If you think the Premier League title race is all looking rather predictable after just one game, wait until you set your eyes on the fixture list.

If a close and nail-biting first few months is what you crave, then look away now.

Manchester City started the defence of their title with what was pretty much a Sunday stroll at Arsenal this weekend.

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A test passed sure, but those clinging to the fact that no side have retained the championship for a decade will know the contenders need to be firing early on or they’re almost certain to be playing catch-up – as many are playing each other.

Pep Guardiola’s team have a dream next six games and there is every chance they’ll win them all.

Next it’s Huddersfield at home, before a trip to promoted Wolves. They then face crisis-hit Newcastle and other new boys Fulham at the Etihad before they go to Cardiff. A home game with Brighton is the warm up to the big one.

By the time City meet Liverpool on October 7 at Anfield they could already be six points clear.

Victory over Jurgen Klopp’s side could, if our calculations are right, may just hand them a very healthy nine-point advantage.

We look at where the points are going to be dropped between now and the end of September.

Chelsea:

They’ve not got it easy. A home game against Arsenal with trips to places the tend to struggle at: Newcastle, West Ham and Liverpool. Not ideal for a new manager.

Predicted points after seven games: 13

Manchester United:

The Reds have a fair run before October but won’t fancy trips to Brighton, Burnley and Wolves with a dark cloud hovering over the club. Tottenham at home is the big one, but they also go to West Ham.

Predicted points after seven games: 15

Liverpool:

The four away games in their six are all a challenge. It’s very difficult to see them winning at Crystal Palace, Leicester City, Tottenham and Chelsea.

Predicted points after seven games: 15

Tottenham:

They should win at least three of their six, but big tests await early – a trip to Manchester United and then it’s Liverpool at home. How well will they settle into their new stadium?

Predicted points after seven games: 15

Arsenal:

If the last few years are anything to go by, nothing is certain with the Gunners – especially away from home. They face Chelsea next and on paper could win the proceeding five but it’s rarely that straight-forward with Arsenal, regardless of the change of manager.

Predicted points after seven games: 12