Man Utd top, Chelsea second and Ipswich sixth in alternative Premier League table

Manchester United will sit at the top of the Premier League table by the end of the opening weekend while Chelsea have been backed to get a favourable result against Manchester City, according to data from a supercomputer.

Erik ten Hag’s side are preparing to face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Friday night in the first action of the 2024-25 domestic campaign and the Red Devils have reason to feel confident ahead of the clash.

Despite losing the Community Shield on penalties to Manchester City, the history books indicate United could find themselves at the summit of the Premier League as they are typically fast starters.

Data collated by BetVictor from all 32 seasons of the English top flight shows United currently have the highest points average from the opening weekend of the season, collecting 2.16 points-per-game (PPG) on average.

They have the most wins of any side in that regard with 21 overall and seven defeats, although they have lost two of their last four Premier League curtain raisers. Fulham, meanwhile, have won just four of their 17 opening weekend games.

Chelsea have a knack for starting the season on a winning note and are the second-highest team in the alternative table with 2.13 PPG, although their impressive record could be dented when they host defending champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola’s men have won seven out of eight clashes under the Catalan on the first day of the campaign and boast an impressive 1.85 PPG average. They also got the better of the west London club in pre-season with a 4-2 victory over Enzo Maresca’s side.

Handed one of the most favourable ties of the opening weekend against Premier League new boys Ipswich Town, Liverpool record in their first game suggests they will perform in Arne Slot’s first game in the dugout on Saturday.

The Reds are third on the list after Chelsea with 1.91 PPG and haven’t lost the first game of the season since their 3-0 humbling by West Brom at The Hawthorns 12 years ago.

But Ipswich – back in the top division for the first time since 2001 – may have something to say with only one defeat in five Premier League openers.

At the other end of the scale, the table makes for worrying reading for Crystal Palace, who are bottom of the pile with just three wins from 14 games.

Their low return of one just one point per game is a concern ahead of their London derby clash against West Ham to negotiate, while newly-promoted Southampton (1.08 PPG) will have to improve on previous shortcomings to win at Newcastle.