The premier League is back, and it kicks off at the Olympic Stadium where West Ham will entertain last season’s Champions Manchester City.
The Hammers finished 10th last season but with the new arrivals, they will be expected to challenge for a European spot. New signings Sebastian Haller, as well as playmaker Pablo Fornals, will be key to achieving this goal.
Their first hurdle will be the Champions, who are on the back of a penalty shootout victory over Liverpool in the Community Shield. Pep Guardiola’s side has dominated English football in the last few seasons and it will be interesting to see who will stop them.
Rodri and Joao Cancelo were brought in during the transfer window to strengthen an already impressive squad, and with seven straight victories against the Hammers, will be expected to come out on top.
Tottenham will take on familiar faces Aston Villa at White Hart Lane.
The Lilywhites had a good last season, finishing in the top four and reaching the Champions League final with no signings being made. This time however new faces have come in, including Tanguy Ndombele, Giovanni Lo Celso and Ryan Sessegnon.
Villa have made a host of signings in a bid to avoid relegation. With the league expected to be fiercely contested this season, can Dean Smith’s men beat the drop at the first time of asking?
Crystal Palace will take on an ambitious Everton side at Selhurst Park. The Eagles will aim to have a better season and will be glad to have seen off interest from a number of clubs for their star man Wilfried Zaha, one of those being Everton.
The Toffess have improved key areas, bringing in the likes of Juventus striker Moise Kean and Monaco fullback Djibril Sidibe. Alex Iwobi was a deadline day signing, as Marco Silva begins his quest for a top six finish.
Bournemouth and Sheffield United will go head to head at the Vitaly Stadium, with both sides looking to get their campaigns off to winning starts.
Brighton will travel to Vicarage Road to take on Watford.
The Seagulls will begin life without Chris Houghton, who was relieved of his duties after an unimpressive campaign by their supposed standards. Watford will look to improve on their 11th placed finish last season, and a home game is a good way to start.
Southampton will travel to Turf Moor to take on Burnley.
On Sunday, the game of the weekend takes center stage when Manchester United battle Chelsea at Old Trafford. All eyes will be on Frank Lampard, who will be making his Premier League coaching debut agaibst a side he competed against frequently as a player.
United on the other hand will be looking to kick off with a win, particularly after having a below par summer transfer window. United are also unbeaten in their last three games against the Londoners and lead the all time head to head record with 78 wins to Chelsea’s 54.
Both teams had impressive pre season campaigns, with United going unbeaten and Chelsea picking up a win over Barcelona. The Blues will however be concerned about their defence, especially after losing David Luiz to Arsenal, and will also be missing star man Eden Hazard, who has linked up with Real Madrid. Harry Maguire could start in defence for United, and Pogba is a doubt for the game due to a back injury.
Chelsea will be missing Antonio Rudiger, Callum Hudson Odoi and Ruben Loftus Cheek, while Ngolo Kante and Willian are yet to attain full fitness. Ultimately, United are the favorites here and we could be in for a goal feast.
Newcastle and Arsenal will face off at St. James Park. The Magpies will be aiming for a good campaign after finishing 13th last season, while Arsenal will be brimming with confidence after having their best transfer window in years.
The likes of Nicolas Pepe, Dani Ceballos (on loan), David Luiz and Kieran Tierney have all been brought in as they look to make a return to playing Champions League football. The Gunners have won their last two matches against them and are tipped to make it three in a row.
Leicester City will take on Wolves at the King Power Stadium. Both teams have ambitions of finishing in the top six, with Leicester bringing in Ayoze Perez and Youri Tielemans on a permanent deal to strengthen the side.
They will however be hoping the loss of Harry Maguire to Manchester United doesn’t in any way derail their progress under new manager Brendan Rodgers. Wolves will be playing Europa League football this season and will be hoping the Thursday night fixtures won’t take a heavy toll on their squad. Wolves lead the head to head battles with 43 wins to Leicester’s 38. This will certainly be a match to watch.
