EPL Predictions Gameweek 2

A full fixture list this weekend as Manchester City and Manchester United start their season in gameweek 2 of the 2020-21 English Premier League.

Arsenal will be looking to build on their impressive win last weekend when they host West Ham United this Saturday, whilst all three promoted teams will be looking for their first points of the campaign.

Here’s a look at each of the weekend’s games:

Everton vs West Bromwich Albion
Everton are one of many people’s dead certs to win this weekend following their impressive 1-0 win away to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend whilst West Bromwich Albion looked like relegation candidates in their 0-3 hammering at home by Leicester City. Another clean sheet could be on the cards, so Jordan Pickford and Lucas Digne should be sensible picks. Going forward, James Rodriguez and Dominic Calvert-Lewin may be the best options for your fantasy team.

Leeds United vs Fulham
Leeds United were impressive in their first Premier League game in over 16 years, losing 3-4 at champions Liverpool, whilst Fulham had been hammered 0-3 at home by Arsenal earlier last weekend. Marcelo Bielsa’s side will be expected to pick up three points on Saturday as a result, one of Jack Harrison, Helder Costa or Pablo Hernandez should all be worth putting in your team.

Manchester United vs Crystal Palace
Manchester United start their 2020-21 Premier League season at home to a Crystal Palace side who were surprise 1-0 winners over Southampton last weekend. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will be expected to finish in the top four again this campaign so could do with all three points on Saturday, as they are expected to get. Any one or two of Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford or Luke Shaw should be strongly considered in your team.

Arsenal vs West Ham United
FA Cup winners Arsenal have made an impressive start to the season, winning the Community Shield and then a convincing 3-0 win at Fulham to start the new Premier League campaign. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is an obvious selection against West Ham’s poor defence, whilst Willian is another good choice after his two assists on his debut.

Southampton vs Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur were beaten at home by Everton to start their new season and under impressive in their 2-1 win away to nine man Lokomotiv Plovdiv in the Europa League on Thursday. Many expected Southampton to beat Crystal Palace but were beaten 1-0, making this a difficult game to call. If you must select players from this game, Danny Ings or Heung-min Son could be worth considering.

Newcastle United vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Newcastle United were deserving 2-0 winners away to West Ham last Saturday whilst Brighton were beaten at home by Chelsea on Monday night. Many expect Steve Bruce’s side to make it six points from six to start the new campaign, and although it’s far from certain, it’s hard to argue against a home win in this one. Jamal Lewis had a good debut at left-back versus the Hammers, Callum Wilson scored on his debut, and Jeff Hendrick both scored and assisted on his.

Chelsea vs Liverpool
Expect goals at Stamford Bridge on Sunday after Chelsea scored three in their opener, whilst Liverpool scored four and conceded three. Frank Lampard’s side have invested heavily in attack this summer with Timo Werner and Kai Havertz arriving, whilst their defending last season left something to be desired. Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane or Werner would be the sensible picks in this one.

Leicester City vs Burnley
Burnley should put up more of a fight than West Brom did versus Leicester last weekend but a home win remains many people’s expectations none the less. Jamie Vardy, Dennis Praet, Timothy Castagne and Kasper Schmeichel should be point getters this Sunday.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United
Aston Villa start their new season at home to Sheffield United, who are looking for their first points. Jack Grealish has signed a new five-year deal at Villa Park, whilst Ollie Watkins and Matty Cash have both arrived from the Championship. Although the Blades made a poor start, I favour Chris Wilder to get the better of Dean Smith in the tactical battle. Aaron Ramsdale, Enda Stevens or John Fleck might be worth considering in your fantasy team.

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester City
The Premier League weekend concludes at Molineux on Monday night as Manchester City start their season at Wolverhampton Wanderers. The West Midlands club won both matches last season and I’m not convinced Pep Guardiola has greatly upgraded his side’s achilles heel this summer – their defence. This game should see a few goals and it’s hard to predict which way it will go, and Raheem Sterling, Raul Jiminez, Kevin De Bruyne or Daniel Podence could be among the goals.

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