The world’s biggest soccer league returns to action this coming weekend, with the English Premier League set to get underway.

Champions Arsenal will look to defend their title, with a new-look Manchester City aiming to snatch back a crown they’ve not held since 2022/23 after Liverpool won it two seasons ago.

The campaign will begin on Saturday, August 22, with Arsenal playing host to Coventry City at 06:00 AEST.

Quick Picks

Our pick: Arsenal to win

Value bet: Over 2.5 goals to hit across most games

Long shot: Draw between Newcastle and Liverpool

Betting Preview

The Matchweek 1 schedule is as follows:

• Arsenal vs Coventry - Saturday, August 22, at 06:00 AEST
• Hull vs Man Utd - Saturday, August 22, at 22:30 AEST
• Ipswich vs Sunderland - Sunday, August 23, at 01:00 AEST
• Everton vs Crystal Palace - Sunday, August 23, at 01:00 AEST
• Nottingham Forest vs Leeds - Sunday, August 23, at 01:00 AEST
• Brentford vs Tottenham - Sunday, August 23, at 03:30 AEST
• Man City vs Bournemouth - Monday, August 24, at 00:00 AEST
• Brighton vs Aston Villa - Monday, August 24, at 00:00 AEST
• Newcastle vs Liverpool - Monday, August 24, at 02:30 AEST
• Fulham vs Chelsea - Tuesday, August 25, at 06:00 AEST

All 20 EPL teams will be in action on the opening weekend, with many featuring new players or management, which makes the opening day of the season particularly interesting.

Betting Markets to Watch

The MW1 Premier League betting odds are already available, and there aren’t too many surprises in the prices that have been set across the moneyline.

For instance, newly-promoted sides Coventry and Hull could hardly have had harder first matches to navigate and aren’t expected to have much of a chance against Premier League powerhouses Arsenal and Manchester Utd, respectively.

However, there’s some value to be found in Ipswich doing well against Sunderland, with the Black Cats only just favoured and predicted to struggle by many after an impressive first season back in the Premier League last time out.

The game between Everton and Crystal Palace could have value in the Over 2.5 goals market, as the last four EPL games between them have hit this number. The BTTS has also hit in each of the last five league games between the pair, suggesting additional value.

The Newcastle-Liverpool game could have value in the draw market . Both clubs have new managers, while they’ve also lost players that are known to make a difference.

Egyptian Mohamed Salah has left Liverpool, while Brazilian playmaker Bruno Guimarães is now at Arsenal. St James’ Park is notoriously difficult, and Matthias Jaissle could make life tough for Andoni Iraola’s side.

Expect goals in Fulham’s London derby with Chelsea. Again the Over 2.5 goals market could hit, with the Blues strengthening and Fulham being tipped for a tough season this time.

Our Prediction

Check the latest EPL betting odds at Sportsbet.

With the games that are to be played in Matchweek 1 of the Premier League, there’s value across the board in the Over 2.5 Goals market hitting.

Although it’s the first game of the season, there will be teams that will want to make a point and hit the ground immediately. Many of these games offer value in this regard that is worth exploring.

With very few upsets predicted, a draw between Man City and Bournemouth has an outside long shot. Both clubs have a new manager in charge and have lost key players.