Alan Shearer’s Premier League predictions including Manchester United vs Arsenal

Newcastle United FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League
Alan Shearer previews this weekend’s opening set of Premier League fixtures (Picture: Getty)

Following a three-month hiatus, the Premier League returns this weekend as the 2025-26 season gets underway.

Defending champions Liverpool are involved in the first Premier League fixture of the campaign, Arne Slot’s side welcoming Bournemouth to Anfield on Friday night.

Five Premier League games take place on Saturday and include Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and newly-promoted Sunderland and Burnley.

A London derby between Chelsea and Crystal Palace kick-starts the action on Sunday before arguably the stand-out fixture of the weekend as Arsenal visit Manchester United.

The first Monday Night Football fixture of the campaign sees the other newly-promoted team, Leeds United, take on Everton.

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England legend and Betfair ambassador Alan Shearer has previewed all ten Premier League fixtures for Metro.

Liverpool FC v Crystal Palace FC - Premier League
Liverpool are the defending Premier League champions (Picture: Getty)

Liverpool v Bournemouth

Bournemouth have lost Zabarnyi, Kerkez and Huijsen. That’s a big ask to fill for any club when all of them played on a regular basis last year.

I know Liverpool were disappointing in the Community Shield but I’d guess Anfield will be rocking again so I’ll go for a home win to Liverpool.

Prediction: Liverpool win

Aston Villa v Newcastle

It’s a tough start for Newcastle. I think they could’ve done without all the off-field talk. It’s ongoing every day and it will be this week leading up to the game but in the grand scheme of things, they still have a good team.

They have one of, if not the best midfield in the country. I’ll say a draw. I’d be amazed if we saw Alexander Isak in a Newcastle shirt on Saturday and I don’t think anyone’s expecting that.

Prediction: Draw

Brighton v Fulham

Brighton have got their own unwanted transfer with Carlos Baleba and Man United but I’d still think they have enough to beat Fulham. I’ll go for a home win.

Prediction: Brighton win

Head Coach Regis Le Bris Signs Contract Extension At Sunderland AFC
Sunderland are back in the Premier League under Regis Le Bris (Picture: Getty)

Sunderland v West Ham

It’s a great opportunity for Sunderland to get off to a good start. It’ll be a brilliant atmosphere at the Stadium of Light.

Two teams I don’t really see in the top-half this season. I’ll give each of them a point to start the season with which wouldn’t be a bad start for both.

Prediction: Draw

Spurs v Burnley

Spurs at home. Thomas Frank’s first game. Burnley will go there and try to soak up pressure. But it’s a home win for me.

Burnley will try to play how they did in the Championship, but doing it there and in the Premier League are two different things. They were unbelievable defensively last season but I don’t see that being successful for them this season.

Prediction: Spurs win

Wolves v Man City

Wolves have lost a couple of big-hitters and I think Man City will go there and take the points.

Prediction: Man City win

Manchester City Training Session
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City underwhelmed last season (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea v Crystal Palace

It’s always good to get into competitive mode and Crystal Palace have done that already albeit they went to penalties so they’ll be in better condition than Chelsea possibly. But I think Chelsea being at home, with the players they’ve signed… I’m tempted to go for a draw here.

Liam Delap has gone to a club where he knows he’ll be under pressure. When he does play, he’ll know he has to perform and score goals. Whether he’ll be first-choice or not, we’ll have to wait and see because I think Joao Pedro will score a few and he’s a right good player.

Prediction: Draw

Nottingham Forest v Brentford

I’d go for a home win because of the uncertainty at Brentford with Wissa and also Mbuemo being sold

Prediction: Forest win

Man United v Arsenal

It’s wonderful for us to sit down on Sunday and watch two giants go head to head so early in the season. Tough one to call but I’ll go for a draw.

There’s always a surprise result on the opening weekend. I don’t know what a surprise result would be in this game. It’s so tough to call with so many interesting moving parts. Gyokores on one side, Sesko on the other.

Amorim and Gyokores know each other really well. Zubimendi may free up Declan Rice more, Man United have done really well in forward positions. It’s a tough one to call so early in the season. There’ll be needle at Old Trafford. 

Prediction: Draw

Leeds v Everton

They’ll be watching the other games desperate to get going. Elland Road will be rocking back in the Premier League and I’m going to go for a draw here too.

Prediction: Draw

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