It only feels a short while since Manchester City won at Brighton and Hove Albion to retain their Premier League title. Now the countdown to the new season has begun with the announcement of the fixtures list and there are some crucial games to be played in August.
There are plenty of early games to bet on and if looking for some Premier League predictions, a visit to GamblersPro.com is a great idea. Let’s look at the early fixtures and see who has the toughest and easiest games.
Difficult Starts for Manchester United and Chelsea
The pick of the first weekend is the clash between Manchester United and Chelsea on Sunday August 11. United will spend the season rebuilding and this isn’t the start they’d want. A trip to Wolves is up next but games against Crystal Palace and Southampton can provide some points.
Whoever takes over at Stamford Bridge faces a baptism of fire in August. The visit to United is followed by the Super Cup game against Liverpool. Their first home league game is against Leicester City, who won away at Chelsea last season.
Busy Start for Liverpool
Liverpool came so close to winning the Premier League last season. Their first home league game is against newly promoted Norwich City. The date for your diaries is Friday August 9 and that’s the first league game of the season. Before that Liverpool face Manchester City in the Community Shield. After that Super Cup game, their first away league match is at Southampton but then Arsenal visit Anfield on August 24.
Tough August Ahead for Arsenal
The Gunners face a tricky start to the season away at Newcastle United before a home game with Burnley. A tough August concludes with that trip to Anfield and a North London derby with Tottenham.
Champions to Start Well
Manchester City are chasing a third straight Premier League title. They rarely make a slow start to any season and begin at West Ham, where they have a great record. Their first home game is against Tottenham which won’t be easy but that’s followed by games away to Bournemouth and home to Brighton. With early September seeing them travel to Norwich City and host Watford, another strong start is on the cards.
Tottenham Face Early Tests
It looks as if it’s Tottenham who could have early season problems. Their first two home games are against Aston Villa and Newcastle United. Away from home though, it’s Manchester City and Arsenal and they ended last season losing five out of six away games.
Baptism of Fire for Canaries
Of the promoted sides, Norwich have that tough game at Anfield to begin with West Ham being their next away match. Home fixtures begin with games against Newcastle United, Chelsea and Manchester City, so expect a slow start from the Canaries.
Sheffield United may start better though. An opening weekend visit to Bournemouth and then home games against Crystal Palace and Leicester City could yield some points.
The same applies to Aston Villa, though that opener against Tottenham won’t be easy. Home games against Bournemouth and Everton are both winnable as is a trip to Crystal Palace.
Another Slow Start for Burnley?
Who has the toughest start to the season? Burnley have Arsenal and Liverpool in their first four fixtures, while Southampton’s first two home matches are against Liverpool and Manchester United.
Keep an eye on Wolves who have a Europa League campaign before the Premier League season begins. Trips to Leicester City and Everton plus Manchester United and Burnley at home don’t look too easy.
