The time is finally upon us. After a dull and dreary 82 days, Premier League football is finally back. Another season awaits us with the usual thrills and spills, excitement and agony. But today we get down to brass taxes and look ahead to Gameweek 1, the first of 38 gameweeks that will define our Draft Fantasy League seasons. In today’s article we put the upcoming fixtures under the microscope, and try to identify the ‘Must Have’ ‘Alternate’ and ‘Punt’ options for the forthcoming gameweek.

The Premier League is back, my friends, and I couldn’t be more excited!

Must Have – Kevin De Bruyne

Of all fixtures in Gameweek 1, Manchester City look to have the most favourable. Although away from home, they face the newly promoted minnows of Brighton & Hove Albion. Manchester City have strengthened considerably over the summer and are many people’s pick for the Premier League title this time round. However, when it comes to Draft Fantasy League prospects, it doesn’t looks so simple. Pep Guardiola is famous for his rotation policy, so looking for assured starts is difficult. However, our pick is the assist-machine, Kevin De Bruyne. With 4 assists during pre-season, he looks set to continue as he left off at the end of last season. And with so much uncertainty over Pep’s starting line-up, he looks like the man most assured of starts.

Alternate – Harry Kane

I know it sounds crazy, but hear me out. Harry Kane was, undoubtedly, the star man of The Premier League last season. The winner of the Golden Boot and the man most in form in the final weeks of the season. However, things are not so clear-cut for the Spurs front man in Gameweek 1. He faces a tough away fixture against newly promoted Newcastle United. Anyone who has visited St James’ Park will know that it is an intimidating stadium with a passionate home crowd, all of whom will be buzzing for their first fixture back in the top flight. Rafa Benitez’s side will be confident following their Championship title, and their defence conceded the fewest number of goals in the division last season. Harry Kane will have his work cut out for him, and I can see an upset on the cards here. Buyers beware!

Punt – Javier Chicharito

This former Manchester United man is my punt for the week. All signs point to a home win for the Red Devils, but I have in inkling that things won’t be so simple for Jose Mourinho’s men. West Ham have bought cleverly (the adverb, not the player!) over the summer break. Adding a strong backbone of Hart, Zabaleta, Arnautovic and Chicharito, should have an immediate impact on their output. And who better to start up-front than the man they call, ‘Little Pea.’ Chicharito will be chomping at the bit to score against his former side and, although I am a Manchester United fan, I’d be smiling a little bit inside should he pop up with a goal. He’s a great punt for Gameweek 1, as well as the season ahead.

Fixture predictions

Arsenal 2 – Leicester City 0

I just can’t see Leicester overcoming Arsenal on home turf. The Gunners look strong at the back and with an array of talent in midfield, they’ll be too much for this Leicester side.

Watford 1 – Liverpool 1

The doubt over Coutinho’s future will undoubtedly have an impact on the Liverpool dressing room, and I can see Marco Silva doing well with this Watford side. A surprise draw on the cards here.

Chelsea 2 – Burnley 0

The Premier League champions will surely be too strong for this Burnley side, who finished last season with a whimper.

Crystal Palace 2 – Huddersfield Town 2

A tricky fixture for Palace with the untested Huddersfield Town coming to Selhurst Park. I can see a high scoring draw here with both defences shaky at times.

Everton 0 – Stoke City 0

Both side have a strong defence and won’t want to lose on the opening weekend. I also think both sides may struggle for goals this season, particularly for Everton following the loss of Lukaku.

Southampton 1 – Swansea 0

I can see Swansea struggling this season and Southampton always seem to pull results out of the bag when they need to. A close one, but a home win for me.

West Bromwich Albion 1 – Bournemouth 0

Many will be expecting a high-scoring game with Bournemouth coming to town, but Tony Pulis is the master of parking the bus. He’ll know exactly what to do to stifle the Bournemouth attack. A slim home win here.

Brighton & Hove Albion 0 – Manchester City 4

I just can’t see anything but an away win here. Manchester City look a league above Brighton and although my heart says Brighton can get something from this game, my head says “No chance!”

Newcastle United 1 – Tottenham Hotspurs 1

As mentioned above, I can see Newcastle getting something from this game. Tottenham are historically slow starters and I see them dropping points in Gameweek 1.

Manchester United 2 – West Ham 1

Although I think West Ham have a chance here, I’ve got to give the win to United. It’ll be a close one but I think the home crowd will take them over the line.

So there we go, ladies and gentlemen. Gameweek 1 in all it’s glory. But who’s to say how the first week will pan out. They are, historically, some of the most difficult weeks to predict. All I know is, whatever happens, I couldn’t be more excited to have Premier League football back for another season. Bring. It. On.