West Ham V Chelsea (Prediction 1-2): The Friday night opener brings intensity under the lights at the London Stadium. West Ham will look to disrupt Chelsea with physical duels and set pieces but Chelsea’s control of possession and sharper transitions should gradually tilt the game their way. The home side may land the first blow yet Chelsea’s ability to wear down opponents should allow them to leave with all three points.

Man City V Tottenham (Prediction 2-1): Saturday lunchtime sees two sides with attacking instincts clash at the Etihad. City will dominate possession and keep Tottenham pinned back for long stretches but the visitors’ counter-attacking threat means the champions cannot afford lapses. The balance of the game suggests Tottenham could score on the break but City’s weight of territory and sustained pressure should eventually prove decisive.

Bournemouth V Wolves (Prediction 1-1): This has the feel of a tight contest between two sides looking for early stability. Bournemouth’s energy at home will ensure Wolves are pressed in dangerous areas but Wolves’ compact structure and direct breaks are effective away from home. The game may swing in phases yet neither side looks set to dominate and a draw feels likely.

Burnley V Sunderland (Prediction 1-1): A meeting of two promoted sides offers both a chance to test themselves at this level. Burnley will want to dictate at Turf Moor through possession and pressing but Sunderland bring the momentum of promotion and will look to disrupt rhythm with quick breaks. Both sides should find opportunities and the spoils may well be shared.

Brentford V Aston Villa (Prediction 2-2): Brentford at home are a challenge for any side thanks to their pressing and aerial power. Villa however have shown resilience and can counter strongly when they find space. This fixture looks like one where momentum swings both ways with goals at either end. A high-tempo draw seems the most fitting outcome.

Arsenal V Leeds (Prediction 3-1): The Emirates will be bouncing as Arsenal play their first big home game of the season. Leeds’ pressing will make the early stages frantic but Arsenal’s ability to control possession and pick the right moments should eventually open Leeds up. The visitors may find one breakthrough but Arsenal should have enough to score repeatedly and secure a strong home win.

Everton V Brighton (Prediction 1-2): Everton’s home crowd will demand intensity and aggression yet Brighton’s patient build-up is well-suited to pulling opponents out of position. Everton may score from set pieces or turnovers but Brighton’s control of possession should eventually bring them goals. We expect the visitors to edge it narrowly in an open game.

Crystal Palace V Nottingham Forest (Prediction 2-1): Selhurst Park is never an easy place to go and Palace will aim to make Forest defend deep. Forest carry a counter-attacking threat but Palace’s compact shape and pressure in wide areas usually makes them hard to contain at home. We anticipate a narrow Palace win secured through persistence.

Fulham V Man Utd (Prediction 1-2): Fulham are difficult to play against at Craven Cottage as they can frustrate opponents with compact defending and quick switches. United will need patience to break them down but their ability to control the ball and press effectively higher up the pitch should give them the edge. Fulham may score on the break yet United should have just enough quality to take the points.

Newcastle V Liverpool (Prediction 1-3): Monday night brings the standout fixture. Newcastle will have the atmosphere and intensity of St James’ Park to drive them but Liverpool, as champions, will want to impose themselves early. Newcastle’s direct play could hurt Liverpool if they are exposed but over ninety minutes the visitors’ relentlessness and sharper finishing should bring them victory and keep them on track at the top.

The Weekly Narrative:
Gameweek 2 serves up a diverse slate of fixtures that will help set the tone for the season. Liverpool, as defending champions, face their first major away test at Newcastle in a clash that will reveal much about both sides’ ambitions. Arsenal are well placed to assert themselves at home while Manchester City look to steady their rhythm against a dangerous Tottenham side. Chelsea’s Friday night trip to West Ham is another test of resilience under pressure and could shape their early momentum. Lower down the table Burnley against Sunderland feels significant for two clubs eager to establish themselves back in the division while Brentford against Villa promises goals and drama. By the close of Monday night the table will start to take a clearer shape with Liverpool hoping to reinforce their crown and rivals desperate to keep pace.