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  • Premier League 2023/24 | Game of the Week

    Premier League 2023/24 | Game of the Week

    So here we go again. Game of the week. The start of a new Premier League season.

    As Manchester City’s league monopoly continues, the 2023/24 edition of the biggest and richest league in the world is poised to be a classic.

    Each week, BestofBets will showcase the pick of the crop each weekend, so what takes top billing for opening day?

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    Newcastle United v Aston Villa, St. James’ Park, Saturday (17:30 BST)

    Though Chelsea’s meeting with Liverpool is a blockbuster opening weekend draw, Newcastle and Aston Villa might just steal the show.

    The two European hopefuls should turn on the style, where the hosts carry huge promise after a top three finish last term.

    Villa, meanwhile, are now also tipped to challenge the top six with Unai Emery’s side looking particularly well-balanced.

    Meeting in Philadelphia only weeks ago, a 3-3 repeat might be unlikely but both sides are flush with quality.

     

    Isak v Watkins

    Two of the best forwards in the land are poised to take centre stage on Saturday night.

    Villa’s hopes of breaking into the top six this season rest heavily on Ollie Watkins’ shoulders, now a prolific Premier League marksman.

    Watkins has a combined 40 league goals in the last three seasons and last term found the net 15 times.

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    Having scored against the Magpies this summer, Watkins also grabbed a brace at Villa Park back in April. It’s fair to say, Newcastle know his qualities.

    In the opposite corner, Isak begins his first full season.

    After Callum Wilson was afforded few pre-season minutes, the Swede looks poised.

     

    Midfield battle

    The game of the week offering sees battle lines drawn in midfield, offering not only bite but creativity in spades.

    Eddie Howe looks set to hand Sandro Tonali his Premier League debut alongside Bruno Guimaraes, who could form a dynamic tag-team this campaign.

    However, that is not to say that the visitors lack intensity.

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    In the Villa engine room, critics still suggest Douglas Luiz is a liability, but the Brazilian has become a cult figure.

    And he certainly ticks a box for work rate with managers.

    Alongside John McGinn, big things are expected of Emi Buendia in a wide supporting role. The Argentine’s role on Saturday evening will be pivotal.

     

    Diaby debut key

    Villa will be expecting big things from big-money signing Moussa Diaby, but can be make an impact on his Premier League bow?

    With the Villans set to roll out a 4-2-2 system, Diaby can cause havoc up top with Watkins.

    A player with pace to burn, the French winger was a menace in the Bundesliga last term and will look to convert in English football.

    Given Newcastle’s offensive style and penchant to flow in wide areas, if Villa can get in behind, Diaby can cause real problems.

     

    Bet on the draw

    Newcastle are rightful favourites for three points, however, Villa will be game opposition.

    With the hosts set at around 8/11 with BoyleSports, an away win for Emery’s side is a juicy 19/5 with BetUK.

    However, it is the draw that looks most favourable at 29/10 with William Hill, whilst a 2-2 draw at 14/1 with QuinnBet could be for perfectionists.

  • Premier League 2023/24: FPL template team to pick this season

    Premier League 2023/24: FPL template team to pick this season

     

    Dust off the spreadsheets, ready the stats and start telling your mates how much money you’re going to win off them this season.

    That’s right, it’s time to pick your Fantasy Premier League team for 2023/24!

    The start of any season can make or break your FPL hopes, but fear not, BestofBets are here to ease your worries.

    Our resident footie nuts, Dominic Booth and Neil Leverett have put their heads together – laying their necks on the block – and come up with a starter FPL template squad.

    With a transfer fund of 100m, here is what they’ve come up with…

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    Goalkeepers

    Andre Onana – Is the new Man United goalkeeper a risk? Definitely. Is he more suited to Erik ten Hag’s style of play than David de Gea? Absolutely. So, is he worth picking as your No.1 in FPL this season? Another yes. Protected by an improving United defence that should collect numerous clean sheets, Onana is a good buy at £5.0.

