There is a real Super Sunday on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
The opening game is a fascinating Midlands derby clash between Leicester and Wolves – both of whom are tipped to push for a top-six finish.
The day’s second game then sees Arsenal travel to Newcastle in what is Steve Bruce’s first game in charge of his hometown club.
Then the final match sees a huge clash as Manchester United welcome Frank Lampard’s Chelsea to Stamford Bridge.
See below for a preview on the games, including predictions from former England, Crystal Palace and Tottenham midfielder Andy Gray and our own Football Insider Graeme Bailey and bet365’s Steve Freeth.
Leicester City 14:00 Wolverhampton Wanderers
King Power Stadium
TEAM NEWS: Leicester will hand debuts to Ayoze Perez and Denis Praet, with Brendan Rodgers available to boast a fully fit squad.
Wolves are sweating over the fitness of young winger Morgan Gibbs-White, whilst Jesus Vallejo and Patrick Cutrone should make their debuts
KEY FACT: Wolves are aiming for just a second victory in eight Premier League away matches
bet365 MATCH ODDS: Leicester 6/5 Draw 11/5 Wolves 12/5
bet365 Pick: Jame Vardy first goal @7/2
ANDY SAYS: I see this being a really good game, but I am going for Wolves to win a high scoring game…2-3
GRAEME SAYS: I am going for Leicester just to edge what will be a good but close game…2-1
Football Index – One to follow: Ruben Neves – A fantastic talent
Newcastle United 14:00 Arsenal
St. James’ Park
TEAM NEWS: Newcastle made five new signings in the summer, and four of them – Joelinton, Jetro Willems, Emil Krafth and Allan Saint-Maximin could all feature, but Andy Carroll is not fit and will be missing along with DeAndre Yedlin, Matt Ritchie, Dwight Gayle, Florian Lejeune and Jack Colback.
Arsenal should have their record signing Nicolas Pepe ready to make his debut along with deadline day acquisition David Luiz – but Kieran Tierney, who also joined on Thursday – misses out along with Hector Bellerin, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Rob Holding. Alexandre Lacazette and loan arrival Dani Ceballos should be fit.
KEY FACT: The Gunners have lost four of their last six matches on the opening weekend
bet365 MATCH ODDS: Newcastle 7/2 Draw 11/4 Arsenal 8/11
bet365 Pick: Draw @11/4
ANDY SAYS: Not an easy game for Arsenal but I am backing them to get off to a good start and win in the North East…1-2
GRAEME SAYS: I think Steve Bruce gets his new charges up for this one and they take at least a point…1-1
Football Index – One to follow: Nicolas Pepe – Could be a huge talent for Arsenal
Manchester United 16:30 Chelsea
Old Trafford
TEAM NEWS: United will hand a debut to defensive recruits Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire. Eric Bailly is injured, but Alexis Sanchez and Paul Pogba could feature following injury.
No new signings for Chelsea boss Frank Lampard due to their ban, and he has a host of injuries to cope with Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Antonio Rudiger, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Willian, Marco van Ginkel and Reece James ruled out but they hope to have N’Golo Kante fit.
KEY FACT: When kicking off a Premier League campaign at home, Man Utd have lost only one of their last 26 matches
bet365 MATCH ODDS: Man Utd 11/10 Draw 23/10 Chelsea 5/2
bet365 Pick: Under 2.5 goals @10/11
ANDY SAYS: Tough call but I think Chelsea claim a share of the spoils…1-1
GRAEME SAYS: I wonder if Frank Lampard makes a big impact on his debut as Chelsea coach, I think they grab the win…0-1
Football Index – One to follow: Harry Maguire – Has the chance to show just how good he is
