Predictions: Week One – Yahoo Sports
Every Thursday I will be previewing the Premier League fixture list, highlighting the relevant (as I see them) stats, trends and form lines. My focus will be the official PremierLeague.com game, but it’s all about plotting where the goals, assists and clean sheets are going to happen. So there is plenty to adopted and adapted for whatever format you play.
As the season progresses I will also be applying my own ‘contrarian’ stance on FL matters, trying to squeeze an advantage by latching onto a players, stats or trends that the general market might not pick up. You are free to ignore this, of course. But if nothing else it will prompt a bit of light entertainment and ‘pub talk’…
Now, to business…
The opening weekend is a bit of a minefield, of course. No form in the book, some players not fit, other players bedding into new teams – or waiting for the right deal, so they can. So there might be a few curveballs about, but that’s part of the puzzle. Here’s my take on the opening weekend…
Saturday Fixtures:
12.45 Manchester United v Tottenham
Only Chelsea have got a better opening day record than Man United, although they have lost two of their last three. Tottenham failed to score against United last season (0-3 & 0-0) and hopes rest on United target Harry Kane carrying on where he left off.
Score Prediction: United to edge it 2-1
MVP Prediction: Wayne Rooney has scored more opening day goals than any other current PL player (six).
15.00 Bournemouth v Aston Villa
If Bournemouth could’ve picked an opening day opponent, Villa would’ve been pretty high on the list. Full of goals last season, while Villa couldn’t buy one – and are now without their biggest goal threat (Benteke).
Score Prediction: Bournemouth to hit the ground running 2-0
MVP Prediction: Callum Wilson scored against Villa in the FA Cup last season and can make his PL bow here.
15.00 Everton v Watford
Everton need to start well after a wobbly pre-season, but have won just one of their last seven opening day fixtures. Watford will play with freedom and without pressure, so anything will be seen as a bonus here.
Score Prediction: A nervy start for Martinez 1-1
MVP Prediction: Romelu Lukaku. Big season for the big man.
15.00 Leicester v Sunderland
Could be the first six-pointer of the season! Leicester have only won one of their nine PL opening fixtures, Sunderland none of their last five. Both got plenty to prove this season though.
Score Prediction: Deeper in the season, it would have 0-0 written all over it. But we’ll go 2-2 based on early season rustiness.
MVP Prediction: Never mind Vardy, Leonardo Ulloa is the real danger man.
15.00 Norwich v Crystal Palace
No wins in 12 opening days for Norwich. A lack of quality signings could make for a few nervous Canaries this season. The Eagles, on the other hand, are soaring. Fifth best away record in the PL last season and looking to fly higher this time.
Score Prediction: First away win of the season – 0-2
MVP Prediction: Palace full-back Joel Ward can pick up his first clean sheet of the season.
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17.30 Chelsea v Swansea
Champions Chelsea boast the best opening day record in the PL, winning 50pts from a possible 69. Swansea won at Man United last time around, but averaged just 0.73 goals away from home. And Jose’s lot will be in better shape than LVG’s were last season…
Score Prediction: Chelsea love a 2-0 home win. Business as usual.
MVP Prediction: Eden Hazard’s pace will expose any early season rustiness.
Sunday Fixtures
13.30 Arsenal v West Ham
Arsenal have only lost one of their last 14 opening day encounters (W9 D4 L1) and will be buoyed by beating Champions Chelsea (even if they did ‘park the bus’). West Ham will want a better opening day than last season, when James Collins was sent off and Mark Noble missed a penalty. But I can’t see it better that good…
Score Prediction: Solid start for the Gunners – 2-0.
MVP Prediction: Olivier Giroud has scored five in five v West Ham. Theo Walcott has scored more goals v West Ham than any other PL team (five). Who starts, only Wenger knows…
13.30 Newcastle v Southampton
At least Newcastle aren’t starting their campaign against Man City this time (the last two have been. Both defeats). Southampton have been away in their last five PL openers and won here last season, but struggled for goals on the road – QPR scored more.
Score Prediction: Suspect both would take a draw, so we’ll go 1-1
MVP Prediction: Jack Colback’s four goals and six assists was a good effort in an appalling team last season. Could be a big year for him.
16.00 Stoke v Liverpool
When Steve Gerrard dreamt about his last match for Liverpool, I bet it didn’t include a six-goal drubbing away at Stoke. Liverpool will be hoping their first match of the post-Gerrard era doesn’t go the same way. Stoke haven’t won their opening tie since 2009 but will want at least a share of the spoils here.
Score Prediction: A point apiece will suit both managers here. 1-1
MVP Prediction: Christian Benteke hit a screamer last week and has always been a ‘streaky’ player. Could start well.
Monday Fixture
20.00 West Brom v Man City
Mmm, with Aguero, Bony, Silva and Nasri all doubtful City look – dare we say it – a bit toothless. And Tony Pulis is one of the best defensive ‘dentists’ in the business. West Brom will be well drilled for this one.
Score Prediction: I’ll take West Brom to get something – 1-1
MVP Prediction: Raheem Sterling could start his City career up front.
So there you have it. Twenty three goals, assists and four clean sheets up for grabs in Game Week One. Hope you are on the end of plenty of them.
The feature will develop as the season unfolds. As form lines appear, trends emerge and players sink or swim. I will be tracking all such developments, plus offering my own ‘contrarian’ stance on FL matters.
Until next time.
Matt Nesbitt’s unspectacular but joyful playing career has given way to a much more successful but miserable one writing about football and providing betting advice. Email: Matt Nesbitt
- Aston Villa
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