Welcome to the very first instalment of Last Word on Football’s Premier League Predictions. Every week, Shiven Mohindra will take on one of the very talented writers here at LWOF, predicting the results of every single top-flight game across the season. Today, Shiven takes on Steen Kirby. A correct result earns each competitor three points, and a correct scoreline gives you an additional two points. Take on the challenge for yourself by commenting your predictions below. Can you beat Shiven or Steen?
LWOF’s Premier League GW1 Predictions – Shiven vs Steen
Friday
Manchester United v Leicester City
Shiven: The Premier League returns on a Friday night at Old Trafford. Both teams could be missing key players due to the World Cup, however, the spotlight will be on Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, who has been extremely unhappy with the club’s lack of signings this summer. This fixture looks extremely unpredictable and could swing either way, but the experience of Mourinho’s Manchester United will prevail and earn all three points. Manchester United 2-1 Leicester City
Steen: Both sides will need to rely on some of their depth players in this one. However, Manchester United have more depth and after a cagey start, they should snatch a winner. Manchester United 2-1 Leicester City
Saturday
Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur
Shiven: New season, new stadium it is for Spurs. With a lack of signings during the summer transfer window, it is clear the manager, Mauricio Pochettino, has faith in his current squad. Spurs may be without some of their World Cup players and may have a tough time against Rafa’s Newcastle. Newcastle United 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Steen: Spurs need to avoid a poor start due to potential World Cup fatigue with their stars. Newcastle are likely to finish in the bottom half of the table due to a lack of spending, and their fans are again in poor spirits about the ownership. Tottenham should do enough to get three points. Newcastle 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Huddersfield v Chelsea
Shiven: Perhaps one of the most one-sided ties of Gameweek One. Chelsea will look to bounce back after an underwhelming loss to Manchester City in the community shield. New manager Maurizio Sarri will want to get off to winning ways and pick up all three points. However, as we learnt last season, you can never count out the Terriers. Huddersfield 0-2 Chelsea
Steen: Huddersfield did great to stay up last year and Chelsea may be missing three normal starters due to the World Cup. That said, this is a mismatch so I’d expect Chelsea to prevail. Huddersfield 0-2 Chelsea
Bournemouth v Cardiff City
Shiven: Two relegation candidates go head to head. Cardiff, being relegation favourites, will struggle with this away fixture at Bournemouth. The Cherries should comfortably secure the win. Bournemouth 2-0 Cardiff City
Steen: Bournemouth should have an edge at home but newly promoted Cardiff need to squeeze every point they can out of games like this. I’ll back Cardiff to manage a result. Bournemouth 2-2 Cardiff City
Watford v Brighton & Hove Albion
Shiven: Watford lost one of their key men in Richarlison this summer and his abscene may be felt in the opening game against a hungry Brighton. Both sides have been relatively quiet during the summer and manager’s are looking to build on what they already have. Watford 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Steen: Both sides are dealing with a number of injury concerns and I’d expect a tight contest. Watford 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Fulham v Crystal Palace
Shiven: Newly promoted Fulham have made a statement this summer with a number of marquee signings. Crystal Palace have also had a good window as they are likely to keep hold of Wilfred Zaha and have brought in Max Meyer to firm up the midfield. This fixture looks to be incredibly close. Fulham 1-1 Crystal Palace
Steen: Another promoted side with a relatively easy start. That said, Palace have more experience and should have a slight edge. Fulham 0-1 Crystal Palace
Wolves v Everton
Shiven: Two teams that have done some great business this summer. Wolves fans will be excited to see their team’s first Premier League game. This is a must win for Marco Silva’s Everton, especially if their target is to earn a Europa League spot. Wolves 1-2 Everton
Steen: Wolves have made some big additions during the transfer window and have quite an international side. Everton disappointed last year and I’m not convinced that is going to change now. Wolves 2-1 Everton
Southampton v Burnley
Shiven: Burnley, being the dark horses of last year, will look to carry their momentum over into the new Premier League season. Manager Sean Dyche seems confident that he can replicate his success from last season. Southampton will look to regain a mid-table finish this year, and a point in this fixture should be a positive for them. Southampton 0-1 Burnley
Steen: Burnley had an amazing year last year by their standards, while Southhampton were massive disappointments. I’d expect the script to flip on matchday one. Southampton 3-2 Burnley
Liverpool v West Ham United
Shiven: The two most active clubs in the transfer window, both bringing in some unbelievable talents. Liverpool look to be second favourites for the title win and if Jurgen Klopp can get his squad fired up and ready for a serious title challenge, on paper this game should be easy for the Merseyside team. Liverpool 4-1 West Ham United
Steen: A run to the Champions League final in May should inspire Liverpool to make a bid for the Premier League title this season. West Ham’s key singing, Andriy Yarmolenko, may not play, while Liverpool look set to debut Alisson in goal along with Naby Keita and Fabinho. I’d expect the Liverpool attack to click early. Liverpool 3-1 West Ham
Arsenal v Manchester City
Shiven: I think it’s safe to say this is the fixture of GW1. Arsenal, under new manager Unai Emery, look ready to begin creating history for this new era. Manchester City have already shown in the Community Shield that there has been no dip in their title-winning form. This fixture is bound to be high scoring and pretty close if Arsenal can remain disciplined at the back. Arsenal 2-2 Manchester City
Steen: The clash of the week. Just like Chelsea, it’s a new era for Arsenal and they are hoping to make the best of starts against the defending champions Manchester City. At least five starters are doubtful or out for City but they are still a supremely talented side. I expect a battle with neither side taking the win. Arsenal 2-2 Manchester City
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