We are into Gameweek 2 of the 2020/21 Premier League season and we’ll have a look and both Manchester clubs for the first time. Also, the headline match is definitely champions Liverpool facing an exciting Chelsea side.
There’s been a lot of transfer news and some activity as well, Tottenham seems to have secured the signings of Sergio Reguilon and Gareth Bale while Manchester United fans still yearn for an additional signing to Donny van de Beek, who we might see a debut from this weekend. There also might be debuts for City’s new signings Ferran Torres and Nathan Ake.
Below, we go through each and every match of the Matchday 2 of the Premier League and provide betting tips.
Everton v West Bromwich Albion (Saturday – 13:30)
Two teams with contrasting results from their season opener will meet at Goodison Park on Saturday in the day’s first match. Everton beat Spurs 1-0 win at Spurs which would mean the Toffees would be filled wth belief ahead of WBA. Not only id they win last week but all three of their marquee signings had very encouraging starts to their careers.
Slaven Bilic’s West Brom were just not good enough against Leicester City, losing 3-0 and it won’t get easier against Everton. Even though West Brom will have key player’s to choose from, it’s hard to see them beating a confident Everton side. Although Everton scored just the solitary goal against Spurs, Richarlison did miss a hattrick of opportunities so the Toffees are creating chances.
Two promoted sides square off at Elland Road in what is a potentially thrilling match on Saturday with both sides coming off a season opening loss. Leeds United produced a magnificent effort against Liverpool but two soft penalties from their new signings cost them which meant they had to make do with a 4-3 loss. That was also the fifth match in seven where Leeds United saw a total of over 3.5 goals. Fulham visited here as recently as June, when Leeds ran out comfortable 3-0 winners, keeping a clean sheet as they’ve done in their last seven competitive home wins.
Fulham were poor defensively in their 3-0 loss to Arsenal and Scott Parker’s side is everyone’s candidate to get relegated from the Premier League. It’s hard to see them not being overrun by Marcelo Bielsa’s who looked fresh, hungry and able to create chances against Liverpool. Also, Fulham conceded 81 goals in their last Premier League campaign which is the most by any club since their very own season back in 2013/14 where they conceded 85.
Manchester United v Crystal Palace (Saturday – 18:30)
After an encouraging end to their Premier League season where they finished third, there is an air of uncertainty around Manchester United after a half-hearted pre-season on many fronts. A win for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would reinforce belief in his project after a frustrating summer in the transfer market, although new signing Donny van de Beek could start. With United trying to get players back to some sort of full fitness, there is an opportunity for Crystal Palace to pounce on this.
Crystal Palace followed won their league opener 1-0 against Southampton last weekend but lost to Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup midweek after penalties. The Eagles won on their last visit to Old Trafford, ending a 30-year winless streak however their last meeting in July saw United win 2-0. Palace issue has always been goals, they are pretty solid defensively under Roy Hodgson but scoring goals in their biggest problem as they were the leagues lowest scorers after relegated Norwich. With United not really match fit, we could see a low scoring affair.
Arsenal on a massive high after 3-0 opening day win against Fulham and the confirmation of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signing a new deal at the club. The Gunners were in superb form last week with new signing Willian providing two assists on debut whole defender Gabriel also scored a goal. Confidence in Mikel Arteta is unquestionable and it seems like his Arsenal project is on the right track as it stands.
Things could not be much different for West Ham, they were poor in the season opening 2-0 home loss to Newcastle. West Ham United will do well to get anything from this London Derby considering Arsenal’s performance against Fulham. It’s hard to see Arsenal not getting all three points on offer.
Premier League football on Sunday begins at St. Mary’s Stadium as Southampton take on Tottenham. Both clubs had a less than satisfying start to the season. Southampton lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace despite creating more chances. The Saints will be desperate to get off the mark and they have played Spurs twice at home in 2020, winning one and drawing the FA Cup, both in January.
The Amazon documentary and the failure to beat Everton have piled on the pressure for Spurs and Jose Mourinho. In the aftermath of the 1-0 loss to the Toffees and another bleak performance, Spurs fans had some good news with the capture of Real Madrid left-back Sergio Reguilón and the potential signing of Gareth Bale. However, with points desperate to get off the mark this season, a draw seems like the best option in this match.
There is a positive mood around Newcastle after beating West Ham last week. Not only did they get three points but new striker Callum Wilson impressed with a debut goal. As expected, Brighton lost their opening match against Chelsea 3-1. Despite scoring in the loss there is a concern about Brighton’s ability to score goals.
Interestingly, the last two head to heads ended in goalless draws. But seeing that Newcastle impressed in the opening match of the season, a Newcastle win seems to be the best option here with not many goals.
Leicester City got a much needed 3-0 win over West Brom at home to prove once again they should be considered Top Six potential. The Foxes showed signs of their early promise of last season as Jamie Vardy netted a brace. Brendan Roger’s will fancy themselves against Burnley who might be lacking match fitness.
Burnley sat out Gameweek 1 and this is their opener for the new campaign. In their last meeting at King Powe, Leicester beat the Clarets 2-1 and we could see the same result considering match practice and Leicester’s opening win.
Aston Villa survived Premier League relegation last season and they are on the same mission this campaign. This is Villa’s first match of the new season and they’ll be keen to get it started on the right now which would mean a draw or all three points.
Sheffield United achieved a top ten finish, higher than anyone could have predicted. The pressure will be on Chris Wilder’s men to improve but their season has already got off to a poor start after 2-0 home loss to Wolves on Monday. In their last head to head, the two clubs played out a goalless draw, and it could be the same in this match considering both clubs would be content with getting their first points of the season.
Manchester City will be looking to get their revenge on Wolves for last season’s two straight losses when they face each other at Molineux Stadium. The Citizens are on a crusade to regain their Premier League trophy and pride after the league was dominated by Liverpool., and they are likely to fight tooth and nail in the season opener. New signings Nathan Ake and Ferran Torres are likely to make their Man City as well. Also, striker Sergio Aguero has overcome his long-term injury and is in contention to start.
Wolves will be looking to build and a very encouraging season last term. They beefed up their squad with acquisitions of Marcal, Vitinha (loan), Fabio Silva and Matija Sarkic. Over the years Wolves have turned their home ground into a fortress but a City win cannot be discounted especially considering their motivation this season. A better betting option could be over 2.5 goals.
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