Good day everyone,
I hope you are all well and had an excellent week, welcome to CryptoGod-1’s blog on all things sports. We are back for another thrilling season in the Premier League, with all 20 teams raring to go once again. After a hectic summer of transfers the football is back, with a breakdown and preview on each game below. The first round of games will see Burnley host Manchester City, Liverpool go to Chelsea, Newcastle host Villa, and Manchester United welcome Wolves.
Fixtures — Times are shown as U.K. Time
This weeks round of fixtures will see the games spread out across four days, from Friday evening until Monday evening.
Friday 11th August 2023
Burnley - Manchester City 8pm KO (Kick Off)
Saturday 12th August 2023
Arsenal - Nottingham Forest 12.30pm KO
Bournemouth - West Ham 3pm KO
Brighton - Luton 3pm KO
Everton - Fulham 3pm KO
Sheffield United - Crystal Palace 3pm KO
Newcastle - Aston Villa 5.30pm KO
Sunday 13th August 2023
Brentford - Tottenham 2pm KO
Chelsea - Liverpool 4.30pm KO
Monday 14th August 2023
Manchester United - Wolves 8pm KO
Predictions
Now for the most exciting part, as I go through the latest info regarding each team to make an attempt at predicting the results for this week matches. Remember this is just my fun analysis and should not be taken as advice or a guarantee.
Burnley - Manchester City
New boys Burnley, who won the Championship last season, will begin their return to the top flight by hosting reigning champions Manchester City. Its a reunion for Pep and Vincent Kompany, as the pair will test their wits against each other.
The footballing philosophy has entirely changed at Burnley since they were last in the Premier League, as Kompany has brought success and made them a formidable side last season. With just 3 league loses and 101 points in the Championship, they were comfortably the best team in the Championship last season. With a host of new signings including James Trafford and Sander Berge, they will be looking to show they can match it in the big league. A strong preseason included wins over Benfica, Burton Albion and Sheffield Wednesday, but Kompany knows this will be the toughest possible start to their campaign.
Last season saw Pep Guardiola secure the treble and will go down as one of the best ever seasons for Manchester City. The league, Champions League, and FA Cup will be forever remembered, but doing it all again will be the biggest challenge now. City will be favourites going into the season, and every team will aim to get one over them. Their summer business has seen the likes of Gvardiol and Kovacic arrive, but they also sold Mahrez while captain Gundogan left on a free. The loss against Arsenal in the Community Shield last weekend should not be a benchmark, as they lost to Liverpool in the some game last season before going on to win the treble.
Manchester City will need to assess Ake ahead of this one, while Burnley will be without Obafemi.
Preseason Form:
Home: WWLWD
Away: WWLL
While I think Burnley will put in a good show under the lights at Turf Moore, its unlikely to be the same fortress it was in the Championship last season. Any other side and Burnley might have a chance, but not against City. Pep will want to show Kompany he is the boss and ensure his side get their season off to the best possible start.
Final score: 0-2
Arsenal - Nottingham Forest
Last seasons runner ups and Community Shield winners Arsenal will start their campaign by hosting Nottingham Forest at the Emirates, as the tricky trees look to ensure second season syndrome does not impact them.
It has been a busy summer for Arsenal following their impressive title bid last season. While they did fall away and finished the season empty handed, they have managed to win the Community Shield over Manchester City last weekend. After exceeding expectations last season, they have followed it up with a £200m+ summer spending spree which includes Declan Rice and Kai Havertz. While Xhaka has left, the squad now looks stronger and capable of challenging on multiple fronts. The pressure will be on Arteta to deliver silverware this season as he has his strongest ever squad available.
Forest did excellent last season to remain in the Premier League, and comfortably so. The club back manager Cooper and it was at home to Arsenal in May where Forest ensured their Premier League status. They will need to make their away form count this season, as last term it was the worst in the division. Keeping the City ground a fortress will be imperative, but after so many additions ahead of last season they have been more conservative this time around. Elanga and Turner are the biggest names to arrive, but having a more settled and gelled squad may be the biggest benefit for Forest going into this season.
