EPL Matchday 1 betting preview: Gunners, Saints to get off to a flier

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The 2019-20 season was very kind to us, netting close to 35 units of profit. I'd like to hit the 50-unit mark this season with our weekly bets, so let's start off with a bang on Matchday 1.

If you haven't locked in your futures bets yet, don't forget to check out our top value plays ahead of the new campaign.

Arsenal (-185) at Fulham (+475), Draw (+300)

This is a tough welcome back to life in the Premier League for Fulham against an Arsenal side really enjoying their football at the moment. Without fans, it will really take away from the buzz newly promoted sides typically get in their first games back in the top flight.

Arsenal are in terrific form at the moment and you have to fancy Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to be up for this one after inking a new deal to remain at the Emirates. Fulham's defense can certainly be had, while the Cottagers are often far too predictable with Aleksandar Mitrovic leading the line. The Gunners are already in rhythm having beat Liverpool in the Community Shield and will have little trouble spoiling Fulham's Premier League return.

Pick: Arsenal -1 (-110)

Southampton (+140) at Crystal Palace (+200), Draw (+220)

These sides were trending in completely opposite directions toward the end of last season, giving supporters a taste of what's to come in the 2020-21 campaign. Danny Ings couldn't stop scoring for Southampton - a well-oiled machine under Ralph Hasenhuttl - while Palace couldn't buy a goal, or a win.

The hosts are struggling with a ton of injuries in defense and that's especially a concern given where the Saints' attack left off. Only Manchester City and Manchester United picked up more points after the lockdown than Southampton, who are primed for a legitimate run at a top-10 finish, while Palace will be left fighting for scraps in the relegation picture.

Pick: Southampton (+140)

Newcastle (+240) at West Ham (+110), Draw (+230)

West Ham are in absolute shambles ahead of the start of the season following the sale of academy Grady Diangana. Captain Mark Noble didn't hold back in voicing his displeasure - speaking for many of the club's supporters - and was backed by several teammates. The sale follows a disappointingly quiet transfer window for the Hammers, placing David Moyes in an unenviable position.

There's frustration on Tyneside as well, stemming from Newcastle's takeover saga, but the club has quietly conducted some excellent business this summer. Steve Bruce brought in experienced Premier Leaguers Jeff Hendrick, Ryan Fraser, and Callum Wilson - who has scored more against West Ham than any other Premier League club - as the Magpies are well-positioned to pounce on a Hammers side in a state of crisis.

Pick: Newcastle PK (+150)

Everton (+330) at Tottenham (-120), Draw (+250)

This is a statement game for Everton, who stumbled through the final fifth of last season. Carlo Ancelotti cleaned house and has done an excellent job with recruitment, with the new signings sure to have gone a long way in boosting team morale. Their midfield is going to be a nightmare to play against, and if they can get those forwards going it will be a great season for the club.

Tottenham quietly impressed toward the end of the 2019-20 campaign, but the club is still lacking in a few areas. Jose Mourinho's summer has been far from flashy, but all supporters will care about is whether or not it's effective. Time will tell, but this will be a tricky first test against a hungry Toffees side.

Pick: Draw (+250)

(Odds source: theScore Bet)

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.