Despite his protestations at my prediction last night, in retrospect, I think @pusen would have taken the draw after being turned over by Brentford on their return to the top-flight after a 74 year wait.
It was always going to be a tricky draw with Arsenal missing the firepower of their regular forwards but still, losing 2-0 despite superior stats in every department. It could be a long year for Arsenal fans and who would bet against Arteta shortly taking a trip to the job centre!
So, after me happily saving all my tokens yesterday thanks to the new boys, I've decided to have a look at the Norwich v Liverpool game this evening. Can lightning strike twice?
@nathen007's Prediction
Norwich are back again to continue their rollercoaster ride between divisions by hosting Liverpool.
Norwich are without a number of players due to Covid and will hand starts to some of their new recruits after a busy close season. I would worry that this will upset the balance and understanding of an established side. Liverpool have worries over Jordan Henderson but the big new for them is that Virgil van Dijk is back and available and after shipping loads of goals last season, this will be there chance to tighten up at the back and take the pressure off the front.
Norwich lost star man Emiliano Buendia to Villa which was a huge loss but thankfully managed to keep Teamu Pukki but there is a lot of reliance on him to provide the goals. Last season he scored 42% of them!
The last time Norwich were newly promoted at the start of the 2019/2020 season, they also played Liverpool in their opening fixture and got hammered 4-1. I don't fancy their chances despite their sweet, free-flowing style of football.
Prediction: Norwich 0 : 4 Liverpool - First goal scorer: Jota
Simply write the name of the FIRST GOALSCORER and the CORRECT SCORE as a comment. The competition closes 5 minutes before kick-off which is 17.30 BST (16.30 UTC)
EARLY KICK-OFF TODAY GANG SO DON'T BE LATE!
The Small Print
In the first goal scorer competition, own goals do not count. In the correct score competition, it's the score after 90mins. Extra time and penalties do not count and the pot for each competition will roll over if there is no winner. If more than one person chooses the same first goal scorer or correct score, the prize is shared, and everyone gets a little upvote! It seems I also need to add, one entry per person. Don't forget the new rule that only people with a rep of 50 or above are eligible to enter unless they have been approved. The bonus will be added to any winnings ONLY if Leeds United win and/or Man U lose and all pay-outs will never exceed 50% of post pay-out. Other bonuses are paid out at my discretion.
And the Winners Were...
No one today but I'd expect to get hammered today lol
HBI share each goes out to @mvl2304 and @abimbola753
Thats it for today gang. Have a wonderful weekend and best wishes to you all.