Premier League returns on the opening weekend of the season

The new Premier League season has kicked off, and fans are in for a treat with some thrilling matches lined up for the opening weekend, whether you're a neutral or cheering for a specific team.

We've got some epic clashes, including two heavyweights going head-to-head, teams vying for European spots squaring off, and a newly promoted side taking on a recent Premier League champion. These matchups are definitely ones you won't want to miss!

Let’s dive into three of the standout fixtures from a jam-packed opening weekend that runs from Friday to Monday. Plus, we’ll throw in our score predictions and who we think will score in these must-see games!

Ipswich Town vs Liverpool - August 17th
Liverpool faces a tough challenge on the opening day with the early kick-off against a newly promoted team away from home, all while introducing a new manager for the first time in years. They’ve got a lot to prove!

Ipswich Town made an impressive leap from League One to the Premier League last season, finishing second and showcasing some fantastic football under Kieran McKenna, who turned down offers from big clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United to stay put.

Now, he’s up against Arne Slot, who’s also stepping into his first Premier League match after a successful run with Feyenoord.

Looking at the odds and the talent on each side, it seems like Liverpool (1.36) is the favorite against Ipswich (8.00), but with so many uncertainties, the home team could pull off an upset.

No matter the outcome, with Liverpool scoring freely in pre-season and Ipswich likely sticking to their attacking style, we can expect a high-scoring game!

Predictions
Ipswich 1-3 Liverpool (11.00)

Diogo Jota to Score Anytime (2.10)

West Ham vs Aston Villa (August 17th)
This season, the buzz around West Ham is at an all-time high, thanks to some fantastic summer signings and the arrival of a fresh, forward-thinking manager in Julen Lopetegui.

However, they’re kicking things off with a challenging match against Aston Villa, who finished fourth last season. Last year, Villa had the upper hand, winning 5-2 across their two encounters.

On the bright side for the Hammers, they’ll have their enthusiastic home crowd backing them for this opener, and Villa will be missing one of their key players from last season, Douglas Luiz, who has moved to Juventus.

While West Ham (2.50) vs Aston Villa (2.70) might not seem like a blockbuster matchup at first glance, both teams are likely to go all out for the win, promising an exciting clash at the London Stadium.

Predictions
West Ham 2-2 Aston Villa (12.00)

Ollie Watkins to Score Anytime (2.60)

Chelsea vs Manchester City (August 18th)
If last season is any indication, the Chelsea (4.20) vs Manchester City (1.80) match could be the highlight of the season, not just the opening weekend!

We witnessed an unforgettable game at Stamford Bridge in November, with both teams scoring twice in each half and Chelsea snatching a last-minute penalty to level it at 4-4.

But this time around, things might look a bit different. Mauricio Pochettino is no longer at the helm for Chelsea, having left by mutual consent at the end of the season. Enzo Maresca, who led Leicester City back to the Premier League, is stepping in and faces the tough challenge of managing a large squad.

Not much has shifted for Manchester City with Pep Guardiola still at the helm, and the transfer window hasn’t seen many players coming or going just yet. That said, City has had a tendency to start a bit slow in recent seasons, which could give Chelsea an edge playing at home for their first match.

It’s no surprise that Man City is the favorite here, being the reigning Premier League champs, but Chelsea has some talented players who could really shine if they show up.

Predictions
Chelsea 1-2 Manchester City (9.50)

Cole Palmer to Score Anytime (3.00).