A Chelsea win fancied to commence Matchday 2

Alan Shearer
Published on 21 Aug 2025 at 09:00
Updated on 06 Nov 2025 at 15:26

After an exciting opening weekend of the season which saw title favourites Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City all pick up three points we quickly move on to Matchday 2 where the big clash of the weekend is undoubtedly Newcastle v Liverpool on Monday night.

And not just becaue of the football that promises to take place on the field.

The Alexander Isak saga refuses to go away with seemingly the only club after his services - Liverpool - travelling to St James' Park to face his current club Newcastle, so a red hot atmosphere is guaranteed.

Betfair Ambassador and Premier League legend Alan Shearer has had his say on the matter, and you can read his exclusive thoughts here, but our man also has a view on every Premier League game on Matchday 2, and you can read them all below...

Premier League legend has picks for every game in Matchday 2
From Chelsea on Friday to MNF get Shearer's thoughts on all the fixtures
City and Arsenal fancied to win but Liverpool could slip up at Newcastle
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Listen to Football...Only Bettor Premier League Matchday 2 preview

West Ham v Chelsea - Friday 20:00, Live on Sky Sports

West Ham have to bounce back after a terrible result and performance at Sunderland - but I'm not sure they will. Chelsea looked a little lethargic against Crystal Palace, but I'd expect them to improve as the days and weeks go on. I'll go for an away win here.

Alan's Prediction: Chelsea win

Man City v Tottenham - Saturday 12:30, Live on TNT Sport

Man City were really impressive against Wolves - Reijnders was superb and Haaland got a couple of goals. Spurs got a good result, but Burnley did have their moments and didn't take them. City at home should have too much.

Alan's Prediction: Man City win

Brentford v Aston Villa - Saturday 15:00

Another tough one to call, both sides were poor in their opening games. Newcastle looked fitter and stronger than Villa, but they will get better as the games and days go on. I think Villa take this one on the road.

Alan's Prediction: Aston Villa win

Bournemouth v Wolves - Saturday 15:00

This is a tough one to call. I was impressed with Bournemouth, even when they were 2-0 down, they created chances and could have led themselves. They'll be disappointed to have let it slip when they got back into it, but I'll back them to get the points at home.

Alan's Prediction: Bournemouth win

Burnley v Sunderland - Saturday 15:00

This is tough with both sides coming up against each other so early on in the season. Sunderland had a great result at home to West Ham, Burnley started poorly. What a chance this could be for Sunderland to go and get six points and win two out of two games, that would be an unbelievable start. I think Burnley at home would be a lot better than they were last week, so I'll go for a point each.

Alan's Prediction: Draw

Arsenal v Leeds - Saturday 17:30, Live on Sky Sports

Arsenal had a great result but not a great performance against Man United - they'll improve. Leeds will make it tough for them after their result and they will be full of confidence, but I think Arsenal will have too much at home.

Alan's Prediction: Arsenal win

Crystal Palace v Nottm Forest - Saturday 14:00, Live on Sky Sports

Both impressed on opening weekend - Palace did well at Chelsea, while Forest started strongly and Chris Wood was on the scoresheet, when you're a centre forward you need to get off to a good start to get belief and confidence, he will be flying after that. This feels hard to call and may end all square.

Alan's Prediction: Draw

Everton v Brighton - Saturday 14:00, Live on Sky Sports

Everton were poor against Leeds, who made them look average. Brighton weren't that impressive against Fulham either, but I'll back Everton to edge it at their new ground with the atmosphere behind them.

Alan's Prediction: Everton win

Fulham v Man United - Saturday 16:30, Live on Sky Sports

Fulham snatched a late draw with Brighton. Man United played well without getting the result they wanted, and the pressure's on. The decision he has to make is if he starts Sesko, that is a different balance and set up, I thought Mbuemo and Cunha were excellent without getting any goals. It will be really interesting to see what team he puts out. I'll go with United to get it done away from home.

Alan's Prediction: Man United win

Newcastle v Liverpool - Monday 20:00, Live on Sky Sports

The atmosphere will be electric at St James' Park, it's going to be a bit tasty, it always is when these two meet but there will be some extra spice in this one. I'm going to the game and I can't wait. Newcastle were excellent against Villa without getting the goal; they looked fit and strong but couldn't take their chances. Tough one to call - I'll sit on the fence.

Alan's Prediction: Draw

Now read Alan Shearer Exclusive: Isak's agent has made a right mess for Newcastle

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