Premier League preview: Saturday’s action including Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest
Arsenal are unlikely to be complacent against a Forest side that beat them 1-0 towards the dogend of last season. That result handed the Premier League to City, when Arsenal had still carried some faint hope of landing the title.
Overcoming Steve Cooper’s side seems a great way for the Gunners to start the season, then – and prove their title aspirations haven’t diminished. Mikel Arteta has bought interesting players over the summer in Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
They’ve also started with a victory over Man City, even if the significance of that win is debatable. But before beating City in the Community Shield, the Gunners had gone eight games without beating Pep Guardiola’s team. It’s understandable that some Arsenal fans see this as progress.
Last season’s campaign counted as progress too. Finishing second in the Prem was an achievement in its own right, lessened only by the fact that finishing as champions had looked a real possibility.
But the north London side finished poorly, managing just three wins in their last nine matches to let City take advantage; can Arsenal possibly come back stronger from that experience to mount another tilt at the title this season?
Whatever the season has in store, Forest only mustered eight points on the road last season. Beating them at the Emirates looks a very achievable outcome in this lunchtime kick-off.
The Gunners aren’t a huge price to win, of course. Maybe there’s more profit to be had in backing over 3.5 goals at Evens. Eight of Arsenal’s last nine games at home have featured four or more goals; Forest struggle to keep clean sheets on the road. The Gunners’ first home game last season saw the side win 4-2 over Leicester too, so it’s not like Arteta’s side are slow starters.
Bournemouth vs West Ham
The Cherries’ survival last season came as a surprise to some; perhaps more surprising was the club’s decision to bin off Gary O’Neill in the summer.
Not exactly the reward the coach might have expected for keeping Bournemouth in the Prem, after his predecessor had basically written off the side’s hopes of sticking around.
But it’s not a sentimental business. And maybe replacement manager Andoni Iraola can squeeze even more out of the south coast side as they seek to extend their stay in the Premier League. The manager certainly earned admirers during his time with Rayo Vallecano.
West Ham have opted to keep faith in the familiar with David Moyes, after the Scot led his side to Europa Conference League glory last season.
But even after landing European silverware, there’s been talk of disagreements between Moyes and director of football Tim Steidten, with suggestions Moyes could still soon exit the East London club.
The Irons have sold Declan Rice and Gianluca Scamacca, while not being especially active in bringing players in – though Harry Maguire is seemingly set to join the club.
Perhaps Maguire will yet turn out to be a decent purchase, but the transfer business as a whole still seems a little underwhelming right now; there seems to be more positivity around Bournemouth, at least pre-season.
Will that remain the case once the whistle blows on Saturday? West Ham fans will have fond memories of their side’s last visit to Dean Court, with the East London side romping to a 4-0 win in April.
With Iraola seemingly happy to take the game to his opponents, there could be chances at both ends here; BTTS at 7/10 looks a decent shout.
Otherwise, it may be worth taking a chance on Dominic Solanke to score against the Irons. Solanke would be coming back to haunt West Ham, after the club made an approach for the player earlier this week. Solanke is 19/10 to score at any time.
Brighton vs Luton
Newly promoted Luton are favourites for the drop at 33/100. Can they start the season in defiant style with a statement of intent against a dangerous Brighton side?
Luton signed Ross Barkley earlier this week – but the one-time Everton and Chelsea player may not be enough to help the Hatters make an immediate impact as they acclimatise to life in the Prem.
As brilliant as the Seagulls were last season, there are questions about if they’ll be able to match that excellence again, as they cope with significant departures.
Even so, this opposition probably shouldn’t cause Roberto De Zerbi too many problems. Luton manager Rob Edwards’ gameplan will presumably revolve around stifling Brighton’s exuberant attack. If the Seagulls are on song, it’ll be a tall order. Combine Brighton to win and under 3.5 goals in a double for a 21/20 shot.
Everton vs Fulham
Sean Dyche kept Everton up by the skin of his teeth last season; will the Toffees have a less turbulent time of it in the new campaign, or does another difficult season lie ahead?
Fulham are looking to build upon their recent impressive form. But could the Cottagers succumb to second season syndrome that sees them tumbling down the table in the new campaign?
Fulham are unbeaten in their last three encounters with the Merseyside team, winning on their last two trips to Goodison. It’s not like Everton have refurbished their squad in dazzling style this summer either, bringing in Ashley Young and Arnaut Danjuma (on loan) so far.
There’s been a sense of gloom around the club this summer, despite their on-going Premier League status. Can Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s fitness make a difference as the new season begins? In the past, when the striker’s been sharp, Everton have looked decent. Last season though, he only made 17 appearances, scoring twice.
With goals usually hard to come by for the Toffees, it’s worth taking a chance on the visitors. Fulham are 12/5 to win.
Sheffield United vs Crystal Palace
Sheffield United don’t seem especially well prepared for the start of the season, with the club having bid farewell to the likes of Iliman Ndiaye and Sander Berge in the off-season.
If Paul Heckingbottom can steer his side to safety, he’ll be doing a heck of a job – certainly better than that attempt at vaguely Partridge-esque wordplay – but with fans fearing the worst, it might not be long til Heckingbottom’s team is at the bottom, of the league. Aha, etc.
In any case, Crystal Palace seem poised for another season not especially long on incident, if you’re not a devoted Eagles fan. Or maybe that’s doing Roy Hodgson a disservice. The veteran manager came in mid-season last time out and did a fine job; maybe his side can improve further this time.
There will be a notable absence, Palace having sold Wilfried Zaha in the summer. But Wilf scored fewer goals than midfielder Eberechi Eze, so the side should be okay without their talismanic striker. The South London team could be a good thing to start their campaign with a win here; back Palace at 29/20.
Newcastle vs Aston Villa
This teatime kick-off could be a compelling watch, both sides impressing under respective managers Eddie Howe and Unai Emery last season.
Newcastle won this fixture 4-0 last season, with Villa winning the return fixture 3-0 in April this year; but maybe this will be a more balanced affair. Even if Villa can’t take a point here, they may be able to find the net. Combine Over 2.5 Goals and BTTS Yes at 11/10.
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