Arsenal will be without Jesus, Zinchenko, and Lokonga, while they have doubts over Balogun and Nelson. Forest will be missing Hennessey, Richards, and Niakhate, while they will need to assess Awoniyi and Felipe.
Preseason Form:
Home: DDWLWDD
Away: LWLLLD
Arsenal showed their weakness at the end of last season, and Forest were one of the sides to get the better of them. However, with Forest attackers lacking fitness and Arsenal having strengthened I think it will be a routine home win for Arteta's side, with tougher games ahead.
Final score: 3-1
Bournemouth - West Ham
Under departed manager Gary O'Neil Bournemouth managed the unthinkable and had a comfortable mid table finish. They enter this season with much more optimism, but their opponents West Ham are entering the season full of doubt, even on the back of their Europa Conference League win last season.
Andoni Iraola has taken charge of Bournemouth, and will look to bring a more free flowing style to the side. After the awful start under Parker last season, which included a 9-0 defeat to Liverpool in his final game in charge, the fans will be hoping for a much better start this time around. The Cherries have added flair to their attack with Kluivert and Faivre, and will hope to kick on and establish themselves as a solid top flight side. Their preseason has been tough with mixed results, but with a baptism of fire for an opening schedule then Iraola will need to hit the ground running.
West Ham meanwhile seem in a bit of a mess at the moment, as the triumph in the Europa Conference League is a long distant memory. The sale of Rice and lack of spending since has caused worries among the fanbase, while internally there seems to be issues between Moyes and new Technical Director Tim Steidten. Bids have been accepted for Ward-Prowse and Maguire, bringing in solid experience in the league, while Edson Alvarez will seal his move soon to add more flair to the side. Starting strong and moving on from Rice will be key to settling the side and the fanbase, but it remains to be seen if Moyes is the man to lead the club forward.
The Cherries will be without Tavernier and Semenyo, while doubts remain over the fitness of Kelly, Smith, Christie, Solanke, and Fredericks. The Hammers will need to asses Paquetá ahead of this one.
Preseason Form:
Home: WLWLW
Away: WWWDLL
West Ham have been worrying in defence during preseason and Iraola's attack-minded style will likely get plenty of chances. This should lead to an open game with plenty of goals, as both sides look to stamp themselves as sides not getting involved in a relegation scrap this time around. A draw is the most likely result here.
Final score: 2-2
Brighton - Luton
Surprise Europa League qualification was on the cards last season for De Zebri's side, and they will be hoping to build on that this term. Brighton becoming a mainstay in Europe would be huge for the South Coast club, and they will look to show their ability against newly promoted Luton. The Bedfordshire side were promoted via the playoffs and while they wont be overawed by the top flight, it will be mighty challenge for the club to stay up.
Brighton have big expectations this season, having qualified for Europe for the first time in the clubs history. De Zebri will be keen to build on that and potentially even go one further and push his side into the Champions League. They have lost Sanchez and MacAllister, with Caicedo also linked with a big move away, but Brighton always seem to have more gems ready to step up. Igor, Joao Pedro, and Verbruggen will be expected to fill the voids after their transfers this summer, and De Zebri will continue with his attacking style. Big expectations but the club and manager will be more than able to handle them as they host new boys Luton.
Their first game in the Premier League will be one of excitement and difficulty for Luton, as they travel to the talented Brighton to test their skills at this level. Brighton can be an inspiration for them of how a promoted club can develop into one of the best in the league, but there will be plenty of work ahead. They had a decent preseason and will be confident going into this one, and Edwards has secured the signings of Chong, Giles, and Anderson will add some depth and strength to their squad. Not much is expected from the club besides enjoying their journey in the top flight, but they are capable of scoring and will cause problems on the counter attack.
Brighton will be without Moder while Caicedo is being assessed, although he is subject to transfer rumours and may be left out due to that. Luton will be missing Burke, Osho, Potts, and Clark, while Andersen is a doubt with illness.
