EPL - 2018/19 Season - Game Week 1
No sooner after the World Cup has ended, the mad scramble is on. The transfer market is abuzz, some overwhelming and some under. It will be yet another intriguing season. Three new teams have been promoted - Cardiff, Fulham and Wolves. They have been here before and now play the big money league. In a World Cup year, some reputation have been ruined others enhanced. How will players fare after returning from the World Cup? How will the teams gel with their new signings or manager?
There are some interesting changes too like Arsenal having a new manager in Unai Emery after sticking so many years with Arsene Wenger. He is experienced having won trophies with Sevilla and PSG and handled some top players and have released some players and now added some like Stephan Lichtsteiner (Juventus), Bernd Leno (Bayer Leverkusen), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Borussia Dortmund) who alone will be a mouthful for commentators to pronounce and Lucas Torreira (Sampdoria) who bites like a terrier. Their London neighbour Chelsea are undergoing challenging times having sacked Conte rather late on and have appointed an ex banker Italian manager Maurizio Sarri from Napoli. He has transformed Napoli into quite a force but coming to a new league with numerous changes and challenges going on would be quite a tall task to ask. However, to date they have signed an excellent midfielder in Jorginho, a Brazilian turned Italian. A versatile midfielder who controls tempo, has high work rate, able to break down possession, has a range of passing and also a ball winner. He could be vital to the new line up.
Liverpool has splashed the cash and planned early with their acquisitions. Naby Keita (RB Leipzig) was already a done deal way ahead at 53 million pounds, Fabinho (44m pounds from AS Monaco) was under the radar and a surprise while Xherdan Shaqiri (13m from Stoke) was a steal. The talk of the town has been Alison Becker (Roma/Brazil) at 56 million pounds with add-ons later. They may still add Nabil Fekir, Domagoj Vida whose performance for Croatia was like a demigod diva. Klopp likes Christian Piulisic too. When Karius dropped the clangers in the Champions League Final, I said his career is over, at least at Liverpool not because I do not accept failure since failure is the mother of success but while the Koppites are generally good all you need is a few who will be there to remind Karius of the shame. He would also be reminded at each away ground he plays. His pre-season boo-boo is not helpful. So he has to be content sitting on the bench or go away to play for another club. Alisson Becker is not going to solve all problems. He is rated as on of the best in the world. If he makes a mistake add drop a clanger then Liverpool is cursed! A poor defence can affect the goal keeper but Virgil van Dijk has brought confidence and stability and he will now have an even greater influence for a full season. Dejan Lovren did well at the World Cup for Croatia so he has grown in confidence. Because Liverpool press up high, they could be exposed at times from quick counters. Naby Keita and Fabinho wil provide the level of cover for the defence they never really had before and both are capable of ball winning and launching attacks. Shaqiri could cover for Mane or Salah whenever needed. van Dijk, Naby Keita and Fabinho did not go to the World Cup and ill be fresh whole Alisson, Firmino and Salah returned early. There is now greater strength in depth. Liverpool has made a statement of intent. This did not mean they will win the league but that they have gotten closer than ever. You cannot be satisfied with fourth place. Like last season, Liverpool could still end up with nothing to show but they are doing all the right things and now with strength in depth. If they were to flourish, they have to start with a bang and not waste away with too many drawn games. This is the season they could be champions. If not second would be only a consolation.
Champions Manchester City are still the one to beat. They have finally gotten Riyadh Mahrez from Leicester City for 60m pounds. They already have a powerful and settled squad with strength in depth. In all likelihood they could be champions again but it will get harder and they will fix their gaze on the Champions League. It is not often you have a back to back champion and this may be another record to achieve.
Tottenham Hotspur led England's World Cup fine run to the semi-finals where Harry Kane continued his fine form to be the top scorer. Will he be the EPL top scorer again? Do not bet against it. They have yet to sign anyone. So Mauricio Pochettino is confident working with the current crop and believe they can get even better and perhaps adding to their team from their youth academy which has been his forte. Do you see that as a problem or their key to success?
