Manchester United top, Chelsea second and Ipswich sixth in alternative Premier League table

Manchester United will top the Premier League table at the end of the opening weekend while Chelsea are expected to secure a favourable result against Manchester City, according to data from a supercomputer.

Erik ten Hag's side prepare 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 be confident ahead of the clash.

Despite losing the Community Shield on penalties to Manchester City, the history books indicate that United could end up at the top of the Premier League as they are usually fast starters.

Data collected by BetVictor over 32 seasons in the English top flight shows that United currently have the highest points average since the opening weekend of the season, collecting 2.16 points per game (PPG) on average.

The Red Devils are the winningest team at this level, with 21 wins in total and seven defeats, although they have lost two of their last four Premier League openers. Fulham, meanwhile, have won just four of their first 17 games of the weekend.

Chelsea have a knack for starting the season on a winning note and are the second highest ranked team in the alternative standings with 2.13 points per game, although their impressive record could be tarnished when they host defending champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola's men have won seven of their eight meetings under the Catalans on the opening day of the season and are averaging an impressive 1.85 points per game. They also got the better of the west London club in pre-season with a 4-2 victory over Enzo Maresca's side.

After playing one of the most favourable games of the opening weekend against Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town, Liverpool's record in their first game suggests they will be in good hands in Arne Slot's first game on the bench on Saturday.

The Reds are third on the list after Chelsea with 1.91 PPG and have not lost a season opener since a 3-0 defeat to West Brom at The Hawthorns 12 years ago.

But Ipswich, back in the top flight for the first time since 2001, may have something to say with just one defeat in their first five Premier League games.

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

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