The start of the new Premier League season is here, with the big kick-off from Anfield on Friday night. To celebrate the beginning of the 2019/20 top flight, we take a quick preview of all the games coming up over the action-packed weekend.
Liverpool v Norwich – Friday, August 9th
Live on Sky Sports at 8.00 pm
After their second-place finish in the table last year, collecting the most points ever for a runner up, the Premier League title still eluded Liverpool. The Reds only lost once during the campaign, so will they have the ability to go just that little bit further to better Man City? Liverpool are 1/7 odds on favourites with leading bookmakers to win this opener. They have won 10 of the last 12 meetings with Norwich. The Canaries won the Championship last year, but are second-favourites to suffer relegation and are 14/1 to pull off a shock Anfield success.
West Ham v Man City Saturday, August 10th
Live on BT Sport at 12.30 pm
West Ham are the first to face the two-time reigning champions Man City this season. The Irons finished last season with some great home form, only losing one of their last nine. It will be interesting to see if former City boss Manuel Pellegrini can do a number on his old club on the opening weekend. The Citizens won their final seven away games last season as they powered to the title. Man City have scored at least four goals in each of their last four visits to West Ham (all competitions). City are 2/9 odds on with the Hammers at 11/1.
Bournemouth v Sheffield United
Saturday, August 10th – 3.00 pm kick-off
The Cherries started last season well and then it all fell apart, even flirting with relegation at one point. There doesn’t seem to have been much movement at the Vitality throughout the summer. Sheffield United will roll into the south coast after their automatic promotion from the Championship. The Blades are the 13/5 underdogs but the leading bookmakers remain unconvinced about the inconsistent Bournemouth with them at even money.
Burnley v Southampton
Saturday, August 10th – 3.00 pm kick-off
Burnley gave up too much at Turf Moor last season. They need to rediscover some home form to escape the troubles that they had last season. Fortunately, they have Sean Dyche still in charge and he’ll have them up for a fight. Southampton had their struggles last season as well until they were rescued by Ralph Hassenhuttl. There’s pressure on the Austrian now as the Saints will expect so much more after he’s had a summer to shape the squad to his liking. This looks like it will be a tight game, with Burnley at 13/8 and the Saints march into Turf Moor at 7/4.
Palace v Everton
Saturday, August 10th – 3.00 pm kick-off
Palace did a good job at the end of last season to get themselves safe from relegation with a degree of comfort. But still, they put in a stinker of a season at Selhurst Park, winning just five games there. As long as Wilfried Zaha sticks around they’ll have a chance. But Everton looks to be an exciting project this season with Marco Silva fully embedded at Goodison Park. Young striker Moise Kean has arrived to bolster the Toffees’ attack. Get some wind in their sails and they should be pushing for European action. A positive start away from home would give them a massive early boost as they were suspect on their travels in the last campaign. Everton are 11/8 to win this with the Eagles out at 2/1 despite home advantage.
Watford v Brighton
Saturday, August 10th – 3.00 pm kick-off
A strong start and then mediocrity for the rest of the season was what Watford produced. They were too good for pretty much anyone they faced from the bottom half of the table, but not good enough to contend with the stronger teams in the league. Will it be a season of stagnation for Javi Gracia’s men? Brighton survived relegation by the skin of their teeth last season. They were toothless in attack and vulnerable in defence. What will change for them? The Hornets are 10/11 for a home win with the Seagulls a 3/1 chance at Vicarage Road.
Spurs v Aston Villa – Saturday, August 10th
Live on Sky Sports at 5.30 pm
Tottenham, despite no signings last season, stuck in there for a top-four finish in the EPL and made the Champions League final. But still, it was another trophy-less season for Mauricio Pochettino’s men. When does it end? Do Spurs have the capacity to go even better? Their form in the final third of the season was poor, winning three of their last twelve league fixtures. Aston Villa make their Premier League return after relegation in 2016. They have been throwing around the cash to try and secure survival. Will it pay off? They are 9/1 underdogs in a massively difficult opener.
Leicester v Wolves
Sunday, August 11th – 2.00 pm kick-off
The Foxes have cash in their pocket after some smart business on their end in somehow getting Man Utd to cough up £80 million for Harry Maguire. Leicester have one of the most exciting young squads in the Premier League including Youri Tielemens who they have secured long term. Can boss Brendan Rodgers get them off to a flying start? Wolves were the success story last season, showing how to thrive and not survive after promotion to the top flight. They have the advantage of coming in a bit more match-ready after Europa League qualifiers having been played. Wolves are 12/5 underdogs at the King Power with Leicester at 6/5.
Newcastle v Arsenal – Sunday, August 11th
Live on Sky Sports at 2.00 pm
The Magpies haven’t had a good summer. Rafa Benitez bailed on them and in came Steve Bruce to take over at his boyhood club. Newcastle are the outright favourites to suffer relegation from the Premier League in the forthcoming season. That’s how much of a mess the top bookmakers think that they are in. Arsenal have doubled down on being an attacking side and not worrying so much about their flimsy defence. They have broken the club record to get Nicolas Pepe for an extra attacking option. Arsenal’s potent attack sees them go as 8/11 favourites at St James’ Park with Newcastle at 7/2.
Man Utd v Chelsea
Live on Sky Sports at 4.30 pm
The battle of fallen giants. Both clubs have managers who are starting their first full Premier League managerial season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a clear intention of making Manchester United a youthful, vibrant and energetic side. Basically the opposite of what they have been for the last few seasons. United won just one game against other top seven sides last season. Chelsea have Frank Lampard in charge, as they take on a new direction because of a transfer ban. It’s hard to gauge what is in store for either of these former Premier League champions this season. The Red Devils are 11/10 only at home to win this, with the visiting Blues at 5/2.
