Tip: Chelsea win
The London derby between West Ham and Chelsea offers a clash of two teams that did not impress in the opening round of the Premier League. West Ham returned from Sunderland with a 0-3 defeat, and coach Graham Potter is already under pressure after just one match, as his team looked chaotic and lacking intensity. A reaction is therefore expected at the home stadium, with new signing Callum Wilson possibly getting into the lineup, while the main offensive burden will once again fall on Jarrod Bowen. Chelsea under Enzo Maresca started the season with a goalless draw against Crystal Palace, looking toothless and struggling to create chances. Questions remain over the form of their summer signings, but the return of Nicolas Jackson from suspension and the productivity of Joao Pedro, who traditionally scores against West Ham, could be decisive. The Blues also have a good recent record in this fixture, and Potter has never beaten Chelsea as a manager, which gives the visitors a psychological edge. On the other hand, London derbies always bring tension and fight, so the match could be closer than the papers suggest. However, if Chelsea can turn the quality in midfield around Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer into goals, they should be able to secure their first league win of the season.
Tip: Over 2.5 goals
At the Etihad, two teams that opened the new season with victories will meet in what promises to be one of the most attractive fixtures of the round. Manchester City demolished Wolves 4-0, immediately showcasing their attacking strength, with debutant Tijjani Reijnders shining alongside the inevitable Erling Haaland, who scored twice. Pep Guardiola, however, despite the clear result, warned about having too large a squad and hinted that some players may need to leave to maintain team chemistry. Tottenham, under new coach Thomas Frank, opened with a 3-0 win over Burnley, with Richarlison scoring twice and building a promising partnership with summer signing Mohammed Kudus. Spurs also have a long-standing good record against City, having shocked them with a 4-0 win at the Etihad last season, giving them confidence ahead of this clash. The absence of James Maddison through a serious injury is a big blow, as are several other squad issues. For Guardiola, Tottenham is one of the most unpleasant opponents, with nine defeats against them in his career. The match promises an entertaining contest with goals, where the efficiency of the star strikers will be decisive. City are very strong at home, but Spurs certainly will not come to Manchester just to defend.
Tip: Both teams to score (BTTS)
On the South Coast, two sides that conceded four goals in their opening matches meet in search of a quick response. Bournemouth may have lost 2-4 at Anfield, but the performance of Antoine Semenyo, who netted twice, gives fans reason for optimism. Coach Andoni Iraola can also count on new arrivals Ben Doak from Liverpool and Amine Adli from Leverkusen, who can add extra spark to the attack. The hosts rely heavily on fast counterattacks, which could be effective against Wolves, whose defense looked helpless against City. Pereira’s side were beaten 0-4 and, despite some resistance, were outplayed in every area. New signing Jackson Tchatchoua could bring much-needed speed and power on the right side, something Wolves desperately need. History slightly favors the visitors, as Wolves have never lost a Premier League game away at Bournemouth. However, if Bournemouth can repeat their attacking energy from Anfield and tighten up at the back, they have a chance to end that streak. An open match with chances for both sides is expected, where individual quality in attack could make the difference.
Tip: Aston Villa win
Brentford, under new coach Keith Andrews, face their first home match and the fans will be eager to see if the team can make up for the disappointing 1-3 loss at Nottingham. Andrews is known for his emphasis on set pieces, but ironically his side conceded the opening goal from a corner. The return of key players will be crucial – Mikkel Damsgaard is expected back after the birth of his child, and new arrival Jordan Henderson can bring valuable experience. On the other hand, Aston Villa drew 0-0 with Newcastle despite playing much of the match with ten men after Ezri Konsa’s red card. Coach Unai Emery could rely on Marco Bizot in goal, but this time first-choice keeper Emiliano Martínez returns. In attack, Ollie Watkins is set to feature, and he has extra motivation against his former club Brentford, a team he has a strong record against. Villa may currently lack greater attacking firepower, but their defense looks stable. Brentford will hope to use the home atmosphere, but the absence of several key men could hurt them. Villa have won on their last two visits here and have the quality to continue that run.
Tip: Draw
A battle of two promoted teams promises an intriguing clash at Turf Moor. Burnley under Scott Parker started poorly, losing 0-3 to Tottenham, immediately denting their reputation as a defensive fortress built in the Championship. Although the Clarets conceded only 16 goals across the entire last season, their defense has not looked stable in the Premier League so far. Sunderland, by contrast, enjoyed a euphoric return to the top flight with a 3-0 win over West Ham, showing they mean business. Mayenda, Ballard and Isidor – all key players from their promotion run – were on the scoresheet, proving their continuity from last year. Coach Regis Le Bris has also integrated several summer signings seamlessly. Burnley will look to rely on the creativity of Josh Cullen and the home support, but missing key players could be a limitation. Historically, Burnley are unbeaten at home to Sunderland in the Premier League, but the visitors come with momentum and high morale. It will be interesting to see if Sunderland can finally break their poor away record in August and September, where they have struggled for years.
