The 2024/25 English Premier League (EPL) season is upon us, and the fans are about to regain their voices across Nigeria after over two months of rest.
New managers have arrived and megabucks have been shelled out as transfer fees around the 20 EPL clubs, and Manchester United hosts Fulham on Friday night to get the season underway on its opening weekend.
Daily Trust previews what we could expect from the first round of matches.
Star Match: Chelsea vs Manchester City
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On paper this is a mismatch, with events at the Bridge indicating Manchester City could embarrass the Blues.
Enzo Maresca took over in June, poor preseason, leaky defence, and influx of young, average players- nine so far- leaves uninspired Chelsea fans wondering.
Manchester City however remain the same side that made it four consecutive EPL titles last season, minus the departed Julian Alvarez.
Pep Guardiola’s charge have not lost in nine matches against Chelsea and have an Erling Haaland raring to go again. A potential classic in the first week.
Interesting Stats of the week
– Liverpool are unbeaten in the EPL at Ipswich’s Portman Road stadium (3 wins, 2 draws), and have not lost on the opening day in ten years. Last match against Ipswich was a 5-0 victory.
– Arsenal have won their last six EPL against Wolves, while the visitors have won just once in their last 13 trips to Arsenal (8 defeats). The Gunners have also scored in each of their last 33 meetings with the Wanderers.
– Newcastle United have won the last three matches against Southampton, and have seven wins in their last nine league meetings. Southampton have failed to win in 17 of 18 visits to Newcastle (13 defeats).
– West Ham United aure unbeaten in 11 of 12 EPL matches against Aston Villa, while Villa, the visitors are winless in their last nine league matches at West Ham.
– Chelsea have failed to win against Man City in their last six league meetings, while City have won 12 of 13 opening day fixtures.
Players to watch
The big players will be expected to make statements on the opening weekend.
Mohamed Salah was below-par last season judging by his lofty standard- 18 goals and 10 assists in 32 EPL matches, but the Egyptian looks sharper in preseason.
Erling Haaland has 63 goals in 66 EPL matches so far, has won the golden boot in his two seasons in England and scored twice on the opening weekend in both seasons. The gangling forward could use Chelsea’s wobbly defence for shooting practice.
Dominic Solanke completed a mouth-watering £65million transfer to Tottenham, and big things are expected from the Chelsea academy graduate.
Goals rush and potential deserts
Chelsea and Man City should provide goals again after the eight-goal frenzy last season.
West Ham and Aston Villa have recruited smartly and both are attacking sides.
Leicester City’s famed home support should prime the former EPL champions for an upset, and this will happen if they score more goals than a Tottenham team that scores against lesser opponents.
Liverpool will score two or more against the Tractor Boys.
Week 1 Predictions
Manchester United Vs Fulham 1-0
Ipswich Town V Liverpool 0-3
Arsenal V Wolves 3-0
Everton V Brighton 1-1
Newcastle United vs Southampton 3-0
Nottingham Forest V Bournemouth 1-1
West Ham V Aston Villa 2-2
Brentford V Crystal Palace 1-2
Chelsea V Man City 1-4
Leicester City V Tottenham 2-3
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