English Premier League Best Bets: Matchweek 1 (Aug. 15, 2025 - Aug. 18, 2025):

Aaron Bainbridge
Aug 14
4 min read

Updated: Aug 15

Welcome to English Premier League Best Bets, a Bettor in Green Article Series where we break down the latest action in the English Premier League (EPL) and my favorite bets for the upcoming matchweek.

For an overview of what to expect in this Series, check out my 2025/26 EPL Season Preview and Futures article here.

Summer Recap:

While the EPL has been in the offseason, the sport (and drama) never truly rest. The big news most summers involve the transfer market, as clubs are only allowed to transfer players during two transfer windows each year, one in the summer and one in January.

Manchester United have brought in a new attacking trio with Cunha, Mbuemo, and Šeško; Arsenal finally brought in a striker in Viktor Gyökeres; and Liverpool have gone all out, bringing in big names to fill their gaps, with Frimpong, Wirtz, Kerkez, Ekitike, and still seem determined to get Alexander Isak.

While the rest of the “Big 6” (Spurs, Chelsea, and Manchester City) have also done decent business, some clubs have struggled in the offseason.

Notably, Newcastle United are set to lose star striker Alexander Isak, who has said he won’t play for the club again. Without a true sporting director at the club, they’re struggling to find a replacement and are botching this transfer market.

Brentford have lost their coaching staff, their goalkeeper, their top scorer: Mbuemo, and may lose Wissa, their second-highest scorer from last year. Wolves have also lost key players, while Bournemouth have lost essentially their entire defense and keeper from last season.

On a somber note, the football world lost Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, in a tragic car accident this summer. The football world is still mourning the loss and Liverpool have retired the number 20, making Diogo Liverpool’s number 20 forever. #YNWA

Upcoming Matches:

The opening match kicks off with reigning Champions, Liverpool, hosting Bournemouth on Friday.

There are 5 matches on Saturday, 3 matches on Sunday, and the final match takes place Monday, as Leeds United host Everton.

The marquee matchup this weekend is Manchester United hosting Arsenal. With a new-look attack for both sides, it should be an interesting match!

Let’s get to the bets:

Best Bets:

Pick #1: Manchester City -1.5 +145 (Aug. 16, 2025; 12:30 p.m. EST):

For my first Best Bet, I’m looking at the late match on Saturday, as Wolves host Manchester City.

Manchester City have dominated the EPL over the years, but struggled last year and had a poor season by their standard. They’ve done good transfer business, as I’m particularly fond of Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan, and I expect City to bounce back and be a title contender this season.

City striker Erling Haaland is the favorite for the golden boot (top scorer) this season and City scored 16 goals in their 4 Club World Cup matches they played earlier this summer, so goals will be abundant with this team.

Wolves, on the other hand, lost left back Rayan Aït-Nouri to Man City this summer and have failed to win any of their 4 preseason matches, losing 3 and drawing 1.

Pick #2: João Pedro (Chelsea) to Score or Assist -115 (Aug. 17, 2025; 9:00 a.m. EST):

For my second Best Bet, I’m going with a player prop, backing Chelsea’s new striker to bag a goal or assist.

João Pedro transferred to Chelsea this summer during the Club World Cup, then immediately impressed, scoring 3 goals in 3 matches, including a goal in the Final.

He’s scored in each of the 2 preseason matches Chelsea have played since the Club World Cup, so he’s scored in each of the last 4 matches, having only played 5 total matches for the club in total.Can he keep the streak alive?

They play Crystal Palace, who are fresh off winning the Community Shield, beating Liverpool. While they looked good, they let in two goals and may still be reeling from the victory.

Pick #3: Manchester United / Arsenal Both Teams to Score -135 (Aug. 17, 2025; 11:30 a.m. EST):

For my final bet, I’m looking at the big match of the weekend, Manchester United v Arsenal.

Arsenal are the favorites in this match and are -600 to score at least one goal, so the risk in this bet seemingly comes more from the Manchester United side. With Manchester United still shuffling their back 3 in defense, a goal against them seems likely.

However, United are at home for this opening match and I expect their home fans to turn up in support. They’ve got a new-look front 3 in Cunha, Šeško, and Mbuemo. United to score at least one goal is currently -250, and I anticipate the new attackers will be hungry to score at Old Trafford.

Arsenal seem to have a healthy back line of defenders, which could prove problematic for this bet. However, they looked shaky when defending set pieces in preseason a couple weeks ago.