Rejoice, football fans! The Premier League is back into action this weekend with a full slate of fixtures to kick off the 2025/26 season, with some tasty games, including a London derby, a clash of Premier League heavyweights, and the return of newly-promoted sides to the top flight.
I’ve been looking at the fixture list, and here’s my predictions for round 1.
Friday, 15th August
Liverpool vs. AFC Bournemouth
Prediction: Liverpool win
Liverpool, playing at Anfield, will be determined to start their campaign with a convincing win. Their pre-season has been strong, and they possess a significant historical advantage over Bournemouth, having won the majority of their previous encounters. While Bournemouth will be eager to impress, the sheer attacking prowess of Liverpool is expected to be too much for the Cherries to handle. Expect a response to losing the Community Shield too.
Saturday, 16th August
Aston Villa vs. Newcastle United
Prediction: Villa Win
This promises to be a closely contested affair between two ambitious clubs, but Aston Villa’s home advantage at Villa Park could be the deciding factor. Both teams have had mixed pre-season results, but Villa’s settled squad under Unai Emery should give them a slight edge. Newcastle haven’t made many signings, and the absence of Isak up front, coupled with Villa’s organized defense, should mean 3 home points.
Brighton vs. Fulham
Prediction: Brighton Win
Brighton will be looking to build on their impressive home form from last season. Their intricate passing style and tactical discipline often prove difficult for visiting teams. Fulham, while a resilient side, may struggle to break down a well-drilled Brighton defense. The Seagulls’ ability to control possession and create chances should see them secure victory.
Sunderland vs. West Ham United
Prediction: Draw
Sunderland’s return to the Premier League will be met with a passionate home crowd at the Stadium of Light, which will be a significant boost. While West Ham are a seasoned Premier League outfit, they have had a mixed pre season and their away form last year was poor. Calling this one as a score draw.
Spurs vs. Burnley
Prediction: Spurs win
Tottenham, playing in front of their home fans, will be expected to start the season on the front foot. And they will want to erase the pain of their narrow loss to PSG. Burnley will be organized and determined, but the step up in quality will be a major challenge. Expect Spurs to have too much firepower for the Clarets to contain.
Wolves vs. Manchester City
Prediction: City win
Manchester City will be eager to lay down an early marker in the title race. Despite Wolves’ solid home record and their ability to trouble top teams in the past, City’s quality and depth are undeniable. Wolves’ pre-season has been challenging, having lost 2 of their key players from last season in Cunha and Ait Nouri. They face a City side that has looked sharp, so an away win is on here.
Sunday, 17th August
Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace
Prediction: Chelsea 2 – 0 Crystal Palace
A London derby to kick off Sunday’s action sees a Chelsea side with a point to prove. Under Maresca, the Blues will be aiming for a dominant performance at Stamford Bridge. Crystal Palace can be dangerous on the counter-attack, any they will be buoyed by winning at Wembley last week, but the distractions with UEFA and the CAS haven’t let them prepare in the way they’d like. Plus there’s the Guehi distraction to deal with.
Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford
Prediction: Draw
This is a difficult match to call between two well-matched sides. On one hand, Nottingham Forest’s home support at the City Ground is a powerful force. Brentford, however, are a tactically astute and resilient team. Both sides have had solid pre-seasons, and they are both somewhat unknown after a summer of change for Brentford and drama for forest. It is likely they will cancel each other out in a tightly contested draw.
Manchester United vs. Arsenal
Prediction: Draw
The standout fixture of the opening weekend is a blockbuster clash at Old Trafford. Both Manchester United and Arsenal have strengthened their squads over the summer and will be desperate to make a statement. This should be an entertaining game with both teams possessing significant attacking threats, so I’m going for a score draw here.
Monday, 18th August
Leeds United vs. Everton
Prediction: Draw
Reasoning: Leeds United’s return to the Premier League will be a raucous occasion at Elland Road. Their high-energy style of play, backed by a fervent home crowd, can be overwhelming for visiting teams. Everton have had a mixed pre-season and will need time to let new signings have an impact. This one won’t be pretty, but it’ll be intense, and a draw is the most likely outcome.
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