Premier League 2025/26: Gameweek 3 Preview and Predictions

Gameweek 2 of the 2025/26 Premier League season witnessed great contests, one-sided encounters, and edge-of-the-seat nail-biters.

While Arsenal decimated Leeds to go top of the table, the Cityzens were shocked at home by an inspired Spurs. The Red Devils shared the spoils with the Cottagers, while Liverpool survived Newcastle’s 10-man onslaught to run away with all three points courtesy of a late, late winner. 

Just before the first international break of the season, here we present our predictions for the third Gameweek of the 2025/26 season.

Chelsea vs Fulham

After putting up a five-star attacking display against the Hammers at London Stadium, Chelsea host Fulham in Gameweek 3. After what looked like an underwhelming start to their last game, as West Ham opened the scoring, the Blues put their attacking hats on and went on to score five goals to win comfortably in the end.

Chelsea have most of their first-choice players available for this encounter except for Cole Palmer, who is out injured.

As for Fulham, they haven’t exactly started the season with a bang, having drawn both of their opening two games. They were lucky to escape with a draw at home against Manchester United, whose captain Bruno Fernandes missed a penalty. The lack of signings could come back to haunt Marco Silva & Co, as they haven’t looked convincing thus far. However, they did well in the League Cup second round earlier in the week, beating Bristol City comfortably, though this could also affect them as the players may just be tired enough for a fully rested Chelsea to roll them over.

This game definitely has Chelsea as the overwhelming favourites due to their quality, form, and squad depth. Though their defence is a worry, they have too much attacking prowess to outscore their opponents.

Score prediction: Chelsea 3–1 Fulham 

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Everton

The hosts for this game have had a poor start to the season and remain without a point after two games, having looked disjointed and uninspired. That said, their performance was better in the second game against the Cherries, where they lost to a solitary goal despite being solid in defence.

Vitor Pereira certainly has a mountain to climb, having lost his most prolific creator and scorer in Matheus Cunha. And he may be on the verge of losing another talismanic forward in Jorgen Strand Larsen, with Newcastle lurking around. For the time being, though, Wolves’ performance against West Ham in the League Cup earlier this week — as they came back from 2–0 down to win 3–2 — would have given them some much-needed confidence to put some points on the board.

Everton, meanwhile, had a poor start with a loss against newly promoted Leeds United, but against a tougher opposition in Brighton they started life at their new abode with a massive win. On-loan Jack Grealish was involved in both goals as the Toffees managed to win against a wasteful Brighton, who created many chances but couldn’t find the finishing touch, even missing a spot kick.

This game could end in a draw, as Wolves at home would be a tough challenge for Everton, who are not really consistent away from home.

Score prediction: Wolves 1–1 Everton

Tottenham Hotspur vs Bournemouth

Spurs have looked brilliant so far under new head coach Thomas Frank. The addition of Mohammed Kudus to the forward line seems to have elevated their attack to a different level. The win against Manchester City at the Etihad was a massive statement from the North London outfit.

However, the Cherries are a tricky side to deal with in their own right, with their wide players posing a serious threat. They impressed in the loss against Liverpool on the opening weekend and then won a scrappy affair against Wolves at home. That said, they just went out of the EFL Cup against Brentford, which would have hampered their confidence.

Both teams have defensive frailties that can be exposed, though Spurs haven’t conceded a goal yet. This could be a very entertaining end-to-end affair, as both Thomas Frank and Andoni Iraola like to play attacking football, though Spurs should be able to edge it for all three points.

Score prediction: Spurs 2–1 Bournemouth

Manchester United vs Burnley

Different season, same Manchester United. The Red Devils only have a point from two PL games. Even with top-class new signings in attack, they have not been able to score freely. Last week, in a game most expected them to win against Fulham after their decent performance against Arsenal, they came away with only a point. Captain Bruno Fernandes missed a penalty that could surely have helped them win.

After their embarrassing defeat to fourth-tier side Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup, Ruben Amorim’s job has just gotten a whole lot tougher. So it’s good for them that they are playing at home against relatively easier opposition in newly promoted Burnley.

As for the Clarets, they looked clueless in their opening encounter against Spurs but managed to secure three points against Sunderland with a top performance. However, despite their issues United should prove too strong for Burnley at home and register their first win of the season.

Score prediction: Man United 2–0 Burnley 

Sunderland vs Brentford

Newly promoted Sunderland surprised everyone by shocking West Ham with a 3–0 win on the opening weekend. However, up against fellow promoted side Burnley, the Black Cats fell short.

In contrast, Brentford had a losing start to the season against Nottingham Forest, who thrashed them 3–1. However, the Bees showed resilience and fought hard against Aston Villa and won by a solitary goal at home. They’ve lost several key players over the summer, though new signing Dango Ouattara made a dream debut with a winning goal. Brentford also won their recent EFL Cup game against Bournemouth, while Sunderland lost to Huddersfield Town on penalties.

