The English Premier League returns for matchweek two this weekend – and hopes are high for another bonanza following something of a goalfest in the opening round.
With almost half the EPL’s teams under new management, a whole host of new narratives have kicked off for both good and bad.
No churn in the dugouts at Arsenal or Aston Villa, but starkly contrasting fortunes on the opening weekend for fellow Spanish chiefs Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery ahead of their Monday night meeting at Villa Park.
The Gunners were handsome winners to open up their title defence at the Emirates Stadium last Friday night.
But it was a sporting horror show for the Villans, who crumbled to a humiliating loss on the road with Emery calling out wantaway striker Ollie Watkins after the drubbing, as rumours of a transfer to Saudi Arabia continue to swirl.
Chelsea have been Brighton and Hove Albion’s best customer in recent years, spluring a fortune on prizing players and staff from the south coast to the big smoke.
They renew something of a growing rivalry at Stamford Bridge on Sunday with both having enjoyed curtain-raising success.
The Seagulls lashed four past hapless Villa at the Amex Stadium before half time, while Xavi Alonso’s new charges rattled in a trio of their own as optimism grows in west London.
Manchester United have no such luxury following their miserable opening game of Michael Carrick’s permanent stint in charge.
Returning Ipswich go to Old Trafford looking to be the second promoted club to stick one on the Red Devils in the opening fortnight, with Gary O’Neil’s Tractor Boys themselves victors on their step back up to the big time.
Manchester City left it late to seal a come-from-behind win in their first Premier League match since the exit of Pep Guardiola.
Enzo Maresca takes his side to Crystal Palace for the Friday night EPL fixture at Selhurst Park, taking on an Eagles side that slumped to defeat on the opening weekend to leave new boss Pierre Sage with work to do after replacing Oliver Glasner in south London.
Glasner tasted defeat in his first outing with new club Nottingham Forest and now has to make a daunting trip to Liverpool on Saturday.
The Reds played their full part in an emotional pre-match tribute to Kevin Keegan at Newcastle on Sunday, before snatching a draw from the jaws of defeat with a last-gasp penalty under the management of Andoni Iraola for the first time.
It was a gut punch for their St James’ Park hosts, who nevertheless avoided a sense of going backwards after the shock exit of long-serving chief Eddie Howe on the eve of the new Premier League campaign.
Now Matthias Jaissle and Co can sink their teeth into Tottenham, who smashed open the piggy bank this summer after avoiding relegation on the final day of last term, only to be thrashed at London neighbours Brentford to leave coach Roberto de Zerbi scratching his head.
The clash between Bournemouth and Everton, meanwhile, takes on an extra intrigue following their contrasting opening weekend fortunes.
It was Marco Rose’s Cherries who coughed up their one-goal lead to City at the Etihad Stadium, while wily old David Moyes steered his Toffees to their 2-0 success at the expense of Palace.
Promoted pair Coventry and Hull also had drastically differing fortunes a week ago.
Frank Lampard’s Sky Blues stormed to the Championship title last season to return to the top flight for the first time in a generation, only for their bubble to be burst by reigning champions Arsenal at the Emirates.
The Tigers could scarcely have roared any louder, stunning Manchester United 2-0 at the MKM Stadium having staggered through the second tier play-offs.
Sunday’s remaining two EPL fixtures include the meeting between Leeds and Brentford.
Both enjoyed plenty of positive signs on their first outings, sealing three points apiece at the expense of Forest and Spurs respectively.
Sunderland and Fulham, however, are both looking to get off the mark at the second time of asking.
They go head-to-head at the Stadium of Light looking to put their opening points on the board, with home boss Regis le Bris in particular preparing to juggle domestic duties with what they hope will be a Uefa Europa League odyssey.
Gameweek Predictions
| Kickoff | Fixture | Home % | Draw % | Away % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 28 Aug, 9:00 PM | Crystal Palace vs Man City | 18.4 | 22.6 | 59.0 |
| Sat 29 Aug, 1:30 PM | Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest | 63.6 | 20.2 | 16.2 |
| Sat 29 Aug, 4:00 PM | Bournemouth vs Everton | 46.1 | 27.2 | 26.7 |
| Sat 29 Aug, 4:00 PM | Coventry City vs Hull City | 51.7 | 26.5 | 21.8 |
| Sat 29 Aug, 6:30 PM | Tottenham vs Newcastle | 41.6 | 25.7 | 32.7 |
| Sun 30 Aug, 3:00 PM | Chelsea vs Brighton | 52.0 | 24.2 | 23.8 |
| Sun 30 Aug, 3:00 PM | Leeds vs Brentford | 36.8 | 28.2 | 35.0 |
| Sun 30 Aug, 3:00 PM | Sunderland vs Fulham | 39.0 | 29.3 | 31.7 |
| Sun 30 Aug, 5:30 PM | Man United vs Ipswich | 68.0 | 18.5 | 13.5 |
| Mon 31 Aug, 9:00 PM | Aston Villa vs Arsenal | 15.1 | 21.8 | 63.1 |