Premier League Week 1: Predictions, Odds and Results
Pintsized Background
Alas, the 2022/23 Premier League season awaits. A spicy summer of Women’s Euros glory and a CR7 transfer saga has captivated the headlines. Underneath the two main running stories, however, a network of transfers has shaken the league.
Can Gabriel Jesus lead Arsenal in a rare title race? Will Pep’s return to strikers finally achieve European glory? Is Erik ten Hag destined to end up another name on United’s managerial slaughterhouse?
As the Premier League Week 1 predictions loom large; Pintsized, Steviano and Ryan are back to fight to earn the fabled “Predictor of the Year” award.
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Premier League Week 1: Picks & Odds
| Fixtures | Pintsized | Ryan | Steviano | Results |
| Friday, 5 August | ||||
| Crystal Palace (18/5) Arsenal (9/10) | 1-2 | 1-2 | 2-3 | 0-2 |
| Saturday, 6 August | ||||
| Fulham (11/1) Liverpool (3/10) | 0-3 | 0-3 | 0-4 | 2-2 |
| Bournemouth (3/1) Aston Villa (13/12) | 0-1 | 2-2 | 1-2 | 2-0 |
| Leeds (7/5) Wolves (23/10) | 1-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 2-1 |
| Newcastle (7/10) Notts Forest (5/1) | 2-0 | 2-0 | 3-1 | 2-0 |
| Tottenham (3/8) Southampton (17/2) | 2-0 | 3-1 | 3-0 | 4-1 |
| Everton (5/1) Chelsea (4/6) | 1-4 | 0-2 | 0-2 | 0-1 |
| Sunday, 7 August | ||||
| Leicester (17/16) Brentford (27/10) | 0-0 | 0-0 | 1-1 | 2-2 |
| Man Utd (33/50) Brighton (51/10) | 2-0 | 1-1 | 2-1 | 1-2 |
| West Ham (8/1) Man City (2/5) | 1-2 | 1-2 | 1-2 | 0-2 |
Premier League Week 1
Friday, 5 August 2022
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
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As expected from Patrick Vieira, several big signings have occurred in the shadows. With a clear focus set on shoring up Palace’s defence, Palace has spent over £ 30 million to snatch up centre-back, Chris Richards, and defensive midfield, Cheick Doucoure. A lot of faith is being placed in Zaha, Edouard and Ayew to provide regular goals.
Meanwhile, Arsenal broke the £100million mark over the summer. Marquee signing, Gabriel Jesus, has ignited Arsenal’s fanbase with ferocious attacking intent over the pre-season. Oleksandr Zinchenko’s late arrival adds depth to an injury-ridden area for the Gunners, while Fabio Vieira represents a solid punt on a European prospect.
Prediction: 1-2
Ryan
For the second season in a row, Arsenal kick off the Premier League season with a potential banana skin away day. Their summer business has been good so far if a tad expensive – £32m for Zinchenko seems overpriced – but overall look in decent shape for a much improved season. Crystal Palace will be looking to build upon an impressive first season with Patrick Vieira at the helm. Under the radar transfers will help to bolster the squad. This should be an interesting and tough one but I back the Gunners to edge this.
Prediction: 1-2
Steviano
Arsenal are full of confidence with a good pre-season and high expectations – no major changes for the Eagles should see them continue last season’s form but I fancy the Gunner’s feel good factor to get them through this one
Prediction: 2-3
Premier League Week 1
Saturday, 6 August 2022
Fulham vs Liverpool
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Mr yo-yo themselves, Fulham, are back for another underwhelming year in the Premier League. Andreas Pereira initially sparked humour, but the forgotten Manchester United man only cost £8.55million and has always left a suspicion that regular game time could make the player. More importantly, Joao Palhinha is a proven ball-winner which will be vital in a side that is expected to surrender the majority of possession.
No Sadio Mane, no problem. Luis Diaz was a January transfer last season, but 2022/23 feels like his first proper season. Darwin Nunes polarised opinion over an awkward pre-season, yet the £67million man shone against a dire Manchester City in the Community Shield. It’s difficult to see Klopp’s side struggle to compete for the title from the get-go.
