EPL Preview: Chelsea, Man City begin season with heavyweight clash

The new season of the English Premier League (EPL) kicks off this weekend. After weeks of hibernation, the most marketable football league in the world hums back to life with renewed excitement for fans. 

To win the audience back after a holiday filled with the European Championships and Olympics, the EPL leads its line-up with one heavyweight clash. Chelsea takes on Manchester City on the opening weekend of the season. Beyond that, the fans are also giddy about the prospects of new managers and players — like kids who cannot wait to unwrap their shiny new toys.

At least five new managers will be entering the league. Enzo Maresca joins Chelsea after leading Leicester City to promotion. Arne Slot replaces Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool with high expectations. Fabian Hurzeler takes over Brighton and Hove Albion after his brilliant job getting St. Pauli promoted to the Bundesliga. Russell Martin and Kieran McKenna lead Southampton and Ipswich Town, respectively, on an EPL adventure after getting them through the Championships last season.

The list of new players is longer. Manchester United splurged on Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Leny Yoro over the summer. Chelsea had an even busier transfer window, adding Tosin Adarabioyo, Estavio Willian, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Filip Jorgensen, Pedro Neto and Marc Guiu to the squad’s array of talents.

Arsenal snapped up Riccardo Calafiori after his formidable performance for Italy at the 2024 Euros, while Man City added Brazilian winger Savio to the team’s dream-like attacking line-up.

West Ham aim for higher ambition with the acquisition of Niclas Fullkrug and Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tottenham got Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth.

With the new additions and shuffles, the new EPL season is like a shaken-up soda bottle fizzing with actions, drama and spectacles, ready to explode for fans viewing pleasure.

TheCable will lead the conversation of the enjoyment with a cast of analysts sharing their expert opinions on every match on each EPL matchday. Our

Our analysts include Remi Sulola, Babatunde Koiki, Martin Odiete and Sunday Omeike.

CHELSEA VS MANCHESTER CITY

Omeike: Chelsea have a new manager, bloated squad and a nightmarish pre-season leaking goals. Enzo Maresca doesn’t seem settled yet on his squad — neither is Todd Boehly done buying new toys. The Blues should come up short against the reigning EPL champions, who have been unbeaten in nine matches against Chelsea.

Koiki: The last time both teams met at Stamford Bridge, a Premier League classic ensued. Cole Palmer’s stoppage-time penalty against his former club saw the game finish 4-4. Conor Gallagher is obviously being forced out to balance the books. Maresca needs to start the season on a sound footing. This fixture doesn’t help.

For City, its a case of rinse and repeat. An unprecedented fifth straight title is what they are gunning for. And with Pep Guardiola still at the helm, Ruben Dias in defence, Rodri, Silva and De Bruyne in midfield and Haaland seemingly unstoppable upfront, it would take a brave man to bet against this. The arrival of exciting wideman Savinho reinforces an already dangerous team. Manchester City have gotten the better of Chelsea lately, unbeaten in their last six Premier League matches (Wins 4 Draws 2). Expect nothing to change.

Sulola: Manchester City have dominated the recent head-to-head matches, winning four and drawing two of the last six encounters. However, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, who scored 22 goals and provided 11 assists last season, will be a key player to watch. A more drilled City should get past the scattered strength of Chelsea easily.

Odiete: Manchester City have won each of their last nine EPL matches by two or more goals, the longest such run in the competition’s history and have won their opening Premier League match in 12 of the last 13 seasons. So stats lean towards the Citizens to take this one.

MANCHESTER UNITED VS FULHAM

Omeike: A third season for manager Erik ten Hag begins at a dilapidated Old Trafford, seeking a spark to return to the glory days. The Dutchman has reinforced with major signings to bolster defence and backroom staff, and his team is expected to make a statement start. The Red Devils impressed in their Community Shield loss to Manchester City, but Fulham and the Naija boys — Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi — could throw a spanner in the works from the start.

Koiki: The last time both teams met at Old Trafford, the Super Eagles duo Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi scored as Fulham won 2-1. Harry Maguire scored United’s only goal in the 89th minute. The pressure is all on hosts United to start the season on a solid note.

Sulola: Man United have an axe to grind with the Cottagers. Beyond that, Erik ten Hag is condemned to start the season well and show he is the right man to lead this expensive United team in the near future.

Odiete: From every indication, Manchester United are favoured to beat Fulham in this match. However, Fulham may have some surprises up their sleeve, considering that they have only lost their opening Premier League match in two of their last nine seasons at this level (W4 D3), keeping six clean sheets across those nine games. It’s indeed a game to watch.

ARSENAL VS WOLVES

Omeike: Arsenal surrendered the EPL to Man City last season, but the team looks set to challenge again. Bukayo Saka remains a reliable outlet, and the Gunners are solid in defence and midfield. Gary O’Neil’s Wolves should not prove too difficult for Mikel Arteta’s side seeking a sixth win on the bounce against the visitors.

