So welcome back to another blog post. The title to this should be pretty self explanatory but I will explain anyway.
So me and the other lads from LifesTooSport will each week be predicting the scores from the round of Premier League games. As we get more support and backing on the site and across our social media platforms which you can follow us on now we may open this up to fans who also want to get involved. Could even get some prizes involved but we need your support first.
Points are as follows: 1 point for a correct result, 5 points for a correct result and score
Liverpool v Norwich City
The Premier League open up with the runners up of last season facing off against newly promoted Championship winners Norwich.
Norwich were impressive last season winning the Championship with surprising ease thanks to the goals from Timo Pukki and strong leadership via Daniel Farke.
The Canaries have been away from the Premier League for four seasons now. Back in 2015/16 Norwich struggled at the back and conceded 67 goals in their 38 Premier League games. This is something they improved on massively during their time in the Championship but it doesn’t get any tougher than visiting Anfield in your Premier League return.
Farke’s side have scored 12 goals in pre-season but on the flip side also conceded 11. It’s safe to say Norwich will be involved in some pretty high scoring encounters if this is anything to go by.
Norwich have clearly tried to improve their back line though with the signings of Sam Byram from West Ham and the impressive loan signing of Ralph Fahrmann from Schalke. Josep Drmic will most likely play back up to Timo Pukki but it will be interesting to see if Farke is brave enough to play two up top.
Liverpool have had an up and down pre-season losing to the likes of Napoli and Sevilla before beating Lyon. However, they then lost a tight encounter for the first silverware of the season as they lost 2-1 to Manchester City in the Community Shield final.
Another issue Liverpool have is that Sadio Mane is still missing from the side. The Senegalese forward was playing in AFCON during the summer break and has not yet returned to the Liverpool setup. The other lethal strikers in Roberto Firmino and Mohammed Salah have returned but have not been apart of the teams complete pre-season. It will be interesting to see just how sharp they are on the opening day.
Liverpool have made no major signings and will be relying on their core side from last season to go one better this time out.
The last time these two met back in 2015 at Anfield Norwich got a surprising 1-1 draw, I highly doubt this will be repeated as Liverpool have come on leaps and bounds since then.
Precictions: Joe 3-0, Jake 5-0 , Conor 3-0, Matt 2-1
West Ham United v Man City
This should be a cracker of a game to kick of the first Saturday of the new Premier League season. West Ham United are one of those sides which I think could prove a real problem for the big six and they could cause an upset against what looks like another incredibly strong and hungry Manchester City side.
West Ham should be set for a really strong season. They did lose their top goalscorer from last season in Marko Arnautovic to Shanghai SIPG but in my opinion have replaced him with someone even better. Sebastien Haller was brought in for a club record fee of £45m after scoring 20 goals in all competitions for Eintracht Frankfurt last campaign. The other impressive signing sees Pablo Fornals join from Villareal in which could be a very exciting deal for Hammers fans.
Samir Nasri, Andy Carroll and Adrian were all released by the club in a bid to get rid of some unneeded dead weight at the Olympic Stadium.
West Ham have an extremely exciting forward line which includes Haller, Fornals and Anderson but they could still be a little short at the back. Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena are still at the club but I worry about the full back positions and cover at centre half.
Manchester City will continue to sweep all before them this season in my opinion. They haven’t lost any big players after seemingly being able to keep hold of Leroy Sane despite continuous interest from Bayern Munich. They also managed to get in some great cover in the holding midfield area by signing Rodri from Atletico Madrid. The young Spaniard will act as a great replacement for Fernandinho when he moves on.
Pep will be hungry to keep hold of the Premier League title and will be looking to perhaps win it by a bigger margin this time out. After all we know Pep is a stickler for perfection. I for one think City will continue to lead the way in the league and I expect a huge return from a fully fit Kevin De Bruyne this season.
As I write this there are strong rumours that Joao Cancelo may be coming in from Juventus which puzzles me somewhat. City already have Kyle Walker as a right back but he was dropped by Pep last season for a stage, could this mean Cancelo will send Walker to the bench? Who knows.
The last time these two went head-to-head at the Olympic Stadium Manchester City ran out convincing winners. Leroy Sane scored twice as City ran out 4-0 winners. I expect a closer game this time out but City will still be to strong.
Predictions: Joe 1-3, Jake 0-3 , Conor 1-2 , Matt 1-3
Bournemouth v Sheffield United
Eddie How continues to perform heroics at Bournemouth and during their now 4 year stay in the Premier League he has taken them from certain relegation candidates to a top half side.