Manchester United have a moody manager in Jose Mourinho. He has already been lamenting. I read that he has said United is not a team and while Klopp and Guardiola have been praising their youth in the ICC, Mourinho have said they are not his team. Nobody of great significance has been signed. It has been rather quiet after signing Fred (Shakhtar Donetsk) for 47 million pounds and Diogo Dalot from Porto for 19m.
Manchester United have a moody manager in Jose Mourinho. He has already been lamenting. I read that he has said United is not a team and while Klopp and Guardiola have been praising their youth in the ICC, Mourinho have said they are not his team. Nobody of great significance has been signed. It has been rather quiet after signing Fred (Shakhtar Donetsk) for 47 million pounds and Diogo Dalot from Porto for 19m.
These are the Big Six for you. Meanwhile, only Tottenham and Burnley have yet to make any signing. For the newly promoted, it is exciting. There is a fight right here waitingas to who would stay up and who to go down. We have seen Cardiff here before and I think Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers are exciting and could really surprise. How will the new season's opening games be like?
Manchester United v Leicester City - This could be Jose Mourinho's last season going by his history and antics. He knew he could not catch Guardiola while Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs may have other issues so his target is Klopp when he said Liverpool must win the title after heavy spending despite Liverpool also previously got paid high fees for Torres, Suarez and Coutunho. Mourinho spent more than double of Liverpool and yet is quarrelling with his players. Maybe getting sacked pays well. There have been serious talk about Mourinho badly wanting Harry Maguire. Now it seems that Maguire is really going to Old Trafford - to play against them. United will rely on Romelu Lukaku to get the goals and David de Gea to stop them. That is all but if Pogba gets over his unhappiness he could be something. Their biggest weakness now is the manager.
The Foxes has shown that they could still pack a punch but the loss of Riyad Mahrez will affect them. They have added experience at the back with Johnny Evans (WBA), Danny Ward (Liverpool) and a very interesting James Maddison from Norwich. I have watched him and he looked impressive. In the middle of a season, I may say the Red Devils could win this match 2-0 but this is the opening match of a new season. United have injuries, a manager's quarrels with his players in particular Anthony Martial means they may not be at their best for morale. Leicester is building a new defence and Claude Puel is building from last season. Vardy, Maguire and Maddison will play very important roles for them. Maybe I will say home win but 1-0. No, Jamie Vardy is going to score and Leicester to surprise United. 1-1.
Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspurs - If any manager could turn an ordinary squad into a mid-table team it is Rafa Benitez but lack of funds from owner Mike Ashley and the relationship may turn things sour. Only Yoshinori Muto was signed (Mainz), Salomon Rondon (loan from WBA), Kenedy (loan from Chelsea) and a couple of others. It seems like difficult times again for the Magpies and Toon Army. Jamaal Lascelles will have to be at his best to lead his troops.
Tottenham has a spanking new stadium and Mauricio Pochettino has signed on and secured extension of contracts of five key players. That is all to report. No new signings. They may be going through the Arsenal phase when they built the Emirates. Adding new players could strength your squad but Spurs are a settled and proven one. Question is will it be enough when stretched? SPurs finally made history before a ball is kicked - they did not sign anyone! But they are a happier team than the Magpies and though Benitez knows how to make his team tough to beat it is not going to be enough. They say Harry Kane just could not score in August. He could break his own jinx and record. Christian Eriksen will pull the strongs but when do Dele Alli get back to his best? 0-2.
Bournemouth v Cardiff - Eddie Howe should be a top manager someday. Bournemouth struggled early last season but Howe got them back into greater shape. They will be stretched especially if no successful key players are introduced. The club has sold off many players (15) but added little (3). David Brooks, Diego Rico and Jefferson Lerma. Bournemouth have often score and score enough but it is at the back that they need protection. Eddie Howe spots English talents from the lower leagues. Let's see what he comes out with this time.
Cardiff is all about aggression and experience. Their solid achievement of last season do not count here unfortunately. They have since made four signings all from Championship sides. This will not be enough. Though Bournemouth may struggle like them later. They should go on to win this home tie. 2-1.
