Premier League Predictions from Mark O’Haire: Guardiola backed to beat Chelsea

Mark O'Haire is predicting the result of every Premier League match this season, complete with a correct score prediction.  

We’ll be keeping a record of his predictions throughout the season, tracking total wins and average wins per gameweek as well as the same for correct scores.

Let’s see who he’s backing to make a fast start this weekend.

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Manchester United vs Fulham

Manchester United endured their worst-ever Premier League campaign in 2023/24 but were relatively reliable at Old Trafford when facing sides outside of the top-five (W9-D1-L5). Fulham conceded 1.95 goals per-game on the road last season and saw influential midfield star Joao Palhinha depart in the summer, damaging the team defensively.

Correct Score: 2-1

Ipswich vs Liverpool

Newly-promoted Ipswich are bound to come out firing at Portman Road as they return to the top-flight after a 22-year absence. Kieran McKenna’s outfit are an aggressive front-foot side but are likely to come unstuck against a Liverpool side that went W7-D1-L1 at teams in 12th and below last term, and are stacked in forward areas.

Correct Score: 1-3

Everton vs Brighton

Everton endured a tumultuous 2023/24 as off-field issues threatened to derail their campaign. However, Sean Dyche’s side picked up the 12th-best points return when excluding deductions and the Toffees are unlikely to be easy meat for a Brighton side beginning a new era under the EPL’s youngest-ever coach, 31-year-old Fabian Hurzeler.

Correct Score: 1-1

Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth

Nottingham Forest managed only four victories against bottom-half opposition last season and the Tricky Trees pocketed just five victories at the City Ground – both figures need improving this time around. Bournemouth will not be easy meat – the Cherries impressively picked up the sixth-most points in the final 29 matches of 2023/24.

Correct Score: 1-1

Arsenal vs Wolves

After going close in two successive title races, Arsenal are determined to make 2024/25 their year. The Gunners should be well-capable of making a strong start on Saturday against Wolves – Mikel Arteta’s men won 20 of their 22 league dates against clubs in 10th and below last season, scoring at least twice in 18 of those contests.

Correct Score: 3-0

Newcastle vs Southampton 

Hopes are high around Tyneside that Newcastle can emulate their top-four finish from 2022/23 this term. The Magpies have the opportunity to make an early impression against Southampton with Saints having lost all four of their fixtures against fellow newly-promoted pair Ipswich and Leicester last term, shipping 13 goals in the process.

Correct Score: 3-1

West Ham vs Aston Villa 

Both West Ham and Aston Villa have aspirations and expectations to challenge the European qualification positions this term and Saturday evening’s clash promises plenty. However, there’s a chance astute Spanish coaches Julen Lopetegui and Unai Emery could cancel each other out and accept an opening day stalemate.

Correct Score: 1-1

Brentford vs Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace concluded 2023/24 in exceptional form (W6-D1-L0) as Oliver Glasner made a major impact on the Eagles’ fortunes. Having lost Michael Olise, and with both centre-backs attracting interest from elsewhere, Palace may suffer slight regression. Tackling Brentford away at the Community Stadium on MD1 is no easy meat. 

Correct Score: 1-1

Chelsea vs Manchester City

Chelsea picked up creditable points in both meetings against Manchester City last season, though their perplexing decision to part ways with Mauricio Pochettino, and scattergun summer recruitment leaves more questions than answers surrounding the Blues. Man City are therefore preferred to take top honours at Stamford Bridge.

Correct Score: 0-2

Leicester vs Tottenham 

Leicester saw head coach Enzo Marasca and star player Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall depart in the summer and with financial difficulties restricting recruitment, the Foxes appear vulnerable. Tottenham started superbly under gung-ho Ange Postecoglou last season and Spurs again look well worth supporting ahead of Monday night football.

Correct Score: 1-3