Premier League Predictions - Week 1

Saturday 13th August

12:30

Hull City vs Leicester City: 0-4

In spite of the fact I don't think Leicester will be title challengers this season I still think they will rip a disastrous Hull squad to shreds. Perhaps with Musa, Vardy and Mahrez all on display I am being rather complimentary to Hull in suggesting they will keep the score as low as 4! With 13 senior players to name, some of whom are past it (Dawson, Huddlestone) others who are terribly inconsistent (Livermore, Hernandez) Hull will indefinitely begin a desperate downwards spiral from tomorrow onward.

15:00

Burnley vs Swansea City: 0-0

Will Borja Baston feature?

I think the scoreline depends largely upon the two sides' strikers, Gray of Burnley and Swansea's record breaking £15 million arrival Baston from Atletico Madrid. The fact that the Spaniard only arrived on Thursday would hint that he would be miles from starting, then again Swansea's desperate situation and the loss of Gomis and Eder means they are beyond desperate for a man to fill the void up top, I'd select Baston ahead of 31 year old Llorente. Gray is a hot prospect alongside Wales' Vokes, however I expect a nervy opening game from a cautious Burnley side looking to find their feet upon their return to the Premier League.

Crystal Palace vs West Brom: 0-1

Similarly to Swansea Alan Pardew's side have been missing a man up front, especially with Gayle's summer move to the Championship. Whilst Wickham is at their disposal, and will start vs West Brom, they have been heavily linked with Benteke to score the goals to keep them up. West Brom may see a striker in Berahino going the other way, once again questions lie over who will start between Rondon and Berahino. I predict a tight match but for West Brom's sturdy defence to hold firm, perhaps they will force a goal off a set piece or a Rondon header.

Everton vs Tottenham: 2-2

Williams is a Liverpool fan!

A match that could easily go either way given some of the attacking talents of Kane, Lukaku, Barkley and Alli on display, I expect it to be an entertaining affair as a result. Eyes will be on the English talents of Spurs to see how they perform compared to a disastrous Euros campaign - will Alli get an assist to his name? Will Dier keep up his immaculate tackling? One thing is for sure Kane won't be on corners! Out of all the 3 o'clock kick offs this is certainly the
one to watch, with new signings of Wanyama and Williams potentially out to strut their stuff.


Middlesbrough vs Stoke 2-1

It will be intriguing to see how Middlesbrough fair given the introduction of new faces in Fischer and Valdes as well as the display of more well known English football figures in Downing and Rhodes. Stoke have been very inactive in the transfer window excluding a bid for Berahino, they will be hoping the talents of Arnautovic, Shaqiri and Imbula will turn up and put on a show in their opening game. Unfortunately for Potters fans I can only see Negredo and Rhodes starting up a fiery partnership to see Middlesbrough to an early win.

Southampton vs Watford 2-0

I would be surprised if Southampton don't overcome an average Watford side who lack real quality excluding Ighalo up top. The pace of Redmond and Long as well as the creativity of Tadic makes for a deadly trio up top as well as Rodriguez and Austin ready to come off the bench. Watford's midfield is feeble if not non existent by consequence I expect them to be facing the threat of relegation next season. Should be a good start for the Saints.

17:30

Manchester City vs Sunderland 4-0

Kone only arrived in Janurary 2016

Manchester City have come leaps and bounds since the end of an underwhelming 2015/16 season. Once Aguero and De Bruyne return to full fitness and Pep decides upon his best XI I think the sky blues will be unstoppable. Sunderland look mediocre at best, Manonne in net gives fans the same confidence as David Moyes taking a blindfold penalty! Furthermore Kone in their defence is set on a move elsewhere and their midfield is so transparent it could still be on holiday! Expect a rampant City to send a message out to their competitors...

Sunday 14th August

Bournemouth vs Manchester United 1-1

The match which delayed an end to a disappointing Manchester United season last year couldn't come quicker this time around for eager Red Devils' fans who dream of seeing Pogba and Ibrahimovic on the pitch at once. I don't think it will be the dream start Mourinho will be hoping for, Bournemouth are a surprising threat up top with the pace of Wilson, Gradel and Ibe, especially given the fact Valencia, a former winger is at right back as well as the rash Bailly in the middle. Where Manchester United fail in defence they will make up for in attack, Pogba is suspended and will not feature yet expect Ibrahimovic, Rooney, Martial and Mkhitaryan out to impress as their places may be under threat from the Frenchman. It'll be a lacklustre start for such a promising squad.

Arsenal vs Liverpool 2-2

Ramsey scored and assisted four at the Euros for Wales

Holding and Chambers will leave Liverpool's riveting attack of Firmino, Mane, Coutinho and Wijnaldum frothing at the mouths with anticipation. Excluding a weak central defence as a result of injuries Arsenal look dominant in every other position especially if Ramsey can replicate his Euros form and Sanchez stays fit. Given both sides defensive frailties I expect an encapsulating match which will include goals in abundance!

Monday 15th August 

Chelsea vs West Ham 1-2

Carroll's aerial ability will be of threat to Chelsea

As much as I envy Chelsea's squad I have a feeling that West Ham are onto something special with the creative talents of Payet and Lanzini, the pace of Antonio and Feghouli but also the heading unstoppable abilities of Carroll and Ayew. I see no reason why the Hammers can't go far in both the Premier and Europa League,  as a result I can see Bilic's men overcoming a Chelsea side not sure of their best team.






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