Arsenal kicked off their defence of the Premier League title with an emphatic 3-0 home victory over Coventry City last weekend.
Their visit to Aston Villa on Monday is the standout game in what promises to be an intriguing set of Matchday 2 fixtures.
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Without further ado, read on as we preview the weekend ahead.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City
Manchester City were given a fright in their season opener against Bournemouth, but eventually battled back to record a 2-1 home victory.
Their trip to Crystal Palace on Friday could be problematic, with the home side eager to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat at Everton.
However, City did the double over Palace with a pair of 3-0 victories and look a good bet to emerge victorious at Selhurst Park.
Prediction: Man City to win.
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest
Liverpool were fortunate to escape with a point from their opening game at Newcastle United and need to improve this weekend.
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Forest will be desperate to bounce back after suffering successive home defeats against Leeds United in the league and cup over the past week.
The home side are the favourites to win the game, but Forest could upset the odds by snatching a point.
Prediction: Draw.
Bournemouth vs Everton
Two clubs with ambitions of pushing for European qualification meet in an intriguing encounter at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
Bournemouth pushed Man City hard last weekend and will fancy their chances of seeing off Everton’s challenge this weekend.
The Toffees produced a solid performance against Palace at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and could take something from their trip to the south coast.
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Prediction: Draw.
Coventry City vs Hull City
Coventry were given a rude awakening on their return to the Premier League, with Arsenal delivering a harsh lesson in their opening match.
The Sky Blues will hope to make amends this weekend when fellow top-flight new-boys Hull City visit the Coventry Building Society Arena.
The Tigers shocked Manchester United last weekend, but may struggle to replicate that performance in the Midlands.
Prediction: Coventry to win.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United
Big-spending Tottenham Hotspur produced a dismal display at Brentford last weekend, leaving manager Roberto De Zerbi bemoaning their lack of cohesion.
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Newcastle were far more spirited against Liverpool at St James’ Park, and were unfortunate not to start the season with a victory.
An entertaining encounter is on the cards at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the Magpies could make life difficult for Spurs.
Prediction: Draw.
Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Chelsea started life under new manager Xabi Alonso with an eye-catching 3-2 win at Fulham on Monday night.
Brighton kicked off their season with a 4-0 home victory over Villa, before triumphing by the same scoreline against Tromso in the Europa League.
The Seagulls can test Chelsea’s defence, but home advantage could be the determining factor in this game.
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Prediction: Chelsea to win.
Leeds United vs Brentford
Leeds and Brentford have both been touted as potential contenders for European qualification this season, so their meeting at Elland Road will be informative.
The Whites have beaten Forest twice in the league and cup this week, while Brentford started their campaign by demolishing Tottenham.
Leeds were strong at home last season and are fancied to continue their strong start to the new campaign.
Prediction: Leeds to win.
Sunderland vs Fulham
Sunderland and Fulham both suffered defeats on the opening weekend, so will need to step things up this weekend.
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The Black Cats haven’t won any of their last six league home games against Fulham (D3, L3) since a 1-0 win in January 2009.
The visitors haven’t lost their opening two Premier League games since 2020/21, which bodes well for the chances on Sunday.
Prediction: Draw.
Manchester United vs Ipswich Town
Man United’s disappointing 2-0 defeat at Hull last weekend highlighted that teams can never take anything for granted in the Premier League.
A home fixture against newly-promoted Ipswich should be a home banker for the Red Devils, but they cannot afford to take the visitors lightly.
Ipswich have significantly strengthened their squad since winning promotion, and this game could be closer than most people expect.
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Prediction: Man United to win.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal
Aston Villa’s disastrous summer transfer window business resulted in a demoralising defeat at Brighton last weekend.
By contrast, Arsenal barely had to break sweat to comfortably ease past Coventry at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners should follow up at Villa Park, but the home side may make them sweat.
Prediction: Arsenal to win.
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