Premier League 21/22: Matchday 1 predictions

The Premier League is back and so is the Matchday FM team!

This season, the team's predictions will be available in weekly articles and they'll be in competition with a league too!

Have a read of what the lads think for the opening weekend below.

Brentford v Arsenal - Fri, 13th August - 8pm

Can Ivan Toney inspire Brentford to a dream debut in the Premier League?

Ryan Kirk

I can’t say this would be a huge shock if I’m honest! Newly promoted Brentford, who I think will be well up for it, against Arteta’s Arsenal who have looked hopeless in pre-season. I can’t see it being a high scoring game, but a Toney winner to put Thomas Frank’s side top of the league for at least a short period of time.

Prediction: 1-0

Chris Stott

What a way to start life in the Premier League for the Bees! They'd be up for it anyway, but the fact it's a London Derby adds real spice. Arsenal need a vast improvement on last season, and to me I don't think their business so far makes me think they will. I fancy a STING in the tail here.

Prediction: 2-1

Joe Richardson

This is a nightmare first game for Arsenal under the lights against a young, talented and hungry Brentford side, looking to ruffle some feathers in their debut season in the Premier League. The supporters will be bang up for it and I can see a shock on the cards, which will put Mikel Arteta already bang under pressure.

Prediction: 2-1

Chris Coughlin: 1-1

Harry Reynolds: 1-2

Man United v Leeds United - Sat, 14th August - 12:30pm

Last season's meeting at Old Trafford between the sides shared EIGHT goals

Ryan Kirk

Another Old Trafford defeat for Leeds, although I don’t think it’ll be as heavy as the one last season. As organised as Bielsa is, I don’t believe he’ll be able to stop the attacking threat which Man United will have to offer.

Prediction: 3-1

Joe Richardson

This is probably the fixture last season that you felt the loss of the fans the most. However, it didn’t detract from the entertainment on the pitch with 8 goals scored, and I see no reason for it to be any diifferent this time

around. Leeds have good players forward and United, despite being at home, will look to pick them off on the counter attack and should make hay.

Prediction: 3-1

Chris Stott: 3-1

Chris Coughlin: 3-1

Harry Reynolds: 2-0

Burnley v Brighton - Sat, 14th August - 3pm

The Matchday FM pundits are predicting a low-scoring affair at Turf Moor on Saturday

Chris Stott

The Clarets always start slow don't they? And I think Brighton need a good start. I admire their style but it's important they find the killer instinct this season. Tough test for both, pretty evenly matched sides who won't be poles apart come the end.

Prediction: 1-1

Chris Coughlin

I'm going to go bold here and call a winner. Brighton underperformed in expected goals scored and conceded last season, leaving many scratching their heads at how the Seagulls were ever anywhere close to the drop zone with some of their performances. I'll back them to edge out Burnley here.

Prediction: 0-1

Ryan Kirk: 0-0

Joe Richardson: 0-0

Harry Reynolds: 0-0

Chelsea v Crystal Palace - Sat, 14th August - 3pm

Can Kai Havertz step up with new signing Romelu Lukaku unavailable for Saturday's clash at the Bridge?

Harry Reynolds

I expect Chelsea to be the main challengers to Man City this season. Kai Havertz showed enough to believe he can be a very good player for them, while Romelu Lukaku’s return adds the firepower they lacked last term. Patrick Vieira is a bit of a gamble for Palace, and I’m not convinced by his spells at New York City FC and Nice. This should be easy for the home side.

Prediction: 2-0

Chris Coughlin

There's a few reasons why I think Chelsea will be right up there this season. Their defence en route to winning the Champions League last season was borderline perfect and, in Romelu Lukaku, they now have one of the top five strikers on the planet. He'll have to wait for his second debut with the Blues but they shouldn't need him to see off a new look Crystal Palace to be honest. I'm sensing a comfortable win for Thomas Tuchel's side.

Prediction: 2-0

Joe Richardson: 2-0

Ryan Kirk: 2-1

Chris Stott: 2-1

Everton v Southampton - Sat, 14th August - 3pm

Will former Liverpool, Chelsea & Newcastle boss Benitez be a success at Goodison Park?

Joe Richardson

It doesn’t matter the relative positions of both clubs, Southampton failing to win at Goodison Park is a given every season. They haven’t won there since 1997, and despite the apathy felt among Everton supporters, I fancy them to do enough here albeit not convincingly.

Prediction: 1-0

Harry Reynolds

There’s an awful lot of negativity surrounding Everton at the moment, which I don’t buy at all. The squad is still good enough to compete for a top six finish, and on paper the team is much better than Southampton’s. Southampton haven’t won at Goodison in over two decades, so the omens are good for Rafa Benitez to start his reign with a win.

