Jonty’s picks

Arsenal have endured a tough start to life under new head coach Unai Emery, losing both of their opening English Premier League matches this season. Under Arsene Wenger, the Gunners did not lose their opening two league matches in a period spanning 22 seasons, an embarrassing statistic.

In his defence, however, Emery has had to play Manchester City and Chelsea, hardly a soft landing, and he is having to rebuild a team that had fallen away somewhat as a force in the final years of Wenger’s reign.

The Gunners should fancy their chances of picking up that first win today at home to West Ham, who are another side with a new coach that have endured a poor start, Manuel Pellegrini’s team losing their first two matches at Liverpool and, far more jarringly, at home to Bournemouth.

West Ham have a host of new recruits battling to gel, notably Jack Wilshere, who will no doubt be keen to prove a point against his former employers. I am backing Arsenal to win this one easily, if they can attack consistently with the rhythm they did at times against Chelsea. Pool Name - S6 V1 P2 M1: Arsenal v West Ham United. Previewed above. TIP: Arsenal win = 1 M2: Bournemouth v Everton. Toffees to come unstuck. TIP: Bournemouth win = 1 M3: Fulham v Burnley. Fulham finally on the board. TIP: Fulham win = 1 M4: Huddersfield Town v Cardiff City. A dull draw. TIP: Draw = 2 M5: Southampton v Leicester City. Leicester to edge it. TIP: Leicester win = 3 M6: Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion. An easy home win.

TIP: Liverpool win = 1

Phakaaathi’s fantasy. premierleague.com.

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