Part 2 - Premier League Gameweek 1: Squad Overhauls and Season Stories
Part 2 of the Gameweek 1 preview is here, covering some of the most interesting fixtures coming off the 25/26 season. Plus, a plethora of refreshed team sheets to look forward to…
Brentford Vs Tottenham Hotspur
The first London Derby of the 26/27 season takes place at 17:30 on Saturday 22nd August, where Keith Andrew’s Brentford take on a revamped Tottenham Hotspur. The Bees have built on their success last season with smart reinforcements: Jaidon Anthony and Callum Wilson for Premier League-proven squad depth, plus the marquee signing of Mamadou Sangaré, who joins from French side RC Lens for just over £40 million. Spurs on the other hand, have taken this summer transfer window by storm. 2 new central defenders, 2 new central midfielders and 2 new forwards rumoured to be on the way from Manchester City. After 17th place finishes in their previous 2 seasons, many are backing Spurs to leap back into those European places. They’ll be hoping to kick things off with a win at the Gtech today.
Player to Watch: Mamadou Sangaré - For all of Tottenham’s shiny new players, the pressure will be on to replicate their performances at their previous Premier League clubs, with heightened scrutiny if things don’t go to plan. For Brentford’s new arrival Sangaré, there is a fresh slate to perform on, as many fans are yet to see what the Mali international has to offer. A phenomenal ball-winning midfielder, with dangerous progressive ability and an off-the-ball profile that suits the Premier League perfectly. Up against Tonali and possibly Mateus Fernandes in his first home game of the season, we’re hopeful that Sangaré have prove his worth in this fixture.
Brighton Vs Aston Villa
Our first fixture on Sunday takes place at the Amex Stadium, where Brighton host Unai Emery’s Aston Villa. Hürzeler’s men took a taxing trip to Norway during the week, where they drew 0-0 in their opening qualifier for the UEFA Conference League. Many first team players featured, possibly leaning a slight edge towards Villa for the fixture, however Emery’s squad has been picked apart this summer and Villa fans will have to get used to some new faces replacing their beloved players of old. Additionally, World Cup winning goalkeepr Emi Martinez has reportedly asked to leave the club, making way for new Japanese signing Zion Suzuki to start between the sticks, if Emery feels he is ready.
Player to Watch: Emiliano Buendia - Aston Villa have several talented individuals in forward areas, however we’ve picked out Buendia as perhaps the most underrated. His 20 goal contributions last season helped Aston Villa to a 4th place finish and Europa League title, scoring and assisting in the final against Freiburg. With Rogers moving to Chelsea, Tielemans in Manchester and a new core of players around him, it’ll be interesting to see if the Argentine can orchestate this team in the final third.
Manchester City Vs Bournemouth
A repeat of the season-defining fixture of last season, as two new managers face on if a tough test both ways. Maresca enters the dugout with a point to prove and big shoes to fill, taking the reigns from Premier League and International coaching legend Pep Guardiola. City enter this game with a new midfield, absent of Rodri’s dictating presence but rejuvinated by the signing of Elliot Anderson. And of course, you can always rely on Erling Haaland as the teams focal point. For The Cherries, its a new face on the sidelines but with all the same desires, Marco Rose takes charge of his first competitive game in the Premier League, hoping to replicate their progressive success under Andoni Iraola, with a similarly intense play style.
Player to Watch: Evanilson - Bournemouth fans have been quietly excited for the upcoming season, having scored an abundance of goals in pre-season, along with the football itself showing plenty of promise. A big part of that is Brazilian striker Evanilson, who’s goal tally has been slightly underwhelming in his time at Bournemouth, registering 10 PL goals in his debut season, followed by 6 last campaign. With a new system surrounding him and a positive pre-season under his belt, could we see Evanilson cause problems for City in their first game in a new era?
Newcastle United Vs Liverpool
One of the most exciting fixtures in the league returns once more, yet again with new managers in each dugout. Much like Aston Villa, the team from the North East have been depleted, with many key figures departing including manager Eddie Howe. A midfield of proven quality and experience is replaced with the young potential of Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba, which brings an unknown entity to the field, alongside Matthias Jaissle’s fresh tactics. As for the team in red, Andoni Iraola has already expressed his need for further signings, as Liverpool pursue the likes of Bradley Barcola and Yankuba Minteh.
Player to Watch: Alexander Isak - One of the most opinion-splitting players of the past few seasons, Isak enters the frame with inescapable pressure. £125 million was the transfer fee, 3 was the amount of goals scored last season. Bearing in mind a terrible leg injury kept the Swedish striker out for an extended period of time, the point remains that his general performances must improve. 44 goals in his last 2 Premier League years at Newcastle, Iraola will be determined to unlock the forward’s full capabilities. Up against his former side, can Isak make his mark?
Fulham Vs Chelsea
And finally, on Monday night Fulham host Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea at Craven Cottage, with an interesting core of Real Madrid influence. Álvaro Arbeloa takes charge of the London side, bringing in a few youthful prospects to help him along the way. Exctiting forward Gonzalo García leads the line after a big money move from Los Blancos, replacing Mexican striker Raúl Jiménez. For the visitors, there’s more Madridstas in town, as Alonso must regain Champions League football for The Blues after their 10th place finish last season. New signings Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra are likely to occupy the left-hand side, in an exciting new era for Chelsea Football Club.
Player to Watch: Cole Palmer - What can we expect from Cole Palmer this season? A world class first season in Chelsea blue, with 22 goals and 11 asssits, but perhaps of unreplicable standards? With a brand new manager, his best mate Rogers on the opposite side and a fresh season to attack, you would expect the England international to reach the levels we know he’s capable of.
