Alan Scheerder has announced its predictions for the opening weekend of the 2024-25 season Eredivisie season as reigning champion Manchester City become chaotic Chelsea and recently promoted Ipswich Town host Liverpool.
Less than three months after Manchester City won the Premier League trophy at the Etihad Stadium, the battle for a fifth consecutive title begins away to Stamford Bridge.
The new season kicks off on Friday night with Manchester United, keen to improve since placing their trust in embattled manager Erik ten Hag, welcoming Fulham to Old Trafford.
Ipswich play their first Premier League game in 22 years on Saturday morning, before Arsenal, runners-up for the past two seasons, open their season against Wolves.
There are four other matches scheduled for 3pm CET, with Champions League club Aston Villa visiting West Ham and play-off winners Southampton travelling to Newcastle United.
Brentford play a London derby against Crystal Palace on Sunday, before the main match of the weekend: Manchester City take on Enzo Maresca's Chelsea.
The first Monday Night Football match of the season is between Championship winners Leicester City and exciting Tottenham Hotspur.
Betfair ambassador and Metro Guest columnist Shearer has given his verdict on the weekend's opening games, predicting that Manchester City will have 'too much' for Chelsea and that the promoted teams will struggle.
Manchester United vs Fulham
'Man United have played competitively in the Community Shield and I was impressed with what I saw at Wembley. They are also playing at home, the first game of the season, so I expect them to win and go for a 3-1.'
Ipswich vs Liverpool
'It's always difficult to turn up at the first game of a newly promoted club with the adrenaline of the crowd and the home players. I think this will be a very difficult game for Liverpool. But I can secretly see them winning 1-0.'
Chances for the Premier League top four
Manchester City 1/12
Arsenal 1/10
Liverpool 8/15
Chelsea 6/4
Tottenham, Manchester United 13/8
Newcastle 2/1
Aston Villa 10/3
(Opportunities thanks to Betfair)
Arsenal vs Wolves
'I think Arsenal will be too strong for Wolves at home, and I think this is the season the Gunners can really get into the title race. I expect them to start with a comfortable home win, so I'm expecting Arsenal to win 2-0.'
Everton vs Brighton
'It's hard to predict. Everton are playing at home, so it's a good atmosphere for the first game of the season, and we don't know exactly how this new Brighton team will do. I'm going for 1-1.'
Newcastle vs Southampton
'Newcastle want to make a good start at St James' Park, just like last season. It might have been different if it had been at St Mary's, but because they are playing at home, I say Newcastle win 3-1.'
Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth
'I think Nottingham Forest have just enough to win this game, although I expect both teams to fight this season. How will Bournemouth play without Dominic Solanke? It may take a while, so I say 2-1 to Forest.'
Anfield gets Prem fans' approval
A new one Betfair A survey of over 2,000 football fans has revealed that Anfield is the stadium with the best atmosphere in the Premier League.
The poll, conducted by YouGov Sport, also found that fans across the country are largely in favour of Manchester City winning the title for the fifth year in a row. However, supporters believe the top four will consist of Arsenal, Liverpool and Man United.
This weekend, thousands of fans will be cheering on their teams as they play away. Those polled can’t agree on who should be crowned best away fan, with Newcastle and Liverpool fans both sharing first place.
When Arsenal was asked who the worst away fans are, he said they won the title.
West Ham vs Aston Villa
“It's going to be an exciting game. West Ham have made some exciting signings, but so have Aston Villa. It might take a while for some of those to really gel for both sides, so I'm happy with a draw. 1-1.”
Brentford v Crystal Palace
'A London Derby to start the season, live on TV on Sunday, so it could be an exciting game for all of us to watch. It feels like these derbies often end in a draw, but I expect goals so I'll say 2-2.'
Chelsea vs Manchester City
'Chelsea have had a bad pre-season, but I wouldn't read too much into that. However, they have a brand new manager and a lot of new players, and when you have the stability and experience of Man City and Pep Guardiola in your first game, I think City will be too much for them. I say 2-1 Man City win.'
Leicester vs Spurs
'Spurs travel to a newly promoted team so there will be a lot of excitement but I think they have too much for Leicester, especially with the signings Ange Postecoglou has made. I expect Spurs to win 1-0 on Monday night.'
For more information from Betfair Ambassador Alan Shearer, visit https://betfair.com/football/alan-shearer/.
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