Premier League Matchday 8 Preview and Best Bets

After a week of upsets and late drama, the soccer action returns this weekend for Premier League Matchday 8 with a full slate of games.

Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Manchester United all play on Saturday. The day is also filled with six-pointers at the bottom of the table.

Meanwhile, Sunday has great matches, headlined by Manchester City playing at Arsenal. Brighton & Hove Albion hosts Liverpool, and Newcastle United travels to West Ham United in an action-packed schedule.

It will be hard to top last week, but the EPL rarely disappoints. I’ll give my thoughts on every fixture below, including my best bets for Matchday 8.

Premier League Matchday 8 Preview & Best Bets

Luton Town vs. Spurs – It is hard to get a read on Luton at the moment. I also don’t know what to expect with Spurs, which makes this an easy pass.

Fulham vs. Sheffield United – Under 2.5 Goals (-108) BetRivers

Through the first month of the EPL season, these are the two worst defenses in the league. However, I don’t believe the offenses will be able to take advantage in this game.

For the home side, Fulham is in the Bottom 5 in multiple offensive categories. The Cottagers are averaging less than one expected goal per 90 minutes and only 1.286 big chances per match, according to fbref.com.

Meanwhile, Sheffield’s attack is even worse. The Blades enter the game with lower averages in those metrics.

These two clubs are also at the bottom of the EPL in shots created per match. You always have to worry about defensive mistakes with these teams, but I’m going to bet against these poor attacks.

Burnley vs. Chelsea – The total looks a bit high for this fixture. It is hard to know which Chelsea team shows up, so I will pass.

Everton vs. Bournemouth – I was really close to betting Everton at home here, but how do you trust the Toffees? I definitely wouldn’t be backing the Cherries, either.

Crystal Palace vs. Nottingham Forest – Neither team prefers to have the ball. I can’t see this one having a lot of goals.

Manchester United vs. Brentford – Brentford +1 (-136) BetRivers

How can anyone watch this United team and think it should be laying a goal on the Asian handicap? I’ll keep betting against the Red Devils, especially with a Bees side that is known to upset the league giants.

Last season, Brentford was only beaten by multiple goals in just two of nine games against teams that finished in the Top 10. This includes wins at Manchester City and Spurs.

Another key reason for this play is the lengthy injury list for United, who is down multiple fullbacks. This caused manager Erik ten Hag to play midfielder Sofyan Amrabat at left back in the loss to Palace last weekend.

I also like the fact that the Red Devils were in action midweek in the Champions League on the road. I feel Brentford will have enough to avoid a heavy defeat.

Brighton vs. Liverpool – This game just screams goals. The total is too high for me to play it, but it is an option as a parlay piece.

West Ham vs. Newcastle – I really wanted to play Newcastle here. I just don’t know how inflated my rating of the Magpies is down to the blowouts to bad teams.

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Aston Villa – How do Wolves respond after beating City last weekend? I could see this being a tough trip for Villa after playing in Europe midweek.

Arsenal vs. Manchester City – Rodri being out for City is a huge loss. Saka is also injured for the Gunners. It would be Arsenal on the draw no bet line as a strong lean here.