Howe has continued to bring in youngsters to this side including Lloyd Kelly from Bristol City and Harry Wilson from Liverpool on loan. The Cherries have also managed to keep hold of their big players such as Ryan Fraser and Callum Wilson and will be hoping they continue to fire like last season.
Bournemouth have always been involved in high scoring matches and I expect much of the same this season. They still look a little weak at the back, especially in the full back positions. Nathan Ake for me is their only solid defender and this always means they have to score two goals to win a game.
I expect another solid season though especially if they can continue to feed Wilson and King up top.
Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United are back in the Premier League after a considerable absence.
They haven’t exactly splashed the cash on their squad but they did bring in Swansea striker Ollie McBurnie for a club record fee of £17m. They also welcome back former Blades star Phil Jagielka and have also given former Premier League bad boy Ravel Morrison a chance to show his worth again.
Sheffield will find it tough to stay up but with the passion from the fans behind them and an experienced manager in Wilder I wouldn’t rule them out pulling off a Bournemouth esque survival.
On paper their squad is weak but courage and fight count for a lot. This opening game away at Bournemouth will give a good indication of where they are at. If they come here and get a result that would be a great start, but if they get turned over 3-0 it’s going to look a long season already.
Predictions: Joe 2-0, Jake 2-0, Conor 3-1, 2-0
Crystal Palace v Everton
This game has all the hallmarks of a cracking tie. Both teams are known for scoring their fair share of goals whilst also being pretty shaky at the back.
Palace have had a tough summer to say the least after lsoing Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Manchester United for £50m and the constant battle to hold onto star player Wilfied Zaha after bids from Arsenal and Everton.
The Eagles haven’t done much with the money for Wan-Bissaka. Only the arrival of Jordan Ayew has seen any money leave the club and that was a measly £2.5m. Maybe the struggle to bring players in is also another reason they are so desperate to keep hold of Zaha.
They did yesterday though bring in former Chelsea captain Gary Cahill in what looks like a really impressive signing, especially on a free transfer. He will help to keep the Palace defence organised with his top leadership skills. He has been a player left out in the cold recently by Chelsea and Palace could help him return to his best.
As for Everton they have not been afraid to splash the cash this window. The biggest signing for them has to be the amazing pull of Moise Kean from Juventus. The 19-year-old Italian joined for around £30m. They also brought in Fabian Delph from Manchester City and splashed £25m on Jean Philippe Gbamin from Mainz.
The biggest loss for the Toffee’s was Idrissa Gueye leaving to join PSG for £29m – the Senegalese star is going to be a big miss at Goodison and Marco Silva is looking to bring in some cover in this area by going after Watford star Abdoulaye Doucoure.
I think that Everton will have a strong season if they can keep it tight at the back which is something they’ve struggled with in recent seasons. They have a lot of talent going forward and I expect them to score their fair share of goals, they just need a few clean sheets to make a top 8 finish.
The last time these two sides locked horns it was a dull as dishwater 0-0. Hopefully we might actually see some goals this time out but I expect them to be pretty evenly matched.
Predictions: Joe 1-1, Jake 0-1 , Conor 1-2 , Matt 1-2
Burnley v Southampton
Sean Dyche’s Burnley continue to defy the odds as they start yet another season in the Premier League. They just about avoided the drop last season and with a more competitive league than ever before they might find it hard again this season.
Burnley have made very few changes to their squad from last year and this could be a major problem for them. They lack depth and quality in their squad and a poor transfer window could result in them dropping back to the Championship.
They did manage to sign a former star in Jay Rodriquez after he left West Brom. They also signed veteran defender Eric Pieters and young Leeds goalkeeper Bailey Peackock-Farrell.
There have been no major outgoings for the side as they are low on numbers as it is. I think Dyche needs to get some more players on board before the window ends.
Southampton have also had a pretty quiet summer. Ralph Hassenhutl has had a whole summer window to stamp his authority on this Saints outfit but it seems he doesn’t want to change much.
They have brought in Birmingham City striker Che Adams who should add some much needed fire power to the Saints front-line. He has looked sharp in pre-season and I predict he will make a quick start to his Premier League career.
Saints have gone from a young promising side who would comfortably finish in the top half to a side who now continuously flirt with relegation. I have a feeling they’re gonna be stuck in the same sort of battle this time out as well.
The last time these sides met a 94th minute Ashley Barnes penalty secured a point for Burnley in a 1-1 draw.
