The Premier League is back for another year of exhilarating action. Will Manchester City be caught, or will they make it a third title in a row? How will the new managers fare in their first games of the season? Welcome to Last Word On Football’s Premier League preview of Matchweek 1.
Premier League Preview: Matchweek 1
Games to Look Out For
Manchester United v Chelsea
The game of the weekend sees Frank Lampard get his first taste of managerial action in the Premier League away at Manchester United.
It marks a new era for both clubs, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer embarks on his first full season as Manchester United manager. New signings Daniel James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire are all likely to feature, with the latter two in contention to start.
However, new signings are amiss at Chelsea. The only permanent arrival of the summer Mateo Kovacic will feature in some aspect. It is youngsters Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham who are likely to catch the eye. Both have impressed during pre-season and, as a result, are likely to be rewarded.
Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa
Championship play-off winners Aston Villa begin their return to the Premier League with an away trip to Tottenham Hotspur. Dean Smith’s side will be hoping to pull off an upset, while Tottenham will look to build on their Champions League final disappointment.
The Villains have added emphatically to their squad. A number of their new additions are likely to start against Tottenham, including goalkeeper Tom Heaton and club-record signing Wesley.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino biggest issue is likely who to deploy at right-back. Kyle Walker-Peters has started all bar one of their pre-season games. However, he is also facing competition from Serge Aurier and Juan Foyth for his spot.
LWOF Predicts
Liverpool v Norwich City
The opening game of the season sees promoted side Norwich City travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool. It could be a tougher game than expected for the Champions League winners, however, they should have enough quality to take the three points.
Liverpool 3-1 Norwich City
West Ham United v Manchester City
Champions Manchester City travel to West Ham United for their first game of the season and should take the three points back to Manchester comfortably. The result won’t have a detrimental effect on West Ham’s season.
West Ham United 0-2 Manchester City
Bournemouth v Sheffield United
For the second season in a row, Bournemouth face a newly promoted side at home on the first day of the season. However, they may find it tougher this season against a tough-to-beat Sheffield United.
Bournemouth 1-1 Sheffield United
Burnley v Southampton
The Clarets are playing host this year in a reversal of last season’s opening day fixture. A cagey 0-0 affair marked these two sides opening day last season, and similar could occur this time around.
Burnley 2-2 Southampton
Crystal Palace v Everton
Everton will be hoping for Europe this season, while Crystal Palace are looking to maintain their Premier League status. Everton look the stronger on paper, and should come away from Selhurst Park will all three points in what could be the game of the day.
Crystal Palace 1-2 Everton
Watford v Brighton & Hove Albion
Watford face off against Brighton at Vicarage Road in their first game of the season for the second season running. New Brighton manager Graham Potter will be hoping to begin with a win.
Watford 1-0 Brighton & Hove Albion
Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa
There is potential for an upset here. However, the new boys at Aston Villa will take time to gel, and there will be more important games for Dean Smith to look out for this season.
Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 Aston Villa
Leicester City v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Leicester City begin their quest for the Europa League against a fellow rival for seventh place. After a long trip to Armenia for their Europa League qualifier, Wolverhampton Wanderers may suffer a hangover at the King Power Stadium.
Leicester 3-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Newcastle United v Arsenal
Steve Bruce faces a difficult opening first game as Newcastle United manager. Arsenal have signed well, and will be hoping to demonstrate their threat at St James’ Park and show their attacking qualities.
Newcastle 1-4 Arsenal
Manchester United v Chelsea
Neither manager will want to lose their opening game of the season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will face severe scrutiny if they suffer defeat at Old Trafford. As a result, he could set his side up for a cagey draw.
Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
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