The new Premier League season is here with all 20 teams in action in a packed opening weekend of action.
After Brentford got their campaign started on Friday night, Norwich City and Watford resume life back in the top flight against Liverpool and Aston Villa respectively.
Manchester City begin their title defence against Tottenham while their is a fiesty derby at Old Trafford where Manchester United host old rivals Leeds United.
As ever, Betfair Ambassador Dimitar Berbatov previews the action for Metro.co.uk.
Man United v Leeds United
Manchester United had a big result against Everton in pre-season, and even through that was a friendly it was a good showing of quality from the team.
I need to see them starting the season in a good way, they have a great chance this season to really challenge and I hope that they kick-off with a statement against Leeds. Prediction: 3-1.
Betfair Exchange odds: Man United 4/7, Draw 7/2, Leeds 5/1
Leicester v Wolves
Wolves have their new coach now and they are going through a bit of an adjustment. Leicester were the winners of the Community Shield and I think they will want to continue in the winning way, they have the squad and quality players, so I believe Rodgers’ side will start the season with a win. Prediction 1-0.
Betfair Exchange odds: Leicester 8/11, Draw 14/5, Wolves 5/1
Chelsea v Crystal Palace
Romelu Lukaku is back and that is a big move for him, he has unfinished business there and even if he doesn’t play in this game his transfer will be a big boost to the Chelsea changing room.
Last season Tuchel did what nobody expected them to do, this season I think he will have even more hunger for success in the Premier League and I think they will be the surprise team that really pushes for the title, starting with a win against Palace. Prediction 2-0.
Betfair Exchange odds: Chelsea 2/7, Draw 5/1, Crystal Palace 15/1
Watford v Aston Villa
It is going to be interesting to see Aston Villa’s first match without their captain, they need to face life without him now. They have brought in some good players so far, Leon Bailey is a great signing.
Ashley Young has great experience in the Premier League and I think they have a nice balance in their squad of youth and experience, which is exactly what you need. I can see them getting off to a winning start. Prediction 1-2.
Betfair Exchange odds: Watford 5/2, Draw 12/5, Aston Villa 11/8
Everton v Southampton
I think Rafa Benitez will like to prove that he still has what it takes to be a successful manager and I think it will be tough because I read that James Rodriguez is looking for a move away too.
That being said, first game at Goodison, it is always a difficult place to go and the fans always get behind them so I think they will get a win in this one. Southampton could be in trouble this season. Prediction 1-0.
Betfair Exchange odds: Everton 21/20, Draw 5/2, Southampton 16/5
Burnley v Brighton
This isn’t a game I’m planning on watching! Both teams will be looking to stay in the Premier League, Brighton were unlucky at times last season, they need to score more goals for sure this time round. Burnley will be difficult to beat, especially in their opening match, they won’t want to start in a bad way, so they will, like always be well drilled. Prediction 1-1.
Betfair Exchange odds: Burnley 9/4, Draw 11/5, Brighton 8/5
Norwich v Liverpool
Well, Liverpool need a big start to the season, that is for sure. They will want to take the Premier League back and push for a 20th title, to match Manchester United. Virgil van Dijk is back and he was a big loss for them last season. I can see them starting strongly against newly promoted Norwich. Prediction 0-3.
Betfair Exchange odds: Norwich 9/1, Draw 5/1, Liverpool 1/3
Newcastle v West Ham
West Ham are now without Jesse Lingard who had such an impact with them last season. Newcastle fans are very passionate about their team and going back to St James’ Park will be a big moment for them, so the fans can really get the team up for it. I can see it being a long trip back for the West Ham side. Prediction 2-1.
Betfair Exchange odds: Newcastle 12/5, Draw 11/4, West Ham 5/4
Tottenham v Man City
This is a big one. There’s lots going on with Harry Kane, but earlier in the week Nuno Espirito Santo did say he is available to play, which is great news for Spurs. I played against Man United when I knew negotiations were going on, and I still scored, the match finished 1-1.
If Kane plays it will be a major boost for Spurs, it all depends on where his mind is. City have had a lot of players at the Euros, so I think they will still be a bit leggy and I can see this one being a draw. Prediction 1-1.
Betfair Exchange odds: Tottenham 5/1, Draw 16/5, Man City 4/6
Dimitar Berbatov’s top picks of Man United, Leicester and Aston Villa all to win is a combined odds of 5/1 on the Betfair Sportsbook (https://www.betfair.com/sport/football) where there are no Cash Out suspensions on match odds.
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