After essentially acting as a human punching bag at PSG for two seasons, Emery has had to open the season dealing with more blows, this time in the form of a brutal opening slate. Last week's game against City ended the way most predicted, and despite some bright spots the Gunners looking like a team with a lot of work to do. Unfortunately for them this week brings a trip to Stamford Bridge, where Maurizio Sarri has had an easier transition to the PL, helped by a squad that has for now retained its stars aside from Courtois.

City had terrible news this week as KDB suffered an injury during training that could keep him away for up to 3 months. Thankfully they're starting a very soft stretch of their schedule, with the next six games coming against teams promoted in the past two years. Because if any team deserved a break from the soccer gods, it was Guardiola's squad. Interestingly, there have been rumors that Pep could favor Gabriel Jesus over Aguero this weekend. Yet another good reminder to not be an idiot like me and never ever set your fantasy transfers and squad until the very last moment.

In a grieving Italy the season opens with the two Genoa teams postponing their games, while Lazio-Napoli will be the headliner. Ronaldo starts his Serie A career at tiny Chievo.

EPL
Sat 18 Aug 2018
07:30 Cardiff - Newcastle
10:00 Everton - Southampton
10:00 Leicester - Wolverhampton
10:00 Tottenham - Fulham
10:00 West Ham - Bournemouth
12:30 Chelsea - Arsenal
Sun 19 Aug 2018
08:30 Burnley - Watford
08:30 Manchester City - Huddersfield
11:00 Brighton - Manchester United
Mon 20 Aug 2018
3:00 Crystal Palace - Liverpool

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For the record, my teams:
MLB: Mets / Soccer: PSG
NCAA BB: Arizona / NCAA FB: Michigan
NBA: Spurs / NFL: Jets