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The Premier League is back and so is the RotoBaller soccer team. We're offering up our favorite betting pick for each game along with a score prediction and will include a player to look out for in fantasy from each fixture. Before you read on, remember these essential things: betting on sports should be fun. If you aren't having fun with it, stop. And never bet what you can't afford to lose.
The EPL kicked off with a bang last weekend. Last season's top four teams all got off to winning starts while the three newly promoted sides all lost. This week only has nine fixtures as Luton Town's game with Burnley has been postponed because the former's ground isn't ready yet. Don't forget, you can watch every team's highlights from their previous game by clicking on the team name.
We've been cranking up the soccer content at RotoBaller, too. We're still bringing you dedicated DFS and Fantasy Premier League content on top of the weekly preview and betting content, which can be found if you click here. Follow the team on Twitter (@LucidMediaDFS, @PhilOfSports, @EuanOrYouOut, @df_solutions, and yours truly @Baseball_Jimbo), and reach out to any of us if you ever have any soccer questions.
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Friday, August 18, 2023
Nottingham Forest (-115) vs Sheffield United (+320) - 2:45 pm ET
Score prediction: Nottingham Forest 2 – 0 Sheffield United
Forest acquitted themselves well in their defeat at Arsenal. They'll be happy to get back home where they picked up 30 of their 38 points last season. My fears about Sheffield United's lack of goals looked justifiable last weekend. They blanked against Crystal Palace, mustering just one shot on target.
FPL Pick: Morgan Gibbs-White
Gibbs-White had a quiet opening game but scored four of his five goals last season at home. Six of his eight assists came at home, too. He's been working on ways to score more goals this season and he'll be keen to get his season's goal involvement tally up and running as soon as possible.
Morgan Gibbs-White: "On a personal note, I want to add more goals into my game. That’s what I’ve been working on since I’ve got back. I want to get into shooting positions and dangerous areas to create more opportunities, so hopefully goals are a massive part of me this season."… pic.twitter.com/Dt8Ddx18IJ
— Forest Watch (@ForestWatch_) August 11, 2023
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Fulham (+170) vs Brentford (+165) - 10:00 am ET
Score prediction: Fulham 1 – 2 Brentford
Fulham rode their luck in beating Everton and will need to tighten things up defensively against a much better-attacking side. Brentford caused Tottenham all sorts of trouble on the break last Sunday. Their style of play might be better suited to away games and Fulham's leaky-looking defense should be punished this weekend.
FPL Pick: Bryan Mbeumo
Mbeumo took Brentford's penalty on Sunday, replacing the suspended Ivan Toney on spot-kick duties. He also set up Yoane Wissa for their other goal. His pace and ball-carrying ability on the counter sets him up for another solid points haul this week.
Liverpool (-450) vs Bournemouth (+1100) - 10:00 am ET
Score prediction: Liverpool 3 – 0 Bournemouth
Liverpool's search for midfield reinforcements continued and it was an area of concern during their 1-1 with Chelsea on Sunday. They did look like a threat going forward but were too exposed defensively for large parts of the game. On Saturday, Bournemouth looked like a different outfit than for much of last season. This will be a huge test of Andoni Iraola's management and it's difficult to see them leaving Anfield with anything.
FPL Pick: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold was denied an assist on Sunday by a narrow VAR offside call. While I don't anticipate anything like a repeat of last year's 9-0 scoreline in this fixture, I do expect Liverpool to score at least two. Alexander-Arnold's set-piece delivery could also be key against a team that conceded the most set-play goals last season (21).
Wolves (+280) vs Brighton (-110) - 10:00 am ET
Score prediction: Wolves 2 – 2 Brighton
Wolves were unlucky not to pick up a point on Monday against Manchester United. The first refereeing controversy of the season denied them. Brighton brushed aside Luton, picking up where they left off last season. No team scored more away goals than Brighton last season (35). However, the 32 goals they conceded on their travels last season were the ninth most so I do expect goals in this one.
BREAKING: The officials for last night’s game between Manchester United and Wolves have been dropped for next weekend 🚨pic.twitter.com/wRzNU6ZX3x
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 15, 2023
FPL Pick: Solly March
March was second on the team in goal involvements last season (14). He got off to a good start this time around scoring Brighton's first of the season. Playing in an advanced position, he's set to have another productive season and another goal this week wouldn't surprise.
Tottenham (+180) vs Manchester United (+135) - 12:30 pm ET
Score prediction: Tottenham 1 – 1 Manchester United
Life without Harry Kane got off to a decent start as Tottenham picked up a point at Brentford. They look like the team to watch for goals at both ends of the pitch as Brentford created plenty of chances themselves. Manchester United looked lethargic in their win against Wolves. They will undoubtedly need to improve if they are to get something from this game.
FPL Pick: James Maddison
Tottenham will need to find a way to replace Kane's 30 goals and nine assists last season. Maddison already has two assists and his creativity from open play and set pieces will be Tottenham's likeliest route to a goal on Saturday.
