The excitement of the 2024/25 English Premier League is already in full swing as the second matchday takes place throughout this weekend, promising another round of thrilling matches. Following a dramatic opening weekend, full of goals, action and tension, teams will be eager to either build early momentum or pick up their first positive results after an opening day setback.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at a selection of these matches, picking out our top tips and booking codes: (odds available at time of writing)
Brighton vs Manchester United
Brighton may have produced the standout performance of matchday 1-0, expertly dispatching Everton with a 3-0 victory in their first competitive match under Fabian Hurzeler, but Manchester United will prove a different challenge to the Toffees.
Man United looked defensively solid against Fulham, a significant improvement from last season, while also creating plenty of quality chances that should have seen them pick up a more resounding victory than their eventual 1-0 win.
Though Brighton looked strong in attack, Everton did create opportunities and we expect Man United to be stronger in both defence and attack, suggesting the visitors will snatch a victory.
Manchester United to win by 1 goal, 4.10
Aston Villa vs Arsenal
Aston Villa’s difficult start to the 2024/25 season continues on matchday two as they face Arsenal after narrowly beating West Ham in their opening game of the campaign.
Villa dominated throughout the match and should have added to Amadou Onana’s early goal, but they were drawn back level just before half-time when Lucas Paqueta converted from the spot. Aston Villa’s dominance in attack continued throughout the second half, eventually securing all three points thanks to Jhon Duran’s 79th-minute winner.
Arsenal also looked strong in their opening fixture, continuing this season how they left off the last one, securing a 2-0 victory against Wolves. While the Gunners were brilliant in attack, Wolves did have a number of promising chances but ultimately failed to hit the net, something Arsenal will have to be aware of when they face the higher quality that Aston Villa possess.
While we do expect this game to be a tight affair between two of the stronger teams in the league, we ultimately believe that Arsenal will show their quality and take all three points, after suffering back-to-back league defeats to Villa last season.
Arsenal to win & over 2.5 goals, 2.56
Wolves vs Chelsea
Wolves performed admirably in their opening game against Arsenal, causing plenty of problems in the forward areas, but they did look vulnerable at the back with the Gunners creating plenty of chances.
Chelsea, despite losing 2-0 to Manchester City, also had a strong performance and could have taken more from the game if they were able to convert any of the number of chances that they missed throughout.
Nicolas Jackson, in particular, had a number of opportunities and is likely to have more chances to hit the net in this one thanks to the immense creative quality that Chelsea possesses. For that reason, we believe Jackson will hit the net in this one.
Nicolas Jackson to score anytime, 2.90
Best Booking Codes:
Man Utd to win by 1 & Arsenal to win with 2.5 goals – 6Y53RQB
Jackson & Saka to score – 6Y53X9Q
Man Utd to win by 1, Arsenal to win with 2.5 goals, Jackson to score @30.20 – 6Y552BR
