Premier League predictions: Chelsea off to flyer, Manchester City smash Spurs

Winners and losers from opening week of English top-flight season

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  SATURDAY - Manchester United v Leeds (3.30pm): A huge season for United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has been backed big in the transfer market with the arrival of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane. Macelo Bielsa's side, though, showed last season they are capable of bringing down the big beasts. Prediction: Man United 2 Leeds 1.

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  Burnley v Brighton (6pm): The two clubs who occupied the spots just outside relegation last season meet at the start of what is likely to be another struggle to survive. While Brighton have broken their transfer record to bring in midfielder Enock Mwepu from Salzburg for a fee in excess of £20m, Burnley are in dire need of some fresh talent. Prediction: Burnley 0 Brighton 1.

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  Chelsea v Crystal Palace (6pm): The European champions kick off their new campaign boosted by the impending big-money return of striker Romelu Lukaku. A new era begins for Palace, with Patrick Vieira now in the managerial hotseat having taken over from Roy Hodgson but still reliant on Wilfried Zaha for their attacking flair. Prediction: Chelsea 3 Palace 0.

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  Everton v Southampton (6pm): Rafa Benitez has never been one to shirk a challenge but the former Liverpool manager faces a huge battle to win over hearts and minds at new club Everton. It is vital he gets off to a winning start here in front of a sceptical Goodison Park faithful. Everton 2 Southampton 1.

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  Leicester v Wolves (6pm): Mixed emotions for Leicester going into the new season. They do have one trophy already in the bag after beating Manchester City in the Community Shield, but the serious injury to defender Wesley Fofana was a blow. Wolves will be hoping striker Raul Jimenez has finally recovered from his fractured skull. Prediction: Leicester 3 Wolves 2.

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  Watford v Aston Villa (6pm): All eyes on Villa to see how they react to the loss of Jack Grealish. Striker Danny Ings, plus wingers Emiliano Buenia and Leon Bailey have all arrived on big-money deals to replace their attacking talisman. Top-flight returnees Watford will be aiming to give the Villa new boys a debut to forget. Prediction: Watford 2 Villa 2.

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  Norwich v Liverpool (8.30pm): A quiet summer in the transfer market and an injury to full-back Andy Robertson means Liverpool fans might be forgiven for harbouring a few worries going into the new season. Manager Jurgen Klopp insists he is happy with the strength of his squad, although the early alarm bells will be ringing if they fall short here at Carrow Road. Prediction: Norwich 0 Liverpool 2.

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  SUNDAY - Newcastle v West Ham (2pm): The arrival of last season's loan star Joe Willock on a permanent deal is a huge boost for Magpies manager Steve Bruce while handing Callum Wilson the famous No 9 shirt was a savvy move. Last season's surprise packages West Ham are first up at St James' Park. Prediction: Newcastle 2 West Ham 1.

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  Tottenham v Manchester City (7.30pm): The match of the weekend sees Spurs, led by new manager Nuno Espirito Santo, take on the champions. While £100m signing Jack Grealish will make his league debut for the visitors, the big question mark of the weekend is whether Harry Kane - also linked with a move to City - is involved for Spurs. Prediction: Spurs 1 City 3.

It feels like we've barely had time to draw our collective breaths as sports fans and here we are back into the new Premier League football season already.

After a busy summer of Euro 2020 followed hot the heels by the Tokyo Olympics, the English top-flight returned to action with newly promoted Brentford beating Arsenal.

There are seven games on Saturday, starting with Manchester United taking on old rivals Leeds at Old Trafford in the early kick off. Last season's strugglers Burnley and Brighton then clash in Lancashire, while Chelsea take on Crystal Palace in a London derby at Stamford Bridge, and Everton face Southampton on Merseyside.

Community Shield winners Leicester City clash with Wolves in a Midlands derby at the King Power Stadium, while Watford are at home to Aston Villa and Norwich City host Liverpool in the day's late match.

Sunday sees Newcastle United against West Ham on Tyneside, followed by Tottenham Hotspur versus champions Manchester City in the game of the weekend. In the gallery above, you can see our predictions for the opening games of the new season.