Manchester City (-170) vs Newcastle United (+450) - 3:00 pm ET
Score prediction: Manchester City 2 - 1 Newcastle United
The reigning champions didn't miss a step in their opening-day win. Erling Haaland already has two goals to his name and after winning 17 of their 19 home games last season, City will expect to make it two wins from two games this year. Newcastle were the best performers of the weekend, dispatching Aston Villa 5-1. They will fancy their chances of getting something from this game. Although I believe they come up short, I wouldn't be shocked if they took a point or three.
FPL Pick: Julian Alvarez
With Kevin De Bruyne set to be out until December, City will need to replace his creativity. Alvarez flashed his potential in a limited role last season and could be the one to fill in for De Bruyne. He played as a "number 10" last week and with Newcastle likely to put more focus on Haaland, Alvarez could benefit from any extra space that allows him.
Sunday, August 20, 2023
Aston Villa (-155) vs Everton (+450) - 9:00 am ET
Score prediction: Aston Villa 3 – 1 Everton
Villa will want to put their thumping on the opening weekend behind them. They won their final seven home games of last season and will expect to win their first of this campaign. Only two sides had a higher xG (expected goals) goals tally than Everton's 2.96 last week. While it's great they are able to create chances, it's a concern if they don't convert them. They'll need to improve their scoring record if they are to avoid a long relegation battle.
Everton (2.96) 0-1 (1.54) Fulham
— The xG Philosophy (@xGPhilosophy) August 12, 2023
FPL Pick: Moussa Diaby
Diaby impressed in Villa's defeat, scoring and proving to be a handful. After an impressive season with Bayer Leverkusen last season (17 goal involvements in 33 games), Diaby looks like he could be one of the best signings of the season. He should be too much for Everton to contain and the French international will look to shine in front of his home fans.
West Ham United (+290) vs Chelsea (-110) - 11:30 am ET
Score prediction: West Ham United 1 – 1 Chelsea
West Ham continues trying to reinvest in their squad with the signing of James Ward-Prowse. They still lack a top striker, which will hold them back from challenging for the top six places. Chelsea keeps splashing the cash with another record signing as well. They looked quite cohesive last weekend given the number of new faces they have. This will be another tricky challenge and in what should be a close game, a draw is on the cards.
FPL Pick: Ben Chilwell
Chilwell was arguably Chelsea's biggest attacking threat last week. He picked up an assist and had a goal ruled out for a marginal offside. His forward play down the Chelsea left is set to be their best route to a goal while his set-piece delivery provides another avenue to a solid points return.
A projected 7 points for Ben Chilwell (£5.5m) in Gameweek 1 👏
If he's not already, will he be in your side for GW2? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/lHNBTngZgq
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) August 13, 2023
Monday, August 21, 2023
Crystal Palace (+500) vs Arsenal (-180) - 3:00 pm ET
Score prediction: Crystal Palace 0 – 2 Arsenal
Palace comfortably beat newcomers Sheffield United and it was a performance reflective of Roy Hodgson as a manager. They still look a bit devoid of attacking threats outside of Eberechi Eze, though. Arsenal flashed their talents in parts last weekend but were made to work for their win. The loss of new signing Jurrien Timber is a blow, but I expect them to have too much going forward for Palace to deal with on Monday.
Eberechi Eze created seven chances against Sheffield United, the most in a Premier League game for Crystal Palace since Jason Puncheon against Sunderland in 2016 (8). 🌠#SHUCRY pic.twitter.com/2X1EvERgly
— Squawka (@Squawka) August 12, 2023
FPL Pick: Bukayo Saka
Saka's goal of the weekend was indicative of the talent that the young winger possesses. With Ben White moving into a more central role for parts of the game, Saka wasn't quite able to link up with him as much as normal. But Saka's stunning strike was a reminder of his talents and it could take another moment of magic to unlock what should be a stubborn Palace defense.
Betting Picks
The below table gives the odds for each of the three main plays for each game (moneyline, total goals, and both teams to score). My favorite pick from each game is highlighted if you are looking to build a parlay.
| Game | Moneyline | Over/Under 2.5 | BTTS |
| Notts Forest 2 – 0 Sheff United | Notts Forest -115 | U2.5 -150 | No -125 |
| Fulham 1 – 2 Brentford | Brentford +165 | O2.5 -110 | Yes -155 |
| Liverpool 3 – 0 Bournemouth | Liverpool -450 | O2.5 -285 | No -105 |
| Wolves 2 – 2 Brighton | Draw +270 | O2.5 -125 | Yes -145 |
| Tottenham 1 – 1 Man United | Draw +270 | U2.5 +125 | Yes -190 |
| Man City 2 – 1 Newcastle | Man City -170 | O2.5 -140 | Yes -130 |
| Aston Villa 3 – 1 Everton | Aston Villa -155 | O2.5 -115 | Yes -120 |
| West Ham 1 – 1 Chelsea | Draw +265 | U2.5 -115 | Yes -130 |
| Crystal Palace 0 – 2 Arsenal | Arsenal -180 | U2.5 -120 | No -120 |
| Season totals | 7/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Season parlays | 0/1 (-1 unit) | 0/1 (-1 unit) | 1/1 (+12.19 u) |
Good luck with those FPL teams and EPL bets. Remember to bet responsibly!
