Opening day was full of controversy and entertainment. So, what does Gameweek 2 have in store for us?
The Premier League is back and the sporting world is all the better for it.
Each week of the season, BestofBets will showcase the pick of the crop each weekend, so what takes top billing this time around? And what are the latest Premier League betting odds?
Manchester City vs Newcastle United, Etihad Stadium, Saturday (8pm BST)
It’s two from two for Newcastle in BestofBets’ game of the week.
Last time out they delivered a statement of intent to thrash Aston Villa 5-1 – in what many thought would be a closely-fought contest.
Eddie Howe has added some serious firepower to one of the league’s meanest defences. Alexander Isak was razor-sharp last week, notching two goals, while Sandro ‘Toonali’ got the dream debut after his arrival from AC Milan, scoring inside six minutes.
Can the Magpies inflict an early dent into Manchester City’s hopes of a fourth straight title?
'The fans have a new hero in Tonali.' 🇮🇹
Live footage from Newcastle's training ground ahead of Saturday's trip to Man City 🎥 pic.twitter.com/f1AqW7GqBV
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 15, 2023
Haaland v Botman
The league’s premier striker against one of its most underrated, yet effective, centre-backs should be a battle for the ages.
Botman has the size and strength to contend with Haaland, and in the past year he’s taken to the Premier League like a duck to water.
Yet, the Norwegian goal machine started the season in ominous form last weekend, bagging a brace to see off Burnley. And he looks hungry for more.
Grealish v Trippier
The all-England battle on City’s left, and Newcastle’s right, should be good to watch.
Trippier is the Geordies’ Mr. Dependable. Hardly anything gets past him – except £100m Grealish might.
The low-socked, slaloming City No.10 is now at home in sky blue and doing Pep Guardiola’s bidding with delight. Trippier will have to be on his mettle to keep Grealish at bay on Saturday night.
Changing the record
The one thing standing in Newcastle’s way this weekend is their appalling record at Eastlands.
City have won the past eight home matches against the men in black and white, by an aggregate score of 30 goals to three. The Magpies have been walloped on almost every visit down the M1 and M62.
Even their sole victory was in the League Cup. You have to go back to September 2000 for Newcastle’s most recent league win away at City; the Etihad wasn’t even built.
But things are different now, under Howe. Last season’s 3-3 draw at home to City will breathe confidence into the Toon Army, who will travel down in numbers on a balmy Saturday evening in Manchester.
🔙 on the grind! 🫡 pic.twitter.com/R6K4JszPP2
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 17, 2023
Premier League betting: No value in City win
A City win is 4/6 with bookmakers Bet365, which represents little to no value.
Far more interesting are the odds of a Newcastle win (4/1) or a draw (3/1).
It’s always hazardous betting against City at the Etihad Stadium, but if they’re ever going to slip up, it could be in an early season clash against in-form Newcastle.
Find more Premier League betting odds here.
