The Premier League celebrates its 30th anniversary this weekend, and we have a whole round of fixtures to look forward to.
Manchester United’s soap opera continues in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Saturday, Chelsea host Tottenham in the pick of the games on Sunday, and Liverpool make their Anfield return on Monday to wrap up what should be a cracking weekend of football.
Here’s 90min’s predictions for gameweek two of the 2022/23 Premier League season.
Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard will go toe-to-toe for the first time as managers when Aston Villa host Everton in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.
After a summer of big spending, Villa opened the season in the worst possible fashion with a meek 2-0 loss to relegation favourites Bournemouth.
Lampard’s Everton just about fell short to Chelsea and while they displayed the grit and determination that kept them up last year, they’re still a bit short of quality. Expect the hosts to take the points here.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Everton
Arsenal welcome Leicester City to the Emirates Stadium as the Gunners look to win both of their opening Premier League games for the third time in four years.
Mikel Arteta’s side showed the best of their breathless attacking play and dogged defensiveness in last Friday’s curtain-raising win at Crystal Palace.
For Brendan Rodgers, the mood around camp is not as positive. The Foxes still haven’t signed a new player this summer and Youri Tielemans could be out to impress his possible future employers.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Leicester
Newcastle are getting one of their longest away days of the season out of the way early with a trip to Brighton.
After strong mid-table finishes last season, both sets of fans went into the new campaign full of optimism and were duly rewarded with opening weekend wins.
The Seagulls’ progress this year hinges on turning draws into wins and improving their home form, and we expect them to win their first match at the Amex this time around.
Prediction: Brighton 2-0 Newcastle
Premier League champions Manchester City take on Championship runners-up Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium.
If facing City in the present wasn’t hard enough, Scott Parker’s Cherries are up against it historically too – Bournemouth have never beaten Saturday’s opponents, losing 15 of their 17 encounters, including all 10 of their top-flight fixtures.
Don’t expect the south coast side to change their fortunes anytime soon.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Bournemouth
Basement club Southampton will look to move off the foot of the table with a result against Leeds.
The Saints’ season is already in disarray following reports of unrest in the dressing room, though Jesse Marsch has silenced some of his critics after the Whites put Wolves to the sword last week.
Ralph Hasenhuttl could do with a win already this early in the campaign. Whether he gets one is another matter.
Prediction: Southampton 1-2 Leeds
Fulham can continue their fast start to life back in the Premier League with a win at Wolves.
Bruno Lage’s side are reeling from an opening day defeat and the loss of club captain Conor Coady to Everton.
His compatriot in the opposite dugout may leave Molineux the happier of the two come Saturday evening.
Prediction: Wolves 0-1 Fulham
Erik ten Hag’s search for his first win as Man Utd boss continues at Brentford on Saturday evening.
Plenty of eyes will be on how the Dutchman and his charges respond to last week’s dismal defeat to Brighton, while Christian Eriksen returns to the place he called home for six months earlier this year.
The Bees showed great resilience to earn a 2-2 draw at Leicester last week and should pose some trouble for their traditionally bigger opponents once more.
Prediction: Brentford 1-1 Manchester United
The City Ground will play host to a Premier League match for the first time in the 21st century on Sunday when Nottingham Forest host West Ham.
Travelling Hammers fans will be hoping to see more from their side after a flat performance in last week’s loss to Man City, while Forest will be feeling much the same having failed to register a shot on target vs Newcastle.
David Moyes’ men should have just enough to overpower Steve Cooper’s newbies here.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 0-2 West Ham
Chelsea and Tottenham’s early title credentials will be put to the test when they square off at Stamford Bridge.
Spurs lost all four games they played against the Blues last season – scoring a grand total of zero goals, while their only win at the Bridge in the Premier League era came when Antonio Conte was in charge of the west Londoners.
That historical weight and a new defensive steeliness should help Chelsea avoid defeat to their bitter rivals.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Tottenham
Liverpool will aim to make up some early ground on their title rivals with three points at home to Crystal Palace on Monday night.
The Reds looked worryingly fragile away at Fulham last time out, but Jurgen Klopp has defended his side by saying they can’t and won’t play perfectly every week.
Expect some improvement from them back at Anfield.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Crystal Palace
