• Liverpool won the Premier League title by 10 points last season

• Manchester United have won the most Premier League opening games with 22

• Arsenal have scored 58 goals across their opening games in the Premier League era

The wait is almost over as the clubs at the head table of English football prepare to battle it out in the opening round of fixtures for the 2025/26 Premier League season.

Reigning champions Liverpool kick-start proceedings on Friday night at Anfield against Bournemouth, while Sunday’s showdown between Manchester United and Arsenal is the pick of the Week 1 fixtures.

We provide a correct-score picks for all 10 Premier League matches.

Liverpool vs Bournemouth (Friday, 8pm)

Losing Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid, Milos Kerkez to Liverpool and Ilya Zabarnyi to Paris Saint-Germain, Bournemouth’s defence has been gutted ahead of a tough opener against the reigning champions at Anfield.

The Cherries have failed to score a single goal in any of their last three meetings with Liverpool and Arne Slot’s men look capable of making a winning start.

Score prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth

Aston Villa vs Newcastle (Saturday, 12.30pm)

Two teams hoping to challenge for the Champions League places once again, Aston Villa against Newcastle is another standout fixture at Villa Park.

Villa won 4-1 the last time these sides met in the West Midlands and, with Newcastle unsettled due to the speculation surrounding star striker Alexander Isak, the Villans can take advantage on Saturday.

Score prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Newcastle

Brighton vs Fulham (Saturday, 3pm)

Losing just one of their last 10 games against Brighton, Fulham have a strong record when it comes to fixtures against the Seagulls.

Three of the last five games between these sides at the Amex Stadium have ended in draws and another stalemate might be on the cards on the south coast on Saturday.

Score prediction: Brighton 1-1 Fulham

Sunderland vs West Ham (Saturday, 3pm)

Sunderland have spent big over the summer but it will take them time to gel after a tricky pre-season.

Saturday’s visitors West Ham are a more settled side and they can give the Black Cats a rude awakening on what life back in the top flight is really about.

Score prediction: Sunderland 0-1 West Ham

Tottenham vs Burnley (Saturday, 3pm)

Having to dust themselves down after the heartbreak of losing the UEFA Super Cup in dramatic fashion, Tottenham can get back to winning ways when they host Burnley on Saturday.

The Clarets’ promotion from the Championship was built on a solid defensive foundation but, with star keeper James Trafford sold over the summer, that defence might not be as effective this season.

Spurs have the firepower to take down Burnley in north London.

Score prediction: Tottenham 2-0 Burnley

Wolves vs Manchester City (Saturday, 5.30pm)

Selling Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri, Wolves have lost two of their star players over the summer.

Now at Manchester City, Ait-Nouri and his new team-mates should have far too much quality for a Wolves side who could be in for a tough season.

Score prediction: Wolves 0-3 Manchester City

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace (Sunday, 2pm)

Buoyed by their Community Shield victory on penalties against Liverpool, Crystal Palace will be full of confidence ahead of a tough trip to Chelsea on Sunday.

Both meetings between these sides last season ended in 1-1 draws and that trend might well continue at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

Score prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Crystal Palace

Nottingham Forest vs Brentford (Sunday, 2pm)

Brentford begin life without Thomas Frank at the helm when they make the trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

The Tricky Trees were impressive at the City Ground last season and they can make a winning start against Keith Andrews’ men in the East Midlands.

Score prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-0 Brentford

Manchester United vs Arsenal (Sunday, 4.30pm)

The pick of the Week 1 fixtures, Manchester United will be determined to show signs of progress when they host last season’s runners-up Arsenal.

With new striker Vikor Gyokeres eager to make a flying start on debut for the Gunners, the more settled north London outfit might just be able to edge out the Red Devils on their own patch.

Score prediction: Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal

Leeds vs Everton (Monday, 8pm)

The Week 1 fixtures conclude on Monday night in front of a full house at Elland Road, as last season’s Championship winners Leeds host Everton.

Leeds are hoping for attacking reinforcements before the summer window closes and, after an unbeaten pre-season which included draws against Manchester United and AC Milan, the Whites might be able to grind out a point against the Toffees in West Yorkshire.

Score prediction: Leeds 1-1 Everton