EPL Predictions and Best Bets: Alexander Isak looking to strike in Merseyside Derby

Matchday five of the English Premier League features a boatload of clashes between big clubs, as well as the Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton. The standings continue to change, although Arne Slot’s side still sits atop the rest with the only perfect record left in the league.

Additionally, many top clubs return from the first week of UEFA Champions League matchups, so we could see more rotation in starting lineups. 

Browse my best bet choices for this weekend’s EPL picks for three of my top highlighted games below.

Don’t forget to check out our complete list of EPL match odds, EPL futures and EPL specials and props.

EPL Arsenal vs. Manchester City best bet: Arsenal three-way money line (-110)

Two giant clubs in Arsenal and Manchester City meet yet again in this early-season clash. In 213 total meetings, Arsenal has tallied 100 wins to City’s 65, despite Manchester City having greater success in the Premier League (and Champions League) in the last decade. Even in their previous five meetings, dating back to June 2023, City have failed to win a game, drawing three against the Gunners and losing two, with their most recent meeting in February 2025 ending 5-1 in favour of the Gunners.

Arsenal resides in second place with nine points, with their only loss coming against Liverpool.

City will be riding high, as they come back to the Premier League after a dominant 3-0 showing over Manchester United rivals last weekend to climb to eighth place with six points. Erling Haaland is always a major threat to score at +185 odds, although Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres comes in at a +135 price. The Gunners’ defence may not be so inviting for the Norwegian giant to continue his scoring streak.

Last weekend, my faith in Arsenal on the three-way moneyline was not in vain, as they stumped Nottingham Forest with a 3-0 win, and recently returned from matchday one of the Champions League with a 2-0 win over Athletic Club. I have the utmost faith in them beating Man City at -110 in a 2-1 victory.

EPL Manchester United vs. Chelsea best bet: Chelsea three-way money line (+140)

The second of three massive clashes this week features Manchester United taking on Chelsea. It’s a tough one, especially since they’ve split their last five meetings, with United winning two games, one draw, and Chelsea winning two games. The latest meeting ended in a 1-0 Chelsea victory in May 2025.

United failed to defeat their Manchester City counterparts over the weekend and rest at 14th place with four points. Despite not scoring in any of his three matches played yet, Matherus Cunha appears to be the only light for United, priced at +225 to score. Apart from two own goals, only Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo have scored this season.

Chelsea will look to exploit United’s weakness in the back, as City did last week. The Blues currently sit in fifth place with eight points. Players like Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez (one assist), and Jao Pedro (three assists) have two goals each so far. Even so, Cole Palmer is the most likely to score at any time at +190 odds, and I have full faith in the Blues to record a 1-0 victory over the crumbling United side.

EPL best player prop bet: Alexander Isak to record 2+ shots on target (+100)

Last week, I thought we would see record transfer fee player Alexander Isak make an appearance for Liverpool in his first EPL match. However, he made his first appearance against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, recording two shots and one on target in 58 minutes.

If Isak starts against Everton, he will most certainly hit the target more than once, which is why I predict him to put up at least 2+ shots on target at +100 odds in the Merseyside Derby.