The English Premier League has kicked off, and we are already seeing mixed results and shockers in gameweek one. Many people have predicted that some teams might have it easy this season, and judging by the first gameweek of the season, we think that might not be the case.
There are many trends that are expected to change from our perspective due to the early developments in the league, from tactics to squad to even rules. Below, we’ll discuss these trends and how they can impact this season’s EPL games. Also, if you’re interested in EPL tips, please click here.
Promoted Clubs Are More Competitive Than Expected
One of the biggest shockers and opening weekend stories was filled with the performance of promoted teams. Only Coventry, who played the Champions, Arsenal, lost. Hull City won Manchester United in an impressive fashion, with Ipswich also finding a win.
Some pundits and bettors expected this phenomenon given the summer transfer business these clubs conducted. The newly promoted teams have reinforced and continued to reinforce their team to suit the physicality of the Premier League.
The question remains whether these teams can maintain this intensity, form, and results till the end of the season. That’s almost impossible, we know, and more impossible now, as we can’t really say which teams might be relegated at the end of the season.
Manchester City Are Still Difficult to Count Out
Manchester City is undergoing a transformational period at the club this season. With former manager Pep Guardiola leaving last season and Enzo Maresca taking over, the club is being introduced to a similar playing style but a different manager.
Also, Manchester City are currently experiencing many outgoings and some incoming players. The team had a scare against Bournemouth and almost lost the game if not for salvation goals from their defenders in the last minutes of the game.
It is too early for Manchester City to face these situations, but coming from behind to win late also shows the winning mentality is there.
Manchester United Already Has Questions to Answer
Manchester United under Michael Carrick are expected to compete seriously this season following their spirited end to last season and qualifying for the Champions League. However, they looked lost against the newly promoted Hull City and lost 2-0.
The Red Devils will really have to answer whether this will be just another season for them where they fail to reach their potential or one in which they sit up. We don’t know if this defeat will be a wake-up call or one of the many disappointing results they could have this season.
Will This Be Chelsea’s Redemption Season?
Chelsea are one of the teams expected to challenge for the title this season, and that’s because of their new manager, Xabi Alonso, and the summer transfers they’ve made. They kickstarted their campaign with an exciting 3-2 away win at Fulham, and they looked both threatening at the front and weak at the back.
We expect Chelsea to become stronger, but the main question is if they’ll maintain this form, especially since they’ll not be playing in Europe this season.
The Next Few Matches Will Tell Us Much More
The season is still in the earliest stages, and we don’t know what will happen, and that’s why we believe the next 5-10 games will give us a good trend of what to expect. For many teams, their opening games will cause them to reassess themselves, and that would either make them or break them this season, because the EPL can be unforgiven to mistakes.
Which team do you think will continue in their form, or which trend should we look out for? Thanks for reading!
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