Well, it’s here. The 2018-19 Premier League season is upon us and the first matchday begins tomorrow. Time for some picks.
I made a habit of this during the World Cup. Might as well do it again for the 2018-19 Premier League season. My plan is to make some picks, see how I do, bring other writers to predict against me some weeks and see how they do. The first matchday has some really intriguing match-ups to start.
Before we begin, I made my table picks on our BIG EPL preview podcast. Myself, Esteban Bailey, and Ashley Anthony picked our final table and more superlatives. Listen here!
Man United 1-0 Leicester
Unlike last years opener, this time Leicester will play a snooze. One Lukaku goal wins it for United to make Mourinho smile.
Newcastle 2-1 Tottenham
My upset pick of the first weekend is a home Newcastle win over Tottenham. Spurs stars are less than a month removed from World Cup semifinal games and Rondon will have a dream debut for the Magpies.
Bournemouth 0-0 Cardiff City
Expecting a boring game for this one. Will be one of the very few points Cardiff picks up this season.
Fulham 3-0 Crystal Palace
Fulham ended the transfer window with a bang. Their new look squad will impress at Craven Cottage in their EPL return.
Huddersfield 0-2 Chelsea
Sarri’s debut will be easy. Huddersfield poses no threat to Chelsea at John Smith’s Stadium. Goals for Willian and Morata.
Watford 1-1 Brighton
This is the other game that I am predicting as a draw. Watford and Brighton just don’t have the attacking talent to score more than a goal in this encounter.
Wolves 1-2 Everton
The two teams that had the best transfer windows. The two Portuguese managers will put their brand new players out at the Molineux Stadium. Everton edges it with a late winner from Richarlison.
👕 | Squad numbers for the new lads! #EFC
— Everton (@Everton) August 9, 2018
1️⃣3️⃣ Yerry Mina
8️⃣ Andre Gomes pic.twitter.com/BAH3xJiINT
Liverpool 2-0 West Ham
Klopp’s men will show how good they can be in their opener. Fabinho and Naby Keita will shine in the midfield to begin their Liverpool careers.
Southampton 0-1 Burnley
Even only two days rest after a Europa League draw in Turkey, Burnley’s tired defense won’t get broken down by Southampton. 3 points for the Clarets.
Arsenal 2-4 Man City
The game of the week will prove to be the most entertaining clash to start the season. I think Aubameyang can start with a couple of goals, but Arsenal’s defense will struggle against City’s fast attack. Leroy Sane will continue to make Joachim Low look like an idiot.