EPL Expert Tips Matchday 2

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The second round of the 2026/27 Premier League season is here, with another huge weekend of football ahead.

Manchester City travel to Crystal Palace to kick off the round, while Liverpool host Nottingham Forest at Anfield. There are also intriguing clashes between Tottenham and Newcastle, Chelsea and Brighton, and Aston Villa and Arsenal.

Here are my predictions for all 10 Premier League Round 2 matches.

Crystal Palace vs Manchester City
Prediction: Crystal Palace 0-2 Manchester City

Manchester City should have the quality to take control of this contest. Crystal Palace are capable of making life difficult at home, particularly early in the game, but City's attacking talent should eventually prove too much.

A professional away performance and a clean sheet are my predictions, with City taking all three points.

Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Nottingham Forest

Liverpool face what could be a competitive test against Nottingham Forest, but Anfield could make the difference, and if Bradley Barcola signs in time, could be an even more exciting contest.

Forest have enough quality to cause problems and should not be underestimated, but Liverpool's attacking options give them the edge. I am backing the home side to come through a tight contest and start Round 2 with their firs three points of the season.

Coventry City vs Hull City
Prediction: Coventry City 0-0 Hull City

This could be one of the tightest games of the weekend.

Both Coventry and Hull will see this as an opportunity to pick up a positive result, but that could also make for a cautious encounter. I am predicting a game with limited clear-cut chances and neither side able to find a breakthrough, but this game is likely going to be decided by just one goal.

Bournemouth vs Everton
Prediction: Bournemouth 1-1 Everton

A difficult game to separate. Both Bournemouth and Everton have enough quality to get on the scoresheet, but neither side stands out as a clear favourite and look evenly matched after Matchday 1. I am expecting a competitive match, with the points ultimately being shared.

Tottenham vs Newcastle
Prediction: Tottenham 1-1 Newcastle

One of the standout fixtures of the round sees Tottenham take on Newcastle.

Both teams possess plenty of quality on paper and will fancy their chances of getting a result. It should be an entertaining contest, but I am struggling to separate them and am backing a draw in North London. Tottenham will have home advantage, new signing Savio, and maybe Omar Marmoush, but Newcastle have been really impressive in their opening league and cup games.

Chelsea vs Brighton
Prediction: Chelsea 2-2 Brighton

Goals could be on the cards at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea and Brighton both have plenty of attacking quality, and this has all the ingredients to be one of the most entertaining matches of Round 2. Brighton are more than capable of causing problems and decimated Aston Villa, while Chelsea will expect to make the most of home advantage and their new top class attack.

Leeds United vs Brentford
Prediction: Leeds United 2-2 Brentford

Another game where I am expecting goals.

Two sides that could make Europe, Leeds will have the backing of their home supporters after consecutive victories, but Brentford have enough quality to make this a difficult afternoon for the hosts. Both sides should create opportunities, and I am predicting another four-goal thriller with the points shared.

Sunderland vs Fulham
Prediction: Sunderland 2-1 Fulham

Sunderland's home advantage could be crucial in this one as they were one of the best sides at home last season.

Fulham will provide a tough challenge, but the atmosphere and energy at the Stadium of Light could help Sunderland get over the line. I am backing the home side to edge a close contest and claim an important three points.

Manchester United vs Ipswich Town
Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Ipswich Town

Manchester United should have too much attacking quality at Old Trafford despite an impressive win by Ipswich.

Ipswich are capable of causing problems and could get themselves on the scoresheet, but United should create enough chances to secure a comfortable victory. I am backing the Red Devils to score three and take all three points for their first win of the season.

Aston Villa vs Arsenal
Prediction: Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal

Round 2 concludes with a huge clash between Aston Villa and Arsenal.

Villa Park is never an easy place to visit, but Arsenal have the quality required to get the job done away from home with Aston Villa in a shambled against Brighton. I am backing the Gunners to produce a strong defensive performance, keep a clean sheet and leave with a 2-0 victory.