TAB: Punters Guide to matchday one of the English Premier League

Demarai Gray of Leicester City curls in a cross during Leicester City versus Manchester United Photo / Photosport

It feels like just days ago the FIFA World Cup was wrapping up but, believe it or not, the English Premier League is about to get underway. The TAB has looked over the opening slate of games.

Best bet

Manchester Utd v Leicester City
Bet: Handicap - Leicester +1.5 ($1.60)

Manchester United kick the season off at 7:00 am on Saturday morning when they host the 2015-16 champions, Leicester City at Old Trafford. As always, there are huge expectations for Jose Mourinho's men to break their title drought and gain some sort of supremacy over their arch-rivals Manchester City.

United are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games against Leicester City, winning four and drawing three, and have lost just one of their last 18 at Old Trafford. Leicester City have lost on seven of their last eight visits in the league, scoring a total of just three goals in the process.

Next best

Liverpool v West Ham Utd
Bet: Winning Margin - Liverpool by 3+ ($2.60)

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool open their season at home at Anfield against West Ham United early on Monday morning (NZ time). The ability to reach the Champions League final several months ago showed that Liverpool has the talent to win the league this season and some astute buying in the off-season seems to have strengthened their defensive screen.

The Hammers will start the season without Winston Reid and they look to face an uphill battle to make an impression once again in this campaign. They've won only one of their last 45 top-flight visits to Anfield, their only win coming in August 2015. Liverpool have won each of their last three league games against West Ham, scoring 4 goals in each of those victories.

Rougie

Arsenal v Manchester City
Bet: Winning Margin - Manchester City by 1 ($3.95)

For the first time in over 20 years, the Gunners will play under a manager other than Arsene Wenger with Unai Emery taking over in North London. Pep Guardiola remains in charge at City and he'll be mindful of the fact that no club has retained the title since Manchester United back in 2008/09.

Manchester City are unbeaten in their last nine opening Premier League fixtures (W8 D1), winning their last seven in a row. Arsenal are without a win in their last five league meetings with City, and have won just two of their last 12 against the champions.