The 2026/27 Premier League season is finally here, and we are starting the campaign with our Gameweek 1 predictions. The opening weekend has several intriguing fixtures, including some big clubs facing potentially tricky tests and newly promoted sides looking to make an immediate impact.
From Arsenal beginning at home to Coventry City to a huge Newcastle United vs Liverpool clash, here are our predictions for every Gameweek 1 fixture.
Arsenal vs Coventry City
Arsenal head into their opening league game with plenty of confidence after an emphatic Community Shield performance against Enzo Maresca's Manchester City. The Gunners looked dominant and should be expected to control this game from the opening whistle.
Coventry City face a huge challenge on their return to the Premier League, particularly away from home against one of the title contenders. Arsenal have the superior squad and home advantage, so anything other than a comfortable victory would be a surprise.
Prediction: Arsenal 4-0 Coventry City
Hull City vs Manchester United
Manchester United endured a mixed pre-season, with their preparations ending in a disappointing 4-2 defeat against AC Milan, now managed by their former coach Ruben Amorim.
Michael Carrick will want a much better performance when United begin their Premier League campaign, but Hull City could make life difficult. The newly promoted side should be motivated by the occasion, and we are going for a surprise result.
Prediction: Hull City 2-2 Manchester United
Everton vs Crystal Palace
This could be one of the tighter games of the opening weekend. Neither side is likely to want to take too many risks early in the season, which could result in a cagey contest.
Crystal Palace will also begin their league campaign under new manager Pierre Sage, making this an interesting first test for the new era. Everton's home advantage could help them, but we expect both teams to settle for a point.
Prediction: Everton 1-1 Crystal Palace
Ipswich Town vs Sunderland
Sunderland were one of the biggest surprise success stories of the previous season, but they now face a newly promoted Ipswich Town side determined to make an immediate impression.
Ipswich should have plenty of energy in front of their home supporters, and we are going bold with this prediction. The hosts could take advantage of Sunderland's slow start and claim three valuable points.
Prediction: Ipswich Town 2-1 Sunderland
Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United
Oliver Glasner's return to the Premier League continues with Nottingham Forest, and he could hardly ask for a better opportunity to begin his new chapter with a victory.
Leeds United are unlikely to make things easy, but Forest's home advantage and greater familiarity with the demands of the Premier League could prove decisive. We expect a competitive match, but Forest should edge it.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Leeds United
Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur
This will be a major early test for Roberto De Zerbi's Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs have enjoyed a record-breaking transfer window and have added significant quality to their squad.
However, playing Brentford away from home is never straightforward. Tottenham should have enough individual quality to make the difference, particularly if their new signings settle quickly.
Prediction: Brentford 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Aston Villa
Aston Villa looked promising despite their UEFA Cup defeat against Paris Saint-Germain, but they now face a difficult opening-day trip to Brighton.
Brighton has enough quality to cause villa problems, while the visitors should also create plenty of opportunities of their own. This looks like a game where neither side will be able to establish complete control.
Prediction: Brighton & Hove Albion 2-2 Aston Villa
Manchester City vs Bournemouth
Manchester City will be desperate to bounce back after their disastrous Community Shield performance against Bournemouth. Enzo Maresca could hardly have imagined a more difficult start to his Manchester City tenure.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, will enter this game with confidence after their impressive showing against City. We are expecting another shock and believe the visitors could pile further pressure on the hosts.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-3 Bournemouth
Newcastle United vs Liverpool
One of the standout fixtures of Gameweek 1 sees Newcastle United take on Liverpool in a fascinating battle between two teams with new managers.
Andoni Iraola's Liverpool face a tough challenge against Matthias Jaissle's Newcastle, particularly at St. James' Park. Newcastle's intensity and home support could make the difference in what we expect to be one of the biggest surprises of the opening weekend.
Prediction: Newcastle United 2-0 Liverpool
Fulham vs Chelsea
Chelsea begin a new chapter under Xabi Alonso with a tricky away fixture against Fulham. The opening game will provide an early indication of how quickly Alonso can implement his ideas in the Premier League.
Chelsea have strengthened their squad with several quality additions, giving Alonso plenty of attacking and defensive options. Fulham can make this competitive, but the visitors should have enough quality to secure all three points.
Prediction: Fulham 1-3 Chelsea
26/27 Premier League GW1 Predictions
The opening weekend could produce plenty of surprises, with several newly promoted sides facing difficult challenges and some of the Premier League's biggest clubs starting under new managers.
Our Gameweek 1 predictions are
- Arsenal 4-0 Coventry City
- Hull City 2-2 Manchester United
- Everton 1-1 Crystal Palace
- Ipswich Town 2-1 Sunderland
- Nottingham Forest 2-1 Leeds United
- Brentford 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur
- Brighton & Hove Albion 2-2 Aston Villa
- Manchester City 2-3 Bournemouth
- Newcastle United 2-0 Liverpool
- Fulham 1-3 Chelsea
The new Premier League season promises an unpredictable opening weekend, and if these predictions are anything to go by, fans could be in for plenty of drama from the very first round of fixtures.
