Chelsea to kick off Premier League title defence with win against Burnley, Bing predicts
Chelsea will kick off the defence of their Premier League title by beating Burnley this weekend, Bing has predicted.
The Blues, who have spent more than £100 million on new players over the summer, have an 81% chance of taking all three points at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, Microsoft’s search engine revealed. Burnley, who haven’t beaten Chelsea in six top-flight meetings between the two sides, have a 4% chance of victory.
Chelsea are aiming to win the Premier League for the third time in four years this season. However, following his side’s defeat in the Community Shield against Arsenal last weekend, manager Antonio Conte said there are many teams who can win the title.
“There are six teams in England that can fight for the title,” he told the BBC. “Last season is now a story. Now there is another season and we must look at our present and start another season. Last season was great, great for my players, myself and the club but now there is another history to write.”
Arsenal and Leicester will kick off the new season on Friday evening – the first time the English top-flight has begun on this day in its 129-year history. Arsene Wenger’s men have an 81% chance of victory at the Emirates, Bing predicted, with £52 million record signing Alexandre Lacazette expected to make his league debut. Arsenal have won each of their last 10 Premier League home encounters with Leicester City; their joint-longest winning streak against a single opponent.
Tottenham, last season’s runners-up, have a 77% chance of beating newly-promoted Newcastle at St James’ Park on Sunday. Spurs fans could see a milestone during the game – Harry Kane is just one goal away from a century for Spurs in all competitions. He has netted 99 goals in 165 matches so far. The Magpies, who spent just one season in the Championship before bouncing straight back up, have just an 8% chance of taking all three points.
Both Manchester clubs are expected to get off to winning starts. Manchester City, who have spent more than £200 million on players over the past few months, have a 75% chance of victory against Premier League newboys Brighton. Man City have won each of their last six opening matches in the league, the best current run in the competition.
Manchester United have an 81% chance of sweeping aside West Ham.
Huddersfield, the third team to be promoted from the Championship last season, will lose to Crystal Palace. The Eagles have a 45% chance of winning.
Elsewhere, Liverpool are expected to beat Watford; Everton, who resigned England captain Wayne Rooney over the summer, will overcome Stoke; Southampton will take all three points against Swansea; and West Brom will draw against Bournemouth.
Bing creates its predictions using a complex algorithm that analyses player performance.