Courtesy: Bleacher Report
Well guys, it is finally here. After what seems like an eternity since the last season finished it is now once more time to turn our attention to the English Premier League. Over the course of the season I will try to give you my humble opinion on the match ups, some facts and my guess at the scores for you all to either ridicule or be amazed at my Nostradamus type powers! So here we go.
SATURDAY
Liverpool v Stoke
The first game will kick off at 7:45 am EST and will see Liverpool host Stoke City. Liverpool fans will be grateful that finally talk of Luis Suarez, which has dominated the summer headlines, will hopefully take a backseat to the action on the field. It is still unclear as to whether he will still be a Liverpool player when the transfer window slams shut on the 2nd September.
Liverpool under performed last season and Brendan Rogers will be looking to improve on that this time around. Kolo Toure came in on a free transfer from Man City but they also have lost Jamie Carragher, which will leave a hole.
For Stoke City, they have a new Manager with Mark Hughes. I think this manager is suited to Stoke City more than he was Fulham or even QPR, but that doesn’t mean they will not struggle. He is more attacking minded than Pulis was, with Hughes being a striker in his playing days that is understandable. The test will come in defense where they were quite strong last year, which is why it is quite good to see that he hasn’t gone in and tore the whole team up, something that was done at City and QPR, although he did have more money at those two sides.
My prediction: 2-1 (and I wouldn’t bet against Suarez getting on the score sheet).
Arsenal v Aston Villa
Arsenal have had money to spend this close season but haven’t done so. Part of this could be because of the ongoing Suarez saga but this is typical Wenger each season. I do not think Arsenal will get their man and I think Arsenal fans will become more frustrated as the lack of spending continues.
Villa thought they had been dealt a blow midweek with the striker they so worked so tirelessly to hold on to was reported to have received a broken leg while on International duty. These rumors have been denied and hopefully it is the case that he is fine. Lambert will be looking to Benteke to provide the same killer instinct up front which he showed last season.
Prediction: 0-1
Norwich v Everton
I am very excited to see the new look Norwich City side when they take to the pitch this Saturday. Since taking over the club Manager Chris Hughton has totally revamped Norwich’s mentality on and off the pitch. The fact that they have managed to attract Van Wolfswinkel, Gary Hooper and Leroy Fer shows exactly how the mood has changed at Carrow Road.
Visiting is Roberto Martine who left Wigan at the end of last season. He has managed to hold on to Fellaini and Baines, both who were reported to be on ex Everton Manager David Moyes wanted list. I think Martinez will do a good job at Everton and it will start with a draw on Saturday
Prediction: 1-1
Sunderland v Fulham
Paolo Di Canio had a great end to last season and managed to save Sunderland from relegation. In the summer he signed many, many players and this could go one of two ways. Either they will help improve the side or they will be too much of a distraction. Sometimes many good individuals do not make a good team.
Fulham have also signed a few decent names but I think they are more of an addition to the current regime rather than a complete overhaul.
Prediction: 2-2
West Brom V Southampton
Tough one to call here. West Brom will look to Anelka and Vydra to provide some goals upfront for the Baggies this season. Anelka was know for his pace when he was younger, now it is not as assured but pace wise they will look to Vydra and just hope Anelka can get into decent positions. If Anelka is in the right place odds are that he will score.
Southampton have also made some good signings and no one will wipe the smile of Ricky Lamberts face after a debut England goal midweek. A tough game for both teams and I think no matter how this goes they may just finish up close together come the end of the season.
Prediction 0-0
West Ham V Cardiff
Andy Carroll did well here last season on loan and now the move has been made permanent. West Ham will be the favorites in this game and I honestly cannot see them losing this one.
Cardiff will look to get results from their home games and any trips away that yield points will have to looked on as a bonus.
Prediction: 3-0
Swansea V Manchester United
Forget about the Community Shield last week this will be David Moyes first test as Manchester United manager. Away to Swansea was never a good place for many of the top clubs to go to last season and this season I feel will be just as tough. Add to that the fact Swansea have already played two Europa League qualification matches so will be closer to top gear when the game kicks off at 12:30pm.
David Moyes has certainly continued with the Manchester United tradition of crying over every decision that seems to go against you. The Rooney saga has been criticized by Moyes who despairs at Chelsea’s repeated attempts to sign Rooney after he has stated the English striker isn’t for sale. Then he turns around and continues to bid on Fabregas after he has been told the same thing. When I thought it could get no more pathetic he comes out and says he cannot believe how tough the start to United’s season is. I agree it is hard, but imagine how easy it is at the end of the season. It all works out Mr Moyes, and I think this could be the pressure getting to him already. It will be a tough game on Saturday and if it ends in defeat then prepare to hear the voices of discontent already.
Prediction: 2-1
SUNDAY
Crystal Palace V Tottenham
Despite the advertisements Ted Lasso will not be in the Spurs dugout for this game, although a conversation between him and Ian Holloway would be television gold! Ian Holloway is the man who wears his heart on his shoulder and says what he likes. As a result it will be interesting to see in he gets more fines than Palace get points. Expect this team to be explosive and not always in ways beneficial to them, scoring and conceding goals a plenty.
Tottenham have done very well to keep Gareth Bale and a lot of credit has to go to the backroom management for that. Losing Dempsey though, I don’t think can be underestimated. Willing to put his body on the line and leaving the field with nothing left to give. If they can keep hold of Bale past the window though I do see them challenging a couple of the top four at seasons end.
Prediction: 0-4
Chelsea V Hull City
One of the favorites to win the title this go around you cannot help but favor Chelsea. Certainly this particular game should be a no-brainer when it comes to which way the three points will go at games end.
Hull signed Huddlestone from Spurs and to be fair this game is not one Bruce will lose much sleep over if it ends in defeat. The main focus should be having three teams below you after 38 games.
Prediction 3-1
MONDAY
Manchester City V Newcastle
Pellegrini will head into Mondays game with a wealth of attacking options but questions at the back. For now either Lescott or Richards can partner Kompany at the back but before the window end I am sure another name will be added. It will be interesting to see how the City new boys feature for their new club but for me I am excited to see if Nasri will finally recreate the form we saw at Arsenal and Edin Dzeko score a wealth of goals and begin starting games rather than warming the bench.
For Newcastle I sense a lot of disruption at this club yet again. Joe Kinnear is back as Director of Football. I am sure that didn’t go down well with Pardew who now faces rumors that Kinnear had been approached not once but twice to be rehired as Manager before Pardew took the job. Now the guy has his feet under the table I am sure Pardew may be looking at a bigger threat from behind him than anything in the opposing dugout. Pardew will be out by Christmas I have no doubt.
Prediction: 4-0
