Week 2 Premier League 2024/25: Match Previews, Predictions & Odds

Last updated: 21 August 2024 by Leon Marshal

The Premier League kicked off last week with a bang, featuring some thrilling matches over the four days. Most games played out as expected, with victories for nearly all the likely title-contending teams. Join Leon as he previews the upcoming round of fixtures, offering his predictions and the latest betting odds for the Premier League.

Premier League logo on a football field under stadium lights

Last weekend’s action set the tone for what’s expected to be a thrilling Premier League season. With the transfer window still open, squads are taking shape, and the race to the top and the battle for survival are already heating up. In this preview, we’ll dive into all the Week 2 matchups, predictions, and key players to watch.

The opening weekend of the 2024/25 Premier League season delivered excitement, goals, and a glimpse into what fans can expect for the months ahead. Here are some key statistics from Week 1:

Premier League 2024/25 Week 1 Key Stats
Total Goals ScoredHome WinsAway WinsDraws
21 goals were scored across the ten matches, averaging 2.1 goals per game.40% of the matches resulted in home victories.40% of matches ended in victories for the visitors.20% of the matches ended in a draw.
Goals by HalfMost Common ScoresClean SheetsNotable Performances
First Half: 42.9% of the goals (9 goals) were scored in the first half.
Second Half: 57.1% of the goals (12 goals) came in the second half.		The most frequent full-time scorelines were 1-0, 1-1, and 2-0, each occurring in 20% of the matches.50% of the teams managed to keep a clean sheet, demonstrating strong defensive performances from half of the league.Brighton & Hove Albion: 3-0 away win over Everton.
Arsenal and Liverpool: Both secured 2-0 wins.
Manchester United: 1-0 win over Fulham.

These statistics reflect the competitive nature of the Premier League and highlight the teams that have started the season on the right foot. As we move into Week 2, these early indicators give us a glimpse into which teams might be ready to challenge for the top spots and which might face early struggles.

2024/25 Premier League Betting – Brighton & Hove Albion vs Manchester United

Prediction: Draw (Odds: 13/5 @bet365 )

Reasoning: Brighton started their campaign with a dominant 3-0 away win against Everton, showcasing their strong defensive setup and ability to capitalise on chances. On the other hand, Manchester United managed a narrow 1-0 win over Fulham but struggled to break down their opponent’s defence. Given Brighton’s solid form and United’s difficulties in breaking down organised defences, a draw seems likely to be the outcome.

“Although United got the win against Fulham, it wasn’t convincing, as was the story in many games last season. I expect Brighton to be a stern test, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see Danny Welbeck score against his former club. I’ll be backing him to open the scoring at 7/1, but I expect United to score a late equaliser!” – Leon Marshal, Betting Expert – UK Market.

Players to Watch:

Brighton: Danny Welbeck (Forward) – Danny Welbeck was instrumental in Brighton’s commanding 3-0 win over Everton, leading the attack with a goal and an assist. The 33-year-old forward showcased his sharpness and experience, recording an 88.9% pass success rate and two shots on goal, earning him a Man of the Match award with a stellar rating of 8.39.

Manchester United: Kobbie Mainoo (Midfield) – Kobbie Mainoo delivered an outstanding performance in Manchester United’s 1-0 victory over Fulham, showcasing composure and maturity beyond his years. The 19-year-old dominated the midfield, completing 90.2% of his passes, winning two aerial duels, and earning a well-deserved Man of the Match award with an impressive rating of 7.92.

2024/25 Premier League Betting – Crystal Palace vs West Ham United

Prediction: Crystal Palace win (Odds: 23/20)

Reasoning: Crystal Palace put in a valiant effort in their narrow 2-1 loss to Brentford, showing promise despite the defeat. They dominated possession with 53.9% and managed 14 shots, indicating their ability to create chances. Meanwhile, West Ham struggled defensively in their 2-1 loss to Aston Villa, conceding twice and showing vulnerabilities, particularly against set pieces. With Palace’s traditional strong home form and West Ham’s defensive frailties, Palace are slight favourites in securing a victory.

Players to Watch:

Crystal Palace: Eze was one of Palace’s standout performers against Brentford, with an impressive 89.6% pass completion rate and leading the team’s creative efforts. His vision and dribbling ability make him a key player for Palace as they look to break down West Ham’s defence.

West Ham: Mohammed Kudus (Midfielder/Forward) – Kudus was West Ham’s top performer in their opening match against Aston Villa, scoring their only goal and showing his attacking prowess with a rating of 7.02. His creativity and goal-scoring ability will be crucial if West Ham are to get something out of this match.

2024/25 Premier League Betting – Fulham vs Leicester City

Prediction: Leicester City win (Odds: 7/2)

bet365 Leicester to Win: at 7/2 VISIT SITE!