Prediction: 0-3
Ryan
And pointless club in the Premiership this season goes to Fulham. Seriously getting fed up of these useless up and down teams. They don’t seem to have learned too much either as they’re excessively buying players that may not even be at the club for the following season. Liverpool have been somewhat quiet this summer with the big exception of replacing Mane with Nunez who seems to be more of an out and out striker. If you had to pick a game to start the season, Fulham would be right near the top of the list. Cue the over the top headlines about Liverpool after an easy victory.
Prediction: 0-3
Steviano
Hard to see anything other than a big win for the reds here and I expect Nunez to have a field day – Fulham fans are in for a long hard season but at least they aren’t Norwich and will try to stay up
Prediction: 0-4
Bournemouth vs Aston Villa
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Scotty Parker’s Bournemouth boys charge into the Premier League with one of the timidest windows to date. As a Hammer, I can assure the Cherries that you have gotten fleeced on a free transfer. Marcus Tavernier will strengthen the midfield, but it’s a risk to bank on Bournemouth’s current squad to compete.
Aston Villa vastly underperformed last season under two managers. Stevie G needs a successful start to 2022/23 if he hopes to avoid being the first head to roll. Finalising Coutinho for £18 million is a fine investment after showing stellar flashes last season, while the £28million dropped on Diego Carlos is a decent bet on an experienced defender who looks to build from the back.
Prediction: 0-1
Ryan
Welcome back Bournemouth after a few years away from the top flight. Scott Parker gets a second stab at managing at the highest level and will hope to do better this time. This will be Steven Gerrard’s first full season as Villa manager so expectations will be higher compared to the relative honeymoon period last year. The away team have been more active in the market with some notable purchases whilst the home side look set to stick with their Championship squad with a couple of incomings. For me, this has draw written all over it.
Prediction: 2-2
Steviano
Another team who will struggle – lack of quality at Bournemouth should see a relatively stable Villa team have to much for them on their return.
Prediction: 1-2
Leeds vs Wolverhampton
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Brad Bobley’s fearless Yorkshiremen are primed to set the soccer world alight. The American has raided the Bundesliga over the summer, picking up four players (all under-25) from the German league. Granted, there has been a cash influx after losing Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips, yet the former wanted to leave whilst the latter is plagued with injuries.
A quiet, unremarkable 2021/22 season for Bruno Lage, yet Wolves could well be a dark horse this year. Picking up Hee-chan Hwang after a successful loan spell will help to cement a more consistent attacking threat. Lage-ball ain’t pretty football, but it’s pretty damn effective.
Prediction: 1-1
Ryan
Leeds were very lucky to stay in the Premiership and deserved really to be relegated. Their main stars have been gutted but they haven’t reinvested too much which should set alarm bells ringing already. Wolves will look to build upon their impressive maiden campaign under Bruno Lage. They’re perhaps prepared for the departure of club captain Conor Coady with the purchase of Nathan Collins but will need more than that if they want to improve. A difficult one to call but I back Raul Jimenez to retrieve some of his previous form after shaking off the rust last season.
Prediction: 0-1
Steviano
Hmm not sure re Leeds this season, they have lost their two best players in Raphinha and Phillips for a £100m and spent it on 5 new arrivals mostly from Jesse Marsch’ old leagues – time will tell. Wolves to carry on last season’s George Graham impression for me.
Prediction: 0-1
Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest
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For a team with unlimited funds, it sure is weird to see Newcastle operate conservatively over the summer. Sven Botman, Matt Targett and Nick Pope represent the three major signings that aim to bolster a defence that notched only 8 clean sheets last season.
No, I am not salty about Jesse Lingard operating as a mercenary. It’s a solid one-year deal for both sides, although I do have a feeling that J-Lingz is finished at the top level. A whirlwind of activity has occurred since Forest’s promotion, however, aiming to spend big in the hopes of staying in the Premier League.
Prediction:
Ryan
Contrast to popular belief and opinions, Newcastle are actually being sensible with their newfound riches. They’re not going after egos and star players but those that’ll improve the squad without being controversial – Nick Pope and Sven Botman look like smart signings.
Speaking of egos, Jesse Lingard and Dean Henderson will surely make their competitive debuts here. I’m happy to see Forest back at the top, a proper club with history belongs at this level. I appreciate the need to bring in proven talent but breaking the salary range for Lingard seems questionable at best. Nonetheless, I’m excited to see what they can do but Newcastle are primed to start as they mean to go on this season.