Prediction: 1-0

Chris Stott

All eyes will be on Rafa Benitez and how the fans react to him in the flesh. Will the style of play be what Blue's support craves or reminiscent of the Spaniards Newcastle side? The Saints, meanwhile, will miss Ings. Can Adams or a new signing like Adam Armstrong fill the void? Both have questions over them for me going into the season.

Prediction: 1-1

Ryan Kirk: 2-0

Chris Coughlin: 2-0

Leicester City v Wolves - Sat, 14th August - 3pm

Kelechi Ihaenacho had a sensational second half of 2020/21, what will the 21/22 hold for him?

Ryan Kirk

Leicester to edge this one. Big season for the Foxes who will be eager to bounce back after their disappointing league finish. I really like the look of Patson Daka, he’ll add pace and plenty of quality, so I’m backing him to score in his Premier League debut.

Prediction: 2-1

Harry Reynolds

Leicester are still progressing under Brendan Rodgers, and winning the FA Cup last season will be massive for their mentality, having narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification twice. Their team is just better than Wolves’ in all departments, and Bruno Lage is a completely unproven manager for a team that have regressed in the last two campaigns.

Predictions: 3-1

Joe Richardson: 2-1

Chris Stott: 3-0

Chris Coughlin: 2-0

Watford v Aston Villa - Sat,14th August - 3pm

Can Ismaïla Sarr help Watford stun a Grealishless Aston Villa?

Chris Stott

Despite losing Grealish, I think Villa have had a decent window and I think that translates into another good season. Who knows what to expect with Watford really? They could be good and punch above their weight or flop totally. I think the latter. And I say that starts right away with a loss.

Prediction: 0-2

Ryan Kirk

No Grealish, no problem. I think Villa will win this one comfortably. They’ve recruited well and I’m confident that their latest signing, Danny Ings, will fire them to victory against the Hornets.

Prediction: 0-2

Joe Richardson: 1-2

Harry Reynolds: 1-2

Chris Coughlin: 0-2

Norwich City v Liverpool - Sat, 14th August - 3pm

Liverpool's 2019/20 title success began with a thumping opening day win over promoted Norwich

Ryan Kirk

I can’t see Liverpool keeping a clean sheet, but I’d be surprised if Norwich took anything from the game. The Reds have looked good in pre-season, so anything other than a win would shock me. Mane masterclass.

Prediction: 1-3

Chris Coughlin

A lot could depend on who lines up in the heart of Liverpool's defence on Saturday evening. Jurgen Klopp has said that both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are available if needed but insists he won't rush the pair back after long term injuries. On the opening day two years ago, Norwich created plenty of chances in their opening day defeat to Liverpool. They'll sense the chance to do so again but the Reds should ultimately have enough here.

Prediction: 1-3

Joe Richardson

If recent encounters are anything to go by, Norwich fans will be fearing the worst against Liverpool, having conceded 29 goals in their last 9 matches against them. However, this may be a good time to catch Jurgen Klopp’s side with no major signings this summer bar Ibrahima Konate and having lost Gini Wijnaldum to PSG. I still expect them to win but it may be tight.

Prediction: 1-2

Chris Stott: 1-3

Harry Reynolds: 0-3

Newcastle v West Ham - Sun, 15th August - 2pm

Callum Wilson has eight goals in ten game vs West Ham including a goal on his Newcastle debut last season

Ryan Kirk

Newcastle are another team that worry me. I think they’ll be struggling come May. West Ham to win this one fairly easily.

Prediction: 0-2

Chris Coughlin

It was mission achieved for West Ham last season as they qualified for the Europe League group stages for the first time but we'll have to wait until next month to see what toll that takes on the Hammers. Whilst Callum WIlson loves a goal against West Ham, Newcastle are in their seemingly annual mess off the pitch at the moment with no guarantee over who will be in goal on Sunday. West Ham will be frustrated not to have Jesse Lingard back but they should have enough to claim three points at St James' Park.

Prediction: 1-2

Chris Stott: 1-2

Joe Richardson: 1-1

Harry Reynolds: 1-1

Tottenham v Man City - Sun, 15th August - 4:30pm

Jack Grealish is the most expensive Premier League signing ever, how will be do on his league debut for City

Ryan Kirk

This one’s probably more out of hope, but I don’t think it’ll be as one sided as some people think. Harry Kane to make the headlines again, whilst City fall to defeat.

Prediction: 1-0

Joe Richardson

It seems mad to say Manchester City’s billion pound squad is stretched but with a number of key players either out or arriving late, this looks a good opportunity for Tottenham’s new boss Nuno Espirito Santo to make a statement. But without Harry Kane, Spurs are reliant on Son to fire them to victory and a draw looks the most likely outcome.

Prediction: 1-1

Chris Stott: 1-1

Chris Coughlin: 1-2

Harry Reynolds: 1-2