The moment has almost arrived. The new EPL season begins on Saturday August 8th at lunchtime in England (7:45 a.m EST).

The following is our analysis of each match on the opening day's kick-off. Stay tuned for more each week of the season.

Editor’s Note: be sure to check out all of our articles, and read more about English Premier League (EPL, BPL) fantasy analysis and European football news.

 

Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur

A very competitive fixture to start the season between two sides desperate to improve on their finish from last season. Manchester United will, in particular, be keen to demonstrate their EPL title credentials.  Tottenham come into this early kick off on the back of two midweek friendly fixtures in Munich.  A strange way to prepare for such a difficult opening match.

It seems Daley Blind is going to begin the season on the left side of the back four and this could ultimately prove to be a disaster.  He has a terrific passing range but his lack of pace will ultimately be exposed.  Newcomers Matteo Darmian at right back and Morgan Schneiderlin are both expected to start, whilst Bastian Schweinsteiger may need improved fitness before taking his entrance bow. Wayne Rooney will take up his preferred role of center forward and you can expect at least 20 goals this season from the England Captain. This tally might be even more if Pedro joins the club from Barcelona as expected, although this signing might not be in time for the opening day.

Tottenham are boosted by the signing of Toby Alderweireld and he could be a stand out performer this season, but as ever with the Spurs it will be the service from midfield and Harry Kane's goals that will determine their reward for 90 minutes. Old Trafford is no longer the fortress it once was and Chritian Eriksen can expose their vulnerability at the back.  Don't miss this one -  it will be a cracker.

Prediction: Manchester United 2 vs Tottenham Hotspur 2

Star Performers: Wayne Rooney, Christian Ericksen

 

Bournemouth vs Aston Villa

Bournemouth will play their first ever EPL fixture at home and the small crowd will undoubtedly create an electric atmosphere!  Villa will need to take the sting out of the game in the first 20 minutes and look to expose any naivety the newcomers show in their desire to drive forward. Bournemouth continue to bring in new additions - the latest being Lee Tomlin from Middlesborough, a hard working forward with an eye for goal whom we believe is capable of stepping up to this level of soccer.  Tyrone Mings is a quality defensive addition to their squad who will gain much from playing alongside the experienced Sylvain Distin.

Villa are almost as unknown a quantity as Bournemouth.  The spine of their side from last season  have all left the club but Rudy Gestede has arrived from Blackburn with a tremendous goal scoring record and new recruits Jordan Veretout and Idrissa Gueye bring new energy to the Villa midfield alongside Jack Grealish. Expect a pulsating battle between the two sides, although ultimately EPL experience will shine through.

Prediction: Bournemouth 1 vs Aston Villa 2

Star Performers:   Tyrone Mings; Jack Grealish

 

Everton vs Watford

A repeat of the 1984 FA Cup Final and we think ultimately a similar outcome.  Everton will be desperate to make a good start following their disappointing season last time around.  They have a great opportunity at home to pick up three points against newly promoted Watford.  Watford arrive with countless new recruits and the verdict is out on their overall quality and ability to gel as a unit.

John Stones is the focus of attention currently as a target for Chelsea in the transfer window but he should have a relatively comfortable afternoon.  Expect Everton to come out all guns blazing and Romelu Lukaku to create havoc.  We see no positives for Watford on this opening day and they will need to quickly come to terms with the pace and power of the EPL if they are to mount a genuine bid to survive in this league.

Prediction: Everton 4 vs Watford 0

Star Performer: Romelu Lukaku

 

Leicester vs Sunderland

An opening day relegation six pointer is the only way to describe this fixture following Leicester's miraculous escape last season to stay in the top flight. Claudio Ranieri could not be any more different to Nigel Pearson and it remains to be seen how he is going to motivate his squad to perform at the levels needed to retain their place in the EPL.  They do at least have Robert Huth in the heart of the Defense and have recruited an interesting Japanese international in Shinji Okazaki who has a goal scoring record of one in every two games at international level. In Jamie Vardy they have a player who can create problems with his genuine pace.

Sunderland have been anaemic going forward. This is surprising as in Steven Fletcher, Jermaine Defoe they have talent capable of scoring goals. With new recruit Jeremain Lens they do have the talent to improve on their return. Younis Kaboul brings additional defensive cover. This will be another hard season for the Black Cats.

Prediction: Leicester 1 vs Sunderland 1

Star Performers: Robert Huth; Jermaine Defoe

 

Norwich vs Crystal Palace

Carrow Road will provide a passionate atmosphere for Norwich City's return to the EPL. The Canaries have lost Youssouf Mulumbu for several weeks with injury and his tough tackling will be a big loss.  Recruitment has proven to be difficult and although Andre Wisdom on loan from Liverpool and Robbie Brady from Hull are welcome additions to the squad, they simply do not offer enough.  Much more is needed in the next three weeks of the transfer window.

Crystal Palace on the other hand are looking to move up a level in terms of their recruitment.  Having secured Scott Dann to a long term deal, the major signing of Yohan Cabaye followed by the arrival of Connor Wickham has created a real buzz, and the 'Eagles' have the potential to be a very exciting team this season. Expect William Zaha and Yannick Bolaise to run riot on Saturday.

Predictions: Norwich 1 vs Crystal Palace 3

Star Performers: Yannick Bolaise; Yohan Cabaye

 

Chelsea vs Swansea

The Champions begin the defense of their title at home against 'the Swans'.  Chelsea have not yet pressed the recruitment button but expect a central defender and an additional attacking option before the transfer window closes. Expect a typical Mourinho selection and a typical Mourinho performance. A solid workmanlike display -  efficient enough to get the job done. Swansea play some delightful soccer although Chelsea will not allow them the amount of possession they usually secure given their tremendous work rate.  Last season was a great effort to finish in the top half of the league, but it will be very hard to repeat that feat this time around as goals will be at a premium. Whilst Gylfi Sigurdsson will offer some potential at set pieces, expect Chelsea to stroll to victory without ever turning on the style.

Prediction: Chelsea 2 vs Swansea City 0

Star Performer: Eden Hazard, Gary Cahill

 

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