SillySeason kick-start their prediction season with the opening week
The Premier League is back this weekend after the summer break and SillySeason are back in full prediction mode.
After yesterday’s big predictions regarding this season’s champions, the top-four, the bottom-three, Player to Watch, Team to Watch and Golden Boot winner, it’s now time to focus on match predictions. (You can read that article here)
Each week SillySeason‘s lead-writer Alex Batt will be going up against one of the contributors to the site and up first he takes on Social Media Manager, Steve Milne.
The duo have analysed the opening weekend matches and have picked their scorelines to suit.
So lets get into their picks for the opening weekend of the 2015/2016 Premier League campaign.
Match Predictions
Saturday’s Games
Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur
Alex Says: What a way to start the new Premier League season. Old Trafford is the venue for the first game of the campaign and I think the home team will just be too strong for Spurs. Strong transfer window for Louis Van Gaal compared to a quiet one in North London. Match Prediction: 2-1
Steve Says: I think United 2-0. Being at home will no doubt give them the advantage, especially being the first game of the season. Spurs are slow starters and I feel United’s newest signings have strengthened their line-up, while Tottenham I feel still look the same as last season. The United midfield alone will dominate Spurs and they will find it hard to break United’s defence. Match Prediction: 2-0
AFC Bournemouth vs Aston Villa
Alex Says: It’s always tough to predict how newly-promoted teams will do in the first few weeks of the Premier League campaign, but I can see Bournemouth starting their venture with a win against Aston Villa. Christian Benteke and Fabian Delph are huge losses for Tim Sherwood. Match Prediction: 1-0
Steve Says: Aston Villa for the 1-0 win: Bournemouth will take a few games to grasp the level of the Premier League and that will give Villa the advantage, however, Bournemouth will give them a run for their money, but Villa will scrape it. Match Prediction: 0-1
Everton vs Watford
Alex Says: Roberto Martinez needs to show signs of improvement after last year’s shortcomings. A nice fixture to start with at home to newly-promoted side Watford and I think they’ll pick up three points. Match Prediction: 2-0
Steve Says: Everton 2 – 1 Watford. I think Watford will be the silent assassins this season and I think they will knock off a few big teams, but not yet. Match Prediction: 2-1
Leicester vs Sunderland
Alex Says: This could have easily been a Championship match this season, but somehow they both managed to survive. However, this has bore draw written all over it for me. Match Prediction: 1-1
Steve Says: Sunderland 1 – 0 Leicester. I reckon this will be a somewhat boring scrap with Sunderland scraping through on a penalty or an own goal. Match Prediction: 0-1
Norwich City vs Crystal Palace
Alex Says: Norwich City back in the Premier League after just a season away. Tough start against a new-look Crystal Palace side, but I think they could take a point off Alan Pardew’s men. Match Prediction: 2-2
Steve Says: Norwich 2 – 1 Palace. I always underestimate Norwich, they are fighters, so this match I’m going to dare say that they will battle Palace right to the end. Match Prediction: 2-1
Chelsea vs Swansea City
Alex Says: Champions kicking off their campaign at home to Swansea City. Garry Monk’s men will give them a stern test, but I can’t see past The Blues here. Match Prediction: 3-1
Steve Says: Chelsea 2 – 0 Swansea. I’d ike to say The Blues will smash Swansea, but Chelsea tend to get cocky against smaller clubs so I think both goals will be late ones. Match Prediction: 2-0
Sunday’s Games
Arsenal vs West Ham United
Alex Says: A London derby to kick off for Arsenal and West Ham United. The Gunners don’t usually perform well during opening week, but I think they should have enough to beat The Hammers, who play in the Europa League just three days prior. Match Prediction: 2-1
Steve Says: Arsenal 3 – 0 West Ham. The Gunners will be a force to be reckoned with this season and after the pre-season Community Shield win, the lads will be buzzing for glory this season, and it will begin against West Ham. Match Prediction: 3-0
Newcastle United vs Southampton
Alex Says: Another tricky game to call as you just don’t know how Newcastle will do with a new manager and some new faces. As for Southampton, the big question is can they prove that last season wasn’t a one-off. I’m going for a narrow away win. Match Prediction: 1-2
Steve Says: I think this one will be a draw. Both clubs I feel are in a rebuilding stage and are still finding their feet. Match Prediction: 0-0
Stoke City vs Liverpool
Alex Says: 6-1. Just kidding of course. But I can see Stoke City beating Liverpool again at the Britannia Stadium because it’s just such a tough place to go. Match Prediction: 2-1
Steve Says: Liverpool 3 – 0 Stoke. I think The Reds will be looking for revenge and to put the last game of the season to rest. Liverpool’s new signings are looking strong. Match Prediction: 0-3
Monday’s Game
West Bromwich Albion vs Manchester City
Alex Says: Tricky first game for Manuel Pellegrini who’s got a tough season ahead of him. The Hawthorns is a tough place to go and I am actually going to throw a curve-ball here and say The Baggies to snatch three points. Match Prediction: 1-0
Steve Says: West Brom 1 – 2 Man City. While I see City as a strong side, WBA are giant killers and tend to rattle bigger clubs. I think City will underestimate West Brom and will be held to a 1-1 scoreline, but will eventually prevail in the dying minutes of the game. Match Prediction: 1-2
So there are the picks of Steve and Alex ahead of the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
Who do you agree with? Who’s going to get most right?
Comment your predictions below!
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