Premier League Round 1 Preview
It seemed like only yesterday when the 19/20 Premier League season ended, and the Liverpool FC trophy presentation was underway. Now, this weekend brings again yet another PL campaign.
Fulham v Arsenal
A London derby between struggling side Arsenal, and newly promoted Fulham. Arsenal are buzzing after lifting the FA Community Shield over Liverpool and securing a spot in Europe. When it comes to Head to Head, Arsenal have won the last 5 against Fulham and the home side have not win against Arsenal since 2012. Fulham lost their last game at home, whilst Arsenal were victorious in their last away fixture. 9 goals in the last two games for this fixture for Arsenal leads to a highly favourable outcome for the Gunners, who look to start off their campaign on the up.
Crystal Palace v Southampton
London calls again as Crystal Palace take on Southampton at Selhurst Park. After going on a 5 game losing run, Crystal Palace are undefeated in 5, drawing 2 and winning 3. Southampton are undefeated in 7, winning 4 and drawing 3, with their last loss coming at the hands of Arsenal. Southampton have won two of the last 5 meetings, with 1 win for Crystal Palace and 2 draws. Southampton have won 3 of their last 5 games away, with Palace winning 2 of their last 4 games at home. A tough and close game to call.
West Ham v Newcastle
London is the place to be for the opening weekend, as another game is being played in the nations capital. Both clubs suffered losses to Championship sides in Friendlies, with West Ham losing to Bournemouth, and Newcastle suffering 2 losses to Stoke City and Middlesbrough respectively. Despite this, the fixture remains even, with 2 wins each in the last 5 meetings and 1 draw. West Ham have won 2 of their last 5 home games, with Newcastle having the same form away from home. Both these sides have played 44 times, with West Ham grabbing 13 wins and Newcastle grabbing 20 wins.
Liverpool v Leeds
The return of the champions, the Premier League and Championship champions. Both clubs have had to wait years for these. Liverpool waited 30 years for another top flight title, and Leeds have been waiting 16 years for promotion back into the Premier League. Leeds are looking sharp, with a current run of 6 games undefeated. Liverpool have continued to maintain their fortress at Anfield domestically. The Merseyside club look to bounce back after a loss to Arsenal in the FA Community Shield, and also losing new signing Kostas Tsimikas for a few weeks after contracting COVID-19. These sides last met in 2016 in the EFL Cup, in which Liverpool won. Their last meeting in a league match dates all the way back to 2003, and Leeds’ last win against Liverpool was in 2001.
West Brom v Leicester City
West Brom are back in the Premier League and they mean business. Their form is distasteful, with 4 draws and a loss in their last 5. Leicester City have only won 1 in their last 5. These sides have only ever met 8 times, with Leicester City winning 4 times and WBA winning twice. The last time the home side won dates back to 2016. The last time West Brom beat this team at home was in 2010, during the Championship era for both clubs. West Brom haven’t lost since March at home. Leicester City bounced back after a lacklustre run of form away from home, picking up a win in a recent club friendly.
Tottenham v Everton
Both sides will look to get their campaigns off to a good start. Spurs’ undefeated run was shattered in a friendly to Watford, however they are still on a good run of form in the Premier League. Everton have won 2 in their last 5. These sides have met 56 times with Spurs taking 3 points 27 times. The last time Everton have won this fixture dates back to 2012. Two late goals sealed the deal for the Merseyside club. Tottenham at home are undefeated in 7. Everton drew their last match which was away from home.
Brighton v Chelsea
When it comes to Premier League matches between these sides it remains one sided. Chelsea are yet to lose to Brighton in the Premier League. Brighton’s last home win was against Chelsea’s bitter rivals Arsenal. Although Chelsea have only won 1 of their last 5 away games, their recent signings and transfer market could bolster this stat. Brighton won their last competitive match, which can give them even more confidence to snatch a win for the first time in the Premier League against Chelsea.
Sheffield United v Wolves
Wolves are looking to forget about their latest match, a loss to eventual UEL winners Sevilla. Sheffield United hope to have an even better season and contest with the top 6 again. These teams have only met twice in the PL, with Sheffield taking a game and a draw being the other result. Wolves beat them in 2018 in the Championship. Sheffield United at home have won 3 of their last 5. Wolves winning 2 of their last 5 away games, and most recently suffering a loss at the hands of Chelsea in the Premier League.
Photo Source: We Ain’t Got No History.