Match Previews: Pick of the bunch!

Liverpool vs Burnley

Saturday, 21st August

It was a good start to the season for Liverpool as they comfortably dispatched Norwich, while Burnley struggled against Brighton, losing 2-1.

 

Liverpool had Virgil van Dijk back in the starting eleven and his presence was definitely a welcomed sight. They dominated Norwich which isn’t surprising and ran out 3-0 winners. Mohamed Salah was on the scoresheet again and he broke a record of scoring on the first game of the season for 5 seasons in a row. The Egyptian looks set to sign a new deal at Anfield, and he’ll be their key player again this season. Liverpool will want some revenge here at home after Burnley picked up 3 points last time out, but a full Anfield crowd are sure to roar Liverpool on to pick up the win.

 

Burnley’s season didn’t get off to the best of starts after Brighton came from behind to win the game at Turf Moor. In a game that defenders are key, Brighton came out on top and now Burnley look as though they could come away with nothing from their first 2 games if Liverpool shows up. It’s going to be a tough season for Burnley again as teams around them improve, but Burnley have a knack for staying in this league and grinding results and they’ll have to do that again. This one could be too much for them though.

 

Crystal Palace vs Brentford

Saturday, 21st August

Brentford got off to a flyer in the Premier League after they beat Arsenal, but Palace struggled to get anything going against Chelsea.

 

It was a tough opening day for Patrick Vieria in the Premier League as Palace went down 3-0 to Chelsea. It could have been more, but it was a respectable result in the end with Crystal Palace not really creating anything. They should look to bounce back here at home against newly-promoted Brentford, but the confidence will be with the away side. Although it’s early on in the season, a good result is needed here and it could be such a long season for Crystal Palace.

Brentford was fantastic in their opening game in the Premier League, beating Arsenal 2-0 at home. It was a historic day for the club and rounded off by a wonderful performance from each and every player on the pitch. Arsenal didn’t look like a threat and Brentford fully deserved their win. They’ll fancy their chances here against Palace, and the energy that Brentford bring could be too much. They look as though they’ll be a team that enjoys this Premier League campaign.

 

Southampton vs Manchester United

Sunday, 22nd August

Everton bested Southampton on the opening day at Goodison, while Man Utd looked impressive as they hit 5 against Leeds.

 

It’s going to be tough for Southampton this season after losing key players Danny Ings and Jannik Vestergaard. They brought in Adam Armstrong from Blackburn and he hit the net early on to put the Saints in front, but Everton’s class shone and they fully deserved to win the game. It’s a tough second fixture for Southampton as Man Utd come to town and they could start the season with 0 points from 2 games. It’s not panic stations, but Southampton’s results must improve on last season and quick.

 

It was the Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba show at Old Trafford as both players were fantastic. Four assists for Pogba in one game, and Bruno hitting a hat-trick gave Man Utd a wonderful start to the season. This team means business this season, and they want to show that they’re here to challenge for titles again and so they should be with the team they have, having also added Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane. They’ll be looking for 3 points here.