English Premier League Match day 1: Predictions, Betting tips and Analysis
Hello August! The English premier league season kicks of tomorrow, the wait is over, it's party time across Britain as every ground goes agog from lunch time tomorrow, at Footballnus, we'll give you our take on upcoming matches from all leagues week in week out starting from the EPL this weekend, get in here bookies, here's our analysis and predictions for week one of the new season.
Saturday
Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur12:45pm
Old Trafford Stadium
Manchester United have the chance to present their new signings to their home fans for the first time on Saturday as the lunch time game pitches them against north London outfit Spurs, one expect Louis Van Gaal to present a formidable midfield to cancel out the energy of their youthful opposition, Memphis Depay will start upfront and impress with Wayne Rooney behind him, who goes in between the sticks? DeGea or Romero? On the Spurs front, the squad looks motivated and would love to spoil the party at Old Trafford like they've done in recent times, expect more than two goals in this fixture, United to score first, and expect a lot of corner kicks.
Verdict: Straight win Manchester United.
AFC Bournemouth vs Aston Villa
3:00pm
Vitality Stadium
New boys Bournemouth have made some decent signings, they are odds on to be the only surviving promoted side come May 2016, a good start is key to their survival, Aston Avila suffered a nightmarish summer following the departures of Benteke, Cleverly, Delph and Shey Given, opening day fixtures sometimes favor the Villa Park landlords but not very much this time, few corners will explain a boring afternoon but Villa's best result at Bournemouth would be a draw.
Verdict: Double chance Bournemout.
Everton vs Watford
3:00pm
Goodison Park
Watford must show character if they want to sustain their EPL status, decent signings too but they need to show the form that saw them lead the pack in the championship for several months. Everton won't be a fair host to the new comers however, with questions over Martinez' future, expect a fast paced game of more than two goals and lots of cards.
Verdict: Straight win Everton.
Leicester City vs Sunderland
3:00pm
King Power Stadium
If Leicester City turn out the rampaging run that sustained their EPL status last term, they will be contenders for the title, wake up foxes, it's Claudio Ranieri time! Last time we checked, the Italian was being bundled out of Greece after a calamitous run, Sunderland will pick at least a point at KP stadium, chances will come too few, expect a tempestuous atmosphere and lot of cards.
Verdict: Double chance Sunderland
Norwich vs Crystal Palace
3:00pm
Carrow Road
Welcome Norwich, Weldon on your playoff heroics, enjoy your relegation fights. Crystal palace will threaten heavyweights this term, a good start and some proper management on the part of Pardew will do too, expect more than two goals in this fixture, end to end stuff and a crystal clear sky.
Verdict: Straight win Crystal Palace
Chelsea vs Swansea City
5:30pm
Stamford Bridge
An indifferent and very unconvincing preseason for the champions must have given Swansea City so much hopes ahead of their trip to the lion's den, Chelsea's squad is still the same, cohesion is key and understanding too, Swansea have added a few, but they shouldn't expect so much joy at the home of the champions, Thibaut Coutois won't let them be great.
Verdict: Straight win Chelsea.
Sunday fixtures
Arsenal vs Westham1:30pm
Emirates Stadium
Westham have little joy against Arsenal in recent years and it looks set to continue on Sunday, Westham suffered a shock loss in Romania against Astra in the Europa league playoffs, the hangover will surely tell on Slaven Bilic's men, what type of Arsenal will turn out is still unclear but whichever one, put your money on Arsenal to come out tops with or without Akexis Sanchez.
Verdict: straight win Arsena.
Newcastle vs Southampton
1:30pm
St James's park
Southampton are always hard to play early on, that trend will continue, the inconsistency of the toon army will make it hard for them this term, they've snapped up some fine signings but cohesion is too far reaching, defensive approach from the visitors will undermine the frustrations of the host, both teams will score.
Verdict: Double chance Saints.
Stoke City vs Liverpool
4:00pm
Brittania stadium
Doesn't this fixture look familiar? A lot of Liverpool fans would hate to remember their last outing of last season but they have an instant opportunity to right the wrongs, Shawcross is out for two months, Huth sold to Leicester City, the attacking line of the Scousers looks so scary but we've heard that before, Rodgers is odds on to be fired before the turn of the new year, it will start at the Brittania stadium
Verdict: Both teams to score
Monday
Westbrom vs Manchester City8:00pm
Hawthorns
Mega signing Raheem Sterling has everything to play for when he makes his debut in the last fixture of the opening week, Manuel Pellegrini has said so much about their desire to reclaim the title, their weakness is title defense not reclaiming when it's lost, early impressions will define momentum though it's a marathon race. Westbrom will threaten but the citizens will overcome in a thriller.
Verdict: Straight win City.
Strictly writer's opinion
Written by @Komptrolla