Reasoning: Fulham struggled in their opening match, losing 1-0 to Manchester United, where they managed only 44.6% possession and could not convert their limited chances. On the other hand, Leicester secured a 1-1 draw against Tottenham, showing resilience and creativity, especially through their attacking players. Given Fulham’s difficulties in breaking down defences and Leicester’s ability to capitalise on their opportunities, the Foxes are well-positioned to take all three points in this encounter and are likely to be a popular bet at football betting sites.

Players to Watch:

Fulham: Antonee Robinson (Defender) – Robinson was Fulham’s standout performer against Manchester United, contributing defensively with two aerial duels won and completing 75.8% of his passes. His work rate and ability to support both defence and attack will be crucial as Fulham look to bounce back from their opening defeat.

Leicester City: Abdul Fatawu (Midfielder) – Fatawu was exceptional in Leicester’s draw against Tottenham, providing an assist and earning a Man of the Match rating of 8.3. His creativity and ability to make things happen in the final third make him a key player for Leicester as they aim to secure their first win of the season.

2024/25 Premier League Betting – Manchester City vs Ipswich Town

Prediction: Manchester City win (Odds: 1/11)

Reasoning: Manchester City opened their campaign with a dominant 2-0 win over Chelsea, showcasing their usual control and clinical finishing. With 89.2% passing accuracy and an average possession of 51.8%, City demonstrated their ability to dictate play. In contrast, Ipswich Town struggled in their 2-0 defeat to Liverpool, managing only 37.8% possession and seven shots. Given City’s superior quality and home advantage, this fixture heavily favours the reigning champions, who are expected to secure a comfortable victory.

Players to Watch:

Manchester City: Mateo Kovacic (Midfielder) – Kovacic was City’s standout performer in their victory over Chelsea, scoring a goal and completing 95.5% of his passes. His ability to control the midfield and contribute defensively and offensively will be crucial as City looks to dominate possession and break down Ipswich’s defence.

Ipswich Town: Jacob Greaves (Defender) – Despite Ipswich’s defeat, Greaves put in a solid performance against Liverpool, leading his team with a rating of 6.9. He was strong in the air, winning three aerial duels, and maintained an 83.3% pass success rate. His defensive contributions will be vital as Ipswich faces the daunting task of containing City’s formidable attack.

2024/25 Premier League Betting – Southampton vs Nottingham Forest

Prediction: Draw (Odds: 9/4)

Reasoning: Southampton struggled in their opening match, losing 1-0 to Newcastle, despite controlling 77.8% possession and attempting 19 shots. Their inability to convert chances into goals remains a concern. Nottingham Forest secured a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth, showing resilience and strength in aerial duels with 25 aerials won. Both teams have shown vulnerabilities, making a draw the most likely outcome in what could be a closely contested encounter.

Players to Watch:

Southampton: Joe Aribo (Midfielder) – Aribo was Southampton’s top performer in their narrow loss to Newcastle, completing 89.2% of his passes and contributing defensively with one aerial duel won. His composure and ability to link play will be crucial as Southampton aim to break down Forest’s defence.

Nottingham Forest: Neco Williams (Defender/Midfielder) – Williams was the standout player for Forest in their draw against Bournemouth, providing an assist and winning two aerial duels. His versatility and attacking contributions make him a key player for Forest as they look to exploit Southampton’s defensive weaknesses.

2024/25 Premier League Betting – Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton

Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur win (Odds: 2/5)

Reasoning: Tottenham started their season with a solid 1-1 draw against Leicester, showcasing 70.5% possession and 15 shots on goal. In contrast, Everton struggled significantly in their opening match, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Brighton, where they managed just 38.2% possession and nine shots. Given Tottenham’s strong home form and Everton’s vulnerabilities, particularly in defence, Spurs are the clear favourites to take all three points in this encounter.

Players to Watch:

Tottenham Hotspur: Pedro Porro (Defender/Midfielder) – Porro was Tottenham’s standout performer in their draw against Leicester, scoring their only goal and completing 89.4% of his passes. His attacking contributions and defensive solidity will be key as Spurs look to dominate Everton on both ends of the pitch.

Everton: Tim Iroegbunam (Midfielder) – Despite Everton’s heavy defeat to Brighton, Iroegbunam put in a commendable performance, completing 60.7% of his passes and winning two aerial duels. His work rate and presence in the midfield will be crucial if Everton are to disrupt Tottenham’s rhythm and avoid another loss.