Fulham v Crystal Palace - Fulham plays free flowing football. Slavisa Jokanovic's side will take on anyone. Watch for their exciting youngster Ryan Sessegnon. They have added with shrewd signings in Andre Schurrle (formerly Chelsea and Dortmund), Mitrovic (Newcastle) and Alfie Mawson (Swansea) plus a few others. They could surprise this season as they show their ambition. They score goals, have a midfield led by Tom Cairney that ticks but it is the defence that needs work.
Almost everybody laughed when Palace appointed Roy Hodgson as manager when they looked doom to go down but what a stunning turnaround! This time Hodgson has more time to prepare so will they fare better? Max Meyer from Schalke who was once the darling of the Germans as they reckoned he will be like Lionel Messi but things have not turned out so well. Going far from the German radar may help him resurrect his career at Crystal Palace. Who knows he may be a surprise signing but they need to keep their talisman Wilfreid Zaha. 2-2.
Huddersfield v Chelsea - Huddersfield are the underdog of underdogs. It makes your heart bleed when you see them playing so well, going all out and yet loose. David Wagner is a good manager but he needs to beef up his squad. Huddersfield for all their diligence just do not score enough. Their best player is Aaron Mooy for he is everything.
Chelsea are at a cross road. Even if all their players are intact they have since only added Jorginho and Sarri has not much time to reshape his team but he fashioned Napoli into one of Europe's top teams. As Thibaut Courtois left for Real Madrid, Sarri made a world record bid for a goalkeeper when he signed Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletico Madrid for 80 million pounds (Alisson Becker cost Liverpool 65m). They have taken Kovacic on loan from Real Madrid. What is wrong with the prices these days? Actually Chelsea could go either way - out of the top four or like when Conte first came win the title. I think it may be the former. Sarri needs more time but away win here. Much may depend on how Alvaro Morata plays. It also depends on Eden Hazard. He is a superb player and fine dribbler but he does not make impact like Messi or Ronaldo. 0-2.
Watford v Brighton - Watford started so well but were limping towards the end but were safe last year. It is hard to say how on the who and what. Lack of style, model or personality is a concern. Of their 5 or 6 signings I knew only two - goalkeeper Ben Foster (WBA) and Gerard Deulofeu of Barcelona.
Brighton could actually play a bit with Chris Hughton's methodical ways and he deserved credit. Glen Murray is now 34 and they need more firepower. Brighton looked like they just had a clearance sale, releasing or selling more than 20 players then added 10-11 new players. I fear that both these teams may be in danger of going down this year together with Huddersfield. Having that many changes it really not a good thing due to lack of cohesion. 1-1.
Wolves v Everton - Wolverhampton Wanderers mean business and looked like they are quite well equipped. They have added strength and a star in Reuben Neves who may become a top EPL star. A total of ten signings including WIlly Boly (Porto), Diogo Jota (Athletico Madrid) and Joao Moutinho (Monaco) plus Portugal first choice goalkeeper Rui Patricio (Sporting) are excellent players. Wolves look good in goal, defence and midfield but it it their attack where the need reinforcement. They could be the surprise team of the season.
It is another year of change at Goodison Park. Sam Alladaryce departed after saving their previous season. Now Marco Silva will play a more interesting game. They have signed a very good player in Richarlison (ex Watford) and a Lucas Digne (Barcelona). At the last minute, there was news of Everton having signed Yerry Mina, that towering Colombian goal-scoring centre half. I wanted to say 1-1 as Everton could not be so easily beaten but Wolves are very good this time and on home ground could surprise. Everton now have three scorers - Theo Walcott, Cenk Tosun and Richarlison. 2-1.
