Premier League Week 1 Preview

The much awaited English Premier League is here and teams are set to do battle for the coveted trophy.

Those who can’t aim for the trophy, will aim for European football, keeping their eye on the main price. The premier league trophy chief of them all, with secondary trophies like FA Cup and Capital One Cup also up for grabs.

FIXTURES FOR WEEK 1
8/8/15
Manchester United v Tottenham
Bournemouth v Aston Villa
Leicester City v Sunderland
Norwich v Crystal Palace
Everton v Watford
Chelsea v Swansea

9/8/15
Arsenal v West Ham
Newcastle v Southampton
Stoke City v Liverpool

Key Matches:

Manchester United v Tottenham: The season kicks off with LVG fielding a brand new team that limped to fourth place last season, against an ambitious Tottenham side looking to upset the status quo and break into the top four. United is without van Persie, Di Maria and Rafael, but acquired Depay, Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin and Darmian, with Romero challenging De Gea for the gloves. A stronger midfield to face a Tottenham side that has beefed up its defence with Wimmer, Trippier and Alderweireld. United started last season with a loss to Swansea. Recommended bet: Under 2.5 (1.95).

Chelsea v Swansea City: The blues kickoff their title defence of the EPL trophy with welcoming Swansea City to Stamford Bridge. Statistics favor Chelsea when it comes to openers, as the blues are unbeaten in the last 16 curtain raisers and have also not lost to Swansea in the premier league. Chelsea are without Drogba, Filipe Luis and Petr Cech, but have managed to keep their title winning squad together. Even though they may be without Diego Costa, they have Loic Remy and Falcao at hand. Swansea like Chelsea has managed to hold their team together and have Andre Ayew to strengthen. Recommended bet: Chelsea Handicap (2.04)

Stoke City v Liverpool: In a bid for champions league football, Liverpool will try to overcome Stoke City. A team they lost 6-1 to last season. But with the arrival of Benteke and Firmino, their attack might be different. But a bad defense might turn the game against them. Recommended bet: Stoke City win or draw (1.60)

Arsenal v West Ham: Arsene Wenger face the hammers and hopes to build on his community shield win over Chelsea, beating Mourinho for the first time. With the team looking brand new, the gunners look all but ready for the season with Cech between the sticks. Confidence within the ranks is boosted. West Ham had a good first half last season, but failed to qualife for the Europa League and will all but try to mirror that performance and more. Recommended bet: Arsenal handicap (1.76)