Back in action, and don’t forget, Friday is deadline day!
The excitement of the Premier League continues as we move into Gameweek 2, with another round of compelling fixtures set to captivate fans and Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers alike.
After a thrilling opening weekend, teams are eager to build momentum, and the stakes are already rising as squads look to find their rhythm early in the campaign.
This week features standout clashes such as Newcastle vs Liverpool and Manchester City vs Tottenham,
promising high drama and key moments for FPL squads.
With the transfer deadline day fast approaching on Friday, managers will be making crucial last-minute decisions to strengthen their teams. Let’s get into it!
Friday, 22 August: West Ham vs Chelsea
West Ham’s season began in dismal fashion as they were comfortably beaten by Sunderland, piling early pressure on manager Graham Potter.
With just five wins in his 19 league matches at the helm, Potter finds himself needing a swift turnaround to steady the ship.
Chelsea, meanwhile, were left frustrated after a dominant display against Crystal Palace yielded only a point in a goalless draw.
While their record at the London Stadium is less than ideal—just three wins in ten visits—they can take confidence from their most recent success at the ground in September 2024.
With both sides eager to find form, this London derby could prove decisive for early momentum.
Team news:
- West Ham United – OUT: Luis Guilherme (shoulder)
- Chelsea – OUT: Levi Colwill (knee), Benoit Badiashile (knock), Romeo Lavia (muscle)
Prediction: West Ham 1-2 Chelsea
Saturday, 23 August: Manchester City vs Tottenham
Manchester City wasted no time laying down a marker in the title race, dismantling Wolves with ruthless efficiency as Erling Haaland continued his remarkable August form—now 21 goals in just nine appearances.
Pep Guardiola’s team traditionally start the season strong, but they’ll be fully aware that Tottenham have often disrupted their rhythm in recent years.
City have managed just six wins from their last 15 encounters with Spurs, making this one of their trickier regular matchups.
Tottenham’s opening-day win over Burnley didn’t reveal much given the opposition, but it showed signs of cohesion and control.
They now face a much stiffer test at the Etihad, though their surprisingly strong record at the venue suggests they won’t be overawed.
Team news:
- Manchester City – OUT: Rodri (-), Mateo Kovacic (achilles), Josko Gvardiol (-), Savinho (knock)
- Tottenham Hotspur – OUT: Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Destiny Udogie (knock), James Maddison (knee), Radu Dragusin (knee), Kota Takai (foot), Manor Solomon (calf)
Prediction: Manchester City 2-2 Tottenham
Saturday, 23 August: Brentford vs Aston Villa
Brentford endured a tough start to their campaign, falling flat against Nottingham Forest as the absence of key figures like Thomas Frank, Christian Norgaard, Bryan Mbuemo and Yoane Wissa was clearly felt.
It’s been a turbulent transition for the Bees, and with no Premier League season ever starting for them with two straight defeats, they’ll be desperate to avoid slipping into that unwanted history.
Aston Villa didn’t come away with a win against Newcastle, but holding on for a point while down to ten men for the final 24 minutes was a commendable effort.
Unai Emery’s side have enjoyed recent success in this fixture, winning four of their last six against Brentford, including a double over them last season. Another strong result here would keep their early momentum building.
Team news:
- Brentford – OUT: Gustavo Nunes (hamstring), Vitaly Janelt (heel), Paris Maghoma (-), Ethan Pinnock (knock)
- Aston Villa – OUT: Andres Garcia (knock), Ross Barkley (knock)
Prediction: Brentford 1-2 Aston Villa
Saturday, 23 August: Burnley vs Sunderland
Burnley’s return to the top flight began in rough fashion with a 3-0 loss to Tottenham, but the performance wasn’t entirely without promise.
Scott Parker will be concerned by his team’s lack of cutting edge in front of goal, and this matchup with newly promoted Sunderland already feels like a must-win.
Sunderland, by contrast, were flying on opening weekend after a dominant win over West Ham. The Black Cats are eager to prove they belong back in the Premier League.
However, history isn’t on their side—they’ve never opened a top-flight campaign with back-to-back wins. A result at Turf Moor would mark a significant early milestone.
