We are predicting that to continue as they earn the victory in this one.
TIP: Arsenal @ $2.32 with CrownBet
Chelsea vs West Ham United (Tuesday 5am AEST)
These two sides had very different 2015-16 seasons. Chelsea were the defending champions and were dismal finishing without Champions League football whilst West Ham United had a great season, upsetting a lot of top clubs and finished just outside the top four.
N’Golo Kante and Michy Batshuayi have arrived at Stamford bridge along with the new manager Antonio Conte. Eden Hazard had a year to forget but showed he was building back to his best form in a strong showing at the Euro 2016. If he can return to his best then Chelsea will be a much better side in attack but their biggest weakness will be their defence.
West Ham have had a very busy transfer market and they have been able to hold onto French international Dimitri Payet West Ham are a club that is growing and after investing in a new stadium they should be reaping dividends. We are expecting a tight match between these two sides as they fight out a draw.
TIP: Draw @ $3.60 with William Hill
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
