Manchester United Vs Swansea
Louis Van Gaal starts a new era at Old Trafford by kicking off the Premier League campaign of 2014/2015. The Dutchman has seen his side perform well in pre season and will hope that form can be carried into competitive fixtures. Michael Carrick is a long term absentee while RVP could miss out due to a lack of match fitness. Swansea visit United looking to improve upon their 12th place finish last term. Of particular importance this Summer was Swansea keeping hold of forward Wilfried Bony who will now be accompanied upfront by Gomis. Garry Monk could not have asked for a tougher start to the season. Home win expected.
Prediction 3-0
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Leicester Vs Everton
Leicester City are back in the Premier League. After winning The Championship last term most Leicester fans have been counting down until the Premier League kicks off. Nigel Pearson can look forward to welcoming the best Teams, Players and Managers in the country to the King Power Stadium. Everton are the first side to visit and will be looking to improve upon their 5th place finish last term by breaking into the elusive Top 4. Roberto Martinez has done a brilliant job at Goodison Park and has added Romelu Lukaku to the squad on a permanent basis in addition to agreeing a new deal for Ross Barkley. Score draw expected.
Prediction 1-1
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QPR Vs Hull
Queens Park Rangers ensured their fans would spend the Summer regrowing their fingernails after securing Promotion through the Playoffs. Harry Redknapp did a superb job to guide his side straight back to the Premier League and is hoping to tighten up at the back with the signings of Caulker and Rio Ferdinand who should provide a solid foundation. Hull City enjoyed a memorable campaign which was almost capped off with victory in the FA Cup Final. Steve Bruce did a fantastic job to maintain Premier League status despite the distraction of an intriguing Cup run. Europa League Football means Steve Bruce will need to shuffle his pack on a regular basis. The Tigers have strengthened the squad with Ince, Snodgrass and Livermore who should all be useful additions. Home win at Loftus Road.
Prediction 2-1
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Stoke Vs Aston Villa
Stoke City enjoyed a stellar campaign last term and finished 9th – their highest finish since 1975. The Potters have been relatively quiet in the Transfer Market but may have captured one of the best deals of the Summer by bringing in Bojan from Barcelona. The Spanish forward has been in great form in pre-season and big things will be expected of him at The Britannia. Aston Villa have struggled for a few consecutive Seasons and due to lack of investment have not made any significant changes to the squad this Summer. Crucially, their star forward Christian Benteke starts the season on the treatment table. Comfortable home win expected.
Prediction 2-0
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West Brom Vs Sunderland
West Bromwich Albion sacked Steve Clarke harshly last term and Alan Irvine now leads the Club. The Baggies did extremely well to lure Joleon Lescott to the Club but there have been rumours of discontent after no other big name signings arrived. West Brom struggled last season and seem destined to struggle again. Sunderland pulled off a Houdini-style escape from Relegation last season. Gus Poyet deserves tremendous credit for masterminding their survival. Jack Rodwell could be a great signing for the Black Cats provided they can keep him on the pitch and off the treatment table. Away win at The Hawthorns.
Prediction 0-1
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West Ham Vs Tottenham
West Ham United fans and ownership seem to have ideas above their station. Big Sam secured The Hammers a 13th place finish in the Premier League last season but was still under pressure. Andy Carroll is set to miss the start of the season due to another injury setback which will only make life more difficult for West Ham. Spurs decided to take a new approach following the brief Tim Sherwood tenure. Mauricio Pochettino was poached from Southampton and Spurs fans will be hoping he can bring the best out of first season flop Erik Lamela. A Top 4 finish seems beyond this Spurs side. Score draw.
Prediction 1-1
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Arsenal Vs Crystal Palace
Arsenal fans are in dreamland – Two pieces of silverware in 3 months! After winning the FA Cup in May The Gunners looked very efficient as they swept past Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley last weekend. Alexis Sanchez is a marquee signing who should make an immediate impact in the Premier League. Crystal Palace were rock bottom before Tony Pulis took over and turned things around. The Eagles finished the season in 11th place which was a magnificent achievement. Tony Pulis has now left the Club after disagreements over Transfer Policy and Palace are looking for a new Manager with just hours to go before the new Season kicks off. Frazier Campbell is their main man going forward and Arsenal will need to keep an eye on him. Home win at The Emirates.
Prediction 3-0
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Liverpool Vs Southampton
Liverpool were pipped to the title by Manchester City last season. The title seemed Liverpool’s to lose after they beat City at Anfield only to watch a 3 goal lead wiped out within 15 minutes at Crystal Palace. Luis Suarez has packed his bags and Brendan Rodgers has been busy bringing in new faces due to an increased fixture schedule courtesy of the Champions League. Southampton have seen a number of top players depart with many heading to Anfield. The Saints finished 8th in the League last season but will struggle to replicate that finish minus the likes of Lambert, Lallana, Shaw, Lovren and Chambers. Sturridge to deliver the goals at Anfield.
Prediction 2-0
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Newcastle Vs Manchester City
Newcastle United finished 10th last season despite a dip in form following the departure of Cabaye. The Magpies are still under the guidance of Alan Pardew who has brought in new faces to improve the squad. Cisse remains sidelined through injury while Ben Arfa could be poised to leave. Manchester City have been relatively quiet in the Transfer Market bringing in only a handful of players. The key for City this Season is keeping Sergio Aguero fit, especially with Negredo ruled out long term due to injury. Pelligrini will face stiffer competition from Chelsea to retain the Premier League Title this season. Away win expected.
Prediction 1-2
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Burnley Vs Chelsea
Burnley fans don’t have to wait long for a big game at Turf Moor with Chelsea visiting during the opening Gameweek. Future England man Danny Ings seems crucial to Burnley’s chances of survival this term. It might be a long season for The Clarets. Chelsea have been busy over the Summer improving their squad with Costa, Fabregas, Felipe Luis and even Didier Drogba. Courtois is also challenging Petr Cech to be first choice goalkeeper. The Blues are out of excuses and start the Season as most people’s favourites to win the Title. Jose Mourinho will demand that his side start the campaign strongly. Away win expected.
Prediction 0-2
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