Premier League 2026/27 Matchday 2 Preview

Crystal Palace VS Manchester City

Manchester City began life under Enzo Maresca’s stewardship with a late victory at home to Bournemouth. It was an underwhelming performance from a team that has spent over £200 million on two central midfielders this summer, but it will always take time for a new coach to imprint his ideas after a behemoth of the game like Pep Guardiola departs.

Next up for the Blues is an away trip to Crystal Palace, who are still finding their feet under Pierre Sage. Everton defeated the Eagles with ease on the opening day, and it would be brave to suggest anything other than a Manchester City win here. Erling Haaland is due to get his season started too, don’t think it’s too risky to back the Norwegian to score more than once on Friday night.

• Chris’ pick: Crystal Palace 1-3 Manchester City

Liverpool VS Nottingham Forest

Andoni Iraola has yet to fully drill his system into his Liverpool squad, but the Spaniard has been given a huge boost by the signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain. Barcola won’t make his debut in Saturday’s early kick-off against Nottingham Forest, but he could be presented to the Anfield crowd.

There are early signs of discontent from the Nottingham Forest fans after Oliver Glasner’s poor start to the campaign, but they can find encouragement into how dreadful Liverpool’s defence was against Newcastle. I think both teams will score here, but I’d lean towards a Liverpool victory.

• Chris’ pick: Liverpool 3-2 Nottingham Forest

Bournemouth VS Everton

David Moyes’ Everton travel to the South Coast to face Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon. The Toffees remain intent on keeping Iliman Ndiaye beyond the end of the transfer window, and he was sensational in their opening weekend win over Palace. With that said, Bournemouth impressed against City and will be confident ahead of their own home opener. This match is a real test of Everton’s European credentials this season, but I think the Cherries will have too much.

• Chris’ pick: Bournemouth 2-1 Everton

Coventry City VS Hull City

The first meeting of two newly promoted teams takes place at the Coventry Building Society Arena, with Hull City looking to build on their shock opening day victory over Manchester United, on the road against Coventry. Frank Lampard’s side were on a hiding to nothing against a physically imposing, confident Arsenal side last Friday night, but they should feel much better against the Tigers.

Hull’s defence showed signs of fragility in the early stages against United, but Michael Carrick’s side were just too impotent to take advantage. Remember, Hull conceded 50 goals in the Championship last term. The atmosphere will help the hosts, and they should win this game.

• Chris’ pick: Coventry City 2-1 Hull City

Tottenham Hotspur VS Newcastle United

Tottenham Hotspur supporters had a dreadful feeling of déjà vu after they were humiliated by Brentford on the opening weekend of the Premier League season. A summer of lavish spending which promised so much led to the bubble being burst after less than 30 minutes of football. Roberto De Zerbi isn’t one to panic, but he will know just how big a job he has on his hands.

Spurs’ first home fixture of the new season comes at 17:30 on Saturday, with Newcastle United visiting North London. The Magpies’ squad has been gutted, but there are signs they’re playing some positive football under Matthias Jaissle. Goals will be on the agenda here; don’t sleep on a classic. A draw is likely.

• Chris’ pick: Tottenham Hotspur 3-3 Newcastle United

Chelsea VS Brighton and Hove Albion

Xabi Alonso takes charge of his first game at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, and it’s a real test. Brighton are the visitors to London, hoping to ruin the good feeling surrounding Alonso’s arrival at Chelsea. Carlos Baleba has now officially departed, leaving the Seagulls weaker in midfield, and doubts remain about Ferdi Kadioglu’s readiness as transfer speculation over his future has gone into overdrive.

Chelsea’s midfield is usually their strength, but Enzo Fernandes and Moises Caicedo may not be available to start. This will be a good game, but it will be tight. I find it difficult to pick a winner. Play it safe and go with a draw, but Morgan Rogers as an anytime scorer is enticing.

• Chris’ pick: Chelsea 2-2 Brighton and Hove Albion

Leeds United VS Brentford

Leeds United and Brentford meet at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon with both teams having picked up impressive victories to start their respective campaigns. Brentford look as strong as last year, whilst the Yorkshire club have done some smart business during the summer. Daniel Farke’s side looked sharp in the Carabao Cup win over Forest in the week, creating a lot of chances. Both teams will score in this one, but I’m leaning towards an away victory with Igor Thiago to find the net.

• Chris’ pick: Leeds United 1-2 Brentford

Sunderland VS Fulham

Sunderland and Fulham are sat near the bottom of the Premier League table after suffering defeats in the opening weekend. They meet at the Stadium of Light on Sunday with both teams looking to get their campaigns up and running. Sunderland generally have a good record at home, and I’m going to lean on that, especially with many of Fulham’s new signings having not played in England before. This has home win written all over it for me.

• Chris’ pick: Sunderland 1-0 Fulham

Manchester United VS Ipswich Town

Manchester United were humbled by Hull City in their Premier League opener. It was as poor a performance as you could expect to see from Michael Carrick’s side, although hopes are still high for the campaign ahead. Carlos Baleba has arrived, but isn’t fit to play against Ipswich, yet the Reds will know they have to win this game to avoid a cloud of negativity undermining their progress.

Ipswich recorded their first win of the season far sooner than in their last top-flight experience, but few expect them to make any waves at Old Trafford. United’s defending has to be better, especially from set-pieces. Don’t be surprised to see Diogo Dalot return to the team. United can’t play as badly as they did against Hull, and they will want to answer their critics, proving last weekend was a blip. I think a home win by a margin of three goals is coming.

• Chris’ pick: Manchester United 4-1 Ipswich Town

Aston Villa VS Arsenal

Aston Villa were abject in their heavy defeat to Brighton last weekend, but Unai Emery has been here before. Villa started terribly in 2025/26, but ended up qualifying for the Champions League and winning the UEFA Europa League. The Spaniard will be given time to shape his new-look squad. However, their home opener at Villa Park isn’t an easy one, with Arsenal the visitors on Monday evening. Mikel Arteta’s squad is strong, experienced and hungry. They will be tough to stop this term. Villa will bounce back, but I simply don’t see it happening this weekend. Arsenal to win.

• Chris’ pick: Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal