Betfair Ambassador Dimitar Berbatov previews the Premier League opening weekend action (Picture: Getty / Metro)
After a summer dominated by never-ending transfer speculation, the Premier League is finally back with a bang this evening.
Newly promoted Burnley kick proceedings off this evening against Manchester City with Vincent Kompany looking to shock his old club.
Community Shield winners Arsenal, meanwhile, will expect to begin their campaign with a home win over Nottingham Forest, but Sunday’s heavyweight clash between Chelsea and Liverpool is harder to call.
Betfair Ambassador Dimitar Berbatov returns to Metro.co.uk to preview all of the action…
Burnley vs Manchester City
Imagine if Burnley shock everyone and beat Manchester City? I remember when I went to Turf Moor with Manchester United and lost 1-0. The dressing room was so small, I was like ‘What the hell’. But Manchester City will want to bounce back after their Community Shield loss against Arsenal. I predict the Premier League champions to bounce back and beat Burnley to start off the season. Prediction: 0-2.
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest
Declan Rice is set to make his Premier League debut for Arsenal this weekend (Picture: Getty)
Confidence will be high for Arsenal after winning the Community Shield against Manchester City. I don’t see how Forest can hurt Arsenal, and I think Mikel Arteta’s side will want to start strong. I’m backing Arsenal to beat Nottingham Forest. Prediction: 3-1.
Sheffield United vs Crystal Palace
That will be an interesting game. I predict Sheffield United to win against Crystal Palace because I think they’ll be pumped up to play in the Premier League again. Crystal Palace are a team they can beat too, especially as they’ve lost Wilfried Zaha. Prediction: 2-1.
Bournemouth vs West Ham
West Ham are looking to sign Harry Maguire from Manchester United (Picture: Getty)
I can see this one being a draw. West Ham had a great season and winning the Europa Conference League trophy was a great achievement, but they lost their star man in Declan Rice. They have not bought enough players yet either and I’m still expecting them to strengthen. Prediction: 1-1.
Brighton vs Luton Town
I love watching Brighton play football. They were great last season and I’m expecting more of the same from them. The way they pass the ball and control the game is great. I think they’ll start the season well and beat Luton. Prediction: 3-0.
Everton vs Fulham
Everton need to start better, they’re a big club and they shouldn’t be worrying about relegation. I didn’t like seeing Everton battling near the bottom of the league. Last season it felt like they lost their bullying factor. When I played and someone told me Everton was next, I’d say ‘Oh my god, not Everton, the bullying, elbows and hitting’, they don’t have that effect anymore. The crowd needs to get loud again because, at Goodison Park, it sounds like the fans are right on top of you when they’re loud. They need to put that fear back in their opposition. This won’t be an easy start and I can see it being a draw. Prediction: 1-1.
Newcastle vs Aston Villa
The Newcastle fans are so passionate and will always support the team. St James’ Park was always a great place to go, but also terrifying, everyone there is screaming at you. Last season was unbelievable for them, they need to continue on their trend and keep progressing. Aston Villa look promising this season, but I think Newcastle will come out on top in this one. Prediction: 1-0.
Brentford vs Tottenham
The future of Harry Kane has dominated Tottenham’s pre-season (Picture: Getty)
I always have big expectations for Tottenham at the start of each season. It’s best if we let Spurs get on with it and we don’t shine too much limelight on them. Going to Brentford is tricky, I can see Spurs coming away with a draw at Brentford. Prediction: 2-2.
Chelsea vs Liverpool
I have big expectations for Chelsea, I’d like to see them perform better this season and challenge for the title. Liverpool know they need to do better than last season, but I think Chelsea will be a surprise. Prediction: 2-1.
Manchester United vs Wolves
Wolves is a must-win game for Manchester United, especially as I expect them to challenge for the title because it’s about time. There has been a lot happen off the pitch with Wolves this week and they will want to put everything behind them with a win to start well, but I don’t see that happening at Old Trafford. I expect United to win this one. Prediction: 2-0.
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MORE : Man City and Arsenal snubbed as Dimitar Berbatov backs Man Utd or Chelsea to win Premier League
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Some huge games to look forward to.