It was an interesting first week of action from the new Premier League season, as the usual suspects Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool all hit the ground running while all three newly promoted sides had some positives to take from their respective games, especially Leicester City who drew 1-1 with Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs.
For Gameweek 2, we have some exciting games coming up that’ll shape the early season table. Erik Ten Hag’s men will go to the Amex Stadium to face a high on confidence Brighton & Hove Albion side while Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will travel to Villa Park to face Unai Emery’s Aston Villa side, a fixture that failed to bore any fruit for the Arsenal manager last season.
So without further ado, let’s take a look at what we have in store for us this Gameweek.
Both Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United started their Premier League campaigns with a victory on the opening weekend. While the Seagulls made light work of an ill-disciplined and disjointed Everton side, Manchester United brushed aside London club Fulham at Old Trafford with a late 1-nil victory.
On Saturday afternoon, it is going to be a mouth-watering contest with both managers looking to implement a new brand of football.
Erik ten Hag reported no fresh injury concerns from Friday’s game, meaning apart from the likes of Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Rasmus Højlund and Leny Yoro, the Dutchman has a fit enough squad for Saturday’s showdown.
Solly March is a long-term absentee for the Seagulls, with Pervis Estupinan, Bart Verbruggen, Evan Ferguson, Tariq Lamptey and Julio Enciso playing no part in their comfortable win over Everton on the first weekend of the new season. Besides, new summer signing, winger Yankuba Minteh who featured at Goodison could sit out this contest after picking up a knock.
Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:
Steele; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Barco; Milner, Wieffer; Adingra, Pedro, Mitoma; Welbeck
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Martínez, Dalot; Casemiro, Mainoo; Fernandez, Mount, Rashford; Zirkzee
Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 Manchester United
It is going to be an open and end-to-end battle at the Amex Stadium. With both teams looking to play out from the back as well as press higher up the pitch, it’ll create overloads on the transition, giving both sets of forwards ample opportunities to seal the tie for their respective teams.
The reigning Premier League champions started their title defence on the perfect note with a comfortable 2-nil victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, despite some early scares from the hosts. Ipswich Town, on the other hand, following their 22-year-old hiatus from the top division, gave a decent account for themselves against Liverpool at Portman Road.
However, travelling to the champion’s den will be a different ball-game altogether. Pep Guardiola’s side have had an outstanding record against newly promoted sides, especially at the Etihad Stadium. Thus, anything but a City win will be regarded as a coup for Kieran McKenna’s men.
Rodri could be in contention after missing the Chelsea win, having only returned from his post-Euro 2024 break. Savinho will need to be assessed after coming off at Stamford Bridge, although Oscar Bobb remains a long-term absentee.
For the Tractor Boys, Wes Burns suffered a hamstring injury against Liverpool and will need to be checked, while Arijanet Muric could make his debut.
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Bernardo, De Bruyne, Doku; Haaland
Ipswich Town possible starting lineup:
Muric; Tuanzebe, Edmundson, Greaves; Johnson, Luongo, Morsy, Davis; Hutchinson, Delap, Harness
Manchester City 3-0 Ipswich Town
The champions will have enough up their sleeves to turn over a newly promoted side like Ipswich Town. While Ipswich’s first 45-minutes against Liverpool highlighted their defensive steel, the remaining 45 minutes showed how some of the big boys can exploit their lack of resources and naïvety. My only concern is this fixture turning into a real hammering for Kieran McKenna’s side.
Both Tottenham Hotspur and Everton were disappointing and left much to be desired in their opening fixture of the season. While Ange Postecoglou was made to rue missed opportunities as Jamie Vardy and Leicester City stole a point at the King Power Stadium, Sean Dyche saw his team capitulate and accept defeat following Ashley Young’s stupid red card at Brighton.
A week later, both teams will be vying to get those all important three points and kick their season into gear.
Tottenham will almost certainly be without Rodrigo Bentancur after the midfielder appeared to be knocked unconscious at Leicester, and subsquently substituted. Alfie Gray replaced him on the night and could start his first game for Spurs on Saturday.
Yves Bissouma is available again after being handed a one-game ban for inhaling laughing gas, and Richarlison should be fit after a late cameo at the King Power Stadium though Dominic Solanke should keep his spot after an encouraging debut.
For Everton, Ashley Young is suspended after his red card against Brighton, but Sean Dyche hopes to have Jarrad Branthwaite available after injury. However, the game is likely to come too soon for Seamus Coleman and James Garner.
Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Gray, Sarr, Maddison; Kulusevski, Son, Solanke.
Everton possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Branthwaite, Tarkowski, O’Brien, Mykolenko; Gueye, Iroegbunam, Doucoure; Harrison, Calvert-Lewin, McNeil
Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Everton
Following Monday night’s frustrating draw against Leicester City, Ange Postecoglou must have given his Tottenham players an earful or two. Thus, we should see an immediate response from the home team this weekend. Although Everton themselves looked dangerous and carried a threat against Brighton before their red card, Spurs should have enough firepower to fend off Everton’s challenge this Saturday.
Both Crystal Palace and West Ham United went into their opening fixtures full of optimism and beliefs, however, as it turned out, neither team managed to stamp their authority on the games and eventually came away empty handed.
