Soccer continues this week with Premier League games and more.
So which team should you be betting and what are the big storylines? Our analysts are here to offer all the input you need.
Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.
Manchester United is now 0-2, getting outscored 6-1. They get 2022 League runner-up Liverpool this week and are a big underdog (Liverpool -180, Man U +460, Draw +340). Is it worth the big price to lay or is there a different play for this match?
Dalen Cuff: I did my United rant last week; they're just not talented and overall a dumpster fire from top down. My favorite play of the weekend was Brentford Draw No Bet home +180 to the Red Devils ... Bees won 4-0. That said, Liverpool has started the season poorly and looked lethargic in back-to-back draws. I think Jurgen Klopp won't have any trouble motivating his team on the road in a huge Derby that they need to win. I expect Liverpool to control this game. Their high press should affect United, as they were terrible building out of the back last week, and I don't see those issues going away. I like Liverpool to win to Nil +190 and may also play the Reds -1.5, which has a price of +150.
Paul Carr: I like Liverpool every which way in this match. Liverpool outscored United 9-0 in their two meetings last season, including a 5-0 thrashing at Old Trafford, the biggest away win in the history of the storied series. As Dalen referenced, United couldn't handle the press of Brentford or Brighton, and Liverpool may be the best pressing team in the league. The Reds have won the ball on a league-best 45 percent of pressures this season, and finished a fraction behind league-leader Man City last season at 32 percent. Even with the injury issues and Darwin Nunez suspended, I'm going with Liverpool -1.5 at +150. Play the first-half line (+105) or Liverpool to win (-180) if you prefer.
Daniel Thomas: United hit rock bottom last week and they come up against a Liverpool side still in search of their win on the season. Liverpool offers no value, but lots of goals do. Over 3.5 (+125) looks like a decent bet.
On the top side, Manchester City and Arsenal are the only two teams to start 2-0 and grab the full six points through 2 weeks. We've talked about Man City (-275) in the last two columns as the favorite to win the league. Arsenal is 20-1. What are your thoughts on their fast start and EPL title chances?
Cuff: I'm an Arsenal fan; nothing I'd love more than to see them win or even compete for the title, but nah, that ain't happening. As I've said here before, I loved them preseason (+165 to go top four). That's still their goal, and one I think they will achieve. But to have the consistency and depth of squad to compete with City and Liverpool, I just don't think they're there ... yet.
Carr: The fast start is good for our preseason Arsenal top-four bets at +165, since that's now down to a not-as-playable -150. Arsenal doesn't have the depth or dominance to challenge for the title, and Mikel Arteta's side isn't yet a replica of Man City, where Arteta previously coached. For example, when leading this season, City has had 67 percent possession and outshot opponents 21-6. When Arsenal has been ahead this season, the Gunners have had 41 percent possession and outshot opponents 19-15. Arsenal should take care of business at Bournemouth this week, though I wouldn't lay the goal and a half.
Thomas: I backed Arsenal to finish top four at the start of the season, and they certainly look like contenders after their fine start to the season. They're not good enough to win the league but fans will be heartened by their obvious progress. Not a lot of value this weekend; I'll go for Zinchenko to have a shot on goal (+150)
Chelsea and Tottenham played to a draw on Sunday with Harry Kane leveling the match in the 96th minute for the Spurs. How will both teams respond this week? Chelsea is a big favorite against Leeds, while the Spurs are an even bigger favorite vs. the Wolves.
Cuff: Chelsea-Tottenham delivered a great game and some phenomenal touchline drama. The Blues go on the road to a Leeds team that I like. Not just American Flag waving here, Jesse Marsch's system has been implemented well. Up 2-0 on road to Southampton, that pressing style wilted in the English heat last weekend ending up 2-2 draw. I still think at home, they're going to give Chelsea a battle. No value in a play on Blues straight up, but I like both teams to score -(120). Spurs showed a lot of mettle on road last week at home vs. Wolves ,who have struggled to score. I like Spurs win to nil +106... I .may play them -1.5 too (-105).
Carr: Chelsea's biggest issue last week wasn't dropping points at home. It was the hamstring injury to midfield linchpin N'Golo Kante, who's set to miss a month of games. Without Kante on the field the last two Premier League seasons, Chelsea has allowed 20 percent more expected goals per 90 minutes. So I'll take over 2.5 goals in Chelsea-Leeds (-130), as Marsch's chaos will again result in scoring one way or the other, with at least three total goals in 11 of his 16 Premier League games. No play for me in Tottenham-Wolverhampton. Spurs should win easily, but Wolves has shown me just enough defensively that I'm wary of playing Tottenham to cover the goal and a half.
Thomas: Sometimes the best bets are the simple ones. Parlay Spurs and Chelsea (+113), who should get the job done this weekend.
What are you looking at in the other European Leagues?
Cuff: In La Liga, may be a battle for who's the third-best team in the league, as Villarreal go away to Atléti. Both had impressive 3-0 wins in their openers. I don't think either team will really push Barca or Madrid this, year but this is a great early test. I think goals will be at a premium, and I don't love the juice, but under 2.5 (-145 )is a good play. I think this may be a draw as well (+255).
Thomas: Atleti and Villarreal both started the season strong with impressive wins in their opening matches. Both will be competing for third come the end of the season, and I don't think there's any separating them this weekend. Draw the bet.
What is your best bet for this weekend?
Cuff: I touched on this game above. I think Chelsea-Leeds has goals in it. I like a little in game parlay, both teams to score and Chelsea to win (+230).
Carr: My two favorite plays were both mentioned above, Liverpool -1.5 (+150) and Chelsea-Leeds over 2.5 (-130). Aside from those, I also like Leicester City (-115) to beat Southampton. The Saints have lost five of seven away games since March, drawing the two others, and Southampton only kept one of those games close in expected goals. Despite four goals in two games, Leicester's attack hasn't been great so far, but the Foxes can handle Southampton's press, and they have enough to get the home win.
Thomas: There's no way Barca can be as bad as they were against Rayo. I'm taking them to get the win away against Real Sociedad.