The Premier League is back!
After putting in the hard yards over preseason, clubs will be looking to start their respective seasons off strongly. With the return of fans in full capacity, some managers may even be under pressure already if they do not get a positive result. With that in mind, it is time to make the first weekly predictions of the season.
Brentford vs Arsenal
With Chelsea and Manchester City to come, it is important for Mikel Arteta that Arsenal start their campaign off with a win.
However, the Brentford Community Stadium will be buzzing ahead of Brentford’s first ever season in the Premier League, and their first in the top-flight for 74 years. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette have also been ruled out due to illness.
For these reasons, coupled with the fact it is impossible to know what sort of performance Arsenal will put in, Brentford will fancy their chances.
SCORE PREDICTION: 2-1
Manchester United vs Leeds
If it is anything like the same fixture between these two sides last season, then we are in for a treat.
Leeds, with their high intensity and attacking style, will cause a few problems for United. Nonetheless, United’s quality should eventually shine through, giving them a perfect start to an important season.
SCORE PREDICTION: 3-1
Burnley vs Brighton
Brighton have fared quite well at Turf Moor in recent years, picking up a point there last season and winning on their visit two years ago.
Graham Potter’s side will dominate the ball, with Burnley happy to sit in.
It all depends on whether the Seagulls can take the chances they create. Burnley will certainly take one of theirs.
SCORE PREDICTION: 1-1
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
A difficult start to life at Palace for Patrick Vieira.
After their midweek Super Cup win, Chelsea will be keen to lay a marker down and emphasise their title ambitions, although they will be without new signing Romelu Lukaku since the Belgian was not registered in time following his move from Inter Milan.
SCORE PREDICTION: 3-0
Everton vs Southampton
What sort of reception will new boss Rafael Benitez receive? It is sure to be frosty from some Everton fans.
He might be able to win over some of those that questioned his appointment with three points here, though. And he should get them: Southampton look like they could be in some trouble this season, especially after selling Danny Ings to Aston Villa and Jannik Vestegaard to Leicester.
SCORE PREDICTION: 2-1
Leicester vs Wolves
Bruno Lage begins his reign at Wolves with a tough away trip to Leicester.
Despite the long-term injury to Wesley Fofana sustained in pre-season, the Foxes will be buoyed by their Community Shield victory last weekend. Kelechi Iheanacho will also be high on confidence after finishing last season in great form, as well as scoring the winning penalty against City last weekend.
SCORE PREDICTION: 1-0
Watford vs Aston Villa
Villa start life after Grealish with an away trip to Vicarage Road.
Watford will be looking for a solid start, avoiding a repeat of the mess that cost them their Premier League status two seasons ago.
It might take a little while for Villa’s new signings to click, but they should still have more than enough for their opponents.
SCORE PREDICTION: 0-3
Norwich vs Liverpool
The Canaries begin their season with a game against Liverpool, just as they did two seasons ago.
Indeed, it could be a repeat of the same 4-1 scoreline. Liverpool, who have key central defender Virgil van Dijk back after missing most of last season with a knee injury, will be eager to begin the season well, laying to rest their struggles of last term.
SCORE PREDICTION: 1-4
Newcastle vs West Ham
A repeat of the same opening day fixture last season, albeit this time at Newcastle.
Despite mediocre transfer windows thus far, both sides have the talent up top to cause each other problems. Providing both teams are set up to attack, it should be an exciting game.
SCORE PREDICTION: 2-2
Tottenham vs Manchester City
Will Harry Kane play? Even if he does feature, with only a week’s preseason training under his belt, he’s sure to be a yard or two off the pace.
City, meanwhile, will be without Kevin de Bruyne and Phil Foden. That should have little bearing on the outcome of this game, though, with Grealish, Mahrez, Sterling, Bernardo Silva, or several other options available should they be needed.
SCORE PREDICTION: 0-2
Featured image by André Zahn – André Zahn (User:Nic/de:Benutzer:Nic), CC BY-SA 2.0 de; no changes made.
