The Premier League action returns to our screens this weekend after the annual summer hiatus. The break in action was made more bearable by the World Cup action. Many teams are still scrambling to finalise their rosters ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline.
Jose Mourinho has made it clear he has been frustrated with Manchester United’s lack of signings so far this summer. The Red Devils’ manager has made it clear United will be in for a tough season if they fail to make new signings. On the other hand their rivals have been busy in the transfer market with Liverpool bringing in Keita, Shaqiri and Alisson amongst other whilst defending champions Manchester City brought in Riyad Mahrez from Leicester.
We bring you our Premier League week 1 predictions for the first round of fixtures. Week 1 of the EPL will kick off with a massive Friday fixture when Manchester United host Leicester at Old Trafford.
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Manchester United vs Leicester City
Kick-off: Friday, 10 August
Manchester United had twelve players present at the 2018 World Cup and questions have been raised about the time his men have had to recover. United’s participation in the International Champions Cup certainly would have helped that or their morale. Paul Pogba has only just returned to Carrington and could take time to find his form. Mourinho has also made it clear he still expects the club to sign players ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline day.
Leicester’s most notable transfer market move this off-season has been the departure of Riyad Mahrez. Rumours surrounding Maguire’s possible departure to Manchester United are rife, which could leave the Foxes with an even weaker squad by the time these two teams face-off.
We are tipping United to win this match.
Correct score: 1-0
Newcastle United vs Spurs
Kick-off: Saturday, 11 August
Newcastle will host Spurs at St. James’ Park for the lunchtime kick-off for Week 1 of the EPL 18/19 season. Mitrovic was the only Magpie present at the 2018 World Cup which should have provided Rafa Benitez with enough time to prepare his team. However, comments from Benitez in a recent interview it seems the manager is far from happy with the transfer market activity of the club. The sale of Adam Armstrong has many club insiders scratching their head and seems to confirm Mike Ashley’s diminishing interest in the club and its success. If the trouble and disconnect between the manager and the club administration spreads on to the pitch Newcastle fans could be in for a torrid season.
Spurs have been inactive so far in the transfer market. Some of the club’s fans have pointed to this in their criticism of David Levy, questioning his commitment to the club. However, club insiders have been quick to defend Levy and pointed to Mauricio Pocchettino’s comments at the end of the season where he made it a point to state that he will not be spending money unnecessarily. Sources close to the club have state that Pocchettino is relaxed and focused on preparing the squad for the season ahead. Harry Kane, who is coming off a prolific World Cup campaign which saw him winning the Golden Boot, will be expected to carry that form into the new season.
We are tipping Spurs to come away with the victory at St James’ Park.
Correct score: 0-2
Bournemouth vs Cardiff
Kick-off: Saturday, 11 August
Bournemouth will host Cardiff at Dean Court for the first ever meeting between these two sides in the Premiership. Bournemouth are in their 3rd consecutive season in the Premiership and have started to become a steady presence in the top flight. Finishing mid-table last season Howe will be looking to get more of his young team as they begin to come of age.
Cardiff are now in the Premier League following the fantastic work of Neil Warnock. This will not be Warnock’s first experience of Premier League football but it will remain to be seem whether he is able to impart his knowledge on his players.
We expect Bournemouth to have the upper hand at the Vitality Stadium a grab all 3 points.
Correct score: 3-2
Fulham vs Crystal Palace
Kick-off: Saturday, 11 August
The Cottagers are back in the Premier League. Their fans are relishing having Premiership football back at Craven Cottage. They are the oldest-established London based team to play in the Premier League but it will be all about what they can do in the upcoming season which will decide their fate.
Crystal Palace had a decent season last time out finishing in 11th spot. This season may be all about survival again for Hodgson and his men. There have been some interesting signings arriving at Selhurst Park over the summer, in particular the arrival of Kouyate has fans excited. Crystal Palace have had a decent pre-season and will be hoping to carry their form into week 1 of the Premier League but much will depend on their star Wilfried Zaha as always.
We are tipping the Eagles to come away with the points at Craven Cottage.
Correct Score: 1-2
Huddersfield vs Chelsea
Kick-off: Saturday, 11 August
Huddersfield kick off their second consecutive season in the Premier league by hosting Chelsea. They have managed to keep the spending down by bringing in players who have not been overvalued. Time will tell if this will be pay-off. With 4 players returning from World Cup action their should have been minimal disruption to their preparation for the season unlike their opponents Chelsea who have 14 players returning from action for their country.
Chelsea will be looking to put all the off-the-field drama behind them having now signed Sarri as a replacement for Antonio Conte. Sarri has been credited with doing a fantastic job at his former team Napoli and has brought with him Chelsea’s marquee signing Jorginho. Sarri will be hoping his team’s performance in the Charity Shield last Sunday is not a sign of things to come.
We are tipping Chelsea to edge this encounter.
Correct Score: 0-2
Liverpool vs West Ham United
Kick-off: Sunday, 12 August
Liverpool’s transfer market activity has been a statement of intent. Last Year’s Champion’s League finalists have addressed what has long been an elephant in the Liverpool training room signing Roma’s Allisson to replace Karius as the first choice keeper. Naby Keita has been brought in to replace Emre Can and Xherdan Shaqiri adds more depth and speed to Liverpool’s already frightening attack. Shaqiri is a great fit for Klopp’s fast paced style of play.
West Ham have been very busy this transfer window bringing in 7 players with four players going the other way. But the transfers have raised more eyebrows than hopes amongst their fans. We are tipping West Ham to struggle to retain their Premiership status this season and they couldn’t be off to a more difficult start as they head to Anfield.
We are tipping Liverpool to win at Anfield.
Correct score: 3-0
Southampton vs Burnley
Kick-off: Sunday, 12 August
Southampton were lucky to survive the drop last season and we feel they have done little to address their issues on the field. The departure of Dušan Tadić has further reduced the strength of a squad that only a few seasons ago looked to be a couple of moves away from Champions League football. Southampton have failed to bring in the right replacements and they’ll have a tough time in the season ahead. This first match with Burnley will give us a better idea of where they are at.
The Clarets will visit St. Mary’s still on a high after their strong performance in the Europa League second qualifying round. Burnley’s participation in the Europa League would have helped them to prepare and will most likely see them better prepared for this first round of fixtures.
We are tipping Burnley to come away with the points at St. Mary’s.
Correct score: 1-2
Arsenal vs Manchester City
Kick-off: Sunday, 12 August
Arsenal begin their first campaign of the post-Wenger era. Arsenal finished in 6th place last season, missing out on a Champions League spot. Fans thought that the departure of Wenger would have been marked by increased activity in the transfer market however, this has not yet materialized. It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will sign anyone over the next few days but without Champions League football it is always going to be hard to bring in top quality stars.
The defending champions will need no time to glue, Pep Guardiola having decided not to change too much of his quad. The arrival of Riyad Mahrez will bolster an already capable squad. We expect City to continue largely were they left off having made the right moves.
We are tipping Man City to take all three points at the Emirates.
Correct Score: 1-3
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