Top-flight new boys aiming to bounce back

Sam Murley

Created: Sep 18, 2020 08:00 AM (Updated: Sep 18, 2020 04:29 PM)

The Premier League returned with all its usual drama, talking points and mesmerising football in an opening weekend that also proved a baptism of fire for the newly promoted sides.

All three suffered losing starts with West Bromwich Albion and Fulham going down 3-0 to Leicester City and Arsenal respectively, while Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United’s long-awaited return to the league did not disappoint as they pushed champions Liverpool to the wire in a last-gasp 4-3 defeat.

Manchester United and Man City kick off their campaigns, while Tottenham Hotspur could be handed a major transfer boost with the reported return of former hero Gareth Bale.

Tomorrow

Everton v

West Bromwich Albion

8.30am

Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton side were excellent in their 1-0 victory over Tottenham and should have won by a greater margin given the impact of their new-look midfield, including marquee signing James Rodriguez.

West Brom have won only two of their 12 Premier League visits to Goodison Park.

Prediction 2-0

Leeds United v Fulham

11am

While both sides suffered defeats last week, the manner of their losses couldn’t have been further apart in contrast.

Fulham looked blunt against a rampant Arsenal, while Leeds showcased their intent on attack. If it wasn’t for a late penalty they would have likely got a point against the champions.

Leeds scored with all three of their shots on target in their opening day defeat against Liverpool, and if they can continue that clinical streak, they are a strong shout to pick up three points.

Prediction 2-1

Manchester United v

Crystal Palace

1.30pm

Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace will be aiming to build on their 1-0 win over Southampton last time out and could catch Manchester United off-guard who are playing in their first game back since the shortened Summer break.

Wilfried Zaha would relish a second successive victory away at his former club, but Crystal Palace have never previously won back-to-back league trips to Manchester United.

Prediction 2-1

Arsenal v West Ham United

4pm

It’s always important not to get carried away with results after one game of the season, but West Ham’s 2-0 defeat at home to Newcastle would have felt like an ominous warning to their worried fans.

Arsenal, on the other hand, began their season in excellent fashion with a convincing 3-0 win away at Fulham.

Prediction 2-0

Sunday

Southampton v

Tottenham Hotspur

8am

Both sides suffered 1-0 defeats in their opening fixtures and will be desperate to kick start their campaigns with three points.

The two sides struggled for any sort of rhythm in those matches but the loan signing of Bale could prove just the boost José Mourinho’s side need.

Prediction 1-2

Newcastle United v

Brighton and Hove Albion

10am

Previous meetings suggest Brighton and Newcastle United should play out a closely-fought contest.

Both their previous matches ended 0-0 and another draw looks likely

Prediction 1-1

Chelsea v Liverpool

12.30pm

Both teams will be aiming to build on winning starts to the season, while Chelsea will also be looking to end a four-game winless streak against Liverpool.

The last league contest between these sides ended up with Jurgen Klopp’s side running out 5-3 winners and both side’s look as likely to score as they do conceding.

Prediction 2-3

Leicester City v Burnley

3pm

Burnley will be desperate to end an nine-game winless run in visits to Leicester City

Leicester City can be expected to dominate possession and create several successful chances, while Burnley have only scored more than one goal once in their last 12 games.

Prediction 2-1

Monday

Aston Villa v

Sheffield United

2pm

Sheffield United will be aiming to bounce back from their disappointing 2-0 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers against an Aston Villa side starting their campaign.

Record signing Ollie Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez could be in line for their Villa debuts.

Prediction 1-1

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City

4.15pm

Wolverhampton Wanderers will be aiming to make it back-to-back wins when they face Manchester City, playing in their first game this season.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side got off to a blistering start in their 2-0 win over Sheffield United last time out, scoring twice in the opening six minutes and will be hoping to catch Pep Guardiola’s side cold.

Manchester City have won each of their last two away Premier League games, but they have also lost three of their last five on the road and this could prove another potential tricky encounter.

Prediction 1-1

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Top-flight new boys aiming to bounce back