Premier League predictions: Gameweek 2

The 2024/25 Premier League season kicked off with a weekend packed with all sorts of entertainment and the second gameweek looks set to deliver even more excitement for fans around the world.

There were emotional returns to England’s top flight for clubs and players alike, while the usual customers reminded everyone of their talents.

Title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal both picked up three points and have assignments of contrasting peril this weekend, while Manchester United and Liverpool will also want to continue their winning ways.

Here’s are 90min’s match result predictions for the second round of Premier League fixtures in 2024/25.

Saturday 24 August

Gameweek 2 kicks off down on the south coast as Brighton & Hove Albion host Manchester United. The Seagulls have proven to be bogey opposition for the Red Devils in recent years, though it was Erik ten Hag’s side who claimed all three points on their last trip to the AMEX Stadium. There’s usually entertainment on offer when these two teams meet and that should be the case again in Saturday’s early kick-off.

Crystal Palace can count themselves unfortunate to have lost at Brentford last week after some refereeing controversy but there’s an ideal chance to pick themselves back up against a West Ham United team in transition under Julen Lopetegui.

Fulham couldn’t squeeze in a goal during their 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford but will hope the strong home form that was key to their successes in 2023/24 comes to the fore when they host Leicester City. Jamie Vardy reminded everyone of what the Premier League has been missing ever since he and the Foxes were relegated by equalising against Tottenham Hotspur, but their defensive flaws may prove more fatal away at Craven Cottage.

Ipswich Town look set to get a nasty taste of the Premier League at its most challenging when they make the daunting trip to Manchester City. The Tractor Boys competed well on their return to England’s top division before falling to a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool, but Pep Guardiola’s Cityzens are understandably favoured to claim a large win at the Etihad Stadium.

There was a sense of a missed opportunity following Southampton‘s loss at Newcastle United last week, having enjoyed a player advantage for most of the encounter. Their lack of edge in the final third may well continue in their first home match of the season against Nottingham Forest, who let in a late goal to draw their opener with Bournemouth.

Tottenham Hotspur were guilty of wastefulness in the penalty box and were sucker-punched by Vardy’s header. Ange Postecoglou’s outfit will have to be more efficient when Everton visit north London, but there are plenty of injuries and suspensions hampering the Toffees before their trip down south.

Arguably the game of the weekend sees Aston Villa welcome Arsenal to Villa Park. Unai Emery’s side won both fixtures against the Gunners last season as they took advantage of some profligate finishing, though Mikel Arteta’s title hopefuls have a point to prove in a year where they know few slip-ups can be afforded.

Sunday 25 August

There are three matches to get stuck into on Sunday, with two kicking off at 14:00 BST. Bournemouth‘s battle with Newcastle United is one of them, with the Cherries keen to get their first victory and avoid going on a similar barren run to last season. The Magpies have their fair share of injury casualties but have enough attacking weapons to make their mark at the Vitality Stadium.

Wolves‘ season has started with clashes against two London giants, losing to Arsenal before their tantalising battle with Chelsea. The Wanderers will be keen to exploit any uncertainty in the Blues ranks, though Enzo Maresca did oversee his first win in charge in midweek in a Conference League qualifier.

There’s bound to be a highly-charged atmosphere at Anfield, who will welcome a Liverpool manager other than Jurgen Klopp for the first time since 2015. The Reds showed fascinating tactical acumen during their first win under Arne Slot and the honeymoon period may continue when Brentford visit Merseyside. Thomas Frank’s Bees were beneficiaries of some ropy calls as they beat Palace but might not be able to make life difficult enough for their hosts to claim any points.

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