Manchester United VS Fulham
The Premier League returns with a Friday Night Football clash between Manchester United and Fulham. Manchester United needed an FA Cup win to save their season and book a place in Europe for this year whilst Fulham’s lack of consistency ultimately saw them finish 13th. In their previous 18 meetings, United have won 14 times whilst The Cottagers have only won once (and that was back in February). For Manchester United, they really need to start their season off with a victory. As for Fulham, they won’t expect to win here, but it would be a hell of a statement if they could!
My Prediction: 2-1
Ipswich VS Liverpool
Ipswich’s first game back in the Premier League sees them take on Liverpool and Arne Slot! Ipswich did tremendously well last year to secure their second consecutive Promotion whilst Liverpool rounded out their final year with Jurgen Klopp with a third-place finish (and a Carabao Cup too). Amazingly, this will be the first meeting between these two sides since 2002! For Ipswich Town, they have to go out there and enjoy the occasion whilst also trying to get a result. As for Liverpool, it’s a new era for them, and Arne Slot won’t accept anything other than a win from this one!
My Prediction: 2-3
Arsenal VS Wolves
Arsenal kick-start their Title challenge with a home tie against Wolves! Arsenal were unfortunate to miss out on the Premier League Title last year whilst Wolves did well to finish 14th given all the hurdles Gary O’Neil’s men faced. In their previous 16 meetings, The Gunners have won 10 games compared to Wolves’ 3. For Arsenal, they’ll be wanting to set the tone for their season with a big victory here! As for Wolverhampton Wanderers, this is a really difficult start for them, but you can never say never!
My Prediction: 3-1
Everton VS Brighton
Both Everton and Brighton will fancy their chances of starting their season off with a win! Everton did well last year to finish 15th given their points deduction whilst a tougher year for Brighton saw the end of Roberto De Zerbi in charge. In their previous 14 meetings, The Toffees have won 6 times whilst The Seagulls have won 4 times. For Everton, they’ll want to start their final season at Goodison Park on the right note! As for Brighton and Hove Albion, it’s a new era for them with Fabian Hurzeler in charge, and it’s important for them to start well.
My Prediction: 1-1
Newcastle VS Southampton
Southampton’s first game back in the Premier League sees them take the long trip up to Newcastle! Newcastle had a tougher year than expected last year and it ultimately resulted in them missing out on Europe entirely whilst Southampton earned Promotion following a Championship Playoff Final win! In their previous 22 meetings, The Magpies have won 11 times compared to The Saints’ 6. For Newcastle United, this is a great opportunity for them to start the season on a strong note. As for Southampton, whatever happens, they cannot afford to get thrashed here!
My Prediction: 4-0
Nottingham Forest VS Bournemouth
Nottingham Forest take on Bournemouth in a game both sides will want to win. Nottingham Forest managed to stay up last year despite the 4-point deduction whilst Bournemouth had a strong first year under Andoni Iraola. In their previous 12 meetings, Forest have won just 2 games whilst The Cherries have won 6. For Nottingham Forest, it’s important for them to try and start their season on a good note as otherwise it could be a long (and) hard year for them. As for AFC Bournemouth, they will really fancy themselves to win this game!
My Prediction: 1-2
West Ham VS Aston Villa
The first Saturday Night Football of the season sees West Ham take on Aston Villa in what should be a really exciting game! West Ham managed to finish 9th in their last year under David Moyes whilst Unai Emery guided Aston Villa to a terrific Top 4 finish! In their previous 20 meetings, The Hammers have won 40% of the time compared to Villa’s 25%. For West Ham United, this is a chance for Julen Lopetegui to make a statement of intent for this upcoming season! As for Aston Villa, this is also a great opportunity for Unai Emery to show that his side aren’t going anywhere when it comes to being one of the best teams in the league!
My Prediction: 2-2
Brentford VS Crystal Palace
The first London Derby of the season sees Brentford take on Crystal Palace! Brentford dropped off a little bit last year to ultimately finish 16th whilst Crystal Palace had their best season in a while to finish 10th. In their previous 6 meetings, The Eagles have won once whilst there have also been 5 draws! For Brentford, it’s important for them to try and start their season off with a victory. As for Crystal Palace, they’ll fancy all 3 points in this one!
My Prediction: 1-1
Chelsea VS Manchester City
The Main Event of the opening Super Sunday of the season sees Chelsea clash with Manchester City! Chelsea didn’t have a very good season last time around, but they did recover to 6th whilst Manchester City sealed a record-breaking 4th-straight Premier League Title! In their previous 39 meetings, The Blues have won 12 games compared to City’s 21! For Chelsea, it’s another new era for them with Enzo Maresca in charge, and a win here would go a long way in shushing the doubters (which there are already plenty)! As for Manchester City, this is not an easy start for them at all, but they know what they’re doing by now!
My Prediction: 2-2
Leicester VS Tottenham
The first Monday Night Football of the Season sees Championship Champions Leicester take on Tottenham! Leicester did a good enough job last year to seal Promotion straight back to the Premier League whilst Tottenham did well to finish 5th in their first season under Ange Postecoglou. In their previous 21 meetings, The Foxes have won 6 times whilst Spurs have won double that! For Leicester City, it’s super important for Steve Cooper to get off to a strong start in charge! As for Tottenham Hotspur, anything other than a win here will be seen as disappointing.
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