Premier League opening weekend betting tips (15-18 Aug 2025). Expert game previews, including Liverpool v Bournemouth, each with a top betting pick.

Get ready for Premier League kickoff with our football betting tips for 15-18 August 2025 – from Liverpool’s opener to a Man United v Arsenal showdown, we’ve got your weekend punts covered.

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Key Takeaways:

  • Premier League 2025/26 kicks off this weekend (15-18 August) with ten fixtures Friday through Monday.
  • Manchester United vs Arsenal headlines the opening weekend in a blockbuster Sunday showdown.
  • Defending champions Liverpool host Bournemouth at Anfield and are heavy favourites to start strong.
  • Newly promoted sides Leeds United and Sunderland return with big home games, eager to impress.
  • Early-season matches can be unpredictable. Expect some high-scoring games and potential upsets.

The Premier League is finally back, and honestly, it feels like we’ve been waiting ages for this moment. New season, new hopes – you can practically smell the fresh cut grass and hear the chants already. If you’re new to all this or just need a refresher, remember: football betting tips are basically informed predictions from seasoned punters to help guide your wagers. (We’ve got more basics in our ultimate UK sports betting guide if you fancy a quick read.) Now, with that cuppa in hand, let’s jump into this week’s action. The top-flight fixtures from 15th to 18th August are teed up and ready to go. (We’ve got more basics in our ultimate UK sports betting guide if you fancy a quick read.)

Liverpool v Bournemouth: Anfield Encore or Upset?

It’s the big curtain-raiser on Friday night under the lights at Anfield. Liverpool, the reigning champs, will be keen to put on a show in front of a buzzing home crowd. The Reds finished last season on a high and have bolstered their squad over the summer. Bournemouth (aka the Cherries) still have nightmares of their 9-0 drubbing at Anfield a few seasons back – you know they’ll be desperate to avoid another hiding. Liverpool’s attack looks lethal as ever, and honestly, anything other than a routine home win would shock the punters.

  • Tip: Liverpool to win & over 2.5 goals. The champions should score a few and secure a comfortable victory. check the best bookmakers for top early-season markets.

Aston Villa v Newcastle: Fireworks at Villa Park?

Both Villa and Newcastle are eyeing a top-four push this season, making this an intriguing Saturday clash. Villa Park will be rocking, as the home side were superb on their own patch last year. Newcastle’s Magpies, meanwhile, have evolved into a savvy outfit under Eddie Howe. They won’t be intimidated on the road. With attacking talent on both sides (and neither defence exactly watertight in pre-season), this one has all the ingredients for an end-to-end thriller. Don’t be surprised if it turns into a shootout by the second half.

  • Tip: Over 2.5 goals. Both teams can find the net, and an open game could see plenty of scoring. see our bonuses page for free bet offers.

Tottenham v Burnley: Spurs Tired or Inspired?

Spurs come into this Saturday fixture after a midweek trip to Italy for the UEFA Super Cup – will that European adventure leave them leggy, or riding a wave of confidence? Tottenham finally grabbed some silverware (of the Europa League variety) last season, ending a long drought, so the home fans will be in a celebratory mood. Burnley, on the other hand, are looking to establish themselves after surviving their first year back in the top flight. They play positive football and won’t just park the bus. Still, under the roar of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium crowd, the North London side will fancy a flying start. Fatigue or not, Spurs have the firepower to make it count.

  • Tip: Both teams to score (BTTS). Tottenham’s attacking style should produce goals, and Burnley can exploit any tired legs at the back.

Chelsea v Crystal Palace: Upset on the Cards at the Bridge?

Stamford Bridge sees a tasty London derby to kick off Chelsea’s campaign. The Blues are desperate to banish the memories of last season’s disappointments – a fresh start under new leadership and a few big signings has fans cautiously optimistic. Palace, meanwhile, are brimming with confidence after an unbelievable FA Cup win last spring. They’ve already shown they can rise to big occasions, and you can bet their travelling fans will be in full voice. Chelsea have the talent on paper, but we’ve seen them slip in these fixtures before. Could Palace stun them? Stranger things have happened on opening weekend.

