It’s great to be back and I’m looking forward to doing my predictions each week for BetVictor! Let’s take a look at the games for this opening weekend of fixtures and I’ll do my best to give you what I think will happen.
Liverpool 3-1 Bournemouth
Liverpool have been busy this summer in the transfer window and I’m looking forward seeing what Arne Slot can do after spending plenty. The Community Shield gave us a glimpse of what to expect, I think this year Liverpool will certainly be one of the most entertaining sides to watch. Wirtz and Ekitike will help to produce plenty of goals. Kerkez faces his old side here, who played some nice football last season and face a bit of a rebuilding job with plenty of last season’s talent been picked off by bigger clubs.
I’m going for a routine home win, but I can see Liverpool conceding.
One to watch: It’s an easy one here, Mo Salah has an outstanding record of scoring on the first day of the season. I expect him to score in an entertaining win for Liverpool.
Aston Villa 1-1 Newcastle
I’m expecting plenty of goals in this Saturday lunchtime game. I felt sorry for Eddie Howe this summer with the Isak transfer saga rumbling on, it feels inevitable that he’ll leave the club, players just seem to hold all the power these days.
Both sides have aspirations of Champions League football once again this season and both should be targeting domestic cup runs.
I’m anticipating a draw here. Lots of people may point to Newcastle’s poor results in preseason but I never feel like that tells the whole picture. I think as long as they can nick a goal they can get something from Villa Park which hasn’t been the easiest place to go in recent years for them.
One to watch: Aston Villa haven’t changed too much about their squad this summer, but keeping Ollie Watkins fit and healthy is vital for them. I think he is the key man in this game and can see him being involved plenty.
Brighton 2-0 Fulham
Brighton have had another busy summer and brought in a few additions. They’ve made a few signings at the back, which was probably their undoing last season. I never worry about them going forward but last year, they just shipped too many goals.
It’s been a very quiet summer for Fulham and knowing how ambitious Marco Silva is, he won’t be happy. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think they’ll have a bad season or anything but they could stagnate a little and you’ve always got to be pushing forward in this league.
2-0 to Brighton.
One to watch: There’s been plenty of talk about Baleba’s future. This young lad is a very, very good player but Brighton will be in no hurry to lose him and we all know Tony Bloom commands huge fees for his players.
Sunderland 2-2 West Ham
I fancy a really good game at the Stadum of Light. It’s great to see Sunderland back, it’s been a long journey for those fans in the last few years! We’re guaranteed a fantastic atmosphere and they’ve spent a bit of cash in the last few weeks.
Potter can’t be happy with the lack of investment in the side. Kudus has gone to Spurs and they haven’t replaced him. All doesn’t seem right at West Ham at the minute.
I think we’ll see goals here. 2-2.
One to watch: It has to be Granit Xhaka. When this lad left Arsenal a couple of seasons ago, I thought that was the last we’d see of him in the league, let alone he’d turn up at Sunderland! He’ll be a huge player for them this season.
Spurs 3-0 Burnley
Oh, I was gutted for Spurs the other night; they were so close to such a great win. Nonetheless Thomas Frank has to take so many positives from the game. Palhinha looks a great signing in midfield, and I thought Kudus was very bright.
This could be a long season for Burnley and Scott Parker. They did so well to get back up, but they haven’t really spent a lot in the summer, and I just think the gap between the divisions is so big nowadays.
An easy home win.
One to watch: No Maddison for most of the season is a huge blow for the team and for the lad himself, I was gutted for him. Kudus has come in though and I think he could be a very, very good addition.
Wolves 0-3 Man City
Losing Cunha is a massive blow for Wolves, he was head and shoulders their best player last season. They’ve brought in a few signings, and I know the lad Arias really caught the eye during the Club World Cup.
I’m excited to see City this season. It feels like a rebuild for Pep but I think he’ll be up for challenge, and they’ve brought in some good additions so far. He’ll think his side has a point to prove this season.
I think City cruise this and lay down an early season marker. 3-0.
One to watch: Cherki has to be the one to watch here. I’ve seen little of glimpses of this lad, and he seems like a real maverick talent and if Pep can fully unleash him, he could be one of the signings of the season.
Chelsea 3-1 Palace
It’ll be interesting to watch Chelsea this season; a few people are tipping them to be in the title race. They’ve brought in more new singings, and I don’t think they’re finished in that regard. They definitely have plenty of attacking quality, can they keep the ball out of the net at the other end though?
I was glad Palace got the win last week, I think they’ve been so unfortunate with the whole Europa League situation. Glasner can’t be happy, and I know he’s desperate to get a few more signings in.
I just think Chelsea will have too much for Palace here, 3-1.
One to watch: I liked Joao Pedro at Brighton, he’ll be a good signing and should make that striker position his own.
Forest 2-0 Brentford
It will be interesting to watch Forest this season. I’ll be honest, I thought Gibbs-White was a certainty to go, keeping him might be the best bit of business they’ve done! That’s them now confirmed to be in the Europa League too, that’ll be fantastic for those fans.
It’s all change for Brentford. Thomas Frank, gone. Norgaard, gone. Mbemo, gone. Talk about a tough situation for the new gaffer, Keith Andrews. I trust the club though, they’ve been so well over the years, and I think they can stay up.
I think Forest win this one 2-0.
Man Utd 2-2 Arsenal
Who knows what to expect from United this season? It’s anyone’s guess! They’ve brought in a few forward players though and I like the business they’ve done. That being said, I’m a little surprised to see so few additions at the back or in midfield. I thought that was more needed personally.
As for Arsenal, after going so close in the last couple of seasons, is this finally going to be their year? Arteta’s strengthened the squad, added some extra firepower and they look well-equipped for another title challenge.
I just think we’ll see a thriller at Old Trafford. Plenty of goals, plenty of chances for both sides. I’m going for a draw.
Leeds 1-1 Everton
Another game I’m looking forward to! I love seeing Leeds back in the top flight, talk about a historic stadium! I like the business Leeds have done and I’d probably say that they’re the most likely of the promoted sides to stay up.
It’s all change for Everton. No more Goodison and I’m really sad about that. The new stadium looks fantastic though, and they couldn’t have a better manager for this club than David Moyes. I think they’ll have a good season.
1-1 and a very competitive game under the lights at Elland Road.
One to watch: Hello Jack Grealish! I’ve always liked Jack and I think this could be a great move for Everton and David Moyes. I’m sure the lad will be motivated and desperate to get back to his best in a World Cup year.
