Premier League predictions: Arsenal out of the title race by September, more Man City dominance… with Newcastle and West Ham in relegation scrap
With just eight weeks to go until the top-flight season restarts, take a look at how your team is set to fare early on
ALL eyes may be firmly fixed on the World Cup... but in case you missed it, the Premier League fixture list for 2018-19 was also released today.
In just under two months, Manchester City will begin their quest of winning back-to-back titles under Pep Guardiola.
Meanwhile Cardiff, Fulham and Wolves will try and settle back into life in the top-flight.
But how will each Premier League side fare early on? We take a look, thanks to research from Sportingbet.
For starters, it's going to be tough going for Arsenal in their first season without Arsene Wenger in 22 years.
Unai Emery has the unenviable task of leading the Gunners into a rough opening five fixtures.
Arsenal will face champions Man City at home, Chelsea away, West Ham at home, Cardiff away and Newcastle away to kick-off their campaign.
In fact, based on last season's results, the Emirates club are expected to be 15th after their first five games, NINE points adrift of top spot.
However, after five more game, the Gunners should be a more respectable - but still underwhelming - sixth place, eight points behind City.
Meanwhile, Liverpool and Manchester United are once again expected to be the two teams putting the pressure on Guardiola and Co.
After ten games, the two North-West giants are tipped to be just three points behind the reigning champs.
However, City are still set to have a roaring start - having won all seven of their last opening day fixtures, conceding just once in the last five.
Watford meanwhile have gone 11 opening days without losing - including five wins - with Newcastle the polar opposite, losing their last five.
If you're looking for goals, turn to Chelsea, who've scored 54 times in their last 26 first-day fixtures - the only club to average more than two goals per game.