Paul Merson's predictions for Premier League GW1 fixtures

The 2021-22 Premier League season could be the most exciting one in years
The 2021-22 Premier League season could be the most exciting one in years

Watford vs Aston Villa

Everton v Aston Villa - Premier League
Everton v Aston Villa - Premier League

Other than Brentford, the team I'm most interested in watching in the Premier League this season is Aston Villa. They've lost Jack Grealish, but in my opinion, they've done very well in the transfer market to replace him. Emiliano Buendia ripped up the Championship last season and we all know what Danny Ings can do, so I'd be shocked if they didn't win this game.

They have a good goalkeeper in Emiliano Martinez and also have two competent central defenders in Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa - they could be dark horses in the Premier League this season and pick up a few sizable scalps if their new signings manage to fulfill expectations.

If you want to have a good season in the Premier League, you should be able to go to Watford on opening day and get a victory. Aston Villa could upset a lot of teams this season and they know the importance of a good start, so I fancy them to win this weekend.

Prediction: Watford 1-2 Aston Villa


Everton vs Southampton

Southampton v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League
Southampton v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League

Southampton will struggle, so this is a good game for Everton on the opening weekend of the Premier League season. Everton will need to get off to a flying start and if they want to have a good season, they will need to win this game.

Southampton, on the other hand, are in disarray. James Ward-Prowse could go and Danny Ings - who scored bags of goals from almost nothing last season - has moved to Aston Villa, so they could be involved in a relegation dogfight this season.

Everton haven't bought well so far, but I expect them to prevail in a tight game.

Prediction: Everton 1-0 Southampton


Burnley vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Blackpool v Burnley: Pre-Season Friendly
Blackpool v Burnley: Pre-Season Friendly

These are the kind of games where both teams will fancy it. Burnley do what it says on the tin, while Brighton will try and play football and look to break them down. Ben White will be missed, but Graham Potter has players to cancel out the way Burnley play in Adam Webster and Dan Burn, who will be tasked with neutralizing the threat posed by Chris Wood.

Unlike last season, I don't think Brighton will keep missing chances in front of goal. From box to box, they are as good as any other side in the Premier League and if they can sort out their woes in front of goal, they will be quite comfortable this time around.

There's not a lot between the two sides considering the fact that the game's at Turf Moor, so I think it'll be a 1-1 draw.

Prediction: Burnley 1-1 Brighton


Norwich City vs Liverpool

Liverpool v Athletic Club - Pre-Season Friendly
Liverpool v Athletic Club - Pre-Season Friendly

I expect Liverpool to win this one quite easily and get off to a good start in the Premier League. The way Norwich City play suits them - they will look to play out from the back and can't play it long, as they've only got Teemu Pukki upfront.

Their style of play pretty much plays into Liverpool's hands, so I think the Reds will win rather comfortably at Carrow Road. Norwich secured promotion quite comfortably but this is the kind of game that could show the gulf of class between the Premier League and the Championship.

I think Liverpool will win this and keep a clean sheet in the process, I don't see Norwich City troubling them too much.

Prediction: Norwich City 0-3 Liverpool


Newcastle United vs West Ham United

West Ham United v Southampton - Premier League
West Ham United v Southampton - Premier League

With the fans back at St. James' Park, this could be a massive game of football. Will that help the players or not? That remains to be seen!

West Ham United had an amazing season last time around, so the pressure will be on them to produce the goods once again. They exceeded expectations, but people will look at them and think they should be up there once again, so we will have to wait and see how David Moyes and co respond in the weeks ahead.

I don't like predicting draws but I'm sitting on the fence here - I think this game will end 1-1.

Prediction: Newcastle United 1-1 West Ham United


Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City

Tottenham Hotspur v Burnley - Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur v Burnley - Premier League

This is the standout fixture of the Premier League weekend and Manchester City, the defending champions, will look to get off to a winning start. This is the way I look at it - the best team in the Premier League is set to come up against arguably the sixth-best team in the competition, so I think Pep Guardiola and co should win this one.

Every game counts in the Premier League because it's going to be incredibly tight between the top four sides, so you can't afford to give anyone a head start. It's hard to bet against Manchester City - they are the ones to beat and they can only beat themselves by overcomplicating things, as we saw in the UEFA Champions League final against Chelsea.

Harry Kane's involvement is another intriguing subplot, as the striker continues to be linked with a big-money move to the Etihad Stadium. If he plays, Tottenham will be in with half a chance, but Manchester City are definitely the overwhelming favorites heading into the game.

Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 0-2 Manchester City


Also Read: Jim Beglin column - Ranking the 5 greatest managers in Premier League history

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