2025/26 Premier League Preview: Gameweek 1

Liverpool VS Bournemouth

The Premier League returns at the home of the Champions as Liverpool host Bournemouth live on Friday Night Football! Liverpool were brilliant last year as they won the league by a mile whilst Bournemouth had a record-breaking season to finish 9th! In their previous 20 meetings, The Reds have won 85% of the time compared to just 10% of the time for The Cherries! For Liverpool, they will want to start the season with a bang! As for AFC Bournemouth, they will try their best as they debut their new-look defence!

My Prediction: 3-1

Aston Villa VS Newcastle

Two teams aiming for Champions League qualification face off as Aston Villa host Newcastle! Aston Villa were unlucky to finish 6th last year whilst Newcastle just about pipped them to the final Champions League spot! In their previous 26 meetings, Villa have won 6 games whilst The Magpies have won double that! For Aston Villa, they want to start their season by putting down a marker! As for Newcastle United, a win here would feel like a statement of intent!

My Prediction: 2-2

Brighton VS Fulham

Brighton host Fulham in a game between two teams that drove me insane last season! Brighton arguably should’ve finished higher than 8th last season whilst Fulham definitely should’ve finished higher than 11th! In their previous 16 meetings, both sides have won 6 games each! For Brighton and Hove Albion, they’re at home which means they need to start their season off with a win! As for Fulham, they can easily win this game, but they can also easily get stuffed!

My Prediction: 1-1

Sunderland VS West Ham

After 9 years, Sunderland are back in the Premier League as they welcome West Ham to the Stadium of Light! Sunderland managed to upset Sheffield United to earn Promotion through the Playoffs whilst West Ham had a very mediocre season last term, finishing 14th! In their previous 13 meetings, The Black Cats have won 3 games compared to The Hammers’ 5! For Sunderland, it’s important that they start their season off on a good note! As for West Ham United, they can’t afford to lose here!

My Prediction: 0-2

Tottenham VS Burnley

Tottenham start off life under Thomas Frank with a home game against newly promoted Burnley! Tottenham were terrible last year, they finished 17th, but they did manage to win the Europa League, whilst Burnley were defensive GOAT’s, scored 100 points, and yet they didn’t win the Championship! In their previous 20 meetings, Spurs have won 14 games compared to just 2 wins for The Clarets! For Tottenham Hotspur, they really should be winning this game! As for Burnley, it’s time to show the world what their defence is truly made of!

My Prediction: 2-1

Wolves VS Manchester City

Wolves host Manchester City in the first Saturday Night Football of the new season! Wolves were revitalised under Vitor Pereira last year, eventually finishing 16th, whilst Manchester City lost their crown after their worst season to date under Pep Guardiola! In their previous 20 meetings, Wolves have won 4 games compared to 14 wins for City! For Wolverhampton Wanderers, it’s about showing that they’re good enough to steer clear of Relegation threat! As for Manchester City, it’s really important for them to start their season off with a win!

My Prediction: 1-3

Chelsea VS Crystal Palace

Chelsea play their first home game since lifting the Club World Cup against the reigning FA Cup Champions, Crystal Palace! Chelsea had a strong first season under Enzo Maresca which ended with them winning 2 trophies, whilst Crystal Palace themselves tasted their first-ever major silverware! In their previous 25 meetings, The Blues have won 76% of the time compared to 16% for The Eagles! For Chelsea, they would expect themselves to win this game! As for Crystal Palace, they’re all about causing an upset!

My Prediction: 2-1

Nottingham Forest VS Brentford

Ketih Andrews’ first game in charge of Brentford sees his side head down to Nuno Espirito Santo’s Nottingham Forest! Nottingham Forest were brilliant last year to upset the odds to qualify for Europe whilst Brentford did well to finish 10th! In their previous 20 meetings, Forest have won 5 times whilst The Bees have won 11 times! For Nottingham Forest, they’ll want to start the new season off with a win! As for Brentford, it’s all about gelling in the early phase of the season!

My Prediction: 1-0

Manchester United VS Arsenal

The big matchup on Super Sunday sees Manchester United host Arsenal! Manchester United were awful last year as they only finished 15th whilst Arsenal finished second yet again! In their previous 34 meetings, Man United have won 13 games whilst The Gunners have won 12! For Manchester United, they need their brand-new attack to hit the ground running! As for Arsenal, they need to start their season with a strong win!

My Prediction: 2-2

Leeds VS Everton

The final game of the opening weekend of the brand-new Premier League Season sees Championship Champions Leeds host Everton on Monday Night Football! Leeds were brilliant last year to win the Championship with 100 points whilst Everton bid farewell to Goodison Park with their best season for a while! In their previous 7 meetings, The Whites have won twice whilst The Toffees have won three times! For Leeds United, a win on return to the top-flight would be the perfect start! As for Everton, they really don’t want to start their season off with a loss!

My Prediction: 0-0