The English Premier League returns from the international break with a new leader after Liverpool’s second consecutive loss saw Arsenal move to the top of the table. Liverpool will get a chance to bounce back in their blockbuster clash against Man United, which headlines Matchday 8’s slate!
We’ve got you covered with our best bets for this weekend’s EPL action and if you're keen to follow our tips, consider joining a new Australian sports betting site and help us to keep our content FREE!
EPL 2025-26: Matchday 8 Preview & Betting Tips
Brighton vs Newcastle
American Express Stadium, Sunday 19th October, 1:00am AEDT
Two teams that came into this season with high hopes, find themselves in far from ideal situations heading into Matchday 8. After finishing 5th last season, Newcastle are currently in 11th place with a 2-3-2 record, while Brighton are 12th after finishing 8th last season, also with a 2-3-2 record. Fortunately given the evenness of the league this season, a win for either side could see them jump into the top seven on the table. Newcastle are coming off a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest before the break and will be looking to finally get their season going.
A big positive for Newcastle this season has been their work in defence, ranking as the equal second best defence in the league, having only conceded five goals in seven games. However Newcastle have had major struggles at the other end of the pitch, scoring just six goals, equal third fewest in the league. Brighton have scored 10 goals so far this season, but breaking down Newcastle’s defence will be a big challenge for the Seagulls, who are coming off a 1-1 draw against 20th placed Wolverhampton.
A battle of a good offence and a bad defence, against a good defence and a bad offence, means this game could play out in a number of different ways. One thing that has been common between these two sides is close games. Seven of the last thirteen Premier League fixtures between Brighton and Newcastle have ended in a draw, and both sides already have 3 draws from 7 games this season. Another stalemate is inbound for these inconsistent sides.
Fulham vs Arsenal
Craven Cottage, Sunday 19th October, 3:30am AEDT
We have a new league leader in North London, with the Gunners moving to top spot after having back to back wins to leapfrog Liverpool. Arsenal will be looking to hold onto top spot when they face off against London rival Fulham. Fulham come into this clash on a two game losing streak which has seen them fall to 14th place on the table, with a 2-2-3 record not sparking much positivity facing up to the league leaders.
Arsenal’s defence has been nothing short of astonishing this season, conceding just three goals from seven games, the best defensive outfit in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta’s side have had plenty of balance in the front third as well, ranking second in the league for goals scored (14). Fulham on the other hand are in the bottom half of the league for goals scored and goals conceded, and their defence will be incredibly vulnerable against a quality Arsenal attack.
Arsenal have dominated this matchup over the past twelve years, since 2013, with nine wins, three draws and only one loss in Premier League matches against Fulham. Arsenal’s attacking potency is going to be too much to handle for an out of form Fulham defence. Fulham have only recorded one clean sheet this season and have conceded six goals across their last two games against Villa and Bournemouth. Coming up against one of the best attacking teams in the league is a scary prospect for Fulham, and the Gunners will be far too strong.
Arsenal -1
$2.45 (1 Unit)
Liverpool vs Manchester United
Anfield, Monday 20th October, 2:30am AEDT
One of football’s greatest rivalries adds another chapter on Monday morning when Manchester United heads to Anfield to take on Liverpool. The Reds come into this clash on the back of two straight losses, which saw them go from five points clear at the top of the table, to second place. Manchester United are coming off a win in their last fixture, beating Sunderland 2-0 to pick up their third win of the season. The Red Devils will need to bring a stronger showing against a quality Liverpool side that has embarrassed them plenty of times in recent years.
Since May 2021, Liverpool have a 5-3-1 record in Premier League fixtures, with those five wins coming with an aggregate scoreline of 23-2. In each of those five wins Liverpool have scored 3+ goals, and they will be confident of repeating that against a struggling united defence. The Red Devils have the 15th ranked defence in the Premier League this season, conceding 11 goals from 7 games. Manchester United’s attacking game isn’t much better, ranked 11th in the league for goals scored (9).
Liverpool will be desperate to bounce back after two frustrating losses against Crystal Palace and Chelsea, which looms as a scary sight for Manchester United. Anfield has been a brutal venue for United, who haven’t won at the Reds home ground since 2016, losing four of their past seven games there. Expect a bounce back performance from a dynamic Liverpool side that will look to stretch United’s defence. The Reds have exposed United’s shortcomings a lot in recent times, and this weekend will be no different.
Liverpool -1
$2.45 (1.5 Units)