Liverpool v West Ham - The Reds had a good season, just made it to the Champions League qualification and lost in the Champions League Final. This does not mean they will win anything now. Every team is trying to get better. It is really all hard work. All things being equal, the team with harmony and and spirited has an advantage. The addition of Naby Keita - a player at a different level with his multi-faceted skills and is a force of nature is interesting. He will potentially add a new level and dimension to Liverpool's phases of play especially after winning the ball and transition to the final ball but the surprise could actually be Fabinho. Alisson Becker should be a real goal keeper and give the men in front of him full confidence and he plays the ball off his feet really well probably this is the reason Brazil plays him first choice ahead of City's Ederson. Virgil van Dijk should be an even better player this season. The midfield has depth and variety now and their attack are among the best in England and Europe. Liverpool scored four goals or more on 14 occasions last season. Oh boy, old boy Daniel Sturridge is back with a vengeance having scored 4 in 6 pre-season games and looking sharp giving them even more options. Liverpool must not make the same old mistakes and will have to start the season with real force. I saw their 5-0 win over a very good Napoli side and they were impressive. Liverpool have done their home work of admitting their weaknesses and addressed them with important signings that could erase those problem areas. The reward was getting the job done weeks before the window closed. Last season's top scorer Mohamed Salah will be in the goal hunt for sure but Roberto Firmino is the one that ties up all the knots. Mane is looking good and so too Sturridge. A young Curtis Jones may be their break through.
West Ham have always been easy on the eye. Pelligirini is a class person and manager. His soccer philosophy at Manchester City was impressive. The Hammers have spend big this summer and shall be rightly confident. They will be easy on the eyes for sure. Arnautovic and Lanzini had great a season last time so will play important roles. Nine additions like Lucas Perez, Jack Wilshere (Arsenal), Yarmolenko, Anderson and a few others are interesting as well. The Hammers should be in a better position this season. At Anfield, West Ham is likely to start on the back foot and play patiently. However, the Hammers have an abysmal record against the Reds in recent times. They met 3 times in 2017 where they lost 1-4 at home twice and 0-4 away at Anfield. Liverpool should start with a good win. Mane, Salah, Firmino and Sturridge look very capable of scoring. Alisson shall not have to live with the tag of being the most expensive goalie in history as that has been overtaken by Kepa for Chelsea. 3-0.
Southampton v Burnley - The Saints were near disaster and Mark Hughes helped them escape relegation. While Hughes will not allow a repeat, he will find it hard for any quick progress. They have added 3 or 4 new signings whom I do not know well. Southampton is to me an important club as they have a good breeding ground for young players that they groom to be future stars but I am not sure of Mark Hughes as a manager. They need a confident start as they will next visit Everton, host Leicester, visit Palace then host Brighton. These are teams at their level where they have to take points off and it could determine their season.
Sean Dyche was outstanding because he did so well with such limited resources and got each to play their best. They also have to contend with the Europa ties this season. They have added mainly Joe Hart from City and Ben Gibson from Boro. Each season gets tougher and even if you are good, the limited resources may start to show. The Clarets will depend much on Chris Woods for goals and Jack Cork in midfield and as usual their solid defence especially their brilliant centre backs to get them through. 1-1.
Arsenal v Manchester City - This should be a fascinating encounter and of course Match of the Day. Arsenal are in transition after too many years. When older computers could not take new software updates, it hangs. The Gunners's underbelly was lack of steel between midfield and defence, lack of organisation. Unai Emery will change those. He was a winner at PSG and has managed stars. Mesut Ozil has retired from international football. He could now totally focus on Arsenal so you may see a totally refreshed Ozil teeing off Lacazette and Aubameyang. I like Lucas Torreira as he is like a little terrier that bites. The Gunners cleared out some 20 players and added 5. Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Dortmund) could be a good signing. Arsenal could actually surprise. They need a good start because the following week they visit Chelsea in their London derby and then host West Ham in another derby. Arsenal need Aubameyang and Ozil at their best.