Koiki: The Gunners will be hoping to go one better this season after the disappointment of finishing second in the last two seasons. Arsenal have got the better of Wolves of late with wins in six straight encounters, dating back to February 2022. Wolves also struggled at the rearguard with the joint 5th worst defence in the league last season. This doesn’t seem to have been adequately addressed, thus giving Arsenal confidence of a first win of the season.

Sulola: The match should be an easy grab for the Gunners. Arteta has managed to retain the cog of the squad that had challenged for the title for the past two seasons, while Wolves still struggle for identity. The game should produce little surprises.

Odiete: The London side is heavily favoured to win this match, having completely dominated it recently. Mikel Arteta’s side has completed the double over Wolves in three straight Premier League seasons. This should definitely be an easy fixture for the Gunners.

LEICESTER CITY VS TOTTENHAM

Omeike: The returning Foxes come up against a Kamikaze Spurs who can be brilliant one minute and dire the next. Tottenham won five of six when starting the season against a promoted side, but a charged King Power stadium could prove inspirational for the home side.

Koiki: It seems like a lifetime ago when Leicester City won the Premier League. The tragic death of the club owner was followed by relegation, and all seemed to be on a downward spiral. But the euphoria of winning the Championship and promotion to the top flight was dampened by the loss of their coach, Enzo Maresca, to Chelsea. Former Forest manager Steve Cooper inherits a decent team. The question will be if he can reignite their Championship for the Premier League.

As far as Spurs fans are concerned, the primary objective for the new season is securing a top-four finish for the first time in three years and getting back among Europe’s elite. The eye-catching signing of Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth for an initial £55m reinforces this ambition. Highly rated 18-year-olds Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall will have to fight for their place in a talented squad. The fans still adore Ange Postecoglou’s brave style of play, but set-piece frailties may hamper those top four hopes.

Sulola: Returning Leicester City have been depleted by the loss of Maresca, but the core of the talents that did wonders in the Championship last season can still conjure something—maybe not against Tottenham Hotspur on the opening weekend.

Odiete: The Foxes are one of just two Premier League champions to have been relegated after lifting the trophy, though there were seven years between the high and low. Tottenham were two points off fourth-placed Aston Villa, losing three of their final five matches. This feels like an important season for Ange Postecoglou-led side to make amends.

IPSWICH TOWN VS LIVERPOOL

Omeike: The first match of the Arne Slot era at Liverpool could not have asked for an easier fixture against the promoted Ipswich Town. The Dutch manager has Liverpool playing coordinated football in pre-season, and the forwards seem to be enjoying themselves. A feast of goals for Salah and co. at Portman Road where Liverpool have never lost?

Koiki: The last time Ipswich Town played in the EPL was May 11, 2002. That was the day they were relegated after a 5-0 plastering by Liverpool at Anfield. This weekend, Ipswich face Liverpool in their first match in the top flight after gaining promotion. Also, Liverpool marched into a future without the charismatic and larger-than-life Jurgen Klopp for the first time in almost a decade. His replacement, Arne Slot, promises to maintain the high-octane, attractive football The Reds are known for.

Sulola: Liverpool should get the club’s new era under Arne Slot off to a great start at Ipswich. It will be the case of David and Goliath. But this David is without a sling, and Goliath charges him with a trident of Mo Salah, Darwin Nunez and Coady Gakpo.

Odiete:  Ipswich certainly have the firepower of enough to threaten Liverpool in this match. Only Stockport County (96) and Manchester City (96) scored more league goals than them (92) in England’s top four tiers last season.

However, Liverpool, which has a new man in the dugout in Arne Slot as its head coach, will definitely be looking to send a very strong message by scraping out a win in this first match, but that will depend largely on whether the players have bought into his coaching philosophy.

EVERTON VS BRIGHTON 

Omeike: Affected by a points deduction last season, Everton are already being threatened with another without a kick of the ball in the new season. Sean Dyche will rally the troops, but Brighton are never afraid to showcase their talent pool. Stalemate imminent at Goodison Park.

Koiki: Everton have relied on their strength at Goodison Park to save them from calamity in recent seasons, especially with the points deduction suffered in 2023/24. For Brighton, they have started their last three Premier League seasons with a win. They will hope to keep this record going. 31-year-old manager Fabian Hurzeler is the youngest manager in the Premier League but joined after winning the Bundesliga 2. Yakuba Minteh and Ibrahim Osman will bring fans to their feet with their pace, trickery and spectacular goals—a good game for the neutrals.

Sulola: Still steaming from the loss that the point deduction penalty cost them last season, Everton will aim to rake in all the available points to cushion against the threat of another sanction. The last point, coupled with the team’s solid form at the Goodison Park, predicts a victory for Everton.

Odiete: Based on the pre-season match results, pundits may likely favour Brighton for a win in this match. The Fabian Hürzeler era began with four wins out of four in friendlies against Kashima Antlers, Tokyo Verdy, Queens Park Rangers, and Villarreal. Everton didn’t look great in the pre-season, as they were defeated by Coventry and Salford City and drew with Sligo Rovers.