Tip: Arsenal win
Arsenal, after a fortunate 1-0 win at Old Trafford, open their home campaign against newly promoted Leeds. The Gunners once again relied on their solid defense led by William Saliba and the heroics of goalkeeper David Raya, while summer signing Riccardo Calafiori scored the decisive goal. Arsenal boast an impressive record against promoted sides – unbeaten in 42 straight home matches – and also hold a long unbeaten streak against Leeds. The visitors under Daniel Farke began the Premier League with a disciplined 1-0 win over Everton, with Lukas Nmecha scoring from the spot. Their performance suggested they might not simply be fighting relegation this season. However, the injury to Ethan Ampadu is a significant blow, leaving a gap in midfield that someone will need to fill. Arsenal, meanwhile, have added the star signing of Eberechi Eze, although he will not debut just yet. The home side can rely on the trusted spine of Odegaard, Rice and Saka, which should guarantee quality even against a resilient opponent. For Leeds, surviving the initial Emirates pressure and containing Arsenal’s wingers will be crucial; otherwise, the game could quickly tilt into a one-sided affair.
Tip: Nottingham Forest win or draw
Crystal Palace return to Selhurst Park for their first home game of the new Premier League season, welcoming Nottingham Forest. This is one of the most anticipated matches of the weekend, given the strong animosity between the two clubs after this summer’s scandal regarding Palace’s relegation from the Europa League to the Conference League. Forest took their place in the competition, sparking huge tension between both sets of supporters. Palace may have celebrated an FA Cup and Community Shield triumph in the summer, but the story was overshadowed by the departure of Eberechi Eze, who is on the verge of joining Arsenal. Without him, Palace’s attacking power is weakened, and they have now drawn five of their last seven games. Their historical record against Forest is also dreadful – Palace have never beaten them in the Premier League, and Forest remain unbeaten at Selhurst Park since 2003. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, on the other hand, started the season with an impressive 3-1 win over Brentford, where Chris Wood shone. Last season, Forest were one of the best teams away from home, collecting 33 points – more than most of their rivals – and winning 10 of 19 away games. Given their form and attacking strength, it is highly likely that Forest will extend their excellent record against Palace and at least come away with a point.
Tip: Both teams to score (BTTS)
Everton will make history when they play their very first competitive game at the brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium, facing Brighton in a match that should be a celebratory occasion. Instead, fans are concerned about the team’s poor form, after opening with a disappointing 1-0 defeat at newly-promoted Leeds, which exposed long-standing issues that summer transfers have failed to fix. David Moyes may have reinforced the squad, but defensive injuries and the lack of a natural right winger proved decisive weaknesses. Everton have also lost their first home game of the season in each of the last three campaigns, and their record against Brighton is poor, having taken just one point from their last four home meetings with the Seagulls. Brighton, meanwhile, started with a 1-1 draw against Fulham, conceding a stoppage-time equaliser despite dominating much of the match. Fabian Hürzeler’s side boasts a number of summer signings and remain a dangerous away team, having won their last two away games at the end of last season. In their last five visits to Everton, Brighton have scored an incredible 13 goals, a truly remarkable statistic. Considering both sides’ offensive qualities and defensive vulnerabilities, this match promises an open battle where both teams are expected to find the net.
Tip: Manchester United win
Craven Cottage hosts one of the most intriguing tactical duels of the weekend, as Marco Silva’s Fulham face Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United. The home side began their campaign with a 1-1 draw at Brighton, thanks to a last-gasp equaliser from Rodrigo Muniz, while United fell 0-1 to Arsenal after a costly mistake by goalkeeper Bayindir. Despite the defeat, United’s display was encouraging, with summer signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha constantly threatening the Gunners’ backline. Wasteful finishing and a man-of-the-match performance from David Raya were the only reasons Amorim’s men came away empty-handed. Although it was already Amorim’s 15th defeat in 28 Premier League games, the performance suggested that his team has plenty of potential for improvement. History is also firmly on United’s side – they have beaten Fulham away in eight straight league encounters and could achieve a record ninth consecutive away win against a single opponent. Fulham’s home form is poor, with three straight league defeats, and Silva has never in his career lost four consecutive home league matches, a record now under threat. United travel with a nearly full squad available, while Fulham rely heavily on Muniz but remain defensively fragile. With the quality in their attack and their historic dominance in this fixture, United should extend their remarkable run at Craven Cottage.
Tip: Liverpool to win
Newcastle face a major test on Monday evening at St. James’ Park against reigning champions Liverpool. Eddie Howe’s side will once again be without star striker Alexander Isak, who remains unavailable due to his ongoing dispute with the club, and the Magpies struggled badly in front of goal in their opening draw with Aston Villa. They have now gone three Premier League matches without scoring, and despite the energy of Gordon and Barnes on the wings, a clinical finisher is missing. Liverpool, meanwhile, kicked off the campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Bournemouth, with new signings Ekitike and Chiesa both on target and Mohamed Salah extending his impressive record. The Reds are on the verge of equalling a club record by scoring in 36 consecutive league games and also boast a dominant head-to-head record, with Newcastle winless in the last 17 Premier League meetings. With superior form and quality, Liverpool are expected to confirm their status as favourites and take all three points.