Moreover, following last season’s sudden upturn in form, a lot more is expected from Oliver Glasner and his Crystal Palace side. On the other hand, Julen Lopetegui’s side gave Aston Villa a fair fight but just came up short in a fight that could have gone either way.
Joachim Andersen will not be involved for Palace as he closes in on a move to Fulham. Matheus Franca is believed to be the only fitness concern at this stage.
The Hammers, meanwhile, could hand first starts to summer signings Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrüg, Jean-Clair Todibo and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. While centre-back Edson Álvarez is also expected to return.
Crystal Palace possible starting lineup:
Henderson; Richards, Andersen, Guehi; Daniel Munoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Kamada, Eze; Mateta
West Ham United possible starting lineup:
Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson; Rodriguez, Soucek; Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, Kudus; Fullkrüg
Crystal Palace 1-1 West Ham United
With Julen Lopetegui looking to bed in some of his new summer signings, Crystal Palace might sense an opportunity to force the Hammers into making errors and kick-off their home campaign with a solid win, however, Lopetegui and West Ham might also have a few tricks up their sleeves.
Despite going away to a loud and bouncing Old Trafford on the opening day, it was Fulham who had the better opportunities early on in the game before the hosts took control of the fixture and eventually came away with a late winner. That being said, their midfielder looks fragile with at least one solid central midfielder lacking.
Their opponents, Leicester City, rode their luck against North London club Tottenham Hotspur and eventually came away with a point thanks to a brilliant smash-and-grab goal by the 37-year-old Jamie Vardy.
Marco Silva’s side have sustained no new injuries and should have a fully fit squad for this game.
The Foxes will once again be without Patson Daka, Conor Coady, Luke Thomas and Jakub Stolarczyk, who continue to recover from their respective injury issues.
New signing Oliver Skipp should make the matchday squad after completing a permanent move from Tottenham Hotspur, but may have to be content with a place on the bench.
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Cairney, Luki?; Adama, Smith-Rowe, Iwobi; Muniz.
Leicester City possible starting lineup:
Hermansen; Pereira, Faes, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Winks, Ndidi; Fatawu, Decordova-Reid, Mavididi; Vardy.
Fulham 2-1 Leicester City
Fulham have a good recent record against Leicester, winning three of the last five head-to-head meetings between the two, including both of the last two. Leicester have won only one of their last six competitive games away from home, and despite a solid performance against Tottenham this could prove a tricky encounter for the Foxes.
A game that both sides will be desperate not to lose takes place on the South Coast this weekend as Southampton face off against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Saints fans are, though, quietly confident of their chances, and there were plenty of positives in their opening game against Newcastle to suggest they’ll do far more than just make up the numbers.
On paper Forest have more than enough to not only survive, but thrive in the Premier League. There are, though, question marks over whether or not this group can perform to their maximum as a collective under the current circumstances.
The Saints will once again be missing the injured trio of Gavin Bazunu, Adam Lallana and Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Midfielder Danilo suffered a broken ankle against Bournemouth at the weekend and will miss out here, likely to be replaced by Ryan Yates.
Ola Aina is also a doubt after picking up a knock in that game. If deemed unfit, Harry Toffolo will start in his place.
Further changes from the weekend are likely, with Nicolás Domínguez potentially coming in for Anthony Elanga.
Southampton possible starting lineup:
McCarthy; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens; Sugawara, Downes, Smallbone, Alcaraz, Walker-Peters; Armstrong, Brereton Diaz.
Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:
Sels; Williams, Boly, Murillo, Aina; Sangaré, Yates; Domínguez, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood.
Southampton 1-1 Nottingham Forest
Southampton’s opening half an hour against Newcastle was very impressive, though, and gives the impression they’re very well prepared for this season.
Forest, on the other hand, should have enough quality to avoid defeat in this one, but they’ll likely be pushed close by a very well-coached team.
Another reunion between Arsenal’s two most recent managers takes place in the West Midlands on Saturday evening, when the Gunners make the trip to face Unai Emery’s Aston Villa.
Both Champions League competitors got off to winning starts in the 2024-25 Premier League season last weekend, as Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka found the back of the net to lock in a 2-0 win for Mikel Arteta’s men.
Meanwhile, the Lions left it late to sink West Ham United 2-1 at the London Stadium, where Jhon Durán – a former Hammers transfer target – conjured up the winning moment.
For Aston Villa, Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara are long-term absentees whilst Robin Olsen is a major doubt for the clash. Ollie Watkins’ minutes were managed after his long international season with England in the Euros, but he should be getting the nod against the Gunners this weekend.
Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu continue being long-term absences for Arsenal and are unlikely to return any time soon. Jurrien Timber made a successful return from injury in the second half against the Wolves and could be in line to start against Villa instead of Oleksandr Zinchenko. Fabio Vieira is nursing a hip issue but could be available for the game.
