The opening Premier League weekend comes to a conclusion on Sunday, with champions Manchester City getting their campaign underway.
City, who looking to become the first side to win back-to-back titles since 2009, face a tough opening clash as they travel to Arsenal – who entertain a league campaign NOT under Arsene Wenger for first time this century as Unai Emery is the new head coach.
The opening game of the day sees City’s biggest title rival – according to the Bookmakers – Liverpool in action as they host West Ham at Anfield in Manuel Pellegrini’s first game in charge of The Hammers.
The other game on Sunday sees Burnley travel to the South Coast to face Southampton.
See below for a preview on the game, including predictions from former England, Crystal Palace and Tottenham midfielder Andy Gray and our own Football Insider Graeme Bailey and bet365’s Steve Freeth.
Football INDEX is a stockmarket game where players, known as Traders, take a position on the “future success” of footballers with real money – CLICK HERE to play and start winning, and take advantage of your £20 cashback only with TheGamblingTimes.
Liverpool 13:30 West Ham United
Anfield
TEAM NEWS: New signings Alisson and and Naby Keita will make their debuts for Liverpool. but Fabinho is a doubt. Dejan Lovren misses out.
West Ham could give debuts to a host of their several summer signings with Jack Wilshere, Felipe Anderson and Carlos Sanchez all likely to feature but Andriy Yarmolenko is struggling.
KEY FACT: West Ham have lost their Premier League season opener 11 times, more than any other side.
MATCH ODDS: Liverpool 1/4 Draw 11/2 West Ham 13/1
bet365 Pick: Liverpool win & under 3.5 goals @6/5
ANDY SAYS: I don’t see West Ham getting anywhere near Liverpool – who could dish out a a good beating here, just because of their quality…4-1
GRAEME SAYS: Tough opener for West Ham and just about impossible to imagine them getting something, has to be a Liverpool win here…2-0
FOOTBALLIndex – One to follow:Roberto Firmino – Salah and Mane sometimes hog the lime-light, but Firmino could have a huge season
Southampton 13:30 Burnley
St. Mary’s Stadium
TEAM NEWS: Danny Ings is ready to make his debut along with Stuart Armstrong for Southampton, whilst Cedric Soares has recovered from illness.
Burnley are sweating on the fitness of Chris Wood. Tom Heaton is available again but Joe Hart is set to continue in goal.
KEY FACT: Southampton have never won an opening Premier League home fixture
MATCH ODDS: Southampton 17/20 Draw 5/2 Burnley 4/1
bet365 Pick: Draw @5/2
ANDY SAYS: I don’t see many goals at all here, I can see Burnley coming for the draw and getting it…0-0
GRAEME SAYS: You can never under-estimate Burnley and I am not about to here and I think they take something from this game but will say a draw…1-1
FOOTBALLIndex – One to follow: Danny Ings – could have a great season with Southampton, keep an eye on him
Arsenal 16:00 Man City
Emirates Stadium
TEAM NEWS: Nacho Monreal, Sead Kolasinac and Laurent Koscielny all miss out for Arsenal, whilst they hope Aaron Ramsey will make the game.Bernd Leno, Lucas Torreira and Sokratis Papastathopoulos are al set to make their debuts.
Manchester City should hand a debut to record signing Riyad Mahrez. Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne are doubts but should play.
KEY FACT: Manchester City are unbeaten in their last five Premier League meetings with Arsenal
MATCH ODDS: W 3/1 14/5 19/20
bet365 Pick: Man City win & Both Teams to Score @11/5
ANDY SAYS: I don’t see Man City’s brilliance being stopped by Arsenal here, I have to go with a comfortable win for City here…1-3
GRAEME SAYS: Whilst I don’t Arsenal challenging for the title, I think they could do some damage and I believe they could catch City here…1-1
FOOTBALLIndex – One to follow: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – he could easily be the Golden Boot winner this term