Predictions: Joe 1-1, Jake 1-1 , Conor 1-2 , Matt 1-1
Watford v Brighton
After just missing out on a top 10 finish last season Watford will be looking to go one better this time out.
The problem Watford have had in recent years has been in their back line. They have shipped quite a few goals and have only been helped out by the likes of Troy Deeney, Andre Gray and Gerard Deulofeu at the other end.
Javi Gracia has brought in West Brom defender Craig Dawson. They also pulled in the big coup of Danny Welbeck today after he was released by Arsenal after a long spell of injuries. The former Manchester United star still has a lot of quality and will be a great addition if Watford can keep him fit, which is easier said than done.
There have been no major outgoings from this Watford side which means they have so far been able to keep hold of Abdoulaye Doucoure which is a huge boost. He is a pivotal part to their squad who dictates the play.
As for Brighton they have a new manager in the shape of Graham Potter after they sacked Chris Houghton at the end of last season.
Houghton guided Brighton to yet another season of survival and the FA Cup semi-final which is some achievement. Potter had a solid season with Swansea and the club and fans are hoping he brings a more positive / attacking style to the Amex.
Potter has brought in some serious Championship talent in Bristol City defender Adam Webster and Brentford’s lethal striker Neal Maupay. Hopefully for Brighton these two can continue their good form in tougher company.
A surprising move for me see’s Anthony Knockaert leave the club to join Fulham. Knockaert was one of Brighton’s best performers in the Premier League and his raw attacking ability will be tough to replace.
At least Glenn Murray who isn’t getting any younger will have some help to score the goals now after the arrival of Maupay who scored 28 goals in all competitions last season.
Predictions: Joe 2-0 , Jake 1-1, Conor 2-1, Matt 2-1
Spurs v Aston Villa
Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to kick on from their fourth place finish last season and reaching the Champions League final. The London club have had time to settle in to their new state of the art stadium now and will be looking to hit the ground running against newly promoted Aston Villa.
After a few seasons without bringing in any big names Maurichio Pochettino splashed the cash on Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon and secured a loan deal for Giovanni Lo Celso on loan from Real Betis on deadline day.
The only major outgoing has seen Kieran Trippier join Atletico Madrid. This means the right back spot is well and truly up for grabs. Juan Foyth is most likely to get the nod but it could be a big season for Kyle Walker-Peters.
Keeping Harry Kane fit for the majority of the season will be hugely important. The striker missed periods of last year through injury and Spurs really struggled to score goals without him in the side. Son Heung-Min did his best to take up the mantle and I’m expecting to see him continue to provide goals for Pochettino’s side.
Keeping hold of Toby Alderweireld for what looks like another season is a bonus to Spurs who may have thought this was the window he finally departed.
Newly promoted Aston Villa have certainly not shied away from spending the big money to help compete in the Premier League. £120m plus has been spend by the side managed by Dean Smith.
The biggest signing comes from Club Brugge striker Wesley who cost £22m. The Brazilian is expected to score the goals after the departure of loan signing Tammy Abraham. Tyrone Mings was snapped up as well after impressing last season on loan and more Premier League experience was added with the arrival of Tom Heaton and Matt Targett.
Perhaps the biggest bit of business done over the summer though was keeping hold of captain Jack Grealish. The playmaker has been rumoured with many moved away form Villa Park in recent seasons but the local lad seems to be happier than ever at Villa.
The problem Henderson’s side might have is that they could face the ‘Fulham affect’. They also spent big money when they came up to the Premier League and soon went crashing back down. It is important that Villa get all of their new players to gel together quickly or face a tough return to the big time.
Predictions: Joe 3-0, Jake 3-1, Conor 1-0, Matt 2-1
Leicester v Wolves
Both Leicester and Wolves are sides that I think could beat anyone on their day. Two cracking managers in Brendan Rogers and Nuno Espirito Santos and some real strength in depth in their squads.
Wolves will be facing the challenge of Europa League football as well as league pursuits but with their summer signings I expect them to be as strong as ever.
Leicester spent big money on Newcastle star Ayoze Perez and a big chunk on securing the permenant deal of former Monaco midfielder Youri Tielemans, who reportedly turned down Manchester United for the Foxes.
One huge blow though has seen Rodgers lose vital centre half Harry Maguire. The England defender finally completed his move to Manchester United for a record fee for a defender of £80m. However, with the deal happening so late it left the Foxes unable to bring in a replacement with the money. This could be a problem for them but we will wait and see how Jonny Evans and co step up.