Aston Villa possible starting lineup:
Martinez; Maatsen, Konsa, Torres, Moreno; Bailey, Onana, Tielemans, McGinn; Rogers; Watkins
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli
Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
Last season, Arsenal lost two league fixtures against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, however, it was the North London club that failed to convert their chances while Villa made them pay the price with smash-and-grab wins on both occasions. This time, though, expect nothing different. It’s going to be a tight and cagey contest that could go either way.
Seeking their fourth straight win in the head-to-head battle, Wolverhampton Wanderers welcome Chelsea to the Molineux Stadium on Sunday. Both teams arrive at Sunday’s fixture on the back of Matchday 1 defeats. Chelsea lost to Man City as home underdogs, while Wolves traveled to Arsenal and lost 2-0.
Wolves, however, have produced strong results over Chelsea in recent years. Since earning promotion to the top flight, they’ve dropped all three points only three times in 12 matches.
As far as Wolves are concerned, Nelson Semedo still has two games remaining from his three-game suspension following a direct red on the last day against Liverpool last season. Daniel Podence (calf) and Leon Chiwone (ankle) are still sidelined, while teenage winger Enso Gonzalez suffered a devastating ACL injury while playing for Paraguay at the Olympics and is facing a lengthy recuperation period.
Chelsea, on the other hand, will only be missing the services of Reece James, as he is suspended for the first three games of the new season after his red card at the end of the 2023/24 campaign. However, new manager Enzo Maresca has made some bold statements already, singling out certain players in his squad who aren’t likely to get any minutes under him at Stamford Bridge this season.
Wolverhampton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Sá; Doherty, Mosquera, Toti Gomes, Aït-Nouri; Sarabia, Lemina, J Gomes; Larsen, Cunha, Hwang
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sanchez; Gusto, W. Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Lavia, Caicedo; Neto, Nkunku, Palmer
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 Chelsea
Recent history gives Wolves the edge in this crucial early season encounter. Gary O’Neil’s side gave a good account of themselves against a resolute Arsenal side and will be confident when welcoming a Chelsea side with lots of uncertainty. At the end of the day, it’ll come down to which team converts their chances.
Newcastle United will make the long trip to Bournemouth for their second Premier League game of the season looking to make it two wins from two, whilst their hosts search for their first victory.
This will be just the 20th meeting between these two sides. There has been very little to split the pair with seven wins for Newcastle and six for Bournemouth.
In the eight games between 2018 and 2023, the Magpies have enjoyed an unbeaten streak, but they are now winless in the last three, which included defeat away from home last season, while the reverse fixture in February ended 2-2 on the night with both teams sharing the spoils.
New signing Evanilson is expected to be involved and make his debut, though fellow signing Enes Unal may have to wait a bit longer. Tyler Adams and David Brooks will also be absent through injury.
For Newcastle, Fabian Schär was shown a straight red for violent conduct in their last game against Southampton, so will not be available for selection. Jamaal Lascelles, Lewis Miley and Sven Botman are all out with long-term injuries, whilst Callum Wilson remains a doubt with a back injury.
AFC Bournemouth possible starting lineup:
Neto; Smith, Huijsen, Zabarnyi, Kerkez; Cook, Christie; Tavernier, Kluivert, Sinisterra; Semenyo
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Pope; Trippier, Schär, Burn, Hall; Longstaff, Guimarães, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon
AFC Bournemouth 2-2 Newcastle United
Newcastle will be looking to continue their perfect start to the season, whilst Bournemouth are hoping to improve on their opening game draw. We expect there to be nothing to split the two teams in this early season matchup, with a high scoring draw on the cards.
New Liverpool manager Arne Slot takes charge of his first game at Anfield as he and his side look to continue their winning start to the season. Despite not bringing in any new signings, Slot has been able to galvanise his troops and start the season on the correct note.
However, they will be facing a Brentford side looking to put an underwhelming season behind them. In their opening game, they beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at home, and will be hoping to build on this momentum, with both Bryan Mbeumo and Yoanne Wissa stepping up in Toney’s absence, leading them to victory.
Since Brentford’s promotion to the top flight in 2021, these two sides have met six times. As expected, Liverpool have been the superior team, winning four of these games.
Arne Slot should have a fully fit squad to choose from for this game. Joe Gomez could be the only absentee as he missed out last time with the player linked with a transfer away. Jarell Quansah was substituted at half-time last week despite not being injured, a move which could see Ibrahim Konate return to the starting lineup.
Ivan Toney was left out of the squad last weekend as he remains linked with a move away from the club. If his future has not been resolved, expect him to miss out once more. Brentford have no new injuries, but Josh Dasilva, Aaron Hickey and Rico Henry are still long-term absentees.
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jota, Díaz
Brentford possible starting lineup:
Flekken; Roerslev, Collins, Pinnock, Ajer; Norgaard, Janelt, Jensen; Mbeumo, Toney, Wissa
Liverpool 2-0 Brentford
The Reds are in good form dating back to last season as they are unbeaten in their last 10 games whereas Brentford’s victory over Crystal Palace was their first win in five including pre-season. Arne Slot’s side have the edge in the recent head-to-head, with wins in each of the last three meetings.
Moreover, with their potent attack, Liverpool should have confidence in troubling the Bees’ defence, with the visitors failing to keep a clean sheet in their last six against Liverpool.
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