A mouth watering new season is finally here and the Cosh Boys have made some adjustments to the predictions system!

Just for a recap, last season saw Bernie Uche run away with the highest prediction score, followed in a close second by Mohaned Kheir, and Rishay Rana in third place after a nonchalant start led to a points gap that eventually proved insurmountable.

This season we have a new addition to the charts in Alexander Nathan, as well as a new scoring system and format that will provide more coverage to key fixtures across the various major leagues and competitions of Europe (and sometimes MLS).

Here is our new format for scoring:

1.Correct outcome (win, draw, loss) & perfect score: 3 points
2. Correct outcome, imperfect score but correct goal difference (if the prediction is 4-0, and the final score is 5-1): 2 points.
3. Correct outcome, incorrect score, incorrect goal difference: 1 point

We will also be predicting some noteworthy games outside of England, and welcome anybody who would like to join in the prediction race to submit your predictions to underthecoshblog@gmail.com or post your predictions in the comments section below.

HERE COMES THE SEASON!

Key Fixtures:

Bernie: After what was a horrible season for the Red Devils last term, this game already has so much riding on it. With new manager Van Gaal winning every pre-season game, expectations are high. United have brought in Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw but with injuries mounting and the slow transfer business, expect youngsters to get a chance. Swansea have rebuilt quietly and held on to Wilfried Bony in the process, so they could be dangerous. “Mad genius” Van Gaal and new mad captain Rooney have it all to prove. 2-0 United

Mohaned: Arsenal start their season with a home game against newly widowed Crystal Palace. Arsenal fans will not get to see their German contingent but they are excited to catch the first competitive glimpse of new boy, Alexis Sanchez. Palace, on the other hand, have two ways this can go for them; play with heart to show that losing Tony Pulis isn’t going to deter them, or capitulate. Arsenal will be hoping to start this campaign better than last season’s. 2-0 Arsenal.

Alex: This should be fascinating. City have strengthened defensively with Fernando in defensive midfield and Mangala at the back, but I’m not sure either will start tomorrow’s game. I fancy Newcastle’s new-look attacking Francophone quartet of Sissoko, Cabella, Gouffran and Riviere to knock a couple past Hart or Caballero, whoever Pellegrini opts for. 2-2 draw.

Rishay: There are many significant fixtures on this list but the one that arguably stands out for me is that of Liverpool v Southampton. The Anfield unit has acquired the services of Ricky Lambert, Adam Lallana, and Dejan Lovren who are all former Saints and it will be interesting to see how they react to this fixture. Southampton have lost a number of last season’s key starting players as well as their manager and it will be interesting to see how former legend and current boss Ronald Koeman leads them. All in all, Liverpool are the favourites to win in this one, as the Saints fans are unhappy at how their team has lost all almost all their stars in this transfer window. 3-1 Liverpool

Think you can outwit The Cosh with your predictions? Submit your predictions to underthecoshblog@gmail.com or post your predictions in the comments section below!