The 2020-21 English Premier League season kicks off in London on Saturday lunchtime as Fulham play host to Arsenal.
Eight matches in all will take place on the opening weekend, concluding with Brighton & Hove Albion hosting Frank Lampard’s Chelsea.
With Manchester United and Manchester City competing in the latter stages of European competition last month the two clubs have been given the opening weekend off, to explain the shorter schedule.
Here’s a look at each of the weekend’s games:
Fulham vs Arsenal
Arsenal have won the FA Cup and Community Shield in Mikel Arteta’s first couple of months in charge and should fancy their chances of picking up three points in their season opener too. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would be the obvious selection for your fantasy team given the forward has scored 22 goals in each of the past two seasons, whilst Dani Ceballos (3.50m) and Damian Martinez (1.0m) offer good value for money in this game.
Crystal Palace vs Southampton
The action continues in the capital shortly after as Crystal Palace host Southampton in the only 3pm Saturday kickoff. The Saints ended the last campaign well whilst Roy Hodgson’s side fell apart after securing their Premier League status. It’s hard to know what to expect from the hosts, but Danny Ings certainly offers the best value heading into the match as the Southampton striker will set you back just 3.50m in a game the visitors should be considered favourites.
Liverpool vs Leeds United
The defending champions kick off their campaign against last season’s Championship winners as Liverpool entertain Leeds United from 17:30 GMT. Sadio Mane and Joe Gomez may be popular fantasy picks given their prices and Liverpool will be expected to take all three points from this game.
West Ham United vs Newcastle United
The final game on Saturday sees Newcastle United travel all the way down to London to take on West Ham United. Hard to predict which way this one will go but goals could be on the cards between these two again. They drew 2-2 at St James’ Park back in July.
West Bromwich Albion vs Leicester City
The first Premier League game on Sunday sees West Bromwich Albion looking to take points in their return back to the top flight against a Leicester City side who ended their last campaign woefully. The Foxes have been fairly quiet so far in the transfer market, losing left-back Ben Chilwell and signing right-back Timothy Castagne.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
Two teams who have been busy so far this summer and whom will both be expecting to improve on last season. Tottenham Hotspur versus Everton should be an exciting encounter on Sunday, which could see debuts for James Rodriguez and Allan in the Everton midfield.
Sheffield United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Two sides who surprised many last season with their top half finishes meet at Bramall Lane on Sunday. Sheffield United signed goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale after Dean Henderson returned to Manchester United and he could be a good choice for the long-term in your fantasy team as the Blades kept 13 clean sheets last campaign. Expect this match to be a tight affair too so defenders may be the best choice.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea
Optimism is in the air at Chelsea following several new arrivals this summer, including Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Ben Chilwell. That’s to help build on the success of last season’s campaign that saw the breakthrough of a number of youngsters, including Christian Pulisic, Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham. The Blues will be expected to win this one, and Werner (3.50m) and Pulisic (6.0m) represent value for money like few others.
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