Player to score – Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool v Bournemouth)
Hugo Ekitike scored his first Liverpool goal in last weekend’s Community Shield, and the Frenchman will be a threat once more against Bournemouth in Friday night’s Premier League season opener. Ekitike will be Liverpool’s starting striker (at least until Alexander Isak) arrives and he’ll get chances as a result.
Bournemouth’s defence has been decimated over the summer with Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez and Illia Zabarnyi all departing the club. This will make it tougher for the Cherries to keep the Premier League champions at arm’s length. Liverpool could score more than once.
Over 2.5 total goals – Wolves v Manchester City
Manchester City have rebuilt their squad over the last two transfer windows, with many of the belief Pep Guardiola’s team now have the quality to challenge for the title again. A win over Wolves on opening weekend would point City in the right direction, but the Molineux outfit have quality of their own.
City have won six of their last seven league matches, but Wolves will carry a threat through the likes of Jorgen Strand Larsen, Fer Lopez and Jhon Arias. Vitor Pereira likes his team to play with possession. However, Wolves will have to operate in quick transition to have a chance against City this weekend.
Match to be a draw – Aston Villa v Newcastle
Aston Villa and Newcastle United have both suffered challenges this summer. Indeed, the two teams have struggled to strengthen their respective squads. Nonetheless, their meeting at Villa Park promises to be one of the most compelling fixtures of the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
Villa have won five of their last six home matches against the Magpies in all competitions. There has also been over 2.5 goals in each of the last seven meetings between the two rivals in all competitions. This is a match that could swing either way, which could mean a draw is on the cards.
Both teams to score – Mallorca v Barcelona
Barcelona kick off their La Liga title defence with an away game against Mallorca this weekend. Hansi Flick’s team are favourites to make a winning start, but the hosts will pose a threat after a very credible mid-table finish last season. Vedat Muriqi and Sergi Darder will be a danger to the Barca backline.
The Spanish champions lost Inigo Martinez to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League last week which has left a question mark in central defence. Ronald Araujo is expected to start alongside Pau Cubarsi, but this means Barcelona will be without a natural left-footer at the back. Mallorca will have chances.
Graham’s Accumulator
Our red-hot tipster is back with his best bets from across this weekend’s international action, including Liverpool’s opener at Anfield and a cracker from La Liga.
Think his selections have legs? Roll all four into an accumulator, and £10 potentially returns £210 if it lands!
Fancy it?
MAN UNITED vs ARSENAL Bet Builder
Manchester United and Arsenal will meet on Sunday with both sides desperate to start the season on a positive note. United have a new-look attack to utilise while the Gunners have new signings Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, and Noni Madueke to help them take another step towards the title.
Arsenal have had over 5.5 corners in their last five matches against Manchester United. They will be a threat from set pieces at Old Trafford with United usually at their best in quick transition. The visitors will likely have the majority of possession, but the hosts will pose a threat when attacking open space.
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