Premier League Gameweek 2: Bold Predictions and Must-Watch Clashes

The Premier League captivated audiences upon its return to television screens, and more thrilling action awaits in Gameweek 2.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City all secured opening victories, while Chelsea and Manchester United experienced setbacks, still seeking their inaugural wins of the new season. All five clubs return to action with fresh determination in the Premier League's second round of matches.

Two exceptional fixtures promise to entertain, with Saturday's early encounter at the Etihad Stadium deserving particular attention. A spirited battle is anticipated for Monday evening's showdown at St James' Park as well.

Here are Sports Illustrated's Premier League forecasts for Gameweek 2.

Friday, August 22—Chelsea Visit London Rivals

Chelsea managed only a stalemate in their Premier League curtain-raiser but will insist on maximum points against West Ham United in their second campaign fixture. The Blues face a defense less resilient than Crystal Palace's at the London Stadium and should anticipate a straightforward triumph. Following their 3–0 loss to Sunderland previously, the Hammers can hardly object to being heavy outsiders.

Saturday, August 23—Man City Host Bogey Side Tottenham

Manchester City displayed complete dominance in dismantling Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend but encounter tougher resistance in their season's inaugural home fixture. The Citizens confront their nemesis Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium after suffering a 4–0 defeat in this matchup last season and must guard against Spurs' new managerial momentum. Thomas Frank led the North Londoners to an impressive triumph over newly-promoted Burnley last weekend, bouncing back from UEFA Super Cup disappointment.

Either Bournemouth or Wolves will secure their maiden points of the campaign on Saturday afternoon when these teams clash at the Vitality Stadium. The Cherries suffered defeat in a thrilling six-goal spectacle at Liverpool previously but can draw confidence from their second-half resurgence. Morale remains low for Wolves following their comprehensive 4–0 loss to Man City.

The Keith Andrews tenure began with disappointment for Brentford as they suffered a convincing defeat to Nottingham Forest, and their schedule offers no respite this weekend. Aston Villa arrive as visitors, with Unai Emery's squad also pursuing their first triumph after managing only a scoreless stalemate in their opener.

The inaugural clash between newly-promoted teams arrives in Gameweek 2 as Burnley welcome Sunderland. The visitors made an emphatic Premier League return by comfortably defeating West Ham United and will seek to establish vital early-season momentum. Burnley were overwhelmed by Spurs but maintained respectability in north London.

Saturday's final fixture sees Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium to face Leeds United. This classic Premier League encounter should favor the Gunners given their quality advantage, though they were hardly perfect in their narrow 1–0 triumph over Manchester United at Old Trafford. Leeds celebrated victory by an identical margin on Monday evening, with Lukas Nmecha scoring his first goal from the penalty spot against Everton.

Sunday, August 24—Man Utd Travel to Fulham Seeking First Win

Focus centers on Man Utd for their journey to Fulham in Sunday's late encounter following an unexpectedly organized showing from the Red Devils at home against Arsenal last weekend. Ruben Amorim drew positives from the defeat and will anticipate similar execution against the Cottagers. Fulham currently rank above Man Utd in the standings thanks to Rodrigo Muniz's 97th-minute leveler against Brighton & Hove Albion in Gameweek 1.

Brighton & Hove Albion will target recovery from that late setback when they travel to Everton on Sunday. For the Toffees, this marks their first competitive fixture at their new venue, the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and they desire a winning debut. However, their pre-season displays, combined with the loss at Leeds, indicate they may struggle against the Seagulls.

Two resolute defenses meet at Selhurst Park on Sunday as Crystal Palace welcome Nottingham Forest. The Eagles earned a battling point at Chelsea last time amid VAR controversy that ultimately cost them victory, while Forest dismissed their disappointing pre-season by cruising past Brentford.

Monday, August 25—Feisty Newcastle vs. Liverpool Encounter In Store

Monday evening's meeting promises spectacular entertainment. Alexander Isak will miss the upcoming battle but will command attention in discussions surrounding Newcastle vs. Liverpool, with his present club facing his desired destination. The fixture is set to be an intense affair and should deliver the typical drama associated with this rivalry, which also featured in last season's Carabao Cup final.