Manchester City are everyone's favourite. Naturally so as they were the runaway champions, 19 points clear, first side to achieve 100 points and scored a record number of goals and conceded the least. Things will get harder as other teams will learn how to cope with them. Pep and the city would also be focusing and yearning on the Champions League which can be a distraction. However, Pep's City have various options and ways to play even at they have cleared out 25 players but added three. Expect Sergio Aguero to be their top scorer as he is an elite poacher in the mould of Romario. Kevin De Bruyne will be the star to drive them and perhaps the emergence of an exciting England talent in 18 year Phil Foden the best player in their youth World Cup. Arsenal unfortunately have a poor record in 2017 against City. City won 3-1 at the Etihad and won 3-0 twice at the Emirates. This is however only the opening match. Anything can happen and Arsenal to stop their losses. 2-2.
Manchester United v Leicester City - This could be Jose Mourinho's last season going by his history and antics. He knew he could not catch Guardiola while Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs may have other issues so his target is Klopp when he said Liverpool must win the title after heavy spending despite Liverpool also previously got paid high fees for Torres, Suarez and Coutunho. Mourinho spent more than double of Liverpool and yet is quarrelling with his players. Maybe getting sacked pays well. There have been serious talk about Mourinho badly wanting Harry Maguire. Now it seems that Maguire is really going to Old Trafford - to play against them. United will rely on Romelu Lukaku to get the goals and David de Gea to stop them. That is all but if Pogba gets over his unhappiness he could be something. Their biggest weakness now is the manager.
The Foxes has shown that they could still pack a punch but the loss of Riyad Mahrez will affect them. They have added experience at the back with Johnny Evans (WBA), Danny Ward (Liverpool) and a very interesting James Maddison from Norwich. I have watched him and he looked impressive. In the middle of a season, I may say the Red Devils could win this match 2-0 but this is the opening match of a new season. United have injuries, a manager's quarrels with his players in particular Anthony Martial means they may not be at their best for morale. Leicester is building a new defence and Claude Puel is building from last season. Vardy, Maguire and Maddison will play very important roles for them. Maybe I will say home win but 1-0. No, Jamie Vardy is going to score and Leicester to surprise United. 1-1.
Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspurs - If any manager could turn an ordinary squad into a mid-table team it is Rafa Benitez but lack of funds from owner Mike Ashley and the relationship may turn things sour. Only Yoshinori Muto was signed (Mainz), Salomon Rondon (loan from WBA), Kenedy (loan from Chelsea) and a couple of others. It seems like difficult times again for the Magpies and Toon Army. Jamaal Lascelles will have to be at his best to lead his troops.
Tottenham has a spanking new stadium and Mauricio Pochettino has signed on and secured extension of contracts of five key players. That is all to report. No new signings. They may be going through the Arsenal phase when they built the Emirates. Adding new players could strength your squad but Spurs are a settled and proven one. Question is will it be enough when stretched? SPurs finally made history before a ball is kicked - they did not sign anyone! But they are a happier team than the Magpies and though Benitez knows how to make his team tough to beat it is not going to be enough. They say Harry Kane just could not score in August. He could break his own jinx and record. Christian Eriksen will pull the strongs but when do Dele Alli get back to his best? 0-2.
Bournemouth v Cardiff - Eddie Howe should be a top manager someday. Bournemouth struggled early last season but Howe got them back into greater shape. They will be stretched especially if no successful key players are introduced. The club has sold off many players (15) but added little (3). David Brooks, Diego Rico and Jefferson Lerma. Bournemouth have often score and score enough but it is at the back that they need protection. Eddie Howe spots English talents from the lower leagues. Let's see what he comes out with this time.
Cardiff is all about aggression and experience. Their solid achievement of last season do not count here unfortunately. They have since made four signings all from Championship sides. This will not be enough. Though Bournemouth may struggle like them later. They should go on to win this home tie. 2-1.
Fulham v Crystal Palace - Fulham plays free flowing football. Slavisa Jokanovic's side will take on anyone. Watch for their exciting youngster Ryan Sessegnon. They have added with shrewd signings in Andre Schurrle (formerly Chelsea and Dortmund), Mitrovic (Newcastle) and Alfie Mawson (Swansea) plus a few others. They could surprise this season as they show their ambition. They score goals, have a midfield led by Tom Cairney that ticks but it is the defence that needs work.
