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Premier League: 2018-19 schedule released – Who gets an easy start

By Zaph Hutson

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal and Vincent Kompany of Manchester City compete for the ball during the Carabao Cup Final between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on February 25, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal and Vincent Kompany of Manchester City compete for the ball during the Carabao Cup Final between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on February 25, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Manchester City – 3.5

@ Arsenal, vs. Huddersfield, @ Wolverhampton, vs. Newcastle

This run could be a bit tricky for Manchester City. Their season begins against a dangerous Arsenal squad. Coach Emery is arguably an upgrade from Wenger and he will have many weapons to choose from. Aubameyang, Lacazette, Ozil, Mkhitaryan, and the likely signing of Papastathopoulos will force City to play their best game (and force the announcers to do some vocal practice.) Also, ripples of this game might be felt through the whole season since each side has the potential to dominate the league.

Huddersfield finished in 16th place so that should not be a difficult match. Wolverhampton, however, could be a thorn in the side of many Premier League clubs. They are far and away the best of the promoted teams and scored 82 goals in their Championship run. The home game against Newcastle should be quite straightforward.

Manchester United – 4

vs. Leicester, @ Brighton, vs. Tottenham, @ Burnley

Again, any game against Leicester can’t be decisively examined since the exit of Mahrez is looming. Still, United will have bigger problems than the Foxes to deal with. The game at Brighton shouldn’t be too hard but Tottenham will be a true test of Mourinho’s men. Kane, Alli, and Eriksen won’t make it easy for United to come away with much. After that they face a deceptively strong Burnley team whose defense can hold out long enough for their attackers to secure a late win.

Tottenham – 3

@ Newcastle, vs. Fulham, @ Manchester United, @ Watford

Tottenham is the only side in this list that will have three away games in their first four. All of these four matches are against capable teams. They start at Newcastle, who ended last season in a respectable 10th place. Then Tottenham takes on an electric Fulham team, led by wonderkind Ryan Sessegnon. Fulham amassed an incredible 79 goals last year. This means that the match might be an absolute shootout with some great attacking play on display.

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Manchester United are Tottenham’s third opponents. The Spurs might have a weaker defense to start the 2018/2019 season since centerback Toby Alderweireld is likely to leave. If they can’t plug that hole, United will probably come away with three points. This brings us to Watford, a side that has a habit of conceding many goals. Tottenham should have little trouble going up against Richarlison and company.

For the full Premier League schedule, click here.

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