A look at the top fixtures, kit matchups and Best Bets for Matchweek 2

LAS VEGAS — Fresh off a wildly successful opening stanza last week, Matchweek 2 is upon us in England’s Premiere League. It’s only Round 2/38, but if MW1 is any indication, we’re in for theatrics, dramatics and a ton of footballing skill and athletic prowess inside another weekend in the best league in the world.

KEY FIXTURES

Brighton and Hove Albion vs Manchester United — BHAMUN

MW2 begins near the south coast of England when Amex Stadium plays host to Brighton v United. These are two clubs who earned all three points in MW1 as the Red Devils bested Fulham and the Seagulls pounded Everton. I thought Man Utd did just enough to beat Fulham. I thought Brighton was excellent and comprehensive v Everton. To be fair, the Toffees were terrible on that day. Brighton always plays Man Utd tough and every trip to Amex Stadium is an arduous one. The early Saturday fixture is usually a slow burn, but I think this will be a quality match between two clubs with big aspirations this Premier League season.

Creator’s Note: Both clubs are active in the final week of the transfer window. As such, I’ll decline to speculate on Starting XI’s until the window closes.

ASTON VLLA VS ARSENAL — AVLARS

Big fight feel this weekend when Aston Villa plays host to Arsenal. Villa Park should be in for a treat. These two clubs both qualified for Champions League play last term and both clubs have the same aspirations this go. ARS is contending for a league title and this could be the year. There is no reason AVL can’t have similar success tom last term. Gunners were business like in jettisoning Wolves on Opening Day. Villa, with late quality, bested West Ham in a good joust at London Stadium. I expect this to be a quality, highly technical affair where neither team wants to make the match-costing error. This is appointment television on Saturday, you best believe.

Creator’s Note: Both clubs are rumored active in the final week of the transfer window. As such, I’ll decline to speculate on Starting XI’s until the window closes.

KIT MATCHUP OF THE WEEK

Right then, down to business. This week’s KMOTW, I believe, brings us to England’s south coast. BHAMUN. I expect both clubs to wear its home kits. The blue and white stripes of BHA and the world-renowned MUN red play off each other vividly making for an easy watch for you the consumer. Both kits sell very well in the market. Both are thee identifiable uniform when thinking of both clubs.

MW2 Positions EPL:

Best Bet record: 0-1

RECC’S (tailored to PAR, ALT PAR markets)

Fulham Draw No Bet -280

• This is a RECC for useage more specifically in the parlay, alternate parlay markets than it is a straight position. Yes, I myself have FFC DNB in both exotic wagers I placed for MW2.
• Way too much respect is being shown to LEI. The Foxes had no business getting a result v TOT. Spurs easily could’ve trucked three in 1H alone. Now having to go to Craven Cottage? No thanks. I have concerns to the fitness level of Jamie Vardy. From NFO to LEI, skeptical as to whether I believe in Steve Cooper’s project. FUL was very competitive at Man Utd last week. A result could’ve been had. I think what we’re seeing here is a classic example of recency bias. FUL is the play here. Out of respect to other professionals in the market who have touted FUL (90+) before I published, I won’t RECC the 90+ play here.

BHAMUN Both Teams To Score -200

• This is another RECC more specifically designed for exotic wagering as opposed to straight wagering. If -200 is within your Bet Zone for straight positions, than by all means, feel free.
• While I have some concerns to the timing of this fixture (Sat, 4:30 a.m. PST) as anybody who follows this sport knows the early match on Saturdays across the pond usually lacks the potency of other matches in the Matchweek. BHA finessed EVE with ease, looking fine in transition and taking advantage of scoring opportunities in front of net. Man Utd left it late v FUL, but as the match went on looked better with the ball. I think United will play a cleaner, better match than last. I can’t see both sides being denied at least a goal each here. I too have this in my personal plays in the PAR, ALT PAR market.

PERSONAL PLAYS:

FFC 90+ -20 (see above for detail on the FUL backing)

• Weirdly, one can still find -20 in the market and I played it in paper ticket form earlier in the process.

TOT 30 Minutes Betting +35

• Can’t see it from EVE. Have to think TOT comes out firing in lieu of a bad loss in the midlands last week and as it’s a home match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, so the fans will be demanding a result. I’m not too concerned about no Solanke. I’ll spare you BS tactical theories and xG speculation to just say if Ange Postecoglou usually wins stuff in his 2nd year then surely his Spurs side will discard lowly EVE at home. Good price at this time point in the process. I played it in paper form at two shops.

Lean/Pass: NEW DNB, WOL +0.5, BHAMUN Draw

BEST BET:

TOTEVE Anytime GS

Creator’s Note: Always check your book’s House Rules on player propositions. Always.

• Son (TOT) +120
  • With no Solanke, I have to think Son will burden more of an offensive load Saturday. He could even play up front centrally if Richarlison is inserted on the left. This is a match TOT should get, if not has to have (albeit it’s very early in the PL calendar). I believe the Spurs big ticket items will be at its best. That starts with the great Son. He nets one, at least.

REFERENCES

• Premier League dot com
• FB Reference
• X
• Circa Sports
• William Hill
• Fanduel Sports
• Bet Rivers Sportsbook
• Sports Mole
• CBS Sports
• Getty Images

Creator’s Note: Darkseid Sports has no affiliation whatsoever with any of the above listed entities.