It’s nearly time for the moment that all football fans across the nation look forward to- the start of a brand new Premier League season.
As is always the case, a new season brings with it; new players, new managers and of course new clubs. In a rare occasion, last season saw all promoted teams stay in the league and the new teams for this season will be hoping to do exactly the same.
The promoted sides of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Cardiff City and Fulham have all added to their squads following a successful Championship campaign last time out but how will they fare in the big league?
Opening fixtures in the league always bring excitement, hope and expectation and they are often a good marker on how much a team could achieve throughout their campaign. It would be argued that all three of the newcomers could have different goals that they are hoping to achieve but one thing is for certain, the main goal would be to stay in the league.
Bournemouth vs Cardiff
The Blue Birds open their campaign away on the south coast at the Vitality Stadium in a tricky opening day fixture.
Cardiff have had an indifferent pre-season with defeats against Rotherham United and Real Betis but a win against Burton Albion and a draw against Torquay United. A recurring theme of their off-season has once again been their difficulty in creating enough chances. Something that will definitely hurt them during the competitive season.
Cardiff have added Bobby Reid from Bristol City and Josh Murphy from Norwich to their squad, but Neil Warnock is still looking to add the diamond to his side. It has been widely reported that the man he is hoping to fill this void is Marko Grujic from Liverpool.
It’s not thought that Warnock will make drastic changes to the sides playing style with Cardiff’s direct game plan working wonders throughout last season. Bournemouth will create an interesting early test for Warnock’s men with a complete contrast of styles on view it will be a good watch.
Cardiff will be looking to prove bookmakers and punters wrong as they are currently the early season favourites for relegation.
Fulham vs Crystal Palace
Last season’s play-off winners will make their Premier League return at Craven Cottage against former manager, Roy Hodgson’s current team. Fulham were one of the most exciting teams to watch in the second-tier last season with youngsters Ryan Sessengnon and Tom Cairney the two stand out players.
All eyes will once again be on them to deliver the goods, but Fulham have also invested very smartly and acutely to their squad. The arrival of Jean Michael Seri from Nice was met with jubilation from fans as he was a player that was believed to be on Barcelona’s radar in only January.
Further additions of Alexander Mitrovic from Newcastle and Alfie Mawson from Swansea have added a good balance to the side, both new signings also offer good potential and already proven Premier League experience.
The opening day will be a good test for the Whites. Fans will be expecting an exciting start to the season against a side that really struggled last season. Palace are also renowned for starting slow; losing last season on the opening day 3-0 to newcomers, Huddersfield Town.
As opposed to Cardiff, Fulham will perhaps be looking to finish further towards mid-table as their squad already boats Premier League quality as well as heavy investment in key areas of the pitch.
Wolves vs Everton
Perhaps the most interesting game on paper from the first Saturday of the season. Marco Silva takes his new side to the heavily invested Wolves. The Wanderers had a vintage season last campaign, effectively being promoted by February.
However, manager Nuno Santo must not have been content. The off-season has seen the club offload 14 first team players and they have signed eleven. Wolves and their connection to super-agent Jorge Mendes has ensured that they have been able to bring in players that wouldn’t necessarily have been achievable.
This summer alone they have brought in 2016 European Champions, Rui Patricio and Joao Moutinho, along with exciting prospects Leo Bonatini and Diogo Jota.
This opening day fixture could be a battle between two sides who will be eyeing up the final Europa League spot come May. It is sure to be an intriguing battle between two sides that have quality but are still an unknown quantity.
