Premier League: Predicting the winners of every opening weekend fixture

A new campaign of Premier League football has arrived. After a long-awaited return, fans are set to pack inside stadiums to full capacity for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. To little surprise to many on the Premier League betting market, Manchester City secured their third title under Pep Guardiola and brace themselves for another intense campaign if they are to throw off Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool and newly crowned European Champions Chelsea. Plenty of clubs have been active in the transfer market, with Manchester United splashing the cash on big money deals for Jadon Sancho and Raphaël Varane, whilst the newly promoted sides have moved quietly but could still be in with a chance of causing some upsets.

The opening day brings eternal optimism, well at least until your team concede first! The slate is wiped clean and the weeks of preparation and the ongoing season can be decided by those first integral minutes. Here is how we think each game will go.

Brentford vs Arsenal – Draw

The first Friday night football of the year sees Brentford welcome a full crowd to their new, state of the art Community Stadium for the first time since its opening. The buzz of a new league around the new ground combined with the mercurial form of Ivan Toney and a hungry Brentford side will take something from the Gunners – but Mikel Arteta’s side possess too much firepower to not score as well. This one will end level.

Burnley vs Brighton – Burnley win

Sean Dyche looks set for another season in charge of the Clarets, and with little transfer activity coming their way few could blame fans for their concerns as the squad continues to age. However, their starting XI is reliable and with Graham Potter losing Ben White and goals in short supply, we see Burnley use their home advantage to secure an opening day win.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace – Chelsea win

Chelsea will simply have too much in store for Patrick Vieira’s new look Crystal Palace. The Frenchman’s lack of managerial guile and tactical naivety could lead to an early sacking, as demonstrated by Frank De Boer’s early departure four years ago. Stamford Bridge is a tough place to get started and the only result that seems likely is a comfortable Chelsea victory.

Everton vs Southampton - Draw

Everton have had every blow dealt to them this pre-season. From underwhelming activity in the transfer market, to off-pitch issues with the authorities, Rafael Benítez simply has to hit the ground running to impress the Goodison faithful. We think they have enough quality to score goals but the firepower of Southampton’s Danny Ings, who is enjoying a resurgence in form, will make sure there are goals on display. Both teams will share a point.

Leicester City vs Wolves – Leicester win

Once again home advantage will prevail on the opening weekend. Leicester have come so close to reaching the top four on two occasions now and despite falling short at the final hurdle they always seem to start the season like a house on fire. Wolves have had a lack of transfer activity under Bruno Lage so we think they will struggle to overcome the Foxes who will be looking get their pursuit for Champions League football off to a strong start.

Manchester United vs Leeds - Manchester United win

As mentioned before, Manchester United have hardly been strapped for cash this season. Their new arrivals provide them with more strength in depth and following an inconsistent pre-season they will want to start the Premier League campaign strongly against rivals Leeds. Marcelo Bielsa’s side will work tirelessly as they always do, but the United frontline looks scary this season and we back them to take all three points at Old Trafford.

Norwich City vs Liverpool – Liverpool win

Liverpool endured a rather strange season last time out but still managed a third-place finish. Thought by many providing the latest Premier League betting tips to retain the title they won in 2020, injuries plagued Klopp’s side, who now look revitalised and poised for another title race. Their first task is the newly promoted Norwich City, who have done credible business over the summer but still lack enough of a threat to really hurt the Reds, regardless of the Carrow Road factor.

Newcastle United vs West Ham United – West Ham win

Fans of Newcastle have had it hard this summer. Their takeover now looks completely off and owner Mike Ashley has no real intention of investing in the squad. West Ham are another side frustrated with their owners but under David Moyes managed their highest Premier League finish ever last season. The fact Moyes has kept the core of his team together and had a strong pre-season means they go into the opening day with more momentum than the Magpies and will leave Tyneside with an away win.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City - Draw

The highlight of the weekend in many people’s eyes, we get to see Nuno Espírito Santo in charge of Spurs for the first time. Manchester City visit North London knowing a bright start to the new season is integral with so many other sides in contention for the title. Their formidable winning run domestically was only dampened by the Champions League final loss to Chelsea, but even with that in mind and the loss of Sergio Agüero, goals will hardly be in short supply. Spurs will start the game strongly no doubt, but City will see too much of the ball throughout the duration of the 90 minutes and will create too many chances for the Lilywhites to live with.

Watford vs Aston Villa - Draw

Watford have every chance of survival this season after gaining automatic promotion from the Championship. They have players who have been around the block combined with youthful exuberance such as talisman Ismaïla Sarr. Villa have had deals spurned all summer but still have the ability to score goals on the road. Against the assumptions of many believing this to be a drab game for the opening day, we see goals from both sides coming in abundance – a score draw.