Almost everybody laughed when Palace appointed Roy Hodgson as manager when they looked doom to go down but what a stunning turnaround! This time Hodgson has more time to prepare so will they fare better? Max Meyer from Schalke who was once the darling of the Germans as they reckoned he will be like Lionel Messi but things have not turned out so well. Going far from the German radar may help him resurrect his career at Crystal Palace. Who knows he may be a surprise signing but they need to keep their talisman Wilfreid Zaha. 2-2.
Huddersfield v Chelsea - Huddersfield are the underdog of underdogs. It makes your heart bleed when you see them playing so well, going all out and yet loose. David Wagner is a good manager but he needs to beef up his squad. Huddersfield for all their diligence just do not score enough. Their best player is Aaron Mooy for he is everything.
Chelsea are at a cross road. Even if all their players are intact they have since only added Jorginho and Sarri has not much time to reshape his team but he fashioned Napoli into one of Europe's top teams. As Thibaut Courtois left for Real Madrid, Sarri made a world record bid for a goalkeeper when he signed Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletico Madrid for 80 million pounds (Alisson Becker cost Liverpool 65m). They have taken Kovacic on loan from Real Madrid. What is wrong with the prices these days? Actually Chelsea could go either way - out of the top four or like when Conte first came win the title. I think it may be the former. Sarri needs more time but away win here. Much may depend on how Alvaro Morata plays. It also depends on Eden Hazard. He is a superb player and fine dribbler but he does not make impact like Messi or Ronaldo. 0-2.
Watford v Brighton - Watford started so well but were limping towards the end but were safe last year. It is hard to say how on the who and what. Lack of style, model or personality is a concern. Of their 5 or 6 signings I knew only two - goalkeeper Ben Foster (WBA) and Gerard Deulofeu of Barcelona.
Brighton could actually play a bit with Chris Hughton's methodical ways and he deserved credit. Glen Murray is now 34 and they need more firepower. Brighton looked like they just had a clearance sale, releasing or selling more than 20 players then added 10-11 new players. I fear that both these teams may be in danger of going down this year together with Huddersfield. Having that many changes it really not a good thing due to lack of cohesion. 1-1.
Wolves v Everton - Wolverhampton Wanderers mean business and looked like they are quite well equipped. They have added strength and a star in Reuben Neves who may become a top EPL star. A total of ten signings including WIlly Boly (Porto), Diogo Jota (Athletico Madrid) and Joao Moutinho (Monaco) plus Portugal first choice goalkeeper Rui Patricio (Sporting) are excellent players. Wolves look good in goal, defence and midfield but it it their attack where the need reinforcement. They could be the surprise team of the season.
It is another year of change at Goodison Park. Sam Alladaryce departed after saving their previous season. Now Marco Silva will play a more interesting game. They have signed a very good player in Richarlison (ex Watford) and a Lucas Digne (Barcelona). At the last minute, there was news of Everton having signed Yerry Mina, that towering Colombian goal-scoring centre half. I wanted to say 1-1 as Everton could not be so easily beaten but Wolves are very good this time and on home ground could surprise. Everton now have three scorers - Theo Walcott, Cenk Tosun and Richarlison. 2-1.
Liverpool v West Ham - The Reds had a good season, just made it to the Champions League qualification and lost in the Champions League Final. This does not mean they will win anything now. Every team is trying to get better. It is really all hard work. All things being equal, the team with harmony and and spirited has an advantage. The addition of Naby Keita - a player at a different level with his multi-faceted skills and is a force of nature is interesting. He will potentially add a new level and dimension to Liverpool's phases of play especially after winning the ball and transition to the final ball but the surprise could actually be Fabinho. Alisson Becker should be a real goal keeper and give the men in front of him full confidence and he plays the ball off his feet really well probably this is the reason Brazil plays him first choice ahead of City's Ederson. Virgil van Dijk should be an even better player this season. The midfield has depth and variety now and their attack are among the best in England and Europe. Liverpool scored four goals or more on 14 occasions last season. Oh boy, old boy Daniel Sturridge is back with a vengeance having scored 4 in 6 pre-season games and looking sharp giving them even more options. Liverpool must not make the same old mistakes and will have to start the season with real force. I saw their 5-0 win over a very good Napoli side and they were impressive. Liverpool have done their home work of admitting their weaknesses and addressed them with important signings that could erase those problem areas. The reward was getting the job done weeks before the window closed. Last season's top scorer Mohamed Salah will be in the goal hunt for sure but Roberto Firmino is the one that ties up all the knots. Mane is looking good and so too Sturridge. A young Curtis Jones may be their break through.
