Premier League Week 2 betting preview: Tottenham Chelsea face off, Manchester United already in crisis
It was an interesting opening week of the Premier League, for fans and bettors alike.
Tottenham the best team in Europe? Manchester United the worst team in history? Stevie G on the hot seat already?
Let's pump the brakes: it was only Week 1 of a LONG season, but there are a few things we can take from the matches.
Here is a look at the Week 2 intriguing storylines.
Chelsea (+123) v Tottenham (+230), draw (+235), 11:30 a.m. EDT Sunday (USA and Fubo.TV)
Which of these two teams is the best in London?
This match will go a long way towards figuring that out early in the new campaign, although Chelsea could yet strengthen with Todd Boehly in charge.
Former Premier League (and current Greece) Manager Gus Poyet thinks Chelsea needs this more than Spurs.
"It's a very tough game for Chelsea, being so early in the season, in a derby and Chelsea not looking at their best," Poyet said for his Lord Ping blog. "It's more important for Chelsea to win. If Tottenham win there's no drama, but if Chelsea lose, it could trigger some crazy new panic signings in the last few weeks of the transfer window, and that is never good.
"Conte knows what he will do. I'm not so sure what the starting line-up will be for Chelsea with their cramp and little injuries. It's a very important game for Chelsea."
Brentford (+260) v Manchester United (+102), draw (+250), 12:30 p.m. EDT (USA and Fubo.TV)
I was at the United match Sunday, and this team, as currently set up, will finish no better than sixth: but it could be even worse.
In short, United stinks.
Brentford looked dead in the water after 70 minutes until Brendan Rodgers pulled a Brendan Rodgers, and
"It has been a difficult summer for Manchester United," Poyet said. "After Mourinho left, it was clear the problem was not with the manager, but everyone still thinks it is. David Moyes, Louis Van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjear are all top managers, it's definitely down to the players now.
"To be a Man United player, you need to have quality in all areas, technically, physically, tactically, but most importantly, mentally. Certain players that have been there for years are not coping with the situation well mentally. It's the players who play, not the coach.
"We're talking about Ronaldo again, but they lost because Brighton did their jobs. We need to stop thinking it's the manager's fault. I can't see how Manchester United will recover, it does not look easy from the outside."
Southampton (+128) v Leeds United (+205), draw (+255), 10 a.m. EDT (Peacock Premium)
There is no way around this: Southampton is a very poor side. This is going to be a very interesting season for the Saints, who may finally see their selling habits cost them a spot in the top tier of England come May.
People thought Leeds United would struggle, but they did not count on the fact that Brenden Aaronson is the best American to EVER lace up his boots in the Premier League (NEW JERSEY REPRESENT).
Well, once again, that might be a stretch, but this Leeds team is going to be exciting to watch for neutrals in America, and to bet for people who like overs.
Manchester City (-1667) v Bournemouth (+3500), draw (+1150), 10 a.m. EDT (USA and Fubo.TV)
Look at these odds. LOOK AT THEM!!! The Bournemouth or draw double chance is +900: is that any way to treat the Cherries after they dismantled Steven Gerrard's Villa on the weekend?
Well, yes: they are playing a City team that is going to break the record for points in a Premier League season (100). The Cityzens are going to be favorites like this in many matches this season, so get used to backing them at -1.5, -2, -2.5 and on.
Check back later in the week for predictions on all 10 games, as well as plays for the bettors.
Check Fubo.TV, Paramount+, and ESPN+ for TV schedules