There were only a few surprises in the opening Matchday of the 2020-21 English Premier League schedule. Liverpool got all it could handle from recently-promoted Leeds United, while Tottenham were scuttled in their quest to put last season’s struggles behind them. But with all 20 Premier League clubs in action on Matchday 2 – including title favorites Manchester City – we could be in for a few more shockers over three intense days of soccer action.
Here are our top Premier League picks and predictions for Matchday 2 (odds courtesy bet365):
Premier League Predictions for Matchday 2
Leeds vs Fulham (Saturday, 10 a.m. ET)
If you haven’t yet adopted a favorite Premier League team, it’s time to jump on the Leeds bandwagon. The leaders of last year’s Championship division put a legitimate fright into the defending league champions, scoring three times but ultimately falling short. They followed that up with an uninspiring 1-1 Carabao Cup draw with visiting Hull, but should regain form against a Fulham side that fell 3-0 at home to Arsenal in their Premier League opener.
Both sides are relatively healthy coming into this one, but Leeds have the more dangerous offensive group – and having defeated visiting Fulham by a 3-0 count in their previous meeting back in June, that gap is a significant one. Fulham should put up more of a fight on the defensive end than they did against the Gunners last week, but this is still Leeds’ match to win – and we see them doing so while converting the O2.5, as well.
PREDICTION: Leeds United/Over 2.5 Goals (+160)
Chelsea vs Liverpool (Sunday, 11:30 a.m. ET)
The Blues and Liverpool both picked up the three points in their respective season-opening matches, but the sailing was a little easier for Chelsea, who scored two goals in a 10-minute span early in the second half to fend off Brighton. And they’re an interesting +210 option against a Liverpool side that looked nothing like the team that romped to the 2019-20 Premier League title, but will come into this one as a slight +120 favorite.
Bettors might occasionally be hesitant to push the total to 3.5 as it’s a lot of offense for a soccer match, after all. But this is the right place to do it: The teams have averaged more than four total goals over their previous four head-to-head meetings and combined to score seven times in their respective Matchday 1 games. Look for both sides to air it out in what should be an entertaining match between two of the top teams in the table.
PREDICTION: Over 3.5 Goals (+150)
Wolverhampton vs Manchester City (Monday, 3:15 p.m. ET)
Man City had their season opener postponed due to their participation in the recent Champions League playoffs – but they’re ready to reclaim their Premier League throne beginning with Monday’s showdown with host Wolves. Man City were a distant second in last year’s table but have made several key additions, including talented center-back Nathan Ake, as they look to improve upon last year’s 81-point showing and claim their fifth Premier League title.
Wolves got off to a strong start last week, cruising past Sheffield United 2-0. And they won both regular-season meetings with Man City last season, scoring five goals while yielding just two. But Man City ended the previous season on fire and have had several weeks off for rest and healing, which is the last thing you want to see as an opponent. We like Man City to come out early, jump out in front and stay there the rest of the way.
PREDICTION: Man City/Man City HT/FT Result (+137)
Premier League Betting Card for Matchday 2
- Leeds United/Over 2.5 Goals (+160)
- Chelsea-Liverpool Over 3.5 Goals (+150)
- Man City/Man City HT/FT Result (+137)
Where can I bet on Premier League soccer?
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