Wolves have continued to strengthen a side which went above and beyond last year. Raul Jimenez and Leander Dendoncker have both signed permanent deal with the club. Real Madrid defender Jesus Vallejo has joined on loan and Patrick Cutrone has signed for £23m from AC Milan.
A lot of dead wood has left the club but all of the major players are still very much firmly in and around the squad. Although last seasons squad was solid they needed more bodies with the Europa League slog coming in. Jimenez and Diego Jota will once again be key to Wolves style of play (counter-attacking) after their barrel load of goals last season.
I think Wolves will be solid once again this year and could even surprise Chelsea to a top 6 finish.
Predictions: Joe 1-1, Jake 2-2, Conor 1-1, Matt 1-1
Newcastle v Arsenal
Newcastle were a side I had destined for the drop only a few weeks ago. Especially after they replaced Rafa Benitez with Steve Bruce. Hardly a motivating appointment.
However, it seems Mike Ashley has backed Bruce, something Benitez never beleived he had, in the transfer window. Newcastle have brought in Joelinton form Hoffenheim and Allan Saint-Maximin from Nice. Both of these are huge improvements to the squad and highlight where the Toon army want to be heading.
Perhaps though it was another signing that will bring the Newcastle fans behind Bruce like no other. A free agent by the name of Andy Carroll. Yes, the big striker is back where he belongs in the North East.
Carroll was released by West Ham at the end of the season and Bruce did not think twice about reuniting the target man with his beloved Newcastle. If Carroll can remain fit we could see him back to his very best which saw him earn his move to Liverpool.
It’s at the back where I still think Newcastle could struggle. No real big name defenders brought in could be an issue. It might be a case of you score two we score three.
Speaking of that it leads us nicely on to Arsenal. Well it did about 24 hours ago. However, Arsenal managed to secure deadline day deals for Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney and Chelsea defender David Luiz. Both massive inclusions to an Arsenal defence that looked a little weak to say the least.
Arsenal lost club captain Laurent Koscienly in what was a pretty strange series of events. It seemed he wanted out and was not going to go without a show. Eventually he secured his move to Bordeaux and Arsenal can now move on.
One of the most impressive things the Gunners now boast is their attack. It has to be one of the most lethal strike forces in the Premier League, if not the world. Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and new signing Nicolas Pepe certainly have some goals in them.
Pepe joined from Lille for around £70m after an outstanding Ligue 1 seaosn which saw him score a bucket load of goals to fire his former club to second place in the league.
Arsenal will be a strong side this year as long as their new signings managed to plug the holes at the back. Time will tell whether Luiz is the answer but for now they look like a pretty impressive side.
Predictions: Joe 1-3, Jake 1-4, Conor 2-1, Matt 0-2
Manchester United v Chelsea
The final game of the opening weekend has to be the biggest of them all. Two sides who are up against it to break into the top four need to get off to a positive start under their inexperienced managers.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer begins his first full season in charge at United after having the back end of last year to make his mark. The Norweigan wanted to shake the squad up this summer but it didn’t all go to plan.
United struggled to bring in some of the attacking options that the fans wanted but it was at the back where they really did some serious business. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire were signed for a combined cost of £130m. For years now United have needed a new back line and this could just be the year that David De Gea gets some cover in-front of him.
Romelu Lukaku was sold on deadline day and United failed to replace the big Belgian but Solskjaer was not worried. He wants to see young talents such as Mason Greenwood be given a free run at the starting XI and by not filling his squad up too much this certainly helps.
United will be looking to get back to their best this season but they could still be some way off Liverpool, Manchester City and co.
From one managerial legend to another. Frank Lampard begins his Chelsea managerial career way at Old Trafford.
The former Chelsea great has had a tough start to his managerial career at Stamford Bridge though with the club being handed a transfer ban. Lampard has been unable to bring in anyone and has the added blow of losing Eden Hazard to Real Madrid.
It will be up to the Chelsea youngsters to make their mark this season. Some of them include the likes of Tammy Abraham who scored bundles of goals in the Championship for Aston Villa last season, Mason Mount who was managed by Lampard at Derby as well as Fiyako Timori.
David Luiz leaving on deadline day was another blow but it seems he was out of favor with Lampard which suggests heavily that the youngsters really will be trusted. The issue I have for this Chelsea side is that they have Champions League football as well. A young squad with limited experience and a transfer ban is all going to add up to a huge problem somewhere along the line for me.
Let’s see what Frankly Lamps can do but I worry for him and Chelsea.
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