Matchweek 1 Previews

Bournemouth v. Sheffield United

Bournemouth are entering their fifth straight season in the Premier League. The Cherries scored 56 goals last season, the most of any non-big 6 club. However, they also conceded 70 goals, the 3rd-most in the Premier League. For Sheffield United, this will be their first match in the Premier League since the 2006-07 season. The Blades finished 2nd in the Championship last season and had the league’s best defense.

Tottenham Hotspur v. Aston Villa

Tottenham finished 4th in the Premier League last season and reached their first Champions League Final in club history. This will be their first full season at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, while the club also made their first new signings since January 2018 this summer. Aston Villa return to the Premier League after spending the last three seasons in the Championship. The Villans have spent more than $180 million on new signings this summer as they bring a new-look squad to the top-flight.

Newcastle United v. Arsenal

Newcastle United start a new chapter under Steve Bruce, who replaced manager Rafa Benitez this summer. Not only did Newcastle lose their manager, but they also lost their top-two scorers from last season. Arsenal have splashed the cash this summer, bringing in forward Nicolas Pepe for a club-record $88 million. The Gunners have won 12 of their last 13 meetings against Newcastle.

Leicester City v. Wolverhampton Wanderers

This will be Leicester City’s first full season under manager Brendan Rodgers. The Foxes won six of their 11 Premier League matches after appointing Rodgers last season, but must now deal with the loss of center-back Harry Maguire, who was sold to Manchester United for $97 million. For Wolverhampton Wanderers, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side impressed last season as they secured a 7th-place finish. However, they enter this match on short rest after a trip to Armenia for a Europa League qualifying match. That last time these sides met in the Premier League was a 7-goal thriller, as Wolves came out with a 4-3 win.

Manchester United v. Chelsea

Manchester United are coming off another disappointing season in which they finished 6th in the Premier League and conceded their most league goals in 40 years. They have spent more than $150 million to shore up their defense this summer, signing Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. For Chelsea, this has been a favorable matchup as of late, with the Blues losing just 2 of their last 13 Premier League meetings against Man United. This will be their first competitive match under new head coach Frank Lampard, who won three Premier League titles as a player with Chelsea and is the club’s all-time top scorer.