The English Premier League (EPL) returned with a bang as Matchday 1 threw up plenty of entertaining clashes as well as a few interesting upsets. We now turn our attention to Matchday 2 which is headlined by a blockbuster clash between two potential top four clubs in Manchester City and Newcastle.
We bring you our best EPL tips for all nine Matchday 2 fixtures below!
English Premier League 2023-24: Matchday 2 Betting Tips
Tottenham vs Manchester United
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Sunday 20th August, 2:30am AEST
After a 2-2 draw with Brentford in their season opener, Ange Postecoglou will be searching for his first win as Tottenham manager when Manchester United travel to North London. Manchester United kicked off their season with an unconvincing 1-0 victory over Wolves. Wolverhampton recorded 26 shots on goal to United’s 15, and were unlucky to not be awarded a penalty in stoppage time that would’ve tied the game.
Tottenham were frustratingly held to a draw, however the seeds of how Spurs will play under Postecoglou were sowed. Despite Harry Kane being sold to Bayern Munich just days before their opening game, Tottenham held 70% possession and managed to score two goals, giving hope for life after Harry Kane. The Red Devils attack was lacklustre against Wolverhampton with Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford failing to make an impact.
Slow starts to seasons have been a trend for Manchester United, with the Red Devils having not started a Premier League season with consecutive wins since 2017/18. Despite picking up a win, they didn’t inspire much confidence that the Red Devils will take the next step forward in Erik Ten Haag’s next season. If Spurs can maintain high possession once again this week it’s going to make it difficult for United to produce goal scoring opportunities,
Tottenham to Win
$2.80 (1 Unit)
Newcastle vs Manchester City
St James’ Park, Sunday 20th August, 5:00am AEST
St James’ Park plays host to a massive clash between Manchester City and Newcastle, as two top four sides from last season go head-to-head. Both clubs picked up convincing wins in their opening games of the season, with Newcastle winning 5-1 against Villa, and City winning 3-0 over Burnley. Matchday 1 highlighted the credentials of both sides who will once again be competing for positions in the top four.
Newcastle were utterly dominant, recording 13 shots on target from 17 shots on goal, giving Magpies fans hopes that their attacking game could match their defence which was the best in the league last season. Erling Haaland picked up where he left off last season, recording a brace within 34 minutes, and will be causing the Newcastle defence plenty of headaches this season. If Newcastle are any chance to win this game, they’ll need to put the clamps on Haaland, who scored in one of his two fixtures against the Magpies last season.
These two sides were the equal best defensive teams in the league, conceding a league fewest 33 goals. The attacking profile is what separates these two teams with City scoring a league high 94 goals last season, while Newcastle scored 69 goals. The defending champions were the only side who could break down the Magpies in season ‘22/’23, scoring five goals across their two games against Newcastle. Pep Guardiola’s side will be looking to make an early statement this season, and these are three crucial points in the title race up for grabs.
Manchester City to Win
$1.57 (1.5 Units)
West Ham vs Chelsea
London Stadium, Monday 21st, 1:30am AEST
London rivals Chelsea and West Ham face off after frustrating draws to open their season. Chelsea showed promising signs in Mauricio Pochettino’s first game in charge, controlling large portions of the game after a slow start against Liverpool. Chelsea had opportunities to win the game, however they couldn’t convert their attacking opportunities.
West Ham struggled to produce much fluency in their fixture against Bournemouth, with the loss of Declan Rice clearly hurting the Hammers. David Moyes’ side struggled in the middle of the pitch recording just 37% possession, with West Ham being exposed for not signing a replacement in midfield. Enzo Fernandez and Connor Gallagher were outstanding for Chelsea against Liverpool, and will cause plenty of headaches for West Ham.
If Chelsea can control the midfield battle they’re going to create plenty of scoring opportunities against a West Ham outfit that struggles defensively. Chelsea love playing against West Ham, holding a 4-1-1 record in their last four Premier League fixtures against the Hammers. Matchday 1 showed that West Ham could be in for a long season, while there is plenty of upside for a rejuvenated Chelsea.
Chelsea to Win
$1.90 (2 Units)
More EPL Matchday 2 Tips
Nottingham vs Sheffield (Saturday 4:45am AEST)
Nottingham were drawn a tough Matchday 1 fixture away against the highly-fancied Gunners. They lost 2-1 but would take plenty of positive from the performance. They now get a look at home against the freshly-promoted Blades who they should have the advantage against. Take the home side to win this one.
Nottingham to win ($1.83 at Ladbrokes)
Fulham vs Brentford (Sunday 12am AEST)
Fulham went into their opening round match against Everton as underdogs but were able to secure all three points on the road. Despite the win, they’re again the slight underdogs this week at home to Brentford. Both teams will fancy their chances of achieving a win, and that should make for an attacking affair with plenty of goals.
Over 2.5 Goals ($1.90 at TAB)
Liverpool vs Bournemouth (Sunday 12am AEST)
Liverpool started well against Chelsea in their opening game and managed to take the lead early on. However, they then went into their shells and let the Blues dominate the rest of the clash which eventually finished 1-1. The Reds should be able to find their first win of the season against the Cherries this weekend, but there’s still value in the Both Teams to Score market considering their defensive deficiencies over the past 12 months.
Both Teams to Score ($1.80 at TopSport)
Wolves vs Brighton (Sunday 12am AEST)
The Wolves were more than stiff not to get a late penalty against Manchester United last start, which would’ve given them the opportunity to come away from Old Trafford with a share of the points. It wasn’t to be however, and now they face another tricky opponent in Brighton. The Gulls put four past the Hatters in their opening match and should fancy their chances against the inferior Wolves despite being the visiting side.
Brighton to Win ($1.90 at TAB)
Aston Villa vs Everton (Sunday 11pm AEST)
Aston Villa were embarrassed by Newcastle in their opening match, losing 5-1 away from home. Meanwhile, Everton also suffered defeat in their first match when losing to Fulham at Goodison Park. Both teams look to be lacking defensive structure early in the piece, and that should lead to plenty of goals on Sunday night.
Over 2.5 Goals ($1.90 at Bet365)
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal (Tuesday 5am AEST)
Both coming off narrow first-up wins, Crystal Palace and Arsenal will lock horns in the final fixture of Matchday 2. Arsenal have a clear advantage in this matchup but can also find themselves vulnerable to counterattacks due to their aggressive nature. Over 2.5 Goals has hit in 12 of their last 13 matches as favourite and I think that trend continues here.
Over 2.5 Goals ($1.90 at Bet365)
