Premier League Preview

Its going to be a busy period for many clubs and there are bound to be a few changes in the starting line ups, before the end of the week.

The Transfer Window is closing before the first game of the Premier League season for the first time ever. Players have also returned late from World Cup duty, SPORTSvox predicts there may just be a couple of surprises on the opening day of the season.

Manchester United v Leicester

With Leicester losing their biggest star Mahrez already, they couldn’t afford to also lose their rock at the back Maguire as well. United have been chasing but Maguire looks to be staying put now and he will be vital for Leicester this season. I am keen to see how James Maddison gets on in the Premier League and there is no bigger stage to start than against United at Old Trafford.

United haven’t looked great in pre season thus far and Leicester will be a difficult team to break down. Mourinho has been vocal about his players returning late to the squad, there is plenty of disruption on the Red half of Manchester and this could be a tricky opening day for United.

Prediction: 2-1

Newcastle v Tottenham

Both teams start their campaigns in a relatively low key fashion. Benitez having essentially just replaced Mitrovic with the Japanese Messi. Whilst it seems Pochetino is confident that his young Spurs squad is fine just as they are. Only time will tell whether or not he has the strength in depth to compete with the big boys again this season.

Its always a great atmosphere at St James’ Park and Newcastle, difficult to overcome at home. They have had a dreadful pre season however and look completely dis-organised. I am not sure whether Newcastle will plaster the cracks in time and therefore albeit a potentially tired looking or changed Tottenham side, should have too much for the ‘Toon Army’.

Prediction: 0-2

Huddersfield v Chelsea

By the time these two play there could have been many changes within the Chelsea squad. Sarri, not having a lot of time to assess his players, has also had to manage several individual issues with key talent. Courtois, Hazard, Willian among others all linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge this summer.

In the charity shield they looked a shadow of the side that won the Premier League just two seasons ago. There is no doubt they have quality but I think it will take a bit of time for Sarri to mold his team together. Huddersfield we know under Wagner are tight and compact and with a couple of clever signings this summer, I can see them causing a few surprises again this year.

A lot could change during this week and Chelsea’s stars could turn up on Saturday. I think this will be a tough start for Sarri though, compounding the notion that there are no easy games in the Premier League. I think Huddersfield can sneak a point here.

Prediction: 1-1

Bournemouth v Cardiff

A six pointer to kick off the season. Harsh but probably realistic I would say for these two teams this season. As much as I love what Eddie Howe has done at Bournemouth, I cannot help but feel they will struggle this season. There is only so long you can rely on Defoe to knock in the goals for you and unfortunately Callum Wilson has just not looked the same player since his serious injury. Bournemouth shipped more goals last season than two of the relegated sides, I think this will be a long season for them if they are not tighter at the back.

We all know how shrewd Neil Warnock is, but his forte is getting sides out of the Championship! I like his purchases this summer, but I am not sure it is going to be enough to keep them up. They will scrap for every point they can get and I can see them sneaking something here.

Prediction: 1-1

Watford v Brighton

Its going to be very tight at the bottom this year and i can see both these sides looking over their shoulders right from the start. Watford having lost Richarlison to Everton will be looking to the likes of Deulofeu to step up. If Garcia can get the best out of him and some other young potentials in the squad, then I think Watford should secure mid table security this season.

I do fear for Chris Hughton and Brighton though this season. He has taken a gamble on some young talent in the transfer window and it remains to be seen as to whether they repay his faith in them. Home form will be key for Brighton if they are to stay up and I can only see one team winning here on the opening day.

Prediction: 2-0

Fulham v Crystal Palace

Nothing better than a London derby to kick of proceedings back in the Premier League for Fulham. Craven Cottage will be buzzing after their storming end to last season.

I think Jokanovic has done some great business in the summer. Mitrovic being secured, Mawson and Chambers coming in at the back and experience like Schurrle added to the squad. If the likes of young Sessegnon has the freedom to play, I think Fulham could surprise a few teams this season.

For Hodgson and Palace it remains to be seen whether they can keep the momentum they created last year. A lot will depend on whether they can keep the likes of Zaha interested. Two mid table sides for me and I think they will happily play out a draw on the first day of the new season.

Prediction: 1-1

Zaha to go to Chelsea and other transfer rumours?

Wolves v Everton

Molineux will be rocking come Saturday afternoon as Wolves get back in the big time. Big investments, lots of signings, a solid manager in Espirito Santo, will all lean towards greater expectations this season. They cruised promotion last year and will be looking to hit the ground running against Everton.

The ‘Toffies’ themselves have also secured a couple of large signings in Richarlison and Digne. There is a lot of talent in this squad and I think Silva would have used the break wisely to look at getting more of an attacking threat into his team. They struggled for goals last season and if they can fix the final third, Everton fans should surely be hoping to challenge the European spots this season.

Tight one to call this one, home advantage might just count for Wolves but I think Everton are good for a point.

Prediction: 1-1

Southampton v Burnley

Sunday action kicks off with what promises to be a rather drab affair on the south coast I am afraid. Neither side has been that active in the transfer market, with both teams larger signings being defensive, in Hart for Burnley and Vestergaard for the ‘Saints’.

Neither team managed to score more than 40 goals last season and a solid defense will again be the backbone for both sides.

Either side could sneak this but I am sticking my neck out for Burnley, who under Dyche have created a winning mentality.

Prediction: 0-1

Liverpool v West Ham

In contrast, up on Merseyside we could witness the game of the week between the two big summer spenders.

We all know what Klopp has been up to at Liverpool and after spending £175m this summer I think most sides would be happy with his ‘B’ team. With that said their style of football lends itself to being slightly open with the pressing game.

I think Pellegrini has made some great signings in the transfer window. I am a big fan of Yarmolenko. If Pellegrini can get the best out of him and Wilshere, then ‘Hammers’ fans will be in for an exciting season.

I expect Liverpool to win comfortably at home but it should be very entertaining and a few goals to boot.

Prediction: 3-1

Arsenal v Manchester City

Saving the best for last? The Premier League Super Sunday culminates with the Champions City travelling to Emery’s Arsenal at the Emirates. A new era for Arsenal? If pre season is anything to go by it could be an exciting time for ‘Gunners’ fans.

Although Guardiola has a special squad at his disposal, could this be the best time to play City this season? Several stars are possibly yet to be a peak fitness and if Arsenal, unlike Chelsea in the Charity shield, manage to string more than two passes together, they may just cause City a few problems.

The two Premier League games that City lost last year they managed to score 5 goals. This was also against Liverpool and United respectively. They almost always score, so can Arsenal get at the City defense and score more? It’s possible, but for me doubtful. I am looking forward to this game, Emery will be looking to measure his team vs the best and for Guardiola its about winning every game he plays, no question.

Should be a great purists spectacle, but City just have too much class and I expect them to edge a quality game.

Prediction: 1-2

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