Prediction: 2-0
Steviano
Surprisingly quiet summer window for the Toon so far but they will build on the mostly successful January spree so will be optimistic for the season. Forest on the other hand have gone acquisition crazy with 12 new arrivals to date to replace the 16 they have lost – can’t see them gelling quickly enough for this one.
Prediction: 3-1
Tottenham vs Southampton
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Is it only myself that feels like Richarlison’s £52million move from Everton to Spuds went under the radar? The Brazilian can blow hot and cold over a season, yet when the striker is in form, he’s lava hot. Yves Bissouma and Djed Spence are two smart purchases, indicating Conte’s influence over the board.
Ralph Hasenhuttl continues to perform on a shoe-string budget. Forced to pick up youth prospects (Gavin Bazunu and Romeo Lavia from Manchester City, Sekou Mara from Bordeaux), the Austrian often forms a competitive unit over the season. With no important out-goings this summer, Southampton seem set to survive without much drama.
Prediction: 2-0
Ryan
Conte achieved what Spurs were looking for last season – Champions League football. Now it’s about building on it and coping with the added pressure of European competition. The board have supported the manager with a wide range of transfers although just how impactful they will be is up in the air – Bissouma and Perisic are the pick of the bunch.
Southampton meanwhile continue to float on and underwhelm. Keeping James Ward-Prowse is a bonus but their summer business leaves a lot to desire. With recent data to work off, there’s a strong chance that at least one signing will blow up and go for big money whilst the others will flop. The Saints have been a bit of a bogey team for Spurs recently but I’d still back the home team for a winning start.
Prediction: 3-1
Steviano
Spurs take on Man City Under-23s in the opener or so it seems whilst Spurs have actually spent some money with Bissouma and Richarlison strengthening the team further which will be too much for the Saints.
Prediction: 3-0
Everton vs Chelsea
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Oh, Frankie boy. Day by day, the former midfield GOAT continues to show his vulnerabilities as a gaffer. The 4-0 loss to Minnesota United was humiliating, while only James Tarkowski and Dwight McNeil enter over the summer. Cutting Richarlison and Guilty Sigurdsson off the books will help spiralling financial troubles, but this could be another early relegation battle.
Chelsea finds themselves in a similar mess, yet it is ludicrous to imagine their current squad would stop them from launching a strong top-4 campaign. Lukaku was shipped off on loan, with Rudiger and Christensen also following out the exit. In their place, Tuchel has snapped up Marc Cucurella, Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly. With lots of experience being drafted in, as well as a returning Conor Gallagher, Chelsea have to be favourites for a slaughtering.
Prediction: 1-4
Ryan
The ridiculous scenes of Everton fans clambering onto the pitch after surviving a relegation scrap need to be locked away forever never to be released again. Anything other than an improvement is unacceptable although looking to Burnley for acquisitions doesn’t light that fire.
After a slow start to the summer, Todd Boehly has started to show them the money with lots of business and more to come ensuring the legacy of Roman Abramovich’s investments will live on. A trophyless season last time out was disappointing although it could have been a double depending on penalty luck. Frank Lampard will want to send a statement out to his former club but the only statement will be that they were right to get rid of him.
Prediction: 0-2
Steviano
Everton fans cover your eyes and hope that the Premier League newcomers struggle as much as expected, Richarlison gone and Calvert-Lewin out for 6 weeks (surprised anyone?) does not bode well. Chelsea are re-building after a summer of departures but are splashing the cash to make sure it’s a quick one although lack of strikers may hamper them.
Prediction: 0-2
Premier League Week 1
Sunday, 7 August 2022
Leicester vs Brentford
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Is Rodgers fully committed to the job? Kasper Schmeichel leaves after a Hall of Fame career at the Foxes, yet little business has been achieved over the summer. With Fofana rumoured to be shipped off to Chelsea, Leicester could find themselves in trouble if they don’t start making moves.
After a very successful start to their Premier League life, Brentford’s 5D chess brain financial strategies have enjoyed a summer to work its magic. No massively profitable sales have been achieved, yet big money transfers on youth stay on trend with the Bees. It won’t be long before new boys, Keane Lewis-Potter and Aaron Hickey, will feature in the starting XI.
