Premier League Predictions: More opening weekend joy for City

The wait is over. The Premier League returns to our screens this weekend, with the opening round of fixtures spread across Friday through to Monday. The football tipsters at Betfred Insights have decided to provide their predictions for each round of fixtures throughout the season, competing against one another in a head-to-head table.

Below you will find our Premier League Predictions for Gameweek One.

Liverpool vs AFC Bournemouth - 2-1 @ 15/2

Defending champions Liverpool ring in the new season with a home clash against AFC Bournemouth on Friday night. The Reds have recruited well over the summer to bolster their ranks, which has put them in a great position to hold onto their crown.

Bournemouth are in need of a recruitment drive as four of their back five (including goalkeeper) last season have departed over the summer, including Milos Kerkez who is set to face them for Liverpool.

I think the hosts' quality will shine through in attack but I think Bournemouth can get on the scoresheet because Liverpool have failed to record a shutout in their last six games across pre-season and last week's Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace.

Nick: 3-1

Simon: 1-1

Aston Villa vs Newcastle United - 2-1 @ 15/2

Aston Vill will be hoping that they can return to the Uefa Champions League spots this season, but their participation in the Uefa Europa League offers them another route to this competition.

Unai Emery's side start their campaign with a home clash against Newcastle United, who pipped them to a place in the top-five last term. The Villans hammered them 4-1 at Villa Park in April, and the Magpies' camp has been rocked by star man Alexander Isak wanting to move to Liverpool.

Home win.

Nick: 3-1

Simon: 2-0

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Fulham - 2-1 @ 7/1

Brighton & Hove Albion enjoyed a decent campaign in 2024/25 under Fabian Hurzeler, finishing eighth, and just four points outside the top seven. The Seagulls have been recruiting well over the summer, and they could be primed for further improvement this year.

Fulham, who Brighton host on Saturday, have not had much joy in the transfer window at the time of writing. It looks like Marco Silva's side could be dragged into a scrap lower down the table with their current squad as many of their rivals are strengthening around them.

Nick: 2-1

Simon: 0-0

Sunderland vs West Ham United - 2-1 @ 10/1

Sunderland's eight-year hiatus from the Premier League is at an end and the Black Cats have risen from League 1 back to the promised land. They were the Championship play-off winners last season and they have been quite busy in the transfer market, with former Arsenal man Granit Xhaka coming on board.

Their first match is at the Stadium of Light, which is set to be a grand occasion, and they welcome West Ham United under Graham Potter. The Irons have made a handful of signings so far but it feels like more is needed for them to branch away from mid-table this term.

I like the look of a home win in this one.

Nick: 1-1

Simon: 1-0

Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley - 2-0 @ 11/2

The Thomas Frank era at Tottenham Hotspur has begun, and he will be hoping he can get a longer run at the job than most of his predecessors. The Dane has excelled in the top flight with Brentford over the past few years and deserves his shot to manage at a higher level.

Spurs start off at home against newly-promoted Burnley. The Clarets had an excellent defensive record in the second tier under Scott Parker, keeping 30 clean sheets. However, this summer has seen them lose goalkeeper James Trafford and defender CJ Egan-Riley, which could have a huge impact on their solidity at the back.

With the quality Spurs in attack, they should have more than enough to collect the three points.

Nick: 2-0

Simon: 1-0

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester City - 0-2 @ 7/1

Wolverhampton Wanderers supporters will be hoping this is the year their owners show some ambition and invest in the squad. There has been some over the summer but boss Vitor Pereria will need more to build on last year's 16th-place finish.

The Old Gold welcome Manchester City to Molineux on Saturday evening, and the Citizens will have a hunger after a very flat 2024/26 campaign, in which they didn't win a single trophy.

Pep Guardiola has done some more shopping over the summer to help get his team back into title contention. City have won their last two opening day fixtures in the Premier League to nil, so I think this trend will continue at the weekend.

Nick: 0-2

Simon: 0-2

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace - 2-1 @ 7/1

An all-London affair awaits us at Stamford Bridge as the Fifa Club World Cup winners Chelsea host FA Cup and Community Shield victors Crystal Palace. The Blues had a promising first season under Enzo Maresca and many feel that they could be in a position to challenge for the title in 2025/26.

The Eagles have a brilliant team under Oliver Glasner, and their starting XI has the quality to push for the top six in my opinion. Squad depth is letting them down at the moment, something their hosts have no problems with.

Nick: 2-2

Simon: 5-0

Today's Football Fixtures

Nottingham Forest vs Brentford - 2-1 @ 15/2

Nottingham Forest are gearing themselves up for a season in the Europa League, and some are wondering how this will affect their Premier League campaign. For the first few weeks, their only concern is domestic football and they entertain Brentford at the City Ground.

The Bees look to be in for a tough year after losing head coach Thomas Frank and key players Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Norgaard, while striker Yoane Wissa is also likely to depart.

On home soil, I'd favour the Tricky Trees.

Nick: 2-1

Simon: 0-1 

Football Odds

Manchester United vs Arsenal - 1-2 @ 15/2

Long-time rivals Manchester United and Arsenal collide on Sunday in what was a surprising fixture for the opening weekend, but football fans are lapping it up. Both clubs have been recruiting well in the summer transfer window, with United's signings in particular grabbing plenty of attention.

There is still a long way to go for Ruben Amorim to get United on a level with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, City and Chelsea, but he is signing players who will suit his style of play.

They may be able to give the Gunners a game, but I am expecting Mikel Arteta's men to come out on top.

Nick: 0-1

Simon: 3-2

Leeds United vs Everton - 0-1 @ 8/1

Leeds United are back in the big time but their lack of transfer activity in the off-season has been concerning. Boss Daniel Farke has not shied away from speaking about the need for new players and with time running out the Whites may have a lot to do in the final weeks of the transfer window.

They welcome Everton to Elland Road on Monday night, and I am a big fan of the additions the Toffees have been making, notably Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish.

David Moyes' side are tough to break down and with their added quality in attack, I think they can nick a victory in West Yorkshire.

Nick: 1-1

Simon: 1-1

Offers

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