Premier League Weekend Preview: A new era begins!
By Tushar Bahl
The Premier League is back! Ninety days after the end of an exhilarating season, the biggest league in the world swings back into action, for what promises to be another exciting season in store for us.
Reigning Champions Leicester City will begin their Premier League title defense in the first game of the season, with a trip to newly-promoted side Hull City. Manchester City, Manchester United, and Chelsea will start their new eras under new management this weekend, while Arsenal take on Liverpool in the glamour game of the weekend. So who will get off to a flyer? And who will have a cause for concern? Here is a look..
Hull City v Leicester City – Saturday
Reigning Champions Leicester City will look to get off to a bright start to their Premier League season, as they look to defend their crown. They take on a Hull City side, that has been depleted by injuries, and are currently without a manager. Leicester’s superior attacking power should give them a comfortable victory in this one.
Burnley v Swansea – Saturday
Newly-promoted Burnley welcome Swansea in their first Premier League game of the season, and it should be a close game. Swansea have made some strong signings, and they should be able to beat Burnley in this one.
Crystal Palace v West Brom – Saturday
Crystal Palace endured a frustrating end to last season after a great 2015. They are still without a striker, but should be able to get past a West Brom side who will try to frustrate them even more with their solid defense.
Everton v Tottenham – Saturday
Everton start a new era under Ronald Koeman with a tricky fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. Koeman has done some shrewd business so far since joining the club, and Tottenham should expect a tight game at Goodison Park. Both teams have lots of quality in their sides, and they will cancel out each other, with the game ending in a draw.
Middlesbrough v Stoke – Saturday
Middlesbrough have done really well in the transfer market so far, signing some exciting players, as well as two experienced Spanish internationals in Victor Valdes and Alvaro Negredo. They face a Stoke side, who had a good last season under Mark Hughes, and they should be able to get a draw this weekend.
Southampton v Watford – Saturday
Another summer, and another exodus at Southampton, who have lost some of their best players and their manager in the transfer window. But Southampton have always done a fine job after changing managers, and they should be able to get a comfortable win against Watford. Watford haven’t really strengthened too well, and could well be set for a tough season under Walter Mazzarri.
Man City v Sunderland – Saturday
Pep Guardiola’s first official game in charge of Manchester City, and he will look to get off to a fast start, as they look to win back the title. They take on Sunderland, where manager David Moyes will look to make his mark after failing to make the grade at Manchester United. Sunderland will make it tough for the hosts, but Manchester City should be able to win this one.
Bournemouth v Man Utd – Sunday
Bournemouth had a great first season in the Premier League last year, but they have lost their captain Matt Ritchie in the summer. Manchester United will come into this game full of confidence, having won the Community Shield on Sunday against Leicester, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic and co. should be able to see off Bournemouth comfortably, and get the Jose Mourinho era off to a great start.
Arsenal v Liverpool – Sunday
The big game of the weekend sees Arsenal take on rivals Liverpool at the Emirates stadium. Arsenal have been struggling with injuries once again, and have been shy at spending money on new players once again. Liverpool on the other hand, have made quite a few signings, and they should have a better season this time around as Jurgen Klopp looks to make the team his. This game should end up as a draw, with both teams getting on the score-sheet, as both Arsenal and Liverpool are very weak defensively.
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Chelsea v West Ham- Monday
The return of Monday night football sees Chelsea take on West Ham in a London derby. Antonio Conte begins his charge with a home game, and he should improve Chelsea this season.
They face a West Ham side who are very ambitious, and will look to enjoy another good season under manager Slaven Bilic. But Chelsea should win this one comfortably with their superior strength and ability.