The wait is finally over, Matchweek 1 of the 2024/25 Premier League season kicks off on Friday!
Let’s break down some of my favorite Premier League picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for these contests.
In case you missed it, check out my full pre-season table predictions here.
Place your bets at DraftKings Sportsbook or by downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook app.
Manchester City To Win at Chelsea (-120)
There are so many factors working in City’s favor to kick off yet another title defense campaign.
For starters, Chelsea haven’t beaten the reigning champs in six straight Premier League contests — four losses, two draws — dating back to May 2021. Across all competitions, that winless streak stretches to nine matches.
Manchester City have been nothing short of dominant in Matchweek 1 over the years, winning a whopping 12 of their last 13 opening matches. Their only Week 1 loss came against Tottenham on the road, which as we all know, has been a weird house of horrors for Pep Guardiola’s squad throughout his tenure.
Speaking of Pep, with this possibly being his last season at the club, there’s little doubt his players are eager to kick off this campaign with a massive performance for their boss.
Erling Haaland Anytime Goal Scorer at Chelsea (-125)
Anytime you can take Haaland to score at near-even odds, you probably have to spring at the value.
The reigning Golden Boot winner put together a bit of an underwhelming 2023/24 campaign, but he still racked up 27 goals. After sitting on the couch while many of his teammates made deep Euro 2024 runs, he’s certainly looking to kick off this Premier League season with a monstrous outing.
That would be a continuation of a trend that has developed over the course of Haaland’s two years in the Prem, as he’s finished with a brace in each of City’s opening matches in 22/23 and 23/24. I actually considered writing up the Norwegian to finish with a third consecutive brace at +400, but the value was ultimately too strong at -125 for just one goal.
I expect the greatest pure scorer the Premier League has ever seen to maintain that reputation on Sunday.
Same Game Parlay: Tottenham Over 1.5 Total Goals + To Win at Leicester City (-130)
The Foxes won their last Prem match against Tottenham, but it’s been 25 years since they’ve clinched consecutive league victories against Spurs. It’s also worth noting that prior to that match, Big Ange’s squad had won five straight games against Leicester, scoring a combined 19 (!!) goals over that stretch.
Tottenham enters this match with the numbers on their side. The Lilywhites have been historically dominant opening their season against newly-promoted clubs, winning five of their last six matches in said scenario. Leicester may have some momentum at home with it being their first contest back on the highest tier of English football, but Spurs’ talent and the high-octane style Postecoglou has implemented should ultimately overwhelm the Foxes.
Those are my favorite Premier League picks for Matchweek 1! Stay tuned for more bets next week.
