Premier League predictions: Gameweek 1
- The 2024/25 Premier League campaign kicks off on Friday 16 August
- All 20 clubs in action across four days of English top flight football
- Chelsea vs Man City is the standout fixture of Gameweek 1
The Premier League is back, baby!
While fans have been thoroughly entertained by a smorgasbord of international tournaments over the summer, nothing beats the return of club football. The world's most watched division is certain to deliver nine more months of remarkable drama.
Setting good habits early in the season is of paramount importance, especially to the sides fighting at both ends of the table. The season finale is an awful long way in the distance but the points won or lost in Gameweek 1 could be the difference come next May.
Here is how 90min thinks the opening round of Premier League fixtures will play out in 2024/25.
Friday 16 August
Manchester United kick off the new campaign when they host Fulham at Old Trafford on Friday evening. Less than a week after their penalty shootout defeat in the Community Shield, Erik ten Hag will be hoping an opening victory can boost morale on the pitch and in the stands. However, the Cottagers did win this fixture last term thanks to a 97th-minute Alex Iwobi winner.
Kick-off time (BST) | Fixture | Prediction |
|---|---|---|
20:00 | Man Utd vs Fulham | 2-1 |
Saturday 17 August
The Arne Slot era begins on Saturday lunchtime, with Liverpool handed another early kick-off. Newly-promoted Ipswich Town are the Reds' opposition and will be aiming for a scalp on their long-awaited return to the top flight. However, Liverpool's impressive pre-season form suggests Slot already has his side in tip-top shape.
Arsenal were desperately close to the Premier League title last season but had to accept silver instead of gold. Their attempts to usurp champions Man City begin with a home clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the Old Gold having had a quiet summer.
Everton survived despite points deductions last season and will look to prey on any uncertainty in the Brighton & Hove Albion ranks following Roberto De Zerbi's exit. 31-year-old Fabian Hurzeler has taken over following an impressive spell with St Pauli but lacks significant experience - he's seven years younger than Seagulls midfielder James Milner.
A campaign without European football could prove a blessing in disguise for Newcastle United after they struggled with a ridiculous number of injuries last season. They host newly-promoted Southampton on Saturday afternoon, with Russell Martin's side securing their return to the top flight via last term's Championship play-offs.
Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth is not a fixture likely to get pulses racing but both sides have been busy with acquisitions and sales in the summer transfer market. The Cherries won this exact fixture 3-2 last season courtesy of a Dominic Solanke hat-trick, but the prolific centre-forward has now left the club.
Saturday's late kick-off sees the division's two claret and blue outfits meet. West Ham United are the hosts and Aston Villa the visitors for a battle of Spaniards Julen Lopetegui and Unai Emery on the touchline. The former is overseeing his first competitive fixture as Hammers boss.
Kick-off time (BST) | Fixture | Prediction |
|---|---|---|
12:30 | Ipswich vs Liverpool | 1-2 |
15:00 | Arsenal vs Wolves | 3-0 |
15:00 | Everton vs Brighton | 1-1 |
15:00 | Newcastle vs Southampton | 3-0 |
15:00 | Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth | 1-2 |
17:30 | West Ham vs Aston Villa | 2-2 |
Sunday 18 August
It's a London derby that gets the Sunday action underway when Crystal Palace travel west to face Brentford. Oliver Glasner's Eagles have sparkled following the Austrian's appointment in February but they could lose some first-team stars this summer, with Michael Olise already departing. Brentford will be hoping for a more inspiring season in 2024/25 after their 16th-placed finish last term.
The game of the weekend comes at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea play host to Manchester City. Enzo Maresca takes charge of his first Premier League game against his former employers and the Italian couldn't have been handed a tougher challenge. Champions City have already won the Community Shield and will be aiming to make a quicker start than they have in previous seasons.
Kick-off time (BST) | Fixture | Prediction |
|---|---|---|
14:00 | Brentford vs Crystal Palace | 1-1 |
16:30 | Chelsea vs Man City | 1-2 |
Monday 19 August
The 2015/16 Premier League champions Leicester City have returned to the top flight after a year in the Championship. The Foxes host Tottenham Hotspur in their opener under new boss Steve Cooper in a fixture that has produced 28 goals in its last five instalments. Summer signings Solanke and Archie Gray could make their debuts at the King Power Stadium for Ange Postecoglou's side.
Kick-off time (BST) | Fixture | Prediction |
|---|---|---|
20:00 | Leicester vs Tottenham | 1-2 |
READ THE LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS, RUMOURS & GOSSIP
feed