This week is the first week of the new Premier League season. With many intriguing match ups and with all teams hoping to make the perfect start, Joe Murphy predicts how the round 1 fixtures will pan out. What surprises are in store and how will the newly promoted sides fair? Starting the new predictions game, there will be 3 points awarded for the correct scoreline, 1 point for the correct result and 0 for an entirely wrong answer.
Let’s take a look…
Brentford 1 V 3 Arsenal
A fairytale start for Brentford? Alas not! Despite the fact the Bees will have an incredible atmosphere, the quality of Saka, Lacazette and Co should be too much. Arsenal should have more stability this season, so should only concede one. This is not the week, therefore, where AFTV will be its most interesting. However, with Aubameyang out, anytbing can happen. And if Arsenal’s defence is weak like it was at certain points last season, then Brentford could easily win 2-0.
Manchester United 2 – 1 Leeds
As a Manchester United fan personally, this fixtures worries me. If you remember Liverpool v Leeds last season on the opening day, this is a tough fixture for both teams. I do not expect another multi goal thriller like last season. Instead a more difficult Leeds United side will turn up. With the game level, the introduction of Jadon Sancho could play a part as the Red Devils snatch a win late on.
Burnley 1 – 1 Brighton
This is a game where neither side will want to lose and most likely won’t press for the win too hard, either. Both teams will solid defences and big men at both sides of the pitch, there is a chance they will cancel each other out. There is a strong chance both goals in this game will be from headers and/or set-pieces.
Chelsea 2 – 0 Crystal Palace
On the back of a narrow Super Cup win, Chelsea will be full of confidence heading into this one. It remains to be seen as to whether Romelu Lukaku plays any part yet or this fixtures comes just too soon. For Palace, we may see some of Viera’s style being implemented. But as fixtures go, this may be too tough do any sort of surprise win.
Everton 0 – 1 Southampton
This is where the first arguable shock result, may come in. An Everton side should take all three pints here on paper but Southampton will show up and put in an organised performance. Without Danny Ings, this may be more difficult, but a Ward Prowse penalty or free kick, could ultimately be the difference here.
Leicester City 2 – 1 Wolves
Much like at Old Trafford, this will be a difficult fixtures of Leicester. Again they should win, and their quality may prove slightly too much for a Wolves side still in transition under their new manager. Expect Raul Jiminez to get on the scoresheet again but Jamie Vardy to prove too hot to handle, for the Wolves defence. A narrow win for the side in blue.
Watford 2 – 4 Aston Villa
This game could be extremely entertaining. There is a lot of attacking quality with both teams questionable at the back. It remains likely that the Villa side are just too strong for newly promoted Watford. Two late goals could see them off before a late consolation debut goal for Josh King, perhaps.
Norwich 0 – 4 Liverpool
Carrow Road has been like a second home for Liverpool in recent years. The most certain of any fixture, there is no way Liverpool lose here. The quality gap is just too strong between these sides. The only chance Norwich will have at an upset is using the home atmosphere to their advantage and forcing mistakes. It won’t happen though.
Newcastle United 2 – 1 West Ham United
West Ham are the better side, there is no question. However, the Geordie fan base will be rocking and pushing their team to the maximum. If the Magpies can keep Antonio quiet then they can spring somewhat of a surprise here. It equally would not surprise me to see West Ham win this game 0-3, however. Saint Maxim and Wilson with the goals.
Manchester City 4 – 1 Tottenham Hotspur
I just don’t trust Spurs’ defense. Grealish, Mahrez and Gundogan could cause an afternoon of chaos. Then there’s Harry Kane, what kind of match awaits him? There are a lot of intriguing possibilities about this game, least of all the result as City will win and should win comfortably, getting their season off to the perfect start and pushing Spurs into a whole world of problems. Although a result like this may prompt a new striker to arrive in North London.
Do you agree or disagree? Leave your predictions in the comments below and don’t forget to like!
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