The Premier League kicks off with Liverpool against Norwich tonight and for many fans, excitement is at fever pitch following a very interesting transfer window.
I will start off with our game against Newcastle on Sunday before I get on to the rest of the first-week predictions
Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Given the last couple of years, I’m not confident for any away game with Unai Emery still needing to change the mentality of his squad who give up too easily on their travels the moment things go wrong.
Since the fixtures were announced though I have become increasingly more confident about this game. Newcastle has lost Benitez, replaced with a man the fans are not excited about and no longer have Rondon or Perez.
Even for the Toon Army, it might be asking too much to be their passionate selves. There’s even talk of a protest
A good time to go to St James Park?
Liverpool 4-0 Norwich
You sense Klopp isn’t comfortable rushing his front three back ( two of whom played in international finals ) so the fixture list is kind in terms of it lets him break them in gradually.
Norwich won’t abandon their principles but while they could get away with their You Play We Play ethos in the Championship, they will be on the receiving end of a few drubbings away from home.
West Ham 1-1 Man City
I’m predicting City to be champions as they have improved while Liverpool has not strengthened. I also think it’s worth considering they won the title without De Bruyne for most of the campaign.
I just think this is a bit of a banana skin. if they can be brave on the ball West Ham have players who can hurt you, especially with the pressure off. One of the few times Pep might see his side be complacent
Man United 1-1 Chelsea
Lampard showed at Derby he trusts youngsters and wants to play the game the right way and it wouldn’t surprise me if an unknown stole the show at Old Trafford.
It is strange that a fixture between two sides who used to dominate this League now lacks match winners
Hazard was someone who could win you a game out of nowhere while I don’t see Rashford.as a 20 goals a season player. This could be scrappy
Spurs 2- 1 Aston Villa
I think it’s wrong just because Fulham failed in spending money that Villa are being compared to them.
Dean Smith’s signings make sense, personalities who know the division. I think Tom Heaton at £8 million could be a bargain. It will take a while for so many new faces to get to know each other but they can treat Saturday tea time as a free swing.
Think Spurs might make hard work of this.
Palace 1- 2 Everton
You sense there is a negative feel around Selhurst Park which might take Roy Hodgson a few weeks to sort out.
What reaction does Zaha get having handed in a transfer request? Does he start this weekend based on that? Surely he can keep them up then get his move next summer, even January?
Good time for Everton to go to South London. Moise Kean my signing of the summer
Bournemouth 2-0 Sheffield United
Chris Wilder will get most of his points at home. Away he will set up to be hard to break down, well-drilled and organised.
This will be attack versus defence and United won’t hold out for 90 minutes.
Well done Eddie Howe for keeping his best talent.
Watford 3-0 Brighton
So Brighton sacked Chris Hughton because they have ambitions yet don’t show that in the transfer market.
At least with their previous manager, they would be set up hard to beat with everyone knowing their jobs. Graham Potter has a big reputation but he has to teach a new ethos while going along.
Leicester 2-2 Wolves
Could be the most entertaining game of the weekend between two teams who believe they can break into the top six.
Given the owner’s ambitions, I see Wolves really going for the Europa Leauge which might affect their domestic form.
I would say how good the Foxes look but Rodgers is good at doing that himself
Burnley 1-0 Saints
For the first time in a while, the Saints start a season with an identity. with a lot of focus put on fitness due to a high pressing game.
Without the distraction of Europe, Burnley will start this campaign a lot better having refound their mojo in 2019.
Predictions below
Be kind in comments
Dan Smith