New season, new expectations. But the same old mission; to win the Fantasy Premier League. Here is our exclusive gameweek 1 FPL preview, along with a star man for each fixture and a result prediction.
Arsenal vs Leicester
The mighty Arsenal ended last season on a low, finishing 5th place on the Premier League table, and Wenger’s men will surely be looking to bounce back from the very start. Wenger’s intentions seem pretty clear as finally Arsenal have invested in a marquee striker, Alexandre Lacazette. Leicester ended last season on a decent note, courtesy to a string of brilliant performances after the departure of their title winning manager Claudio Ranieri. Both sides will be looking to start the season on a high note, but with the firepower the Gunners have up front, it could be a tiring day at the office for the Foxes.
STAR MAN: Alexis Sanchez (12.0m)
With Lacazette up front, the little Chilean’s chances of being among points have certainly been bolstered.
PREDICTION: Arsenal 3-0 Leicester
Watford vs Liverpool
Watford had their share of struggles last season but were able to finish just one spot above the relegation zone. Now with new manager Marco Silva, who put up a fight with Hull last season but failed to keep them up, the Hornets may have more attacking threat which could cause trouble to the Reds who have had an amazing pre-season and will be looking to go all guns blazing from the start of the season.
STAR MAN: Mohammed Salah (9.0m)
The pacey winger has been involved in most of Liverpool’s pre season goals and will be looking to make his mark again in the Premier League.
PREDICTION: Watford 1-2 Liverpool
Chelsea vs Burnley
The Champions are up against the Clarets on the opening day of the season. Chelsea are on the back of a disappointing defeat at the hands of Arsenal in the Community Shield and will definitely be looking to come out strongly. Considering Burnley’s away record as of last season, this fixture seems to be an open & shut case.
STAR MAN: Michy Batshuayi (8.5m)
In the absence of Costa, the Belgian will be the man Conte will look up to to finish off the Clarets.
PREDICTION: Chelsea 2-0 Burnley
Crystal Palace vs Huddersfield
Palace have strengthened their squad in this summer transfer window with the arrival of Riedewald & Loftus-Cheek and they will definitely be eyeing a finish in the top half of this season. After a disappointing end to last season, the Eagles will be looking to bounce back. Huddersfield on the other hand have qualified for the Premier League for the very first time via the playoffs and they will be hoping they can take their last season’s form into this Premier League campaign. The Terriers look a promising side at the moment, but an opening day, away win may be too much to ask.
STAR MAN: Christian Benteke (8.0m)
The Belgian has had a fruitful pre season and looks all set to torment the Terriers defence.
PREDICTION: Crystal Palace 3-1 Huddersfield
Everton vs Stoke
The Toffees have suffered a huge set back after the departure of their danger man up front, Romelu Lukaku. Everton have made major changes to their squad, but the noticeable introduction of Rooney & Pickford gives Koeman a decent amount of options who will be looking to bring Everton back into the European spots. The Potters on the other hand have too lost their major threat in front of goal in Marko Arnautovic to the Hammers. This might turn out to be a cagey game with both sides looking to make a statement in the absence of their star players.
STAR MAN: Wayne Rooney (7.5m)
The Englishman will surely be looking to make his Everton return special.
PREDICTION: Everton 2-1 Stoke
Southampton vs Swansea
Southampton have this habit of finishing well and then losing their best players to different clubs which harms their chances of progressing. On the other hand, the Swans, after being in the relegation zone for most parts of last season, finishing 15th was a huge boost. They would like to continue that end of season momentum into this season and look to stun the Saints at home.
STAR MAN: Dusan Tadic (6.5m)
The Serb was not in the best of forms last season but could easily see a return to form this time around.
PREDICTION: Southampton 2-0 Swansea
West Brom vs Bournemouth
The Baggies had one of, if not, their best seasons last time around, finishing in the top half of the table but this time around they are up against Bournemouth on the opening day of the season who ended last season on a high and achieved their best ever finish in the Premier League of 9th place. This makes for an interesting game where West Brom’s rigidity in defence will surely be tested.
STAR MAN: Jermain Defoe (8.0m)
He’s probably into his final few seasons of his footballing career and will be looking to finish off in style by bagging the goals to help his team to victory every game.
PREDICTION: West Brom 1-1 Bournemouth
Brighton vs Man City
The game at the Etihad is definitely bound to be an entertaining one as Pep Guardiola’s all out attack policy goes against Chris Hughton’s experience in English football. Brighton will definitely be looking to have a go at the Citizens but City certainly have the resources to hit back.
STAR MAN: Gabriel Jesus (10.5m)
The Brazilian is one who needs no introduction & is surely one of the men whom Pep has decided to plan his team around.
PREDICTION: Brighton 1-4 Manchester City
Newcastle vs Tottenham
The boys from Tyneside are back in the Premier League after just one season which was successful and saw them win the Championship. The players will be tremendously motivated under manager Rafa Benitez to perform well and stay in the Premier League this time around. Spurs on the other hand will be looking to apply pressure on the title contenders and hope to secure their first title in years.
STAR MAN: Christian Eriksen (9.5m)
After a good rest, the Dane will be ready to go all guns blazing and set the league on fire with his skills and abilities.
PREDICTION: Newcastle United 1-3 Tottenham
Manchester United vs West Ham
Manchester United have made the big summer signing of the Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku, who will add to their attacking threat with Pogba set to be given a more free forward moving role with the arrival of Matic. West Ham on the other hand have United’s old boy Chicharito who could be a huge threat to De Gea’s goal if not contained. However, with United playing at home, the Hammers might find it difficult to break Mourinho’s defence.
STAR MAN: Paul Pogba (8.0m)
The big Frenchman had been quiet in front of goal last season but will be looking to change that fact and get back to the form that he had possessed at Juventus.
PREDICTION: Manchester United 2-0 West Ham
Written by FPL Transfer Tips (@FPL_TransTips)