2024/25 Premier League Betting – Aston Villa vs Arsenal

Prediction: Arsenal win (Odds: 4/5)

Reasoning: Arsenal opened their season with a commanding 2-0 victory over Wolves, showcasing their ability to control the game with 53% possession and 18 shots. Bukayo Saka was instrumental in leading the attack and contributing both a goal and an assist. Aston Villa also started strong with a 2-1 win over West Ham, but they were less dominant, managing only 47.9% possession. Arsenal’s overall quality, particularly in the final third, should give them the edge in this encounter, even away from home.

Players to Watch:

Aston Villa: Amadou Onana (Midfielder) – Onana was Aston Villa’s standout performer in their victory over West Ham, earning a Man of the Match award with a rating of 7.93. His commanding presence in midfield, combined with his ability to win aerial duels and distribute the ball effectively, will be crucial as Villa look to challenge Arsenal.

Arsenal: Bukayo Saka (Forward) – Saka was the driving force behind Arsenal’s win against Wolves, scoring a goal and providing an assist. His creativity, pace, and finishing ability make him a constant threat to defences, and he will be key to breaking down Villa’s backline.

2024/25 Premier League Betting – AFC Bournemouth vs Newcastle United

Prediction: Newcastle United win (Odds: 5/4)

Reasoning: Bournemouth began their season with a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest, showing promise with 47.1% possession and 13 shots, but they struggled to create clear-cut chances. Newcastle secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Southampton despite only 22.2% possession. Newcastle’s efficiency in front of goal and defensive solidity give them the edge against a Bournemouth side that might find breaking down their organised defence difficult.

Players to Watch:

AFC Bournemouth: Dean Huijsen (Defender) – Huijsen was Bournemouth’s top performer in their draw against Nottingham Forest, earning a rating of 7.16. His aerial dominance, with nine aerial duels won, and solid defensive display will be crucial as Bournemouth face a potent Newcastle attack.

Newcastle United: Joelinton (Midfielder/Forward) – Joelinton was the standout player for Newcastle in their win over Southampton, scoring the only goal and winning four aerial duels. His physical presence and ability to influence both ends of the pitch will be key to Newcastle’s chances of securing another victory.

2024/25 Premier League Betting – Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Chelsea

Prediction: Chelsea win (Odds: 3/4)

Reasoning: Wolves struggled in their opening match, losing 2-0 to Arsenal, where they managed just 47% possession and nine shots. Chelsea also faced a tough start, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City, but they almost shared possession with 48.2% and showed more attacking intent with ten shots. Chelsea’s overall quality and depth should give them the advantage against a Wolves side that has yet to find their rhythm this season.

Players to Watch:

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Mario Lemina (Midfielder) – Lemina was Wolves’ best performer against Arsenal, completing 84.2% of his passes and contributing defensively with two aerial duels won. His presence in midfield will be crucial as Wolves look to disrupt Chelsea’s flow and create opportunities on the counter.

Chelsea: Roméo Lavia (Midfielder) – Lavia was one of Chelsea’s top performers in their match against Manchester City, completing 97.4% of his passes and winning an aerial duel. His ability to control the midfield and link up play will be key to Chelsea’s efforts to break down Wolves’ defence.

2024/25 Premier League Betting – Liverpool vs Brentford

Prediction: Liverpool win (Odds: 1/4)

Reasoning: Liverpool started their season with a confident 2-0 win over Ipswich, dominating possession with 62.2% and registering 18 shots. Mohamed Salah was instrumental, scoring a goal and providing an assist. Brentford also began with a win, edging Crystal Palace 2-1, but they had only 46% possession and relied on counter-attacks. Liverpool’s superior quality, especially at Anfield, should be too much for Brentford to handle, making the Reds heavy favourites.

Players to Watch:

Liverpool: Mohamed Salah (Forward) – Salah was the star of Liverpool’s win over Ipswich, contributing both a goal and an assist. His creativity, finishing, and experience make him a constant threat, and he will be key to unlocking Brentford’s defence.

Brentford: Mark Flekken (Goalkeeper) – Flekken was outstanding in Brentford’s victory over Crystal Palace, earning a Man of the Match award with a rating of 7.84. His shot-stopping and command of the box will be crucial if Brentford are to have any chance of containing Liverpool’s potent attack.

Premier League 2024/25 Week 2 Televised Games

Saturday 24 August 2024
12:30Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester UnitedTNT Sports
17:30Aston Villa v ArsenalSky Sports
Sunday 25 August 2024
14:00AFC Bournemouth v Newcastle UnitedSky Sports
16:30Liverpool v BrentfordSky Sports

All statistics mentioned in this article have been sourced from www.whoscored.com, and the betting odds have been taken from bet365.

Please note that these odds are subject to change. This article is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always gamble responsibly. For advice on problem gambling, please refer to the organisations listed in this page’s footer.