  • Tip: Under 2.5 goals. Expect a tighter affair; Chelsea may edge it, but goals could be at a premium as both sides feel their way into the season.

Manchester United v Arsenal: Early Title Statement?

Sunday’s headline matchup pits two old rivals with big ambitions. Manchester United and Arsenal both have eyes on the Premier League prize this year, and an opening weekend win here would be a massive statement. The atmosphere at Old Trafford will be electric, with fans hoping the Red Devils can deliver against a top-four rival. Arsenal’s young guns, led by a prolific attack, won’t shy away. They beat United in a cracker last season and will be confident they can do it again. Neither side will want to start with a loss, but you just know pride and attacking intent will take over once the whistle blows. This one could turn into a classic if both defences aren’t on their toes.

  • Tip: Both teams to score. There’s quality up front on both sides, and it’s hard to see either the Gunners or United being kept out in this showdown.

Sunderland v West Ham: Homecoming Party on Wearside

The Stadium of Light is back on the Premier League map, and you can feel the excitement in Sunderland. After years away, the Black Cats return to host West Ham in front of what’s sure to be a bouncing, sold-out crowd. Sunderland will ride that passion and energy – early on, we could see them fly into tackles and push forward with gusto. West Ham bring experience and Premier League know-how, but they’ve been known to stumble in atmospheres like this. With the adrenaline pumping and maybe a few first-game jitters defensively, this could get lively. Don’t rule out the underdogs making a real go of it.

  • Tip: Both teams to score. Sunderland’s enthusiasm should yield chances (and maybe a goal or two), while West Ham have enough quality to hit back in an open contest.

Leeds United v Everton: Back with a Bang on Monday Night

Monday night football at Elland Road wraps up the weekend, and it’s a proper old-school fixture. Leeds are back in the big time and their fans are absolutely buzzing for this. You know what that means – a hostile atmosphere awaiting Everton under the floodlights. Leeds will want to prove they belong here, likely coming out all guns blazing. Everton, perennial slow starters in recent years, can’t afford to be complacent; they’ve flirted with disaster at the bottom before and need a solid start. Expect crunching tackles and a frenetic pace from the off. This one could be feisty, with the crowd acting as Leeds’ twelfth man.

  • Tip: Leeds to win or draw (Double Chance). The newly promoted side should at least grab a point at home, so backing them to avoid defeat offers a bit of safety.

How to Use These Betting Tips

  1. Do your homework

    Use these tips as a starting point, but always check team news and recent form on your own before betting.

  2. Compare the odds

    Don’t just stick to one bookmaker. Shop around on our bookmakers page to ensure you get the best odds for the bet you fancy.

  3. Manage your bankroll

    Only wager what you’re comfortable losing. Early season matches can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to keep stakes sensible.

  4. Consider multiple markets

    If you’re unsure about a match result, look at alternative bets (goals, BTTS, handicaps) that might offer better value for that game.

  5. Stay patient and level-headed

    It’s just week one – if things don’t go your way this time, take the lessons and look forward to next week’s betting tips rather than chasing losses.

FAQ

What does BTTS mean in football betting?

BTTS stands for “Both Teams To Score.” It’s a popular bet where your ticket wins if each team scores at least one goal in the match.

Are betting tips guaranteed to win?

No – betting tips are informed predictions, not sure things. Even the best tipsters can’t account for upsets or an off-day. Always use tips as guidance and bet responsibly.

Should I bet on my favourite team every week?

Be careful betting on the team you support. Emotions can cloud judgment. It’s often better to bet with your head, not your heart – only back your team if the stats and form make a strong case.

Where can I find more football betting tips?

Right here on Betting Site World. We publish weekly football betting tips and predictions for all major matches. Check out our Betting Tips page for the latest picks each week.

What is a -1 handicap bet?

A “-1 handicap” means the favoured team must win by more than one goal for the bet to win. For example, if you back Liverpool -1, they’d need to win by 2+ goals. It’s a way to get better odds on heavy favourites, essentially giving the underdog a one-goal head start.