West Ham have always been easy on the eye. Pelligirini is a class person and manager. His soccer philosophy at Manchester City was impressive. The Hammers have spend big this summer and shall be rightly confident. They will be easy on the eyes for sure. Arnautovic and Lanzini had great a season last time so will play important roles. Nine additions like Lucas Perez, Jack Wilshere (Arsenal), Yarmolenko, Anderson and a few others are interesting as well. The Hammers should be in a better position this season. At Anfield, West Ham is likely to start on the back foot and play patiently. However, the Hammers have an abysmal record against the Reds in recent times. They met 3 times in 2017 where they lost 1-4 at home twice and 0-4 away at Anfield. Liverpool should start with a good win. Mane, Salah, Firmino and Sturridge look very capable of scoring. Alisson shall not have to live with the tag of being the most expensive goalie in history as that has been overtaken by Kepa for Chelsea. 3-0.
Southampton v Burnley - The Saints were near disaster and Mark Hughes helped them escape relegation. While Hughes will not allow a repeat, he will find it hard for any quick progress. They have added 3 or 4 new signings whom I do not know well. Southampton is to me an important club as they have a good breeding ground for young players that they groom to be future stars but I am not sure of Mark Hughes as a manager. They need a confident start as they will next visit Everton, host Leicester, visit Palace then host Brighton. These are teams at their level where they have to take points off and it could determine their season.
Sean Dyche was outstanding because he did so well with such limited resources and got each to play their best. They also have to contend with the Europa ties this season. They have added mainly Joe Hart from City and Ben Gibson from Boro. Each season gets tougher and even if you are good, the limited resources may start to show. The Clarets will depend much on Chris Woods for goals and Jack Cork in midfield and as usual their solid defence especially their brilliant centre backs to get them through. 1-1.
Arsenal v Manchester City - This should be a fascinating encounter and of course Match of the Day. Arsenal are in transition after too many years. When older computers could not take new software updates, it hangs. The Gunners's underbelly was lack of steel between midfield and defence, lack of organisation. Unai Emery will change those. He was a winner at PSG and has managed stars. Mesut Ozil has retired from international football. He could now totally focus on Arsenal so you may see a totally refreshed Ozil teeing off Lacazette and Aubameyang. I like Lucas Torreira as he is like a little terrier that bites. The Gunners cleared out some 20 players and added 5. Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Dortmund) could be a good signing. Arsenal could actually surprise. They need a good start because the following week they visit Chelsea in their London derby and then host West Ham in another derby. Arsenal need Aubameyang and Ozil at their best.
Manchester City are everyone's favourite. Naturally so as they were the runaway champions, 19 points clear, first side to achieve 100 points and scored a record number of goals and conceded the least. Things will get harder as other teams will learn how to cope with them. Pep and the city would also be focusing and yearning on the Champions League which can be a distraction. However, Pep's City have various options and ways to play even at they have cleared out 25 players but added three. Expect Sergio Aguero to be their top scorer as he is an elite poacher in the mould of Romario. Kevin De Bruyne will be the star to drive them and perhaps the emergence of an exciting England talent in 18 year Phil Foden the best player in their youth World Cup. Arsenal unfortunately have a poor record in 2017 against City. City won 3-1 at the Etihad and won 3-0 twice at the Emirates. This is however only the opening match. Anything can happen and Arsenal to stop their losses. 2-2.
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