EPL Opening Weekend Best Bets: Liverpool to Cruise, Arsenal to Edge United
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Eric Kelly
- August 11, 2025
With the English Premier League kicking off this weekend, we’re breaking down the top betting opportunities from the opening round of action at the top sportsbooks.
The reigning champions Liverpool FC kick things off on Friday night under the lights when they play host to traveling Bournemouth AFC.
Some other fixtures which catch the eye during round one are the matchups between two pretenders Aston Villa and Newcastle, as well as the biggest game this opening weekend, Arsenal and Manchester United.
AFC Bournemouth vs. Liverpool FC
Friday, August 15, 2025 – 03:00 PM EDT at Anfield
Picking Up Where They Left Off
Liverpool open their season on home soil in front of their home fans in what’s expected to be an easy win for the reigning English Premier League Champions.
Last season, Liverpool won the league by 10 points whilst opponents Bournemouth had a strong campaign finishing in 9th position. With that being said, Bournemouth have struggled against Liverpool in recent head-to-heads, with Liverpool winning 9 of the previous 10 meetings.
Ahead of this season, Liverpool have bolstered their squad having spent 298 million on transfers whilst selling 198 million worth, their biggest purchase being Florian Wrtiz for 125 million.
Bourmouth have spent 42 million thus far and sold 123 million worth of players.
Expect Goals and Glory
We expect Liverpool to make a strong start on home soil under the lights this Friday night, and we feel they can cover the -1.5 spread priced at -120 on BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review).
Recent games between these two teams have seen Liverpool cover the -1.5 line in 5 of the previous 6 games at Anfield with three of those being a 3-0 scoreline, and on one occasion Liverpool even managed a 9-0 victory back in 2022.
At the very least, we expect Liverpool to win this game by two goals, so we are more than prepared to lay -120 on this market.
Liverpool’s new striker Florian Wirtz should be well up for opening his goalscoring account in this matchup, and we like his odds to do so at +125.
Arsenal FC vs. Manchester United
Sunday, August 17, 2025 – 11:30 AM EDT at Old Trafford
Clash of Titans
Although it’s been 10+ years since either of these teams won the Premier League, this is still one of the biggest games each season in the Premier League, and both teams are very much two of the biggest clubs in the English Premier League.
Arsenal are one of the favorites to win the league this season, valued at +220 in the futures betting market, whilst Man Utd are +2500. With that being said, Arsenal have struggled in recent times when playing on the road to Man Utd having won in just two of their last ten visits, with both wins being by a 1-0 scoreline.
Arsenal have spent wisely this summer having brought in some key players such as Viktor Gyokeres to score the goals and Martin Zubimendi to bolster their midfield. Arsenal arguably has one of the strongest teams ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. They will be hoping to improve on their 2nd place finish the previous three seasons, always close but no cigar.
Man Utd had their worst season in a long time last year having finished 15th (which was their first time outside the top 10 since 1989). Thus far, the Red Devils have spent 229 million on transfers and received zero from their departures with most players being loaned out or out of contract.
Gunners Eye Opening Win
Man United won’t be as bad as they were last season, but we do feel they will struggle in this opening game despite being on home soil. Arsenal know a win here is essential if they wish to be in the hunt for the Premier League title this season.
The top-rated sportsbooks have Arsenal set at +120 to win this opening game of the season, and -300 not to lose the game, whilst Man United are as high as -130 to not lose the game.
The Gunners should be able to control the game through their superior midfield and defence, and we expect an away win in this matchup, but don’t be surprised if it’s a low-scoring game.
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
