The Premier League is back, and I’m buzzing for the 2025/26 season! Liverpool are out to defend their crown, Arsenal and Manchester City are gunning for glory, and we’ve got Leeds, Sunderland, and Burnley back in the top flight after storming the Championship.
The transfer window’s been wild—some teams have splashed the cash, while others are scrambling. So, let’s dive into my predictions for the opening weekend’s fixtures, based on what I’ve seen from pre-season, transfers, and a bit of gut instinct.
Friday, 15th August
Liverpool vs Bournemouth
Anfield’s ready to roar as Liverpool kick off their title defence. They’ve added some serious flair with Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez, and I reckon Arne Slot’s got them firing on all cylinders. Bournemouth are scrappy under Andoni Iraola, but losing key defenders has left them wobbly at the back. I can’t see anything but a comfortable home win here.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth or Over 2.5
Saturday, 16th August
Aston Villa vs Newcastle
Villa Park’s a tough place to visit, and Unai Emery’s got Villa playing some good football. Ollie Watkins is still their talisman, and they look solid. Newcastle, though? They’ve had a rough summer—rumours swirling around Alexander Isak, and their squad feels a bit thin. I’m backing Villa to nick this one, but it’ll be close.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Newcastle or away handicap 3 goals
Brighton vs Fulham
Brighton’s back to focusing on the league, and Fabian Hurzeler’s got them playing with real spark at the Amex. Fulham are steady but haven’t done much in the transfer market, so I think they’ll struggle to keep up with Brighton’s pace. Expect a lively game with the Seagulls edging it.
Prediction: Brighton 2-1 Fulham or GG
Nottingham Forest vs Brentford
Forest were a bit up and down last season, but they’re tough at home. Brentford, on the other hand, are in a weird spot—Thomas Frank’s gone, and losing players like Bryan Mbeumo hasn’t helped. I reckon Forest will grind out a narrow win with the City Ground behind them.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Brentford or under 3.5
Sunderland vs West Ham
Sunderland are back in the big time after eight years, and the Stadium of Light will be bouncing. West Ham, though, looks like they’re treading water after a quiet transfer window. I’m calling a draw—Sunderland’s energy might just cancel out West Ham’s experience.
Prediction: Sunderland 1-1 West Ham or Away double chance
Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley
Thomas Frank’s first game as Spurs boss, and what a chance to make a statement! With Mohammed Kudus in the squad, Tottenham look dangerous. Burnley were stingy in the Championship, conceding just 16 goals, but the Premier League’s a different beast. I’m backing Spurs to start strong.
Prediction: Tottenham 2-0 Burnley or Home Win
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester City
Poor Wolves. Facing City on opening day is brutal. Manchester City have Rodri back, plus new faces like Rayan Cherki, and they’re looking scary again. Wolves might scrap, but City’s attack is just too much. Expect a one-sided affair.
Prediction: Wolves 0-3 Manchester City or Away Win
Sunday, 17th August
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
Chelsea are riding high after their Club World Cup win, and with Joao Pedro up top, they’ve got goals in them. Palace are no pushovers—fresh off their FA Cup triumph—but Stamford Bridge is a tough place to get a result. I think Chelsea will just about sneak this one.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Crystal Palace or Home Win
Manchester United vs Arsenal
What a game to cap off Sunday! United are desperate to bounce back after a shocking 15th-place finish last season, and Ruben Amorim’s got a point to prove. But Arsenal, with Viktor Gyokeres leading the line, looks like they mean business. Old Trafford will make it tight, but I’m tipping Arsenal to nick it.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Arsenal or Under 3.5
Monday, 18th August
Leeds United vs Everton
Leeds are back, and Elland Road will be electric for their Premier League return. They’ve rebuilt smartly, and I fancy them to hit the ground running. Everton, settling into their new stadium under David Moyes, might take time to find their feet. I’m going with a narrow Leeds win to send the fans home happy.
Prediction: Leeds United 1-0 Everton or Under 3.5
These are my predictions only for informational purposes. The English Premier League never fails to surprise us. I’m sure a few results won’t go as predicted, but I mean, isn’t that what makes it fun?
For more predictions, check out our homepage.