Preseason Form:
Home: LWLD
Away: WDWDL
There is one clear favourite going into this one, with Brighton likely to show Luton just how big the step up into the Premier League is. They will make the most of their attacking threat to put Luton under pressure, but the away side will be more than able to grab a goal on the counter. I think Brighton will win comfortably, but Luton will give a good showing.
Final score: 3-1
Everton - Fulham
Last season Everton just barely avoided the drop but the club is still very much in turmoil. They have Dyche in charge who will maintain a steady hand at the club, but the financial issues means he will be limited in what he can do. Fulham meanwhile had a great season last time around, and although they missed out on Europe, Silva will be hoping for more of the same.
The club still have the Premier League FFP charges to contend with and it has shown with their transfer activity. So far only a loan for Danjuma, and the free signing of Ashley Young have arrived. Everton are in turmoil and it is likely to show this season. Dyche worked wonders with what was available last season, and having a full preseason to work with his team will help. While they have had some good results over the summer, the competitive games will be much different. Another relegation battle is one the cards and there are only so many miracles the club can have. If they can keep star players fit they have a chance, but I expect it will be a long and tough season starting with this game.
Fulham have had their own turmoil over the summer, as Mitrovic is being linked with Saudi Arabia and apparently refuses to play for the club again. Their excellent form came unstuck when he was banned last season and the fear resides that similar could happen this term if he does indeed leave. The arrival of Jiminez from Wolves will add more to the attack, but they could find themselves suffering from second season syndrome here. Silva will need to ensure his side is focused from the off and a win over relegation candidates Everton would be the perfect start.
The Toffees will be without Coleman, Alli, and McNeil, while they also have doubts over Tarkowski and Danjuma. Fulham meanwhile will be missing Palhinha while Cairney needs to be assessed.
Preseason Form:
Home: WWDWDW
Away: WLL
Last season Fulham won against Everton at Goodison in April, and will be hoping for similar fortunes this season. Dyche will need to solidify his side and find a way to score goals, which has been their biggest issue to date. While Everton deal with the prospect of a relegation battle if they don't find their feet quickly, Fulham know they will need to focus to ensure they are not dragged into one. This will be a tight game, but I think Fulham will just about sneak an away win.
Final score: 0-1
Sheffield United - Crystal Palace
Championship runners up Sheffield United will look to give themselves a good showing on their return to the top flight, although a lack of investment in the squad has many questioning their credentials to stay up this season. Palace meanwhile will be looking to build on the strong showing in the latter half of last season under Roy Hodgson.
Following the delight of promotion last season, the off season certainly painted a bleaker picture for Sheffield United fans. Ndiaye leaving for Marseille and Berge heading to Burnley has seen their side loose its best talent, with little brought in. Heckingbottom will have a youthful side to navigate through the league but the club have overcome previous issues of a transfer embargo and other off-field problems to get into the top flight. However it goes, they will be happy to have made the big time and give the club the financial boost being in the Premier League will bring.
Palace have also seen some of their big names leave over the summer, with Zaha heading to Turkey and Olise linked with a move away, the pressure will be on Palace this season. Hodgson will look to continue the sides solid basis while also making the most of his attacking talent in Eze and Olise alogn with the newest addition of França. Hodgson has set his side the target of securing a top half finish this time around and building on the clubs fortunes from last season.
Sheffield United will be missing Fleck, Brewster, Coulibaly, and Bogle, while they also have concerns over Norwood, Jebbison, McBurnie, and Norrington-Davies. Palace will be missing Olise while they will also need to assess Hughes, Mitchell and França.
Preseason Form:
Home: WDLLWL
Away: DWWLLW
Bramall Lane will be electric being back in the Premier League, even if the fans will be apprehensive of the season ahead. United will have a lack of attacking threat, although Palace will also be missing some of their key attackers. I think this will be a narrow and tight game, but Palace should have enough about them to sneak the win.
Final score: 0-1
Newcastle - Aston Villa
Newcastle shocked many last season by breaking into the Champions League places, and will look to match that again while battling in Europe's biggest competition. Villa meanwhile showed their potential under Emery and pushed themselves into Europe, and will be hoping to build on their strong performances from last season.
