The countdown to the 2019/20 Premier League season has begun, as Manchester United and Manchester City await to find out their fixtures for the campaign.
Ahead of the official release on Thursday morning, number crunchers from Sportnation.Bet have predicted for the first 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.
Defending champions Manchester City are 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.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are set for just their second away day in six years with a journey up north to Newcastle. The Magpies have been drawn against a ‘Big Six’ team a whopping seven times in the last 10 opening weekends – including being host to Spurs at St. James’ Park for the last two years in a row.
Elsewhere, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are tipped to host Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur welcome Everton to North London, Chelsea tackle newly-promoted Aston Villa and Arsenal make the short trip to Watford.
The statisticians have gone one step further, analysing TV trends to make a prediction for which games will be televised on the opening weekend. Both City and United are among those predicted to have their opening day fixtures televised.
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
