The 2019/20 Premier League season is finally here and the array of optimism filters across the country ahead of this weekend.
Opening fixtures are always difficult to predict. New signings, new tactics and a new beginning – what teams will gel together the fastest?
Whether your ambition is survival or pushing for the Premier League title, it is a time for every fan to get excited about the new campaign.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool kickstart the 2019/20 campaign against newly-promoted Norwich City at Anfield and they will be determined to accelerate from the very start.
This season promises to be a thoroughly entertaining spectacle with multiple teams set to contest for a top-six finish; starting the season on a positive note could be the crucial difference between achieving a European spot or mid-table mediocrity.
But what do the stats suggest could happen this weekend? Here is every club’s opening day record in the Premier League from worst to best…
Brighton – W0, D0, L2
The Seagulls narrowly avoided relegation last season and they will be hoping to break their opening day jinx against Watford this weekend.
Brighton have lost both of their opening Premier League match-ups and the closest they came to a result was against Manchester City, but could only hold them off for 70 minutes and lost the match 2-0.
Bournemouth – W1, D0, L3
Eddie Howe has established Bournemouth as a competitive, Premier League side but their opening day stats are not overly impressive – winning just once out of four attempts.
The Cherries host newly-promoted Sheffield United this weekend and is certianly a game they will be eyeing three points from.
Norwich City – W1, D3, L4
Another newly-promoted outfit is Norwich, returning to the top-tier of English football for the first time since 2016.
The Canaries’ only opening day victory was against Sunderland four years ago and it will take something special to beat Liverpool this weekend.
Burnley – W1, D1, L3
Burnley flirted with relegation in the 2018/19 campaign and they will be eager to push themselves away from the drop as early as possible.
The Clarets drew 0-0 against Southampton at St Mary’s on the opening day last season and this weekend the fixture is reversed as they play host to the Saints; finding a winning formula would be an excellent start for Sean Dyche’s men.
Southampton – W2, D10, L8
Southampton have a habit of drawing their opening Premier league fixtures and have done so 50% of the time.
Ralph Hassenhuttl steered the club away from the drop last season and his attacking philosophy could prove too hot to handle this weekend against the aforementioned Burnley.
Leicester City – W2, D5, L6
The Foxes faced a difficult opening encounter last season as they suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford and they will clash with another tricky opponent this time around – Wolves.
Leicester have only won twice on the opening day and they will have to be on top of their game if they are to overcome an exciting Wolves outfit.
Watford – W1, D3, L2
The Hornets have participated in six Premier League seasons – only winning one opening day clash.
Watford got off to a flying start last season and beat Brighton 2-0 on the opening day – this fixture repeats itself this weekend and they will be hoping for a similar outcome.
Crystal Palace – W3, D2, L5
Palace have won 30% of their opening Premier League fixtures and they will be seeking to improve that come Saturday.
The Eagles play host to Everton this weekend and they will be desparate to distance themselves from the relegation zone early on.
Newcastle United – W7, D7, L10
Newcastle have played in 24 of the 27 Premier League seasons, winning seven of their opening day encounters.
This weekend they face a testing clash against Arsenal at St James’ Park and they will have to perform to the highest standard if they are to avoid adding another defeat to the stats.
Everton – W7, D11, L8
The Toffees have only ever missed one Premier League season and their opening day record is fairly impressive, averaging 1.23 points per match.
Everton have made some solid signings this summer and they will be optimistic of starting the season fast at Selhurst Park this weekend.
