Premier League Kick Off : Can the promoted sides buck a worrying opening day trend?

The Premier League kicks off Saturday with Fulham taking on Arsenal but what are the realistic chances of the recently promoted sides in the opening day of the Premier League?

In the last seven seasons, only twice has a promoted side won their opening game in the Premier League.

Hull City became the first team to inflict defeat on the defending champions in their opening fixture when they beat Leicester 2-1 at the KCOM Stradium in 2016.

Huddersfield repeated the feat 12 months later when they got their campaign off to a winning start by beating Crystal Palace 3-0 at Selhurst Park.

Opening day record of newly promoted sides:

Since 2013:
21 games
2 wins (9.5%)
5 draws (23.8%)
14 defeats (66.7%)

Since 2011:
27 games
3 wins (11.1%)
7 draws (25.9%)
17 defeats (63.0%)

Since PL moved to 20 teams
74 games
14 wins (18.9%)
20 draws (27.0%)
40 defeats (54.1%)

Can Leeds end champions’ hoodoo?

The last 12 winners of the Championship have failed to win their opening game in the top flight.

Sunderland remain the last team to get their campaign off to a winning start in 2007 after topping the Championship the previous season.

Since 2008:
2008 – West Brom lost 1-0 at Arsenal
2009 – Wolves lost 2-0 at West Ham
2010 – Newcastle lost 3-0 at Man Utd
2011 – QPR lost 4-0 at home to Bolton
2012 – Reading drew 1-1 at home to Stoke
2013 – Cardiff lost 2-0 at West Ham
2014 – Leicester drew 2-2 at home to Everton
2015 – Bournemouth lost 1-0 at home to Aston Villa
2016 – Burnley lost 1-0 at home to Swansea
2017 – Newcastle lost 2-0 at home to Tottenham
2018 – Wolves drew 2-2 at home to Everton
2019 – Norwich lost 4-1 at Liverpool
(Points taken – 3 from possible 36)

Fixtures for newly-promoted sides:

Fulham v Arsenal
Liverpool v Leeds Utd
West Brom v Leicester