Chelsea Vs Aston Villa
Chelsea started their second spell under Jose Mourinho in buoyant mood and were able to overcome Hull comfortably on Sunday afternoon. The Blues played some tremendous football in the first half and certainly appear to have what it takes to challenge for the League crown. Expect a number of changes to the side that played Hull due to the vast array of talent at Chelsea’s disposal. Aston Villa fans had a memorable trip to London as they overcame Arsenal 3-1 at The Emirates and piled the pressure onto Arsene Wenger. Paul Lambert will hope to make it two productive trips to the Capital in the space of five days and avoid the 8-0 hammering sustained when Villa last visited Stamford Bridge. Home win expected.
Prediction 2-1
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Liverpool Vs Stoke City
Liverpool’s pre season has been overshadowed by the ongoing Luis Suarez saga. Undoubtedly, The Reds need to keep their main attacking threat if they are to get anywhere near a Top 4 finish. Daniel Sturridge will be required to find the net as Suarez serves out his lengthy ban. Stoke City start the new campaign under the stewardship of Mark Hughes. The Welshman will be keen to prove some doubters wrong following a poor reign at Queens Park Rangers. Coutinho the key man for Liverpool at Anfield.
Prediction 2-1
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Arsenal Vs Aston Villa
Arsene Wenger returns to the Arsenal dugout as the longest serving manager in the Premier League following the departure of rival boss Sir Alex Ferguson. Despite early promise, Arsenal have fallen flat in the transfer market and are yet to land a marquee signing. Aston Villa were able to retain the service of star striker Christian Benteke despite interest from a host of other clubs. Paul Lambert will hope to be in the top half of the table at the conclusion of Gameweek 38. The return of Jack Wilshere will be a huge bonus for The Gunners and I expect him to be influential in a home win.
Prediction 2-0
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Norwich Vs Everton
I predict Norwich will be the surprise package of the Season and finish in the top half of the table. The Canaries have landed Gary Hooper from Celtic and Ricky van Wolfswinkel to score the goals they were lacking last term. Everton are beginning a campaign without David Moyes for the first time since the 2001-2002 season. Roberto Martinez will be taking on a new challenge and has higher expectations on his shoulders than when he managed Wigan. Entertaining score draw at Carrow Road.
Prediction 1-1
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Sunderland Vs Fulham
Paolo Di Canio has made wholesale changes during the off-season and no longer has the excuse that he inherited a poor squad in bad condition. Sunderland only just secured Premier League survival and their fans will be keen to have a more relaxing campaign this time out. Fulham had an encouraging season but are under new ownership who may demand an improved League position. Adel Taarabt could be an inspired signing should he fulfil his potential at Craven Cottage. Home win expected at The Stadium of Light.
Prediction 2-1
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
West Brom Vs Southampton
Steve Clarke did a terrific job to guide West Bromwich Albion to 8th place in the League last year. The Scot will have his work cut out if he is to replicate the performances shown last season. The Baggies will be without the services of Romeu Lukaku who returns to parent club Chelsea but are boosted by the arrival of Nicolas Anelka from Juventus. Southampton finished 14th last year and will look to consolidate their place in the Premier League with another positive showing. Viktor Wanyama and Devan Lovren have cost The Saints over £20m and the Southampton faithful hope that investment pays dividends.
Prediction 1-1
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
West Ham Vs Cardiff
West Ham United rewarded their loyal owners and fans by securing a 10th place finish in their first season back in the Premier League. Home form was key for The Hammers and they secured 9 wins at Upton Park which ensured their top half finish. Cardiff are new to the Premier League and are making their bow in the top tier. Under foreign ownership the Welsh club has flourished and they won promotion to the Premiership by winning The Championship extremely comfortably. West Ham striker Andy Carroll is a doubt for this match with a foot injury but The Hammers should kick off with a win regardless.
Prediction 1-0
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Swansea Vs Manchester United
Swansea kicked off their competitive season early due to Europa League commitments. Forward Michu continued where he left off last season by finding the net against Malmo. The Swans are unbeaten in all matches this pre-season and new signing Bony looks to be an excellent acquistion. Manchester United manager David Moyes takes charge of his first League match following the Community Shield victory at Wembley. The Reds were once again thankful to Robin Van Persie for finding the net while others fired blanks. I predict a tricky away trip but with RVP in form it is difficult to bet against United.
Prediction 0-2
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Crystal Palace Vs Tottenham
The Eagles soared back into the top flight following a nail biting Play-Off final against favourites Watford. Kevin Phillips proved his pedigree by bagging the priceless goal which won Palace promotion. Zaha has now completed his move to Manchester United and 30-goal Glenn Murray is out injured until January – Palace will need to sign adequate replacements. Tottenham Hotspur boss AVB has spent most of the close-season answering questions about the future of star winger Gareth Bale. Spurs have broken their transfer record twice in this window with the signings of Paulinho and Roberto Soldado. Spurs fans will hope a positive start to the season could convince Bale to stay at White Hart Lane. Away win expected.
Prediction 1-2
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Chelsea Vs Hull City
Chelsea fans get the opportunity to welcome Jose Mourinho back to Stamford Bridge when Premier League newcomers Hull City visit West London. The Blues have had a very encouraging pre-season and appear to be the bookies favourite to win the title. Mourinho has inherited a fantastic squad which has seen useful additions in the form of Schurrle and van Ginkel in addition to the returning Lukaku. Hull City have it all to do to avoid an immediate return to The Championship. The loan signing of Danny Graham could be a great bit of business if he can find his shooting boots. Steve Bruce couldn’t have a tougher start to the season. Comfortable home win at Stamford Bridge.
Prediction 3-0
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Manchester City Vs Newcastle
Monday Night Football returns with Manchester City hosting Newcastle United at The Etihad. City will be under the guidance of new boss Manuel Pellegrini and will hope for an immediate improvement on last season. Last season’s runners up have been by far the busiest in terms of transfers having spent over £90m on Fernandinho, Jesus Navas, Alvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic. Newcastle United have signed Loic Remy on loan but he is unavailable due to injury. Despite not having the distraction of Europa League football this season I predict another difficult campaign for the Magpies. They need to strengthen their squad before the close of the transfer window. City to get off to a winning start.
Prediction 2-0
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
