21-22 Premier League Preview Week 2
The Premier League returned with a bang last weekend. 33 goals hit the net across 10 fixtures, and there were some shock results to kick the season off. Man United raced to the top of the league with an emphatic 5-1 win against Leeds. Man City were stunned by an energetic Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Newcastle and West Ham played out a six-goal thriller at St James’ Park. More enticing fixtures take place in gameweek two.
City will try and catch up to the early leaders as they face Norwich at home, who fell to a 3-0 defeat against Liverpool. A listless Arsenal were put to the sword by a buzzing Brentford. The Gunners face another tough test at home against European champions Chelsea. Monday night also sees last season’s two overachievers West Ham face Leicester in East London.
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Aston Villa vs Newcastle
Aston Villa lost 3-2 away against Watford in their opening Premier League match. Villa went 3-0 down before clawing back two late goals, but they couldn’t produce a grandstand finish. Dean Smith’s side return to Villa Park this weekend, where the Midlands side were patchy last season. Villa won seven of their 19 home matches last season, including two in their final nine at Villa Park. They did pick up some impressive wins at home, beating Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle.
Newcastle threw away the lead twice in their opening day 4-2 loss against West Ham. Callum Wilson put the Magpies 1-0 up before West Ham equalised. Jacob Murphy then restored the lead, but the Hammers scored three more goals to defeat Steve Bruce’s side. Newcastle fared better away last season, winning three of their last four on the road and drawing 1-1 away at Anfield.
Villa’s Morgan Sanson and Trézéguet are ruled out with knee injuries. Ollie Watkins and Douglas Luiz could be in contention. Paul Dummett (calf), Elliott Anderson (groin), and Martin Dubravka (ankle) are out for Newcastle. Karl Darlow is doubtful, but Jamaal Lascelles could return to the squad.
Despite losing in their respective opening games, Villa and Newcastle showed an eye for goal. A draw is likely in the Midlands, but also expect goals between these two sides.
Leeds vs Everton
Leeds United were rocked by a ruthless Man United on Saturday. Luke Ayling cancelled out United’s opener, but the Yorkshire side conceded four second-half goals and lost 5-1. The defeat was Leeds’ fourth in five matches following friendly losses to Real Betis, Ajax, and Fleetwood. Marcelo Bielsa will hope a return to Elland Road aids his stuttering side. Leeds were unbeaten in their last six home matches towards the end of the 2020/21 season.
Everton got off to a flying start against Southampton on Saturday. The Toffees trailed after an early Saints goal, but goals from Richarlison, Abdoulaye Doucouré and Dominic Calvert-Lewin capped an impressive second-half display. It was the Toffees’ fourth win in their last 13 Premier League matches after an inconsistent end to the 2020/21 campaign. Away form was a plus for Everton last season. The Merseyside team had one of the best away records in the league, losing just four times and going unbeaten in 13 of their final 15 on the road.
Leeds duo Adam Forshaw (knock) and Diego Llorente (knee) are unavailable. James Rodriguez (isolating) and Moise Kean (covid) are out for Everton. Andre Gomez could return after a knock.
Leeds looked short of confidence against United. Everton’s second-half performance against Southampton was cause for optimism. The Toffees could come away from Elland Road with all three points this weekend.
Arsenal vs Chelsea
Arsenal put in a poor performance in their 2-0 defeat against Brentford in the opening match of the Premier League season. The Gunners rarely threatened, having four shots on target. Goals on either side of halftime confirmed a disappointing loss. Mikel Arteta’s side are now winless in their last five matches after a poor pre-season. Arsenal lost against Hibernian, Chelsea, and Spurs during pre-season before the Brentford loss. The Gunners will hope to reclaim the form that saw them defeat Chelsea in their last three competitive meetings this weekend.
Chelsea put in a dominant display against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge, defeating their London rivals 3-0 last weekend. Goals from Marcos Alonso, Christian Pulisic, and Trevoh Chalobah earned the Blues all three points. Thomas Tuchel’s side are unbeaten in six matches in all competitions, and they have won five of their last seven Premier League matches. Chelsea ended last season in good away form, winning six of their final nine fixtures, including wins at Spurs, Liverpool, and Man City.
Arsenal forwards Alexandre Lacazette (illness), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (illness), and Edward Nketiah (ankle) are ruled out. Thomas Partey (ankle) and Gabriel (knee) are also unavailable. Chelsea will be without Ruben Loftus-Cheek (knock) and Hakim Ziyech (shoulder). N’Golo Kante could return to the squad.
Chelsea are clear favourites against Arsenal. Mikel Arteta is missing key players, and his side will be suffering after being dispatched by Brentford. A Chelsea win to nil is a good option at the Emirates.
West Ham vs Leicester
West Ham came from behind twice to earn an impressive 4-2 away win at Newcastle. David Moyes’ side created plenty of chances with 18 shots and nine on target. The London side also had four different goal scorers in Aaron Cresswell, Saïd Benrahma, Thomas Soucek and Michail Antonio. The wine extended West Ham’s unbeaten run to 11 consecutive matches in all competitions. West Ham have been free-scoring lately, finding the net 16 times in their last five.
Leicester beat Wolves 1-0 in their opening match. Jamie Vardy’s first-half strike was the difference in a close encounter at the King Power Stadium. The win followed a 1-0 win against Man City in the Community Shield and a 3-2 pre-season win against Villareal. Brendan Rodgers’ side haven’t performed as well away from home recently. The Foxes are winless in their last four, including a 1-0 loss to League One Wycombe Wanderers and a 3-3 draw with Championship side QPR.
Hammers defender Arthur Masuaku is doubtful with a knee injury. Leicester’s Nampalys Mendy (groin), Wesley Fofana (calf), James Justin (knee), Ryan Bertrand (covid) and Jonny Evans (ankle) are out.
West Ham have been scoring for fun and are in good form. They may edge past Leicester in this Monday night fixture. There have been 20 goals between these sides in the last five meetings, so expect goals at the London Stadium.
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