Premier League Kickoff: Bold Predictions for Opening Weekend Drama

After 82 excruciating days following the conclusion of the 2024–25 Premier League campaign, the globe's most competitive division makes its return this Friday night.

While the transfer market has been bustling throughout the summer months, it's now time for the main spectacle to commence, with reigning Premier League titleholders Liverpool launching the 2025–26 season against Bournemouth at Anfield.

The excitement will persist on Saturday, before the weekend's marquee matchup takes place on Sunday at Old Trafford where fierce rivals Manchester United and Arsenal clash in an enthralling encounter. There's also Monday evening football to look forward to.

With anticipation running high, here are Sports Illustrated's forecasts for Premier League Gameweek 1.

Friday, August 15—Liverpool vs. Bournemouth Opens New Campaign

Liverpool and Bournemouth launch the campaign on Friday evening with the title holders hosting this eagerly awaited season opener. The Reds will anticipate success in their inaugural competitive match despite last weekend's Community Shield setback, while the Cherries face slim chances of causing an upset at Anfield considering the defensive talent they've lost during the summer window.

Saturday, August 16—Man City Travel to Wolves

The season's opening early fixture features Aston Villa facing Newcastle United, with Villa looking to exploit the Magpies' troubled pre-season preparations. The Alexander Isak transfer speculation and concerning friendly performances have left Tyneside supporters anxious, making a visit to Villa Park a challenging season opener.

Newcastle's newly-promoted counterparts Sunderland will be hungry for points in their much-anticipated Premier League return. The Black Cats welcome West Ham United, who are seeking substantial improvements after last season's disappointing 14th-place Premier League campaign. This encounter could swing either direction.

Brighton & Hove Albion entertain Fulham on the south coast on Saturday afternoon after completing numerous summer acquisitions. The same cannot be said for the Cottagers, who have invested just under £500,000 this summer—easily the Premier League's smallest expenditure. The Amex Stadium showdown promises to be closely contested between two teams who showed inconsistency in similar fixtures last season.

Following UEFA Super Cup disappointment, Tottenham Hotspur will be determined to secure their first competitive triumph under new boss Thomas Frank when they welcome Burnley. The Lilywhites displayed promising signs during their midweek encounter with Paris Saint-Germain and should cruise past the Clarets.

Manchester City are determined to bounce back from a deeply disappointing 2024–25 season and travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers for their opener. The Citizens struggled at this summer's FIFA Club World Cup and the competition has disrupted their pre-season preparations, but they remain heavy favorites at Molineux after an active summer in the transfer market.

Sunday, August 17—Man Utd Welcome Arsenal in Massive Opening Match

Chelsea accomplished what Man City failed to achieve during the summer, claiming global champion status at the Club World Cup. The Blues have experienced several successful months both on and off the field, and they will aim to maintain their momentum against Community Shield victors Crystal Palace on Sunday. The Eagles are also in good spirits but confidence alone won't be sufficient to overcome Chelsea.

Nottingham Forest fans have witnessed five scoreless draws throughout pre-season and fireworks are unlikely at the City Ground for their meeting with Brentford. Brentford has undergone significant changes over the summer following the exits of former manager Frank and attacking star Bryan Mbeumo, with modest expectations heading into the new campaign.

The standout fixture of Gameweek 1 is certainly Manchester United vs. Arsenal, one of English football's most eagerly awaited encounters. The Red Devils suffered last season and will be hoping that three expensive forward acquisitions can reverse their fortunes this term. For the Gunners, they are determined to finally break their trophy drought and claim the Premier League summit.

Monday, August 18—Leeds Make Big Time Return at Elland Road

Championship champions Leeds United will enjoy home support at Elland Road for their season debut, facing Premier League regulars Everton. Both teams will consider this a winnable encounter, but the Toffees will hold slight favoritism having completed some quietly solid summer signings.