THE Premier League 2021-22 campaign is nearly upon us with Saints’ trip to Everton Saturday – but how have both sides fared in previous opening weekend fixtures?
Analysis from BetVictor has shown that, in the last ten seasons, Manchester City are the most successful side on matchday one – they have won their last 10 opening day games with a massive +26 goal difference.
West Ham are notorious opening day strugglers, losing seven of the last ten with a goal difference of -15.
The analysis doesn’t make for good reading for Ralph Hasenhuttl and Saints’ fans, though, with Everton being notoriously difficult to beat in the opening round.
Here’s how the two sides shape up...
Everton vs Saints (Saturday August 14)
Saints have won just two of their last ten, drawing four and losing the remaining four – totalling to a goal difference of -3.
Of 30 points available, that’s just 10 taken home after weekend one.
The Toffees, on the other hand, have only suffered one defeat in their last ten opening day fixtures.
They’ve won three and drawn six – of 20 opening day games involving these two clubs, 50% have seen points shared, perhaps leaning towards a draw being the easy suggestion for tomorrow’s clash?
From their last ten opening games, Everton have captured 15 available points with a goal difference of +2.
They did actually suffer their first defeat of the whole 2020-21 Premier League season at Hasenhuttl’s hands though, losing 2-0 away at St Mary’s towards the end of October.
Which way do you see the fixture going?
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