Premier League Gameweek 2 Predictions: Can Man Utd Bounce Back?

By Muhammad Shaheel On Aug 27, 2026

The opening weekend of the 2026/27 Premier League season delivered its share of surprises, and Gameweek 2 already contains several fixtures capable of producing more twists.

Manchester United will be looking to respond after their shock defeat at Hull City, while Arsenal travel to Aston Villa in the standout fixture of the final weekend game. Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea will also be expected to build on their opening results, although none can afford to take their opponents lightly.

Here are our Premier League Gameweek 2 predictions, with a score prediction for every fixture.

Crystal Palace vs Manchester City

Manchester City began their campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Bournemouth, showing enough attacking quality to suggest they can challenge at the top again. They now face a Palace side beaten 2-1 by Everton on the opening weekend.

Enzo Maresca still has work to do with a reshaped City squad, particularly after the departures of several experienced players. However, Elliot Anderson is fit for the trip to Selhurst Park, while Matheus Nunes remains a doubt. ([Reuters][1])

Palace should make this competitive, but City’s greater attacking quality should eventually tell.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester City

Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest

Liverpool survived a difficult opening game against Newcastle, securing a dramatic late victory, but there were enough warning signs to suggest Arne Slot’s side are still finding their rhythm.

Forest, meanwhile, are looking to recover from their opening defeat and have strengthened their attack with the arrival of Liam Delap from Chelsea. ([Reuters][2])

Anfield should make the difference, but Forest have enough to keep Liverpool uncomfortable.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Nottingham Forest

Bournemouth vs Everton

Bournemouth may have lost to Manchester City, but their performance at the Etihad was encouraging. They caused City problems for long periods and showed they can play aggressively against stronger opposition.

Everton began the season with an impressive victory over Crystal Palace and will provide another stern test.

This could be a closely fought game with little separating the two sides.

Prediction: Bournemouth 1-1 Everton

Coventry City vs Hull City

Hull could hardly have asked for a better return to the Premier League, beating Manchester United 2-0 and immediately announcing themselves as a side capable of competing.

Coventry, meanwhile, were beaten comfortably by Arsenal in their opening game and need a response in front of their own supporters.

The Tigers will have momentum, but Coventry should be a completely different proposition at home.

Prediction: Coventry City 1-1 Hull City

Tottenham vs Newcastle United

This is arguably the most difficult fixture of the weekend to call.

Tottenham were disappointing in their opening defeat by Brentford, while Newcastle were unfortunate to lose against Liverpool after producing a performance that suggested they remain dangerous going forward.

Both sides have plenty of attacking talent, but Tottenham need to show far greater defensive discipline.

Home advantage could just swing it.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Newcastle United

Chelsea vs Brighton

Chelsea’s first Premier League game under Xabi Alonso was chaotic but ultimately successful, with the Blues beating Fulham 3-2.

The attacking football was particularly encouraging, although conceding twice demonstrated that there is still plenty for Alonso to address defensively.

Brighton are unlikely to sit back and could make this another high-scoring encounter. Chelsea’s greater depth should nevertheless give them the edge at Stamford Bridge.

Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Brighton

Leeds United vs Brentford

Brentford produced one of the most impressive performances of Gameweek 1 when they dismantled Tottenham.

Leeds, meanwhile, secured a dramatic late win over Nottingham Forest and will have plenty of confidence heading into their first home game of the season.

Elland Road could make this uncomfortable for Brentford, but the visitors looked sharper in the final third last weekend.

Prediction: Leeds United 1-2 Brentford

Sunderland vs Fulham

Sunderland suffered a narrow defeat against Ipswich on their Premier League return but showed enough to suggest they will not simply make up the numbers this season.

Fulham pushed Chelsea hard in their opener and will feel they could have taken something from that match.

This looks like one of the most evenly matched fixtures of the weekend.

Prediction: Sunderland 1-1 Fulham

Manchester United vs Ipswich Town

This is the game Manchester United cannot afford to get wrong.

Michael Carrick’s side were beaten 2-0 at Hull in their opener, producing a performance that raised questions about their attacking threat and defensive organisation. United will now return to Old Trafford against an Ipswich side that began the campaign with a 2-1 victory over Sunderland. ([Sports Mole][3])

United should improve considerably on home soil, while Marcus Rashford’s return to the matchday squad could provide another attacking option.

Ipswich have already demonstrated that they can compete, but United should have enough quality to respond.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Ipswich Town

Aston Villa vs Arsenal

The biggest test of Gameweek 2 comes at Villa Park.

Arsenal made a convincing start to their title defence, while Villa are entering a new phase after losing several important players during the summer. Their squad has undergone significant change, although Unai Emery’s side remain a dangerous proposition at home. ([Talksport][4])

Arsenal have more stability and greater depth across the pitch. If they can control Villa’s transitions, the champions should have enough to take another three points.

Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal