The second week of the Premier League features all 20 teams as both Manchester clubs, Aston Villa and Burnley join the party. Which teams will continue their good form from pre-season and which others will struggle as they adjust to the new campaign? Let’s look at finding some value.
Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace (Saturday, 5.30pm GMT kick-off)
United’s first game of the season is a lot more difficult that it looks at first glance. Last season, United toiled in vain against Roy Hodgson’s stubborn Eagles side for over 90 minutes. Trailing early, the Red Devils eventually equalized, only for a late Patrick van Aanholt winner to stun Old Trafford into silence.
This time around, of course, United come into the game looking a little different in the middle of the pitch, with newcomers since the start of the year Bruno Fernandes and Donny van de Beek adding a lot to the midfield. Crystal Palace are a little more match-fit, however, and in Wilfried Zaha and Jordan Ayew, have dangerous players who can hurt the Red Devils and while we think the home side will improve on the result of last season’s corresponding clash, we can’t see Palace going quietly.