Eddie Howe did a stellar job last season with this Newcastle side, and in less than two seasons they have gone from bottom of the table to top four finish. The club are looking to build on their impressive showings and have added Tonali and Barnes to the sides, giving more depth for their European adventure ahead. Preseason looked good, and Howe will know his side can ill afford any slipups over the upcoming season if they are to cement themselves as a Champions League club. Strong home performances will be imperative, while they are unbeaten in their previous 14 home games in the league against Villa.
Emery rejected the change to take charge of Newcastle before he eventually took over at Villa, and the West-Midlands club have been on the up ever since. His side are full of confidence and talent, having boosted his ranks following the club securing a place in the Europa Conference League ahead of the likes of Tottenham and Chelsea. They brought in Diaby, Torres, and Tielemans to boost themselves all over the park, and will expect to pick up where they left off last term. The long term aim will be to break into the top four just like Newcastle, and this game will be a good gauge of both sides potential this term.
Newcastle will be without Manquillo and Krafth, while they have doubts over Schar and Willock. Villa will be missing Moreno and Ramsey.
Preseason Form:
Home: WDDWWW
Away: DDWDWW
These two played out a draw in preseason, but this game will be a real test for both sides. Howe and Emery will want to outdo each other, and both clubs will want the perfect start to their campaign. They will be well matched and difficult to separate, and a single goal could be the decider in this one. However, I think they will both be too good to lose and therefore the game should end in a draw.
Final score: 2-2
Brentford - Tottenham
Both these sides could be without their key strikers for this one, with Toney banned for Brentford and Kane linked with a move to Bayern for Spurs. The Bees secured themselves a top half finish last season and Thomas Frank will hope to build on that this time around. Spurs meanwhile had a circus to contend with and missed out on European football, but that could work in favour of new manager Angelos "Ange" Postecoglou.
The Bees did outstanding work last season, showing they could match the biggest of teams by finishing in the top half and beating the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City along the way. Thomas Frank has already brought in Collins at the back along with Schade on the wing as they look to build on last season. The loss of Toney, banned for betting charges, until the turn of the year will be major, and plenty of pressure will be on Mbuemo to produce. They are more than capable of challenging for a top half finish and even a place in Europe for next season, but continuing their status as a secure Premier League club will be the first port of call for Frank after a preseason which saw them go without a win.
Big changes are happening at Tottenham. With Postecoglou they have a manager who will implement a clear style and focus, having arrived with plenty of pedigree from his time at Celtic and before that in Asia. The potential loss of Kane will be big, but could also allow the club to rebuild and bring in the players Postecoglou wants. Their disappointment last season on further outlined the need for changes, and the trophy drought goes on. Fans will enjoy the new brand of football but it could take time to implement. Maddison and van de Ven have been the main signings so far, but expect more if Kane departs. An improvement on last season is a must, but getting rid of the drama and circus around the club will be one of the main tasks. A settled club with a settled side could achieve big things in the coming years under the management of Postecoglou.
The Bees will be without the suspended Toney along with needing to assess Mbeumo, Onyeka, and Norgaard. Tottenham meanwhile will be missing Gil, Sessegnon, and Bentancur, while they will need to check on the fitness of Forster and Ndombele. They have also accept a bid from Bayern Munich for Harry Kane so he will likely miss out if he decides he wants to progress with the move to Germany.
Preseason Form:
Home: LLD
Away: LWWL
Brentford managed to beat Spurs back in May when they met, although Spurs had little to play for. Only twice have the Bees beaten Spurs in their 10 league meetings in their history, and it could be difficult to add a third here. The Bees have looked off form in preseason and will need to get on track quickly, but face a Spurs side who are still adapting to their new managers style. Therefore, I think this could be an open game and likely end in a draw.
Final score: 1-1
Chelsea - Liverpool
Chelsea will be looking for a vast improvement from last season under new manager Pochettino, having finished in the bottom half and with no European football this term. Liverpool meanwhile finished in 5th last season and Klopp will be looking to show his new look midfield can propel his team right back into the Champions League.
