Alan Shearer’s Premier League predictions including Chelsea v Man City | Football

Less than three months since lifting the Premier League trophy at the Etihad Stadium, Man City begin their bid for an unprecedented fifth consecutive title away at Stamford Bridge.

The new season gets underway on Friday night with Manchester United, desperate to improve since putting their faith in under-fire manager Erik ten Hag, welcoming Fulham to Old Trafford.

Ipswich play their first Premier League fixture in 22 years in the early Saturday fixture before Arsenal, runners-up for the last two seasons, begin their campaign against Wolves.

Four other 3pm games are also on the agenda as Champions League side Aston Villa visit West Ham and play-off winners Southampton travel to Newcastle United.

Man United v Fulham

‘Man United have already played competitively in the Community Shield and I was impressed with what I saw at Wembley. They are at home too, first game of the season, so I’d expect them to win and will go for 3-1.’

Ipswich v Liverpool

‘It’s always difficult when you turn up at a newly promoted club’s first game with the adrenaline of the crowd and the home players, I think this will be a really tricky game for Liverpool. However, I see them sneaking a 1-0 win.’

Arsenal v Wolves

‘I think Arsenal will be too strong at home for Wolves, and I do think this will be the season the Gunners can go all the way in the title race. I expect them to start with a comfortable home win, so I’ll go with Arsenal to win 2-0.’

Everton v Brighton

‘This is a tough one to predict. Everton are at home so that’ll be a good atmosphere for the first game of the season, and we don’t quite know how this new-look Brighton team will fare. I’ll go 1-1.’

Newcastle v Southampton

‘Newcastle will want to get off to a good start at St James’ Park, just like they did last season. It may’ve been different if it was at St Mary’s but because they’re at home, I’m going to say 3-1 Newcastle win.’

Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth

‘I think Nottingham Forest may just have enough to edge this game, though I expect both teams to be fighting this season. How will Bournemouth play without Dominic Solanke? It may take some time, so I will say 2-1 to Forest.’

West Ham v Aston Villa

‘It’ll be a tight game this one. West Ham have made some exciting signings, but so have Aston Villa. It may take time for some of those to really gel together for both sides, so I am happy to go with a score draw. 1-1.’

Brentford v Crystal Palace

‘A London Derby to kick off the season, live on TV on Sunday so could be an exciting one for us all to watch. It feels like these derbies often end in draw, but I fancy goals, so I’ll say 2-2 here.’

Chelsea v Man City

‘Chelsea have had a poor pre-season but I wouldn’t take too much notice of that. However, they do have a brand-new manager and a whole host of new players, and when you have the stability and experience of Man City and Pep Guardiola in your first game, I think City will have too much for them. I’ll say 2-1 Man City win.’

Leicester v Spurs 

‘Spurs are travelling to a newly-promoted team so there’ll be a lot of excitement, but I think they’ll have too much for Leicester, especially with the signings Ange Postecoglou has made. I’ll go with Spurs to win 1-0 on Monday night.’

For more from Betfair Ambassador Alan Shearer, head to https://betting.betfair.com/football/alan-shearer/.

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