The Steifmaster English Premier League Predictions

Liverpool 3 1 Stoke

Liverpool’s quest to return to the much coveted Champions League football after a 5-year absence begins at Anfield when they welcome Stoke City in the first match of the 2013-14 Barclays Premier League season.

The Reds have been in imperious form during the preseason winning all their matches but the 1-0 blip they suffered against Glasgow giants Celtic. Their Saturday opponents, Stoke, finished 13^th last season, but still lost their manager of 7 years, Tony Pulis, who left by mutual consent with fellow Welshman Mark Hughes taking over the reigns.

The Reds on the other hand seem to have ended their managerial merry-go-round following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers. The last time the L4 club met Stoke, the latter came from a goal down to emerge 3-1 winners, Jonathan Walters scoring either side of Kenywne Jones’ goal to cancel Steven Gerrard’s early penalty for the Merseysiders. Liverpool have failed to beat Stoke in their last three Premier League encounters but I see the Reds running with a 3-1 win, summer signing Iago Aspas opening his account for the Reds in the absence of Luis Suarez who misses the first 6 matches following his ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic.

Arsenal 1- 2 Aston Villa

They may have achieved Champions League football ,alright, but Arsenal is a club in dire straits, at least as far as winning a trophy is concerned. The Gunners are yet to add any silverware to the 2005 FA Cup triumph and the club’s fans have been anything but shy to express their frustration. Wenger’s charges start what could be the Frenchman’s last season at the Emirates (should he fail to bring silverware) against Aston Villa, a club that just about survived relegation last season.

The last meeting between the two clubs saw Arsenal claim a 2-1 win at the Emirates. However, the Gunners are not known for having a strong start to the season and they haven’t done themselves any favours with an inconsistent preseason. I see Villa sneaking away with this, Christian Benteke grabbing a brace and Theo Walcott netting the consolation for the London club.

Swansea City 2 2 Manchester United

The reigning Champions begin their title defence with a trip to Welsh side Swansea in what will be David Moyes’ first Premier League game with the Red Devils. United’s life without Sir Alex Fergusson has been anything but stable. Wayne Rooney’s situation is far from being settled and the team has not only struggled in their pursuit to bring in recruitments but their preseason form has been wanting. One win and two loses in five preseason games certainly isn’t a string of results that Moyes and the club’s supporters would cherish.

However, Moyes succeeded in bringing his first silverware to Old Trafford thanks to Robin Van Persi-inspired 2-0 win against Wigan that secured them the Community Shield Cup. The Swans on the other hand have won all but one of their preseason matches without conceding and this included a 4-0 dismissal of Swedish side Malmo FF in a Europa League 3^rd round qualifier.

The last meeting between the two clubs at the Liberty stadium ended in a 1-1 stalemate with United winning the reverse fixture 2-1 at Old Trafford. With United yet to hit the heights, this game would have come too soon for them and a scoring draw looks the more likely in this late Saturday kick off.

Chelsea 5 0 Hull City

Chelsea’s new manager Jose Mourinho finally returned to the place he claims he feels loved. And what more could he ask for than a home game against a promoted side Hull City. The Blues will without a doubt be fighting for the title this season after finishing 3^rd last season and a massive 14 points behind champions Manchester United. Mourinho will hope his reunion with the Stamford Bridge club will bring success akin to the 3 years he spent at the club where he won five major trophies: the Premier League title in 2005 and 2006, the League Cup in 2005 and 2007 and the FA Cup in 2007

Hull will be the first opposition and the ‘Special One’ will be keen to see his team avoid blips early on since he, more than anyone else, knows only too well that any signs of failure will elicit a reaction from success-hungry Roman Abramovich. This will turn out to be a rout leaving the Blues on top on goal difference heading into the second leg a week later.

Manchester City 4 0 Newcastle United

Like has been the norm since Sheikh Mansoor and his Abu Dhabi group poured money at Manchester City in 2009, the Eastlands club have again gone for big money signings as they seek to wrestle back the Premier League trophy from United. Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo have joined from Sevilla, Stevan Jovetic from Fiorentina and Fernandinho from Shakhtar, all at a combined price of more than £90 million.

The four will have their first taste of Premier League against Newcastle United who have done little business in the transfer window notable signing being Frenchman, Loic Remy, who has joined on loan from Championship side Queens Park Rangers. With Sergio Aguero and Bosnian hitman Edin Dzeko still at the club, City have a potent striking force and I see them thumping Newcastle for four in this Monday night matchup.