Premier League Matchday 1 Odds & Picks: Man Utd vs Leeds, Watford vs Aston Villa & Norwich vs Liverpool

• The Premier League’s first matchday of the season kicks off on Friday evening as Brentford take on Arsenal in an exciting and fresh London Derby
• This weekend features some marquee matchups all around England including Manchester United vs Leeds, Watford vs Aston Villa and Norwich vs Liverpool
• Get the odds, our analysis and betting prediction below

After two and a half long months of waiting, Premier League fans can finally wake up on Friday and know that Matchday 1 is upon them. From a fan perspective, this summer was quite odd as there did not seem like much of a break for anybody involved. The club season folded into the Euros, Copa America and of course, the Olympics in Tokyo, which several Premier League players took part in.

Additionally, the summer transfer window is still open and players are moving left and right. But, for the most part, these clubs are set and ready to go. The larger concern for some of these clubs will be the shortened preseason which will affect the fitness of some of their top players. In turn, do not expect the team sheets this weekend to necessarily reflect the best starting XI’s these teams can put out.

Premier League Matchday 1 Odds

Odds as of August 11 at DraftKings

Regardless, the Premier League weekend does have some truly incredible matches and storylines. The first match between Brentford and Arsenal represents the first-ever Premier League match the Bees have featured in.

Furthermore, in Nuno’s first game as Tottenham manager, he faces the tall task of beating Manchester City, most likely without the talents of Harry Kane. Those are just a couple of examples of what represents football being back in England and what is sure to be a thrilling weekend of matches.

Manchester United vs Leeds Prediction

The first highlighted fixture is between Manchester United and Leeds, in front of fans at Old Trafford on Premier League Matchday 1. The environment of this game should be incredible, and the Theatre of Dreams coming to life will certainly not help Leeds’ chances. Last season was obviously Marcelo Bielsa’s first year in the Premier League after getting Leeds promoted, and to be fair, they held their own. Regardless, their openness and lack of discipline in defense hurt them drastically.

Setting sights on Saturday 👀#MUFC #PL pic.twitter.com/Oim00USx3W

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 11, 2021

One characteristic about Leeds is that they definitely can attack and score goals, even against the best. Patrick Bamford led the charge with 17 goals last season with Raphina, Stuart Dallas and Jack Harrison also chipping in. Their head-to-head matches with Manchester United last year show the volatility in this team, drawing 0-0 and losing 6-2.

For Manchester United, they will sadly be without Marcus Rashford as he remains out with a shoulder injury. The Red Devils looked sharp in preseason and should have no problem clinching three points. However, there is no value in that so instead, pick this game being an absolute goal fest.

Pick: Over 3.5 Total Goals (+150)

Watford vs Aston Villa Prediction

Next, we are highlighting an interesting Premier League Matchdya 1 match featuring a newly promoted side. That is right, Watford are back up in the Premier League after spending just one year in the Championship. They take on Aston Villa this weekend at Vicarage Road. Watford are essentially unchanged barring two additions in Imran Louza from Nantes and Emmanuel Dennis from Club Brugge.

• Emiliano Buendía
• Danny Ings
• Leon Bailey
• Ashley Young
• Axel Tuanzebe

After the loss of Jack Grealish, here's how Dean Smith can transform and improve his Aston Villa team, using their impressive recruitment… ✍️💜#AVFC

— The Coaches' Voice (@CoachesVoice) August 11, 2021

Conversely, Aston Villa have changed quite a bit since last since. Obviously, Jack Grealish left the club to go to Manchester City which will be a massive loss. But, the Villains added Danny Ings, Emi Buendia and Leon Bailey, equating to three very positive signings. The Aston Villa moneyline at +130 has tremendous value for a team of that talent against a newly promoted side.

Pick: Aston Villa Moneyline (+130)

Norwich vs Liverpool Prediction

The last highlighted game is between Liverpool and Norwich at Carrow Road on Premier League Matchday 1. The Reds of Merseyside are looking to come back with a statement victory to start the Premier League season, after a disappointing campaign last year. The fitness of Jordan Henderson, Thiago and Virgil van Dijk is questionable while Curtis Jones and Andy Robertson and firm misses on the match.

On This Day in 2017, Mo Salah scored his first Premier League goal for the club against Watford. The first of many 🇪🇬👑pic.twitter.com/ByhNaJZuhr

— TheKop.com (@TheKop_com) August 11, 2021

However, the front four of Liverpool has looked sharp in the preseason. One thing that stands out about this game is that Mo Salah has scored on opening day in all four years at Liverpool. Expect Mo Salah to score, and to do so first.

Pick: Mo Salah To Score First (+200)