WEST HAM VS ASTON VILLA

Omeike: This could be an entertaining meeting of two attacking teams. Both have spent over $100 million each on transfers and back themselves to challenge the traditional top clubs. Aston Villa’s top-four finish last season gives them an edge, but the Hammers are a threat to any opposition.

Koiki: Villa has gotten the better of West Ham of late, unbeaten in their last three Premier League matches — win one, draw two. It should be a close game.

Sulola: Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham have historically dominated this fixture, with only one loss in the last 12 meetings against Villa. However, Aston Villa has been unbeaten in the previous three encounters, with two draws and a 4-1 win at Villa Park last season. Regardless, the home team should be able to swing it their way.

Odiete: Lopetegui will hope to begin his West Ham tenure with victory. Having Replaced David Moyes, the Spaniard has already been significantly backed in the transfer window. For Aston Villa, they have lost their opening league match in each of the last three seasons, conceding 10 goals in these games. They also lost the last time they faced West Ham in their first game, going down 1-0 at Upton Park in 2012-13. Yet this Villa have a different proposition to previous years. Emery’s men will be playing UEFA Champions League football this season after finishing fourth in the top flight last campaign.

NEWCASTLE VS SOUTHAMPTON

Omeike: Nuevo-rich Newcastle are curtailed by the league’s profitability rule but possess more talent to see out Southampton. The Magpies have won their last three meetings and should make it four this weekend.

Koiki:  The Magpies fell short of their high standards in the 2022/23 season after they finished 7th last time out. They face a newly- promoted Southampton at home and an opportunity to begin their redemption from last season’s disappointment.

Sulola: Newcastle is heavily favoured to win this match. The Magpies have been impressive at home, and their attacking output has been strong, finishing just one goal short of third-placed Liverpool last season. However, Southampton has made some notable signings and cannot be written off without a chance.

Odiete: It’s indeed a fact that Newcastle enjoys facing Southampton, particularly at St James’ Park. It’s on record that they have not lost to the Saints in their past eight home games against them across all competitions, winning twice when they last met in the 2022/23 season in the league and EFL Cup. Southampton, on their own, are back in the Premier League, and they’ll definitely want to make sure it isn’t a fleeting return. Saints achieved promotion from the Championship at the first time of asking, with Russell Martin showing they were right to pick him to lead them in the second tier. The summer so far has been about adding depth to their squad, which some Championship sides do struggle with when making the step up. But an away trip to Newcastle is definitely a tough start to the season.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST VS BOURNEMOUTH

Omeike: A fit Taiwo Awoniyi should lead the line for Forest who have a terrible record against the visitors with no win in their last eight league meetings. The home team is also winless in their opening-day victory for five years. Nuno Espirito Santos’ side need a strong start to prevent another relegation battle.

Koiki: Bournemouth have got the better of Nottingham Forest of late, unbeaten in their last eight Premier League matches — Win five, draw three. The stats suggest a day for the away side.

Sulola: The hosts are winless in the previous eight head-to-head encounters with Bournemouth, and only one of the last seven head-to-head affairs between these rivals ended in a home win.

Odiete: Having avoided relegation last season, Nottingham Forest will be eager to start this term off on a positive note, and they will hope to do this at the expense of the Cherries.

BRENTFORD VS CRYSTAL PALACE

Omeike: The Bees have never won against Crystal Palace in the league, and the visitors were on an incredible run at the end of last season. Brentford are usually hard to beat, while the jury will be out for the impressive Oliver Glasner in Palace’s dugout.

Koiki: The only reason Brentford were not relegated last season was because of the even worse performances of the relegated sides. However, they will look to make it four consecutive Premier League seasons without losing on the opening weekend. The summer started badly, though, with new Brazilian striker Igor Thiago ruled out until the end of the year with a knee injury, leaving Ivan Toney’s future in doubt. Talented attacking midfielder Fabio Carvalho joins from Liverpool. Attacking-wise, there should be no problems, but defensive issues must be sorted out.

Crystal Palace seem to be in a good place. The squad seems to be adapting to Oliver Glasner’s methods, as seen in an impressive win away at Liverpool last season. Jean Phillipe Mateta finally appears to be coming into his own after scoring 16 goals last season and powering France’s Olympic team to a silver medal in Paris.

Sulola: Brentford is looking to start the season strong after an injury-ravaged previous campaign, while Crystal Palace is seeking to build on their impressive style of football from the end of last season. The away team seem primed to continue where they left off last season.

Odiete: Brentford have failed to win any of the six meetings between these two sides since they were promoted to the Premier League, losing 3-1 away in December 2023 following five consecutive draws. It’s both the joint-most the Bees have faced a side in the competition without ever winning and the joint-most the Palace have faced a side without ever losing. Let the statistics do the talking.