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SATURDAY – Everton v West Bromwich Albion (3.30 PM UAE start): While former Real Madrid player James Rodriguez was Everton’s summer signing, it was fellow South American Allan who made a big impression on his teammates during their victory at the Spurs. Center-back Michael Keane praised the Brazilian midfielder as “a defender’s dream” after the game. And Everton could find some momentum early in the season here against a West Brom team beaten 3-0 at home by Leicester in their opener. Prediction: Everton 2 West Brom 0. Getty
Leeds United – Fulham (6:00 PM): Two newly promoted teams from the Championship suffered losses in the opening weekend, but only one came out of their match with their heads held high. Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds gave champion Liverpool the scare of their lives at Anfield, fighting three times before finally falling 4-3. There is not much consolation in the defeat of Fulham, as Arsenal swept it 3-0. Prediction: Leeds 3 Fulham 0. Reuters
Manchester United v Crystal Palace (8.30pm): It turned out to be a turbulent preseason for a couple of United players. Captain Harry Maguire was found guilty in court of various crimes after an incident while on vacation in Greece, while young attacker Mason Greenwood was sent home from England for violating Covid-19 security protocols. United start their campaign a week later than most against a Palace side that started with a 1-0 win against Southampton. Prediction: United 3 Palace 0. AFP
Arsenal v West Ham (11pm): Contrasting opening matches for these two London clubs. Fresh from winning the FA Cup at the end of last season, Arsenal dispatched another club from the English capital in Fulham, 3-0 at Craven Cottage. West Ham had a miserable start to the campaign, losing 2-0 at home to Newcastle. Coach David Moyes “struggled to choose the positives” of the game and admitted that he needs to boost his team with fresh faces. Prediction: Arsenal 3 West Ham 1. AFP
SUNDAY – Southampton – Tottenham (3pm): One game less and the cracks are already appearing in José Mourinho’s Tottenham. The Portuguese has complained about his team’s hectic schedule, taking out midfielder Dele Alli at halftime in their loss to Everton and calling the players “lazy” and “unfit” after the game. The reaction of the players at Southampton, who also lost their first game, to public criticism from their coach will be fascinating. Prediction: Southampton 2 Spurs 2. EPA
Newcastle v Brighton (5pm): While the fallout from Newcastle’s failed takeover bid backed by Saudi Arabia continues off the pitch, the team appears to be heading in the right direction. The strike partnership between Andy Carroll and rookie Callum Wilson, in particular, in their win at West Ham will have given the Magpies a huge boost. Brighton emerged from their loss to Chelsea at great expense with pride and proved that they can be a thorn in the side for even the best players in the league. Prediction: Newcastle 2 Brighton 1. PA
Chelsea v Liverpool (7.30pm): The weekend’s game sees Chelsea, this summer’s big spender, take on champion Liverpool. They both started the season with victories – Liverpool over Leeds, Chelsea at Brighton – but they will know that a much greater challenge awaits them here. Timo Werner, a £ 45 million purchase from RB Leipzig, gave fans a glimpse of his pace and attack threat against the Seagulls. He will expect a repeat of Liverpool’s defensive mistakes against Leeds at Stamford Bridge. Prediction: Chelsea 1 Liverpool 2. EPA
Leicester v Burnley (10pm): Leicester showed no signs of lingering disappointment after missing a spot in the top four last season in their inaugural win at West Brom. A debut goal from 21 million pound winger Timothy Castagne was an advantage, while two penalties from Jamie Vardy are a sign that the Golden Boot winner is still hungry for goals. Burnley enters his first game still hoping to bring in new players and maintain control of West Ham’s goal, James Tarkowski. Prediction: Leicester 2 Burnley 0. AFP
MONDAY – Aston Villa – Sheffield United (9pm CET): Villa just received a double boost from midfielder and captain Jack Grealish signing a new long-term contract and Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez joins the club for £ 17 millions. In its season opener. They will face a Sheffield United that fell in a 2-0 home loss to the Wolves and desperately need a lift, and some fresh faces. Prediction: Villa 2 Sheffield United 1. AP
Lobos v Manchester City (11:15 pm): Finishing 18 points behind champion Liverpool last season would have hurt City manager Pep Guardiola. Defensive weaknesses were to blame for that gap and the arrival of Nathan Ake from Bournemouth for £ 41m should help rectify the problem. And Wolves will provide an early test for the new kid. Last season’s top scorer, Raúl Jiménez, was right in last week’s win at Sheffield United, while Adama Traore’s pace and power are always a danger. Prediction: Wolves 2 City 3. AFP
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