Premier League clubs are eagerly awaiting the reveal of the fixtures for the 2019/20 season, which is revealed at 9am on Thursday.
Ahead of the official release on Thursday morning, number crunchers from the bookmaker have predicted for the first ever time what the opening day's matches could be, based on a unique statistical model. Their series of complex calculations looks at variables that include previous opening day fixtures, policing requirements, stats and television broadcasting.
In their predictions, Chelsea will face Aston Villa, Arsenal will make the short trip to Watford, Tottenham Hotspur will host Everton and West Ham having a baptism of fire against defending champions Manchester City.
Villa have faced London opposition in four of their last six Premier League round one fixtures - while the Blues, who have been drawn at home three times in the last five years, have played more newly-promoted sides than any other team in the ‘Big Six’.
Defending champions Manchester City are also set for their first opening weekend fixture at the Etihad in three years, with West Ham pulling the short straw once again. The Hammers have gone up against every member of the ‘Big Six’ on the opening day for the last five years, with City being the exception - but Manuel Pellegrini's side now look set to complete the clean sweep.
Tottenham have been extremely unlucky with their opening weekend fixtures over the last decade – playing their last seven fixtures on the road, where their north London rivals Arsenal had the home advantage. Both sides, like in Merseyside and Manchester can't play at home on the same weekend due to policing and security.
However, Spurs' fortunes are set to change this season at their brand new stadium- with Everton, who have played six of their last 10 opening weekend fixtures on the road, are forecasted to travel down to the Spurs for the third time in 10 years.
For Spurs' north London rivals - despite their first opening weekend away day in seven years - Arsenal still won’t have far to travel with a short trip to Watford scheduled.
The Hornets have played two round one fixtures at Vicarage Road and two away in their last four years in the top flight, while it’ll be Arsenal’s third round one fixture against London opposition in the last six years.
The statisticians have gone one step further, analysing TV trends to make a prediction for which games will be televised on the opening weekend - with Chelsea and West Ham backed to be picked.
Predicted Premier League opening weekend fixtures
Bournemouth vs Southampton
Brighton vs Sheffield United
Burnley vs Wolves
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Liverpool vs Leicester City
Manchester City vs West Ham United
Newcastle United vs Manchester United
Norwich City vs Crystal Palace
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
Watford vs Arsenal
TV game prediction
Manchester City v West Ham United - Saturday 12.30pm
Newcastle United v Manchester United - Saturday 5.30pm
Chelsea v Aston Villa - Sunday - 1.30pm
Brighton v Sheffield United - Sunday 4pm
Liverpool v Leicester - Monday 8pm
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