Premier League: What We Learnt From The Opening Fixtures

The Three Promoted Clubs

What did we learn? Well all three began life in the Barclays Premier League with a defeat, but Cardiff probably resemble a side with the best chance of survival. As noted above they have money at their disposal and have recruited well, but it will be fascinating to see how they cope from here on in. Mackay has had experience of this league as a player with Watford, but it was a baptism of fire for the Scotsman and his team. Crystal Palace come into the top division with several questions unanswered. Who will score the goals that they heavily relied on last season from Glenn Murray who is set to miss significant playing time through injury? Can Dwight Gayle step up? And can they hold up defensively? They certainly held their own against Tottenham on Sunday lunchtime but it might not have been a contest had Gylfi Sigurdsson, Nacer Chadli and Jermain Defoe buried their chances. While Blackpool under Ian Holloway were torn to shreds defensively, the Palace back four showed promising signs as they largely held off the Spurs threat. Yet, they didn't create too many chances despite pressuring Hugo Lloris in the final ten minutes, and goals might be in short supply, despite the arrival of Marouane Chamakh last week. Hull have made some strong signings with the arrivals of Yannick Sagbo, Danny Graham, Allan McGregor, Tom Huddlestone, Jake Livermore and Maynor Figueroa. After defeat at Stamford Bridge where they showed some good signs, City face two winnable clashes with home games against Cardiff and West Ham to come in September. It is a cliché often used in football, but home form for all three of these sides will be imperative, just like it will be for all of the sides in the Premier League. Palace fans were in full voice today, Cardiff had a good home record in the Championship and Hull need to make themselves as difficult to beat as possible at home. If they manage that they give themselves a great chance of survival. Manchester City v Newcastle United (Monday Night Football) City are looking to re-establish themselves under new boss Manuel Pellegrini and face a tough test first up as Alan Pardew's Newcastle are out to prove last season was just a blip. Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Newcastle United