The Premier League 2023-24 season will kick off this weekend, with 10 matches spread across three days. 

This year’s campaign will feature some must-see matches to start the season. Several top teams will clash on opening day, including Premier League title hopefuls Chelsea and Liverpool.

Manchester City are the bookmakers favorite to win the Premier League 2023-24. If the Cityzens do, they will be the first to win four straight Premier League titles. City are -138 to win the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola’s team will start off with a match against Burnley on Friday night. Newly-promoted Burnley will aim to cause an opening-day shock.

Burnley +750 vs Manchester City -333

Man City go into opening day heavy favorites to defeat Burnley. Former Man City defender Vincent Kompany manages the Clarets. Burnley romped to the title in the Championship, playing a swashbuckling brand of possession-based football. Guardiola inspires Kompany’s tactics. Can the student defeat the master?

While Burnley are a strong side and should hold their own against City, the reigning champions will likely be too strong. The teams are at odds of +480 to draw. A stalemate would be a great start for Burnley.

Soccer Buddy predicts Manchester City to win 2-1, with Burnley keeping the game close. I agree with the pick, as City should win, but Burnley will make this an entertaining affair.

Soccer Buddy Pick: Manchester City to win 2-1

Arsenal -500 vs Nottingham Forest +1200

Arsenal defeated Manchester City on penalties in the FA Community Shield on Sunday to raise the curtain on the 2023-24 Premier League season. The match finished 1-1 at full-time.

The Gunners finished second to Man City last season, five points off the title. A poor run of form in April caused the team to miss out on a first title since the early 2000s.

Nottingham Forest just escaped relegation last season. Bookmakers are tipping the Reds to fight against the drop once more this season. Arsenal claimed a 5-0 win at the Emirates Stadium against Forest last season but fell 1-0 to the Reds away from home in May.

The loss to Nottingham Forest in May inflicted more damage on Arsenal’s failed title bid. Arsenal won their last two games at home against Forest by a combined 10-0 score. Soccer Buddy predicts an Arsenal win once more but by a smaller score. Soccer Buddy predicts a 1-0 Arsenal win. I agree that Arsenal will win, but the score could be higher.

Soccer Buddy Pick: Arsenal to win 1-0

Chelsea +175 vs Liverpool +138

Chelsea and Liverpool are two unknowns going into the new season. Chelsea finished last season 12th last season, with a record of 11W-11D-16L.

The Blues ownership went crazy signing new, young players. So far, the tactic has backfired, but it could work out this season. Former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino is now in charge of the club.

Liverpool had a down season in 2022-23 after fighting for four trophies the previous campaign. Jurgen Klopp’s team has made two marquee signings in the offseason, adding Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig and Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton.

Unfortunately, the Reds lost captain Jordan Henderson and midfielder Fabinho to the Saudi Pro League revolution. Liverpool’s attack has looked great in preseason but the defence has been poor once more.

Games between Chelsea and Liverpool have traditionally been low-scoring draws. The last six games in all competitions between the two clubs finished as stalemates. Don’t be surprised if this ends in a draw. If one of the two clubs can win, then they may be up for a title challenge.

Soccer Buddy predicts a 2-1 Liverpool win. Playing on the road and based on the recent history between these teams, a draw may be the more likely result, with over 1.5 goals.

Soccer Buddy Pick: Liverpool to win 2-1