Team news:
- Burnley – OUT: Zeki Amdouni (knee), Bashir Humphreys (thigh)
- Sunderland – OUT: Aji Alese (shoulder), Luke O’Nien (shoulder), Dennis Cirkin (wrist), Leo Fuhr Hjelde (achilles), Romaine Mundle (hamstring)
Prediction: Burnley 1-1 Sunderland
Saturday, 23 August: Arsenal vs Leeds
Arsenal may not have been at their fluent best in their narrow 1-0 win over Manchester United, but the result was all that mattered.
With their array of attacking options and home advantage, Mikel Arteta’s side will expect a more convincing performance this time. History is firmly on their side too—the Gunners are unbeaten in their last 14 meetings with Leeds in all competitions.
Leeds marked their Premier League return with a late win over Everton and a rare clean sheet. However, a visit to the Emirates is a completely different challenge. With Arsenal’s firepower and home form, Leeds will need to be near perfect.
Team news:
- Arsenal – OUT: Gabriel Jesus (knee), Christian Norgaard (knock), Kai Havertz (knee)
- Leeds United – OUT: Ethan Ampadu
Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Leeds
Sunday, 24 August: Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest
Crystal Palace head into this fixture with an added edge, still stung by the fact that Nottingham Forest took their Europa League place following a failed appeal.
That backstory promises a fiery atmosphere at Selhurst Park. Palace will look to channel that emotion into their performance as they aim for a first win of the season.
Forest, on the other hand, will want to keep things steady after a strong start against Brentford. A win here would make it two from two—something they haven’t achieved to start a top-flight campaign since 2017.
Team news:
- Crystal Palace – OUT: Chadi Riad (knee), Cheick Doucoure (knee), Eddie Nketiah (hamstring), Caleb Kporha (back), Daichi Kamada (knee), Matheus Franca (muscle)
- Nottingham Forest – OUT: Nicolas Dominguez (knee)
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 Nottingham Forest
Sunday, 24 August: Everton vs Brighton
Everton’s new era at their state-of-the-art stadium begins with excitement, despite a disappointing opening-day loss at Leeds. A controversial penalty overshadowed a poor showing, and Sean Dyche’s men will be desperate to bounce back.
Brighton also stumbled, conceding a late equalizer against Fulham. However, the Seagulls have a strong record at Everton, unbeaten in their last four visits. If they rediscover their cutting edge, they’ll be confident of spoiling Everton’s big day.
Team news:
- Everton – OUT: Vitalii Mykolenko (muscle), Nathan Patterson (hernia), Jarrad Branthwaite (-)
- Brighton & Hove Albion – OUT: Adam Webster (knee), Solly March (knee)
Prediction: Everton 1-1 Brighton
Sunday, 24 August: Fulham vs Manchester United
Fulham’s opening-day draw at Brighton offered encouraging signs for Marco Silva’s men, who looked composed and dangerous. However, history is against them—they’ve lost their last eight home meetings with Manchester United.
United head into this clash off the back of a narrow defeat to Arsenal but showed glimpses of promise. With pressure on new striker Benjamin Sesko, this trip to Craven Cottage offers a chance to bounce back.
Team news:
- Fulham – OUT: Antonee Robinson (knee), Ryan Sessegnon (muscle)
- Manchester United – OUT: Lisandro Martinez (knee), Noussair Mazraoui (knock)
Prediction: Fulham 1-2 Manchester United
Monday, 25 August: Newcastle vs Liverpool
The ongoing uncertainty around Alexander Isak’s future, with reports linking him to Liverpool, sets the stage for a tense and emotional night at St James’ Park.
Newcastle have struggled in this fixture, going nearly a decade and 17 league meetings without a win against the Reds.
Liverpool weren’t at their fluent best against Bournemouth but still managed to secure all three points. Their attacking depth should make this a must-watch clash.
Team news:
- Newcastle United – OUT: Joe Willock (calf)
- Liverpool – OUT: Joe Gomez (knock), Ryan Gravenberch (suspension), Conor Bradley (doubt), Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring)
Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 Liverpool
What is your Manchester City vs Tottenham and Newcastle vs Liverpool prediction? Which games are you looking forward to in Premier League Gameweek 2? Got a differential FPL player to watch? Which captain are you going for? Who’s being underrated by most managers?