Prediction: 0-0
Ryan
Worrying times for Leicester fans really. No transfer business has taken place yet and they are looking to sell Fofana and Maddison with no rumours of incoming replacements. They can ill afford another injury hit season for Jamie Vardy. Brentford will be looking to avoid second season syndrome and have a big task to do that with improved competition around them. This is another difficult one to predict and that’s why I’ll go with a draw.
Prediction: 0-0
Steviano
What is happening at Leicester – no new arrivals, your keeper sold and an injury list of key players – this could be a long long season – Brenda to go before Christmas anyone? Brentford have lost Eriksen who kick started the second half of their season last year – their recruitment is normally spot on though so will be interesting to see how the latest crop settle in.
Prediction: 1-1
Manchester United vs Brighton
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Without Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard stinking up the dressing room, Erik ten Hag only needs to cut Ronaldo before he has a mouldable squad. Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen are monster signings for a club that was limp in all areas of the field to end the 2021/22 season.
Brighton struggled after being raided during the January transfer window, yet Graham Potter is fast becoming noticed as an elite manager. The Seagulls may have lost Cucurella and Bissouma this summer, yet the English gaffer will likely have a couple of treats left up his sleeve.
Prediction:
Ryan
I’m not going to start on where my once proud club are at. I might do another article on everything that’s wrong at Old Trafford at the moment although it would be more like a dissertation at this rate. The positives? Ten Haag has a strong attitude, Eriksen will be one of the signings of the season for value alone, Sancho looks set for a strong comeback and some exciting youngsters in Alejandro Garnacho and Zidane Iqbal.
Brighton have made some good profits on Bissouma and more recently Cucurella but will need to invest sensibly to replace them. Although they petered out near the end, Graham Potter has done a great job with the Seagulls and should be set for another good showing. I have no faith in 95% of the United squad and I back Brighton to return home with a share of the spoils.
Prediction: 1-1
Steviano
Ten Hag’s revolution seems to be stalling with familiar recruitment problems with the De Jong & Ronaldo sagas replacing the annual Pogba saga – a lot of dead wood has gone but new recruits are thin on the ground. Brighton meanwhile have sold their two main assets in Cucurella and Bissouma with little coming in which will make it difficult to repeat last season’s improvement.
Prediction: 2-1
West Ham vs Manchester City
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Hallowed be thy David Moyes. Nayef Aguerd will add youth to a fast ageing defensive line, while Gianluca Scamacca has all the trappings of a pop-or-flop Serie A striker. It’s sad to see Mark Noble retire and Arthur Masuaku leave to Besiktas, yet I’m happy no major names have been wrestled from our clutches.
A Community Shield loss will have stung City, not because of the silverware that escaped, but due to the limp performance. Haaland struggled to set into the pace of the game, although the Norweigan will most likely be able to shrug off the hangover. The loss of Sterling and Jesus may well bite Pep later down the line, proven Premier League goalscorers who can tip a title race.
Prediction:
Ryan
Contrasting Liverpool’s easy start to the season, City have a tough nut to crack to start their campaign at West Ham. As per usual, City have more or less completed their summer business with Haaland and Alvarez filling and improving the void of Gabriel Jesus and maintaining the contributions of Raheem Sterling. £50m for Kalvin Phillips seems like an English quota filler as opposed to a genuine improvement on Rodri.
West Ham have done the unthinkable and managed to keep their star captain although £100m+ on the price tag has probably contributed to it. Bringing in Scamacca from Italy has its risks but at least they’re not trying to rely on Antonio again. A consecutive season in Europe is impressive for the Hammers but will it be too much to handle this time? A close game for sure but I’ll go with a close away win.
Prediction: 1-2
Steviano
Tempted by the draw here as City are under cooked with a short pre-season and adapting to playing with an actual striker although West Ham’s central defensive injuries may be the key point here. City need to invest in a left back before the window as they will be short when two games a week is the norm for them.
Prediction: 1-2
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Pintsized Interests is just a baby finding its first steps in the big, bad world of sports journalism. If you enjoy the content that is regularly uploaded then please consider donating via the link below. Any amount is greatly appreciated, and will go towards ensuring the survival of Pintsized Interests in the long-term.