The EPL is back, with three games in the opening matchweek sure to create plenty of interest.
Firstly, Jose Mourinho will do everything in his power to secure the three points and avoid early calls for his head from disgruntled fans and the fickle English press.
The London derby between newly promoted Fulham and south of the river rivals Crystal Palace promises to be a feast for the senses.
Finally, the round concludes with a battle of the heavyweights, with Arsenal looking to kick-start their new era with a bang against defending champions Manchester City.
Manchester United v Leicester City
The opening game of the 2018/19 EPL season is here, with 2015/16 Champions Leicester City making the short trip up to Old Trafford to face Jose Mourinho's Manchester United.
It's not too early to say that if he doesn't get a win here, Mourinho's position will be immediately under threat, with the Man U faithful yet to warm to his defense-first philosophy.
But somebody who rarely takes heed of his critics "the Special One" will no doubt focus on keeping the opponent scoreless as his first priority.
On the Leicester side of the pitch, it will be interesting to see how they cope without the services of attacking gem Riyad Mahrez, who was sold to Manchester City during the transfer window.
With title-winning strikers Jamie Vardy and Shinji Okazaki probably past their prime, it is young Nigerian international Kelechi Iheanacho who is primed for a huge season with the Foxes.
Key EPL Stat
In the 2017/18 EPL season, Manchester United won 15 of their 19 games at Old Trafford.
EPL Betting Tip: Manchester United to win into Total Goals UNDER 2.5 @ $3.30
Reasoning: A gritty, low scoring win at home speaks to Mourinho's style, and looks the most likely outcome here.
With Fulham's promotion to the first division, this fixture is the first installment of the fierce rivalry between these London rivals since 2014.
The result finished 2-2 on that day, and a draw looks like it could again be on the cards here.
At their best, both Fulham and Crystal Palace boast some of the most exciting attacking talent in the land.
Fulham's young superstar Ryan Sessegnon and Palace's Wilfried Zaha are a hot commodity, with England's big clubs circling.
But such a key part of their sides, they will reportedly stay put for now.
Both clubs also had a terrific end to their 2017/18 season, with Fulham winning the Championship Playoffs, and Palace going undefeated from their last six games.
You know that the atmosphere will be berserk down at Craven Cottage, with a London derby ringing in Fulham's return to the EPL.
Key EPL Stat
In the 43 matches played between these two sides, 15 (35%) have resulted in a draw.
EPL Betting Tip: Match to end in a draw @ $3.30
Reasoning: Both these clubs appear evenly matched, and will look to continue their late form from last season.
Arsenal v Manchester City
It's a new era for the Gunners, with manager and icon for more than 20 years Arsene Wenger finally hanging up his managerial boots (at least for now), at the end of the last campaign.
New gaffer Unai Emery faces a tough task in getting his talented squad to adapt to a different system and style of play in readiness for the new season.
He doesn't get an easy game to begin his tenure, with the task of defeating defending champions Manchester City formidable to say the least.
The Citizens are fresh of breaking a Premier League record as the first club to record 100 points in a single season.
City manager Pep Guardiola has made no secret of the fact that he expects an improvement this year, and that starts with this fixture at the Emirates.
With experienced attacking players like Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva, alongside the youthful talent of Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus, there is plenty of competition and hunger in the attacking department for City.
If they carry on where they left off, expect the Gunners to get blasted off the pitch in front of their home fans.
Key EPL Stat
In their last two matches against Arsenal, Manchester City recorded two 3-0 victories.
EPL Betting Tip: Manchester City to win by 2+ goals @ $3.40
Reasoning: This game pits a team in full flight against a side who are still in transition mode. Don't expect Arsenal's fortunes to turn around any time soon.
Aug 09, 2018 12:57 PM
AAP
EPL Betting Tip: Manchester United to win into Total Goals UNDER 2.5 @ $3.30
