The new Premier League season is finally upon us, and fans have plenty to look forward to with some spectacular matchups on the opening weekend. From clashes between giants to battles involving newly promoted teams, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a neutral observer or a die-hard supporter of the teams involved. Ogasabi on 9am news Nigeria brings you a preview of three of the best fixtures from the stacked set of opening games, complete with score predictions and anytime goalscorer tips!
Exciting Premier League Opening Weekend: Must-Watch Matches and Predictions
Ipswich Town vs Liverpool – August 17th
Liverpool kicks off their campaign away at Ipswich Town, a team that has made consecutive promotions from League One to the Premier League. Under the guidance of Kieran McKenna, Ipswich played some incredible football last season, earning them a spot in the top tier. Meanwhile, Liverpool, now managed by Arne Slot, faces the challenge of playing a newly promoted team in an early kick-off – a situation that often brings unexpected twists.
Despite the odds favoring Liverpool (1.36) over Ipswich (8.00), the home side could surprise with their free-flowing style of play. Liverpool’s scoring prowess, demonstrated in pre-season, might see them through, but expect a high-scoring encounter.
Predictions:
- Ipswich 1-3 Liverpool (11.00)
- Diogo Jota to Score Anytime (2.10)
West Ham vs Aston Villa – August 17th
West Ham begins their season with heightened expectations, having made some excellent summer signings and appointing a new manager, Julen Lopetegui. However, they face a tough test against last season’s fourth-placed Aston Villa, a team that defeated the Hammers 5-2 over two games last season.
Villa has lost a key player in Douglas Luiz to Juventus, which might give West Ham some hope, especially with the support of their home fans. The odds are fairly even, with West Ham at 2.50 and Aston Villa at 2.70, but the intensity of the match promises to make it a thrilling encounter.
Predictions:
- West Ham 2-2 Aston Villa (12.00)
- Ollie Watkins to Score Anytime (2.60)
Chelsea vs Manchester City – August 18th
One of the most anticipated matches of the opening weekend, Chelsea vs Manchester City, could very well be the match of the season. Last year, this fixture at Stamford Bridge ended in a thrilling 4-4 draw, with Chelsea equalizing in the 95th minute from the penalty spot.
This time, however, Chelsea has a new manager, Enzo Maresca, who led Leicester City back to the Premier League. On the other hand, Manchester City remains largely unchanged under Pep Guardiola’s leadership. Despite being favorites (1.80), City’s tendency for slower starts in recent seasons might give Chelsea (4.20) a chance to capitalize, especially with the home advantage.
Predictions:
- Chelsea 1-2 Manchester City
- Erling Haaland to Score Anytime (1.90)
Ogasabi on 9am news Nigeria reminds fans that the opening weekend is just the beginning of what promises to be an exhilarating Premier League season. Whether it’s the drama of newly promoted teams or the clash of titans, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the action, and stay tuned to Breaking news on 9am news Nigeria for more updates and expert analysis!
Stay tuned with Ogasabi on 9am news Nigeria for breaking news, in-depth analysis, and continuous updates throughout the 2024/2025 football season!