It was a hugely disappointing season last time out for Chelsea, finishing 12th and going through three managers as part of the new Todd Boehly regime. With Mauricio Pochettino having taken charge and looking to implement his style, they will be hoping for huge improvements. No European football could be a blessing in disguise, and their business in the transfer market has seen them offload the likes of Mendy, Havertz, Mount, Kovacic, Pulisic, Kanté, and Koulibaly. They have brought in Nkunku, Jackson, Sanchez, and Disasi to name a few as the new look youthful Chelsea aims to push back into the Champions League places. Anything less will have to be considered a failure of a season, and with FFP charges looming from the Abramovich era, the turmoil at Chelsea is far from over yet.
Liverpool meanwhile just missed out on Champions League football last season and Klopp was had a massive clearout, with Fabinho, Milner, Henderson, Firmino and Keita all leaving with just MacAllister and Szobozlai the only incomings so far. Kloop has made it clear he needs more bodies, especially in midfield, and the drawn out pursuit of Lavia from Southampton has done the club no favours. In preseason his side have scored plenty of goals, but have looked exposed at the back. A new DM is imperative and will be key to pushing Liverpool back into the Champions League places and possibly even a title push. Klopp knows how to get the best out of his squad, so getting off to a winning start will be key to a successful season.
Chelsea will be without Nkunku and Wesley Fofana, while Badiashile, Broja, Madueke and Bettinelli all need to be assessed. Liverpool meanwhile will need to assess the fitness of Thiago and Bajcetic ahead of this one, with neither having featured in preseason.
Preseason Form:
Home: WDWLW
Away: WWDWD
These two have drawn the previous six times they have met, with four 0-0 draws in a row. That included the two domestic cup finals in 2022. However, both sides will have a new look when they meet on Sunday and therefore I expect goals in this one. I think Chelsea will be confident under their new manager, but they will still need time to gel. If Liverpool can sort out the cover for their midfield then I think they should win this one easily enough, but it will be a tight game at the Bridge.
Final score: 1-3
Manchester United - Wolves
Ten Hag managed to secure Champions League football and the Carabao Cup in his first season in charge, and the club will be hoping to build on that this term. Wolves meanwhile have seen manager Lopetegui leave the club in recent days to be replaced by O'Neil, with plenty of concern surrounding the direction of the team.
The Red Devils have shown their potential in preseason, and have been busy backing Ten Hag in the market by bringing in Hojlund, Mount. and Onana. The pressure will be on to improve on last seasons 3rd place finish and actually make a challenge for the title. While they won the Carabao Cup last season, they also suffered humiliating defeats to Liverpool (7-0) and Manchester City (6-3), showing the gulf in class remains. Their home form was very strong, but away games, especially against top half sides, were very poor. Improving this will be the key to making a push against the top teams. Bruno Fernandes will be the new captain as Maguire looks set to leave, meaning big changes will be apparent on and off the field at United.
Wolves have had the shock of their star manager leaving the club just days before the season started, but they acted quick to replace him with O'Neil taking over. Last season they struggled for goals and to secure winning streaks, only winning two games in a row twice all season. They have sold Collins and Ruben Neves as the club looks to sort out their FFP issues, as Doherty and Traore have arrived to bolster the side. Finding consistency this season will be imperative to ensure they avoid being dragged into another relegation battle.
Manchester United will be without Henderson, Martial, Mainoo, Diallo Traore, and Malacia, while they will need to assess Hojlund. Wolves meanwhile will travel to Old Trafford with a fully fit squad.
Preseason Form:
Home: WWWLLLWD
Away: WWWLDDW
United have secured narrow wins in each of the previous four encounters, keeping a clean sheet in each of the matches. They will be hoping for more of the same here, and Wolves will likely continue to struggle for goals. Both sides will be looking for a strong start to the season, but beating United at Old Trafford is very tough under Ten Hag. I only expect one winner, and that's Untied.
Final score: 2-0
Check out my 2023/24 Season Predictions here: Predictions 23/24 Season
Have a great day, I hope you enjoyed the preview of the matches and get to see the games.
Have a great day.
Peace. CryptoGod-1.
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