Premier League excitement is approaching fever pitch. The World Cup was a surprising treat, with plenty of insane games making up for some of the less desirable elements (hydration breaks, Trump interference, etc).
But nothing hits harder than the week-in, week-put melodrama of Premier League football. And the opening set of fixtures feature some intriguing little early-season battles. Here is a brief look at two of the more interesting ones.
Saturday
Hull City vs Manchester United
Newly promoted Hull City will host Michael Carrick’s rejuvenated Red Devils in a fascinating clash at the MKM Stadium. This promises to be a seesaw affair, with both clubs looking to launch quick counterattacks as often as possible.
Hull City
Hull City return to the hallowed Prem for the first time in nine years. Sergej Jakirovic’s Tigers took the scenic route to promotion, qualifying for the playoffs on the final day before beating Millwall in the semis and Middlesborough in the final. The Tigers were a staunchly counterattacking unit in the 2nd half of their promotion campaign, recording the 5th least number of shots in the league. They made up for that in efficiency, scoring the 5th highest number of goals. I think their cagey, counterattacking style should suit the Prem more than Middlesborough’s possession-based approach. Hull have made eleven new signings and will clearly take some time to gel. But I do think centre-forward Oli McBurnie could cause serious problems against this unsettled United defence (especially with Joe Gelhardt in support).
Manchester United
Yes, I know pre-season friendlies are about as meaningless as lyrics in a Katy Perry song. But losing 4-2 to AC Milan- who are coached by none other than Ruben Amorim- was not a good look. United conceded cheap possession and looked thin in crucial areas. Some of their key players are clearly still building towards match fitness after a World Cup-affected season. But there are some signs of encouragement. The United fandom is abuzz with news that Carlos Baleba looks set to join the club after a long courtship with Brighton. He is exactly what their midfield needs. A midfield three of Baleba, Mainoo and Fernandes- with the likes of Tielemans and Santos in reserve- looks a lot more balanced. Still, Baleba will never be finalised ahead of Saturday. I do think that Hull will cause United problems with those swift counterattacks. United’s fullback areas are always a source of vulnerability and Gelhardt and co could expose them.
The Verdict: Hull City have never beaten United in ten previous Premier League meetings (eight losses and two draws). But I do think they could catch United slightly undercooked (especially given that early Saturday kick-off). A high-scoring draw may be in the cards.
Sunday
Newcastle United vs Liverpool
This early-season grudge match should shake off any lingering cobweb. Alexander Isak left the Toon in acrimonious circumstances last year, going on strike to force a move to Arne Slot’s Reds. I’m certain that the St James’ Park faithful will remind him of that at any every given opportunity. There will also be a bittersweet note to the occasion, as former Liverpool and Newcastle legend Kevin Keegan will also be commemorated.
Newcastle United
Things have changed somewhat since Isak was a Newcastle player. When the Swede left, Newcastle were competing in the Champions League and had just won their first piece of silverware in ions. The Magpies wobbled significantly last season, hampered by a slew of underwhelming transfer deals (Wissa, Woltemade, etc). Eddie Howe left the club and has been replaced bv Matthias Jaissle, who was last managing Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League (I know). He has walked into a minor firestorm, with key midfielders Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimares pried away by North London opposition. There have been a few bits of good news, as long-term absentee Tino Livramento is in line to start this weekend. I also like the fiscal responsibility they have shown with some of their new signings (Amar Dedic and Sean Steur cost less than £50 million). Jassle needs to exploit his single best resource: the St James Park atmosphere. They could be in for a tough season but an opening-day clash against Liverpool- with all the anti-Isak sentiment- could prove a fortuitous first fixture.
Liverpool
The Andoni Iraola era begins. Iraola plays a very Klopp-like brand of heavy-metal football, prioritizing intense pressing and gung-ho verticality. Speaking of Klopp, they just lost two more of their iconic Klopp-era players, with Mo Salah and Andy Robertson moving on to new challenges. Iraola will look to put his stamp on the side as soon as possible, with new singings such as Araujo, Jacquet and Munoz waiting in the wings. The Barcola saga is bleeding into the new season and could end up detracting from these early tests. Still, Liverpool are blessed with an abundance of talent in forward areas, with the likes of Isak, Wirtz and Gakpo looking to start the season off on a positive note. Isak will need to overcome his public enemy number one status this weekend. He had quite a solid World Cup and will be highly motivated to get one over his past employers.
The Verdict: I think there’s a solid chance that Newcastle catch Liverpool with their pants down. The frenetic opening-day atmosphere on Tyneside could give the Magpies a lift. Liverpool are a bit fractured and will take some time to cohere. A surprise home win could be on the cards.
