After a scintillating opener to the Premier League season of 2022/23, fans worldwide are excited for more action. It served as a trailer for what will be another blockbuster season of the most popular football league in the world.
Matchweek 1 saw Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle comfortably win their fixtures. Brighton were the underdogs going into their clash with Manchester United, but ended up on top with a 2-1 win against the 13 time champions. Liverpool were expected to destroy relegation candidates Fulham but finished with a 2-2 draw instead. Leicester blew a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Brentford while newly promoted Bournemouth beat Aston Villa to announce their return to the top flight.
Matchweek 2 promises goals and a lot of footballing action to footballer around the world. Lets take a look at the fixtures:-
Aston Villa vs Everton – Despite losing their opening day fixture to Bournemouth, Aston Villa have a squad capable of challenging for the top 7. They can beat any team on their day. Everton are probably the most dysfunctional team in the league with their recruitment making no sense in recent years. Losing Richarlison to Spurs will definitely affect their chances this year.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Aston Villa win
Southampton vs Leeds United – Southampton have been a mainstay in the midtable over the last few years. While they lost to Spurs in Matchweek 1, there were some positives for them to take away. However, finishing still remains a concern. Despite losing their two best players in Phillips and Raphinha, Leeds managed to beat Wolves in their opening fixture. However, with underlying issues and failure to replace their star players, they still remain relegation candidates.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Draw
Arsenal vs Leicester City – Arsenal have had an amazing transfer window, covering most of their problem areas. Coupled with a decent showing in their opening fixture, they go into this match as the favorites. However, it is too soon to write off Leicester who have managed to keep a hold of their players this season.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Arsenal win
Brighton vs Newcastle – Brighton have been a joy to watch after Graham Potter and are expected to finish in the top half of the table. With a free flowing style and focus on creating chances they took the game to Man Utd and beat them at their own game. Newcastle had a turnaround in fortunes under the new ownership and head coach Eddie Howe. Having made some smart transfers, they are capable of pushing for a European Spot this season.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Could go either way
Manchester City vs Bournemouth – Manchester City have dominated the league over the last decade with their almost unlimited resources and appointing the right people to run the club. They are the favorites to win the league. Bournemouth had a good showing last week but can’t expect to beat City. Stranger things have happened though………
DribbleSensei Verdict – Manchester City win
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Fulham – Wolves have a decent squad with potential. Despite losing on the opening day, they still remain a tough opponent. Fulham are everyone’s favorite relegation candidates but pulled off an upset with their draw against Liverpool. They are quick on the counter and with Mitrovic’s finishing could possibly stay up this season.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Wolves win
Brentford vs Manchester United – Brentford were the surprise package last season with some impressive performances and their business model. They came from behind to draw with Leicester during Matchweek 1 and are really efficient with their counter-press. Man Utd are the new banter club with none of their problem positions being addressed in the transfer window. With the drama surrounding Ronaldo and the midfield partnership of Mctominay and Fred (McFred), Erik Ten Hag’s men will need a miracle to finish in the top 4. They will be licking their wounds from their defeat to Brighton which could result in a turnaround.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Manchester United win
Nottingham Forest vs West Ham – Nottingham Forest are back in the PL after an absence of 23 years. They had a tame showing in their first game back and are expected to struggle to stay up this time around. West Ham have become a force to reckon with over the past 2 seasons with David Moyes’s side challenging for the top 4 with regularity. They have made a statement of intent by keeping a hold of their star players and signing some top rated players. Expect another top 7 finish.
DribbleSensei Verdict – West Ham win
Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur – Chelsea have had their fair share of trouble with the change in ownership and losing both their strikers. Despite their new signings, they go into the fixture with an ageing squad and lack of a recognizable striker. Spurs have had a fantastic transfer window with Conte making his intentions clear to end their wait for a major trophy. Famous for his training methods and his ability to produce results, Spurs are the favorites going in.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Tottenham Hotspur win
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace – Klopp’s Liverpool are the only team in the last 5 years to properly challenge Guardiola’s Man City. Ignoring their opening day setback, Liverpool will be expected to challenge for the title this season as well. Crystal Palace have kept a hold of most of their players and are expected to finish in the mid table again.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Liverpool win
A clear picture of how the final points table will look like will start to develop around Matchweek 10.
(The predictions made are based on pre season and the results of Matchweek1)
