2020/21 Premier League Predictions | Gameweek 1
Relax… it’s back. A brand-new Premier League season gets down to business this weekend as Fulham and Arsenal kick things off on Saturday afternoon.
Liverpool’s title defence begins at Anfield as they entertain newly promoted Leeds Utd.
Can Marcelo Bielsa’s men mark their return to this level by pulling off a shock at the home of the reigning champions?
We’re back with our first set of Premier League predictions for 2020/21, plus three Premier League betting tips for the first round of games…
Premier League Predictions – Gameweek 1
Sunday 26th July (all 16:00)
Saturday 12th September
FULHAM VS ARSENAL, 12:30
Fulham have had precious little time to get their ducks in a row after play-off glory at Wembley just over a month ago, and it’s a difficult start for Scott Parker as they host improving Arsenal at Craven Cottage.
After a disastrous summer the last time they returned to this level, the Cottagers look be taking a far more pragmatic approach to their Premier League preparations this time around.
This fixture looks an early test of where their squad stands in terms of genuine top-flight pedigree.
The Gunners look to be made of stronger stuff under Mikel Arteta these days and their Community Shield run-out could set them up nicely for an opening day win here.
Verdict: Fulham 1-3 Arsenal
CRYSTAL PALACE VS SOUTHAMPTON, 15:00
Roy Hodgson has one major task on his hands heading into the 2020/21 Premier League season – stopping the rot. The Eagles looked well off the pace after Project Restart, leading to rumblings in several Palace quarters over whether it’s time to consider a change at the top.
Hodgson has at least managed to reshuffle the pack a little this summer with the encouraging captures of Eberechi Eze and the returning Michy Batshuayi.
This match looks a test of character for the Eagles against a Southampton side that posted one of the best away records in the league this season.
With many neutrals tipping Saints to have a strong campaign, Ralph Hasenhüttl will be keen to keep that solid away form going this season as his side head to Selhurst Park.
Verdict: Crystal Palace 1-1 Southampton
LIVERPOOL VS LEEDS UTD, 17:30
Oh Mr Fixture Computer, you’ve only gone and done it again.
There always seems to be one game that immediately grabs the attention on the opening weekend, and this one pushes all the right buttons.
Reigning champions Liverpool start a season in unfamiliar territory as the hunted rather than the hunter, while visitors Leeds will surely still be on cloud nine after finally ending their cursed 16-year spell in the EFL.
This game certainly has all the ingredients to serve up a tasty opening day shock. Bielsaball will surely cause the Reds a few heart-in-mouth moments, but this one might have come just a bit too soon for the Whites. Klopp’s men will need to be on their A-game, however.
Verdict: Liverpool 2-0 Leeds Utd
WEST HAM UTD VS NEWCASTLE UTD, 20:00
With the news all of September’s Premier League games will now be screened live on TV, Premier League fans now have the added bonus of a spot of Saturday night football to tuck into.
While it’s not necessarily a fixture made for prime time viewing, these two teams look a close match-up on paper, so don’t rule out a surprisingly entertaining contest in East London.
Newcastle have enjoyed a better build-up to this one after a mad transfer dash to bring Ryan Fraser and Callum Wilson to the club. D
avid Moyes has endured a frustrating window to date, but he needs to focus on getting all three points in this one with a horrendous six weeks lying ahead after this game.
Verdict: West Ham 1-1 Newcastle Utd
Sunday 13th September
WEST BROMWICH ALBION VS LEICESTER CITY, 14:00
The Baggies are back in the top flight – although Slaven Bilić’s side showed precious little boing as they limped over the finish line in last year’s EFL Championship.
West Brom have a golden opportunity to record a morale-boosting opening win as Brendan Rodgers’ deflated Leicester City make the short journey across the Midlands.
After missing out on Champions League football on the final day of 2019/20, Rodgers needs an early result here to help his squad quickly shake off that disappointment.
Goalscoring could be an issue for the home side in the top flight. While the Baggies shared out the goals last season, no individual player managed more than 10 goals.
Bilić might need to rectify that to give the Baggies a puncher’s chance.
Verdict: West Brom 0-1 Leicester City
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR VS EVERTON, 16:30
Two of the Premier League’s ever-presents face off on the first day, with both Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti looking out for better times ahead in their first full seasons in charge of Spurs and Everton.
Both have made shrewd moves in the transfer market, with Mourinho adding ready-made EPL experience in the form of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Matt Doherty, while Allen and James Rodriguez add a genuine touch of class to a Toffees midfield lacking in intensity last season.
Everton have a wretched recent record both home and away in this fixture, last notching a win in 2012.
Verdict: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Everton
Monday 14th September
SHEFFIELD UTD VS WOLVES, 18:00
Can the Blades avoid ‘difficult second season syndrome‘?
That’s the million-dollar question heading into a new campaign as Sheff Utd try and follow up an almost faultless campaign in 2019/20 after over a decade away from the Premier League.
The tactically shrewd Chris Wilder managed to show up plenty of his opposite numbers last season, but he’ll surely need to keep evolving the Blades to ensure they punch above their weight once again.
He’s been handed a tricky opener against a Wolves side that have enjoyed a much-needed breather over the last month following their gruelling 60-game season in 2019/20.
The arrival of £35m Fabio Silva looks a real statement of intent that Wolves won’t be resting on their laurels.
Verdict: Sheffield Utd 1-2 Wolves
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION VS CHELSEA, 20:15
Gameweek 1 wraps up on the South Coast on Monday night, with Brighton the first side charged with testing out Frank Lampard’s big-spending Chelsea.
The Blues may not be able to call on all their new recruits for this one but should be confident of taking all three points against a side that have never beaten them since arriving in the top flight.
It’s been a relatively low-key window for the Seagulls so far, with the exception of the eye-catching arrival of Adam Lallana.
However, Graham Potter will boast one of the strongest defences in the division now both Lewis Dunk and Ben White have agreed long-term deals.
Both will need to be at their best under the floodlights at the Amex.
Verdict: Brighton 1-3 Chelsea
PREMIER LEAGUE BETTING | GAMEWEEK 1 | BEST BETS