    Daniel Bentley – Your reserve ‘keeper should at least have an outside chance of playing. And former Bristol City and Brentford No.1 Bentley finished as Wolves’ main custodian at the end of last season. At £4.0, he’s worth a shot.

    Defenders

    Reece James – Let’s start with an obvious pick. When fully fit and firing, James is arguably the best right-back in the league and he should be emboldened under new boss Mauricio Pochettino. At £5.5 (way cheaper than a certain Liverpool right-back), James could be an assist machine for your FPL side this term. FPL template gold.

    Luke Shaw – Another must-have, especially at £5.5. He’s a guaranteed started under Ten Hag and should be good value for assists and clean sheets. Like James, he needs to remain injury-free, which has been an issue in the past. But Shaw is now 28 and at the peak of his powers.

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    Pervis Estupiñán – The Brighton left-back will be a popular selection this season, given his powerhouse form at the tail end of last term. He’s got an eye for goal and storms into very attacking positions for assists. Still only £5.0, the Ecuadorian is a no-brainer.

    Matty Cash – At £4.5, the Poland international is a steal. He’s another guaranteed starter, occasional set-piece taker, assist-maker and bombs on in attack. He’s got to be in your squad; whether he fits into the XI or sits on the bench, Cash is worth a place.

    Malo Gusto – A bit of a punt, here. While it seems counter-intuitive to select both James and Gusto – realistically competing for the same place in Pochettino’s Chelsea side – the new signing from Lyon has bags of potential. He’s only £4.0 right now and could easily rise in value if he breaks into the Blues’ XI.

     

    Midfielders

    Bruno Fernandes – Still perhaps overlooked by many, since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and now with the competition of Marcus Rashford, the Portuguese could have another stellar campaign. Penalty duties remain his, and scoring against Arsenal in New Jersey showed his class.

    Martin Ødegaard – The Gunners are flush with attacking options, but the most likely to play most minutes is the skipper. Now in his third full season, the Norwegian was in the top 15 last term for xG at just under 10. With 15 goals and 8 assists last season, Odegaard could become gold again; for both Arsenal and FPL managers.

    Bryan Mbeumo – No Ivan Toney for the first half of the campaign means collective worries for Brentford fans, but Mbeumo ought to provide enough goals and assists to keep Thomas Frank’s side competitive. As a midfielder according to FPL, he’s a superb purchase for just £6.5 and will keep your team competitive, too.

    Kaoru Mitoma – By the back-end of 22/23, he was in everyone’s FPL teams and we see no reason to start the new campaign without the Brighton flyer. Manchester City’s recent interest shows just how high his ceiling is. He’ll be central to Roberto De Zerbi’s hopes of building on last season’s immense success at the AMEX.

    Leandro Trossard – There was much FPL template discussion, but eventually, the tricksy Belgian gets the final nod. A second inclusion from Mikel Arteta’s brood, Trossard has been electric in pre-season and the catalyst for the Gunners late, late show in the Community Shield. May have to fight for his place, but at 7.0 could become a bargain.

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    Forwards

    Alexander Isak – With Callum Wilson surprisingly short of minutes in pre-season and the Swede’s blockbuster form towards the end of last season, this is a straightforward selection. Isak should play in the majority of games and improve on his tally of 10 Premier League strikes in 22/23.

    Darwin Núñez – Will this season see the evolution of Darwin at Anfield? The stats nerds liked his output last season, despite a habit of missing big chances. The sense is that Liverpool will get their No.9 to come good sooner rather than later. At an appealing price of £7.5, it’s worth finding out.

    Erling Haaland – We kept you hanging didn’t we? Despite a price tag of £14.0 – making him the most expensive player in the game by a distance – you simply have to pick the City hitman to complete the FPL template. Another Golden Boot-worthy goal haul seems inevitable, with the supply line coming in from De Bruyne, Bernardo and company.

     

    Good luck to all FPL managers, both the long-suffering devotees and the ones fresh off the boat…its going to be a fun season.