Aston Villa vs. Sheff Utd (Wednesday, 6.00pm)
© Reuters
The Premier League returns on Wednesday after a break of exactly 100 days due to the coronavirus pandemic, with Aston Villa and Sheffield United sharing the honour of being the first teams back in action.
Villa, who were also involved in the last top-flight game before lockdown, head into their final 10 outings hoping to steer clear of the relegation zone, whereas Sheffield United have their sights set on earning European football.
We say: Aston Villa 1-2 Sheffield United
There will be a question mark hanging over most predictions in the opening stages of the Premier League's return given the number of new factors and unique circumstances surrounding the situation.
However, all the statistics point towards away teams getting more joy and, when that is combined with Sheffield United's away record and Aston Villa's record against top-seven teams this season, we are backing the Blades to pick up where they left off.
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Man City vs. Arsenal (Wednesday, 8.15pm)
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Exactly 100 days after the last taste of Premier League action, England's top flight returns on Wednesday and the headline fixture of the first night back sees champions Manchester City welcome Arsenal to the Etihad Stadium.
The contest has already been rearranged twice this season and was the first Premier League match to be postponed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta - gearing up for his first return to the Etihad - tested positive for COVID-19.
We say: Man City 2-0 Arsenal
This was a fascinating contest even before the three-month stoppage threw a number of other unique elements into the mix. Arteta knows Guardiola and Man City's style better than anyone, and the time off will have given him the chance to stamp his own mark on Arsenal.
A decreased home advantage will also give Arsenal more optimism, but their away record has been dreadful this season and Man City will be raring to go again. The hosts have the superior squad, with plenty of options on the bench too, so we are backing them to come away with all three points.
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> How Man City could line up against Arsenal
> How Arsenal could line up against Manchester City
> Man City injury, suspension list vs. Arsenal
> Arsenal injury, suspension list vs. Man City
> Combined XI: Manchester City vs. Arsenal
Barney Corkhill