With home advantage in this game, Sunderland can cause Brentford a fair bit of trouble. However, the Bees possess a sting in their tail and are more than capable of hitting back. Based on improvement in their form and rise in confidence, Brentford may win what should be a tightly contested encounter.

Score prediction: Sunderland 1–2 Brentford

Leeds United vs Newcastle United

On the opening weekend, Leeds United opened their PL account with a scrappy win against Everton, while Newcastle had a tough draw against Villa.

However, Leeds travelled away to the Emirates Stadium and returned with their tail between their legs on Gameweek 2, as Arsenal thrashed them 5–0 for a rude awakening. The Magpies, meanwhile, have massive problems of their own. With star striker Alexander Isak refusing to train or play, they suffered a heartbreaking loss to Liverpool at home after restoring parity at 2–2 while a man down.

With forward Anthony Gordon suspended, and midfielders Sandro Tonali and Joelinton out with injuries, Newcastle are hamstrung. Despite these problems, they have enough quality to beat a Leeds side who looked disjointed and clueless against the Gunners.

Score prediction: Leeds United 0–2 Newcastle United 

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Manchester City

This is a mouthwatering fixture. Both teams lost their respective matches in Gameweek 2, with the Seagulls losing to Everton away and City losing to Spurs at home.

If City can get their playing XI right, they can come away with three points against Brighton. They do have the better attacking lineup, and Brighton’s defence has been susceptible of late. However, the Cityzens need to be wary of Brighton’s wide players Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh.

Brighton had a great outing in the EFL Cup as they won their Round 2 fixture by a scoreline of 6–0. That said, City have the firepower to win this game even despite Brighton’s attacking threat.

Score prediction: Brighton & Hove Albion 1–3 Man City  

Nottingham Forest vs West Ham United

Nottingham Forest have started the season well with four points from their first two games, having drawn against a tricky Crystal Palace side away from home last weekend. Forest have continued their form from last season and have bolstered their attack with quality players ahead of a European campaign.

In contrast, the Hammers have had a nightmare start with two losses in the league. Chelsea annihilated them at Stamford Bridge last week, and they also went out of the EFL Cup in the second round against Wolves after leading 2–0 for a long period. Graham Potter looks seriously out of ideas, and the signs are ominous for him and for West Ham’s future.

Playing Forest at home is a difficult task; for a team as struggling as West Ham, it will be an uphill struggle. Forest should be able to win this game comfortably given the quality they possess in both attack and defence.

Score prediction: Nottingham Forest 3–1 West Ham

Liverpool vs Arsenal

This is the most awaited fixture of Gameweek 3, featuring two potential title contenders and last season’s winners and runners-up.

Liverpool played an exciting game away at St. James’ Park on Monday night and grabbed a last-minute winner through their 16-year-old talent Rio Ngumoha to take away all three points.

In contrast, Arsenal thrashed newly promoted Leeds last time out, with their new signing Viktor Gyökeres scoring a brace. The Gunners are looking dangerous in attack and solid at the back and are probably the most balanced side in the league currently.

There are serious defensive issues that the defending champions need to resolve if they want to get points from this game. The Reds have now let two-goal leads slip twice in two weeks and were susceptible on set pieces against Newcastle. They also have problems at right-back, with both their first-choice options in the position unfit to start.

While Arsenal have a solid defence, having not conceded a goal yet, their attack and midfield seem to be gelling well too. In addition, they are quite lethal on set pieces, which is something Liverpool may need to watch out for. Also, with the addition of Eberechi Eze to their side, they’ve made a massive statement of intent. Their star player Bukayo Saka, though, is set to miss out due to injury, while captain Martin Ødegaard is also a doubt.

Arsenal haven’t beaten Liverpool at Anfield for more than a decade, and Liverpool’s attack could cause them problems. Difficult to call this one, though a draw is the likeliest outcome.

Score prediction: Liverpool 2–2 Arsenal 

Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace

Aston Villa haven’t started the season well and have just one point after two games. Their inability to get more signings in over the summer seems to be hurting them already. Their attacking players aren’t performing either, with a misfiring Ollie Watkins one of their biggest problems.

As for Crystal Palace, Oliver Glasner has done a fabulous job with them. The Eagles do not lose their shape easily and are great on the counter, with Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaïla Sarr particularly dangerous on the break.

This is a must-win game for Villa. As for Palace, they will continue to play the way they do even after losing one of their best players, Eberechi Eze, and may lose their captain Marc Guéhi as well before the transfer window shuts. If Guéhi doesn’t start this game, Palace will be weakened, which could prove advantageous for Villa. Additionally, playing the second leg of their Europa Conference League qualifier will have left Palace fatigued.

Even though this could be a tightly contested affair, Villa should be able to edge this one out.

Score prediction: Aston Villa 1–0 Crystal Palace