WHAT an opening weekend Premier League fans were treated to.
The champion Foxes failed to win their opening match of the season against a promoted team, Chelsea and the two Manchester teams saluted and Liverpool gave its fans hope that this campaign could finally be ‘their year’.
The win moved the Reds onto the fourth line of title betting at WilliamHill.com.au at the $7 quote.
As for the new boys, nearly all the big names made their presence felt.
United’s Zlatan and ‘Brough’s Negardo scored on debut, while John Stones proved he will be a terrific signing for Guardiola’s City.
On to this week though, and we have put together a multi that has us chomping at the bit to get the weekend of Premier League action underway.
All odds for the opening week of the season are provided by Sportsbet.com.au.
New customers can get their first bet at Sportsbet matched up to the value of $501.
Free selections for the Week 2 EPL multi:
Manchester United to defeat Southampton ($1.44)
Swansea to beat Hull ($1.83)
Tottenham against Crystal Palace ($1.44)
Sunderland to beat Middleburgh ($2.50)
Combined multi value: $9.48 @ Sportsbet.com.au
Manchester United vs. Southampton
Saturday, August 20 from 5am AEST at Old Trafford, Manchester
A rare Friday night fixture in England kicks off our multi this weekend as a rejuvenated Manchester United host Southampton at Old Trafford.
The beginning to the Jose Mourinho-era at Manchester was a successful one away at Bournemouth given they hammered the Cherries 3-1.
Any doubts over how Zlatan Imbrahimovic would adapt to the Premier League were allayed within the opening ten minutes. The Sweede went on to score himself and play a large role in another.
Southampton were disappointing last week drawing 1-1 after failing to capitalise on a one man advantage against Watford.
Based on their contrasting weekends it is hard to see how the Saints can win away from home, and we have no doubt Jose will have his men fired up to put on a show for the home fans.
Multi tip: Manchester United to win – $1.44
Swansea vs. Hull
Sunday, August 21 from 12am AEST at Liberty Stadium, Wales
One of the more interesting matchups of game week two sees two unlikely winners for the opening round of football face off in the form of Swansea and Hull.
Swansea were one of the favoured teams to be regulated this season, but after defeating newly promoted Burnley away from home 1-0, the Swans’ odds on Premier League survival came in to $1.05 at Sportsbet.com.au.
Hull had arguably their finest win in their Premier League history, defeating reigning champions Leicester City 2-1.
The Swans are set to welcome back Gylfi Sigurdsson to the starting line-up, which adds a different dynamic to a team that already looked threatening last week.
Will the euphoria of the win last week help galvanise the fractured Hull? We do not think so.
Swansea to win at home is one of the safest bets of our multi.
Multi tip: Swansea to win – $1.83
Tottenham vs. Crystal Palace
Sunday, August 21 from 12am AEST at White Hart Lane, London
Two London combatants compete for their first win of the season on Sunday night as the Eagles of Crystal Palace travel to White Hart Lane to face the Spurs.
Tottenham were disappointing last week away to Everton, drawing 1-1 against a team that were without their premiere striker Romelu Lukaku.
In troubling news for the Spurs, goalkeeping captain Hugo Lloris will miss the next four weeks of football after suffering a hamstring injury in Everton’s 1-1.
Thankfully the back-up keeper Michel Vorm is more than adept in the position and should not negatively affect the Tottenham line up.
Crystal Palace were disappointing at home, losing to a team that is expected to face relegation in West Brom 1-0.
They will need a big lift if they are to challenge Tottenham at home, and we think it will be too big of a hill to climb.
We are expecting the Spurs to salute to keep our multi rolling.
Multi tip: Tottenham to win – $1.44
Sunderland vs. Middlesbrough
Sunday, August 21 from 10.30pm AEST Stadium of Light, Sunderland
Two of the teams expected to struggle to maintain their Premier League status meet on Sunday night for the final leg of our multi as the ‘brough travel to Wearside to face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland were impressive against Manchester City, and had newly acquired defender Paddy McNair not conceded an own goal late in the contest the Black Cats could have snatched an unlikely point against the Premier League favourites.
Middlesbrough were terrific at home against Stoke but failed to keep the clean sheet required to seal victory, but they will be happy to take a point upon their return to the Premier League.
Winning away from home is a different story however, and we are expecting Sunderland – whose home form was formidable last season – to bring our multi home in style.
Multi tip: Sunderland to win – $2.50
Premier League promotions for game week 2
What a week we had to start the Premier League season, and thankfully Sportsbet’s terrific soccer multi insurance that turned punters’ heads last season is back for the 2016/17 campaign.
For those who have forgotten, if you place a four or more legged multi result bet on any international soccer competition this weekend and you miss out by one leg you get your stake back up to $50.
WilliamHill.com.au continue their amazing multi enhancement/insurance promotion that punters have been taking advantage of this year.
Place a four or more leg multi on any sport including the EPL this weekend, and if you miss out by one leg you get your cash back up to $50.
In addition, get a tiered bonus up to 40% added to your winnings.
Bonus are paid as Bonus Bets from 2.5% (4 leg multi) up to 40% of winnings (12+ leg multi); Max Winning Bonus $5,000 Bonus Bets.
