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EPL Predictions: Picks, Top Players for Week 2 Premier League Fixtures
August 12, 2019
Week 2 of the 2019-20 Premier League season will serve up an early measuring stick for this year's title race, with defending Champions Manchester City taking on UEFA Champions League finalists Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
Spurs added the likes of Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso to their squad and are seen as one of the most improved teams following the transfer deadline. They'll face a massive early test at the Etihad Stadium, however.
Other standout contests include the clash between Chelsea and Leicester City, and the match between Everton and Watford. The Foxes, Toffees and Hornets are among the top contenders to break into the top six this season, and a strong start will be vital to do so.
Here is a look at the fixture list, along with predictions:
Saturday, August 17
Arsenal 2-0 Burnley
Aston Villa 1-1 Bournemouth
Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 West Ham United
Everton 1-1 Watford
Norwich City 1-2 Newcastle United
Southampton 0-2 Liverpool
Manchester City 3-1 Spurs
Sunday, August 18
Sheffield United 0-0 Crystal Palace
Chelsea 2-2 Leicester
Monday, August 19
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Manchester United
Top Players
Raheem Sterling, Manchester City
With a hat-trick in his first Premier League match of the season, a 5-0 demolition of West Ham, Raheem Sterling hinted the 2019-20 campaign may be the season where he takes another step in his development, into the ranks of true world-class players.
He bagged 17 Premier League goals last season, and at the age of 24, he is still improving. His opening-day hat-trick was the first in some time:
Spurs conceded 39 goals last season and didn't lose any key defenders during the summer. Jan Vertonghen didn't feature in the 3-1 win over Aston Villa, but the duo of Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez locked down the centre well.
Danny Rose and Kyle Walker-Peters had their struggles in the wide areas, however, and that's where Sterling and the Sky Blues will likely concentrate the bulk of their attack.
Tanguy Ndombele, Spurs
Ndombele overcame a shaky start to put together a fine Premier League debut against Villa, capped off by a goal in the 3-1 win.
His final numbers were promising:
The all-action midfielder isn't known for his scoring prowess, with just one Ligue 1 goal scored last season. His work rate more than makes up for his lack of goals, however, as he'll run down gaps and recover balls, taking the pressure off his team-mates. He's also a solid creator in the attacking third.
Ndombele will have his hands full against City, who boast arguably the best group of midfielders in all of football. Kevin De Bruyne is one of the best creators in the Premier League, while Fernandinho and Rodri are industrious work horses like the Frenchman. Ilkay Gundogan adds depth and versatility to the formidable group.
Disrupting City's momentum starts in midfield, and Ndombele's ability to do so will go a long way toward beating the defending champions in their own house.