The time is upon us. This summer hasn’t been as painfully devoid of football as most, but the World Cup doesn’t quite satisfy the appetite for club football. So here are my opening day predictions. Tell me I’m wrong. I dare you.
It’s terribly predictable, and as much as I’d like to say something outrageous here, I can’t see the champions slipping up at home to a newly-promoted side this early in the season.
West Brom are the perennial yoyo side of the top two tiers of English football, and have remained predictably sensible in the transfer market. This is no bad thing: if they do go down again, they’re on sound financial footing to remain able to compete for promotion.
But this does mean that improvements to the squad have been minimal, and whilst I think Steven Reid and Nicky Shorey will do a job for West Brom, it’s not enough to be getting a result at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are simply too good for them, and I’m going for a 4-0 home win.
Dangermen
Didier Drogba – Drogba looks as good at 32 as he has done since he arrived at Chelsea (apart from that dreadful first season). Top scorer last season, and third in the assists table. An absolute powerhouse.
Chris Brunt – The Northern Ireland international scored 13 Championship goals from the wing last season
Prediction …Chelsea 4 – 0 West Brom
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