GW2 Fixture Preview

SPURS vs SWANSEA

In this fixture last season Spurs registered 23 shots to the Swan's 3 but won the game 1-0. Over half their shots came from outside the box. This is a clear indication of Laudrup's mentality in an away fixture he'll view as difficult to win. Swansea's away defence is much better than their home one where their policy is always to attack. Tottenham and Soldado are much fancied in this one but with several new signings to bed in don't be surprised if the expected goal-fest fails to appear. 

Verdict: 1-0  Vertonghen and Dawson for clean sheet points and more bonus points on the side.

FULHAM vs ARSENAL

A lot depends on Fulham's mentality in this one. Last season Arsenal came away with a 0-1 victory but there are a few key differences to the team's this time around. If Fulham field Scott Parker in a deep midfield position it could go a long way to dampening any Arsenal attack but will also take some bite out of Fulham going forward. All in all we'd expect Arsenal to triumph here again.

Verdict: 0-1  Giroud to be the beneficiary of an Arsenal breakthrough. Elsewhere Bonus and CS points for Arsenal's backline.

MAN UTD vs CHELSEA

Too tight to call really. Too much up in the air with Moyes and Mourinho to make any real assessment other than to fall back on what we know from last year and that is Manchester United scores goals at home and they are usually scored by you know who. 

Verdict: 2-1  Robin Van Persie good for a goal.

EVERTON vs WEST BROM

A draw rather muted Everton's opening day performance. They were very good going forward at Carrow Road, one of last season's meanest grounds. West Brom look vulnerable and a three or four goal thrashing looks possible. 

Verdict: 3-0  Jelavic looks sharp and was in all the right places against Norwich. It's time for Mirallas to get in on the action too.

VILLA vs LIVERPOOL

There's goals in this one too. Whilst Liverpool had the best away defence record last season Villa always push for goals and will be full of pep after GW1. Their counter-attacking style is less effective at home though and Rodger's is tactically astute enough to take advantage of this, a repeat of last season's 1-2 scoreline looks likely.

Verdict: 1-2  It'll be hard to keep Benteke off the score sheet but in Sturridge and Coutinho Liverpool have players to pick up points too.

NEWCASTLE vs WEST HAM

Pardew has this one game to put things right for the Magpies or there'll be major problems. West Ham were toothless away from home in 2012/13 although Nolan grabbed this game's only goal last season. The Hammers have added well to their squad where as Newcastle can not say the same.

Verdict: 0-1  Clean sheets for West Ham's defence and another goal for Nolan.

STOKE vs PALACE

Stoke's 6 shots on target last week against Liverpool is enough to convince us that Hughes will get Stoke playing with more ambition. He'll be looking forward to showing that again today. Palace will also eye up this game as a chance for points so expect an open game but Stoke's Premier League experience to edge them through.

Verdict: 2-1  Crouch at the double.

HULL vs NORWICH

This is the game most likely to end in a 0-0. Hull were decent against Chelsea, not just in keeping the score down but also in the way they attempted to keep the ball when they could. Norwich need to show that their new additions up front have got what it takes to get more goals on the road this season.

Verdict: 0-0

CARDIFF vs CITY

It's a tough start to Premier League life for Cardiff. They'll have their moments in this one but City are looking good. It will be a much harder test of City than Newcastle though and we can see them to produce some real quality to make it comfortable.

Verdict: 0-2
More genuine class from Aguero as he knock loudly on the fantasy door.

SOUTHAMPTON vs SUNDERLAND

This is a clash of contrasting management styles. One focused on the tactical system, the other on high fitness. We'll back Pochettino's approach here and cast some early season doubt over Di Canio's overzealous method

Verdict: 2-0  Comfortable win and poInts for Lambert and new boy Osvaldo.