Premier League is back this week with newbies Brentford hosting Arsenal on Friday in the first game of the brand new 2021/22 season.
All eyes will be on Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off between Manchester United and Leeds United at Old Trafford. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side had thrashed Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds 6-2 in the same fixture last season, so the visitors will look to avenge the defeat against their bitter rivals.
The game at Old Trafford will be followed by six games, including the Midlands derby between Wolves and Leicester City and the London derby between Chelsea and Crystal Palace. Watford, back with the big boys again, will host Aston Villa, while Everton will lock horns with Southampton at Goodison Park. Saturday’s final game will see newly-promoted Norwich City entertain Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool at Carrow Road.
The Newcastle United vs West Ham game will kick off proceedings on Sunday. Defending Premier League champions Manchester City face a trip to north London to face Tottenham Hotspur in what could offer a lot of thrills and spills.
The Matchday 1 of the new Premier League campaign will feature a whole host of star players aiming to make an impact for their respective clubs. That being said, here are five players to watch out for.
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Ivan Toney (Brentford) vs Arsenal:
Ivan Toney is undoubtedly one of the big reasons for Brentford’s promotion to the Premier League. He bagged a record-breaking 31 goals in the Championship while also showing the creative side of his game by assisting 10 times last season.
A clinical finisher with good hold up play and aerial ability, Toney is certainly the biggest threat for Arsenal on Friday.
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Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) vs Leeds United:
Bruno Fernandes makes Manchester United’s attack tick with his passing, energy, movement and goals. He was one of the big reasons the Reds finished second in the league last season.
With United up against bitter rivals Leeds United in their season opener on Matchday 1, Fernandes will be key for the hosts. Just like how he tormented the Whites’ backline in the same fixture last season, the Portuguese is expected to shine in a jam-packed Old Trafford.
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Jamie Vardy (Leicester City) vs Wolves:
Jamie Vardy’s spot-kick decided this same fixture at the King Power Stadium last season.
One of the wily poachers in the Premier League, Vardy can be very dangerous if given the right service on Saturday. Due to his knack for playing on the shoulder of the last defender, Wolves will have to be extra vigilant and avoid making mistakes.
Vardy has proven over the years he can win games single-handedly and is certainly a player to watch out for this weekend.
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Sadio Mane (Liverpool) vs Norwich City:
Sadio Mane had a disappointing last season, along with his partners in crime—Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah. A tally of 11 goals and eight assists in 35 games isn’t underwhelming, but given the standards he’s set in the Premier League in recent years, they didn’t meet the expectations.
After a rare four-week break, Mane looked reinvigorated and sharp in Liverpool’s pre-season friendly games, and is eager to go again for the Reds. Against Norwich at Carrow Road, the Senegalese will be relishing the opportunity to run behind a porous defence and starting the campaign on a high note.
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Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City) vs Tottenham:
Manchester City have made a statement ahead of the new season by signing Jack Grealish for a British transfer record of £100m.
The Sky Blues begin their title defence at Tottenham on Sunday, with Pep Guardiola aiming for three points on Matchday 1. With Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden out with injury and Grealish unlikely to get thrown in the starting XI, Riyad Mahrez will lead City’s attack.
Mahrez, one of City’s most important players last season, starred in the pre-season friendlies. The Algerian has the ability to give any opposition defence a torrid time with his dribbling skills, unpredictability and directness.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s Tottenham will have to be wary of Mahrez, who certainly is a player to watch out for on Matchday 1.
