The Premier League roars back into action this weekend with an intriguing set of fixtures to get the pulses racing again.
Arsenal look to be heading in the right direction under Mikel Arteta but won’t have it all their own way at promoted Fulham, while fellow new boys Leeds United are back in the big time after a 16-year absence.
Marcelo Bielsa’s boys couldn’t have asked for a tougher start as they travel to the home of the champions, while big spending Chelsea begin their campaign at Brighton on Monday.
As ever, Betfair ambassador Dimitar Berbatov previews the action for Metro.co.uk…
Fulham vs Arsenal
Here we go, Fulham against Arsenal first game! No fans in the stadium will be hard for Fulham in a new league. Arsenal will probably win this, and it’s a tough first game for Fulham, especially with Arsenal carrying momentum from two trophies. Prediction: 0-3.
Betfair Exchange Odds: Fulham- 11/2, Arsenal- 4/7, Draw- 7/2
Crystal Palace vs Southampton
I think this will be a draw. First game, two mid-table teams who are evenly matched, it could be a cagey game. Prediction: 1-1.
Betfair Exchange Odds: Palace- 9/4, So’ton- 6/4, Draw- 9/4
West Ham vs Newcastle
I fancy West Ham here, as I have said, I expect more from them, the fans expect more from them, and Newcastle could be quite deflated after the bad news this summer. Prediction: 2-0.
Betfair Exchange Odds: West Ham- 6/5, Newcastle- 5/2, Draw- 5/2
Liverpool vs Leeds
An interesting start for Leeds! Tough, tough start for them, but I will go for a surprise here! I think maybe a draw, sometimes there is a hangover after winning the title and Leeds will be pumped up here for their first game back. Prediction: 1-1.
Betfair Exchange Odds: Liverpool- 3/10, Leeds- 11/1, Draw- 11/2
West Brom vs Leicester
his is a tough one to call. I think Leicester’s experience will help, and maybe Vardy will hit the ground running. Prediction: 1-2
Betfair Exchange Odds: West Brom- 3/1, Leicester- Evens, Draw- 11/4
Spurs vs Everton
What a cracking game this could be. Two great managers, two great teams, two teams who have something to prove, and improve on! I hope to see Spurs hit the ground running and get the 3 points they need, so I will go with them. Prediction: 2-1.
Betfair Exchange Odds: Spurs- 9/10, Everton- 7/2, Draw- 11/4
Sheffield United vs Wolves
wo evenly matched teams here in my view, very hard to split them both. I think this could end up a draw, particularly as it’s the first game back of the new season. Prediction: 0-0.
Betfair Exchange Odds: Sheffield- 5/2, Wolves- 6/4, Draw- 21/10
Brighton vs Chelsea
First game for Lampard’s new signings, everyone will expect them to win, and I am no different. I think they could get off to a brilliant start here. Prediction: 0-4.
Betfair Exchange Odds: Brighton- 9/2, Chelsea- 4/6, Draw- 10/3
