English Premier League predictions, fixtures and results: 18 – 21 August 2023
Round two of the English Premier League follows hot on the heels of last weekend’s curtain-raiser, as England’s top clubs seek an early advantage in the August standings.
A number of eye-catching clashes between Friday and Sunday will reveal plenty about who is in good shape and who needs more wheeling and dealing before the end of an extraordinary transfer window at the end of the month.
Reigning champions Manchester City already look to have lost star man Kevin de Bruyne to injury for the rest of 2023.
Pep Guardiola’s side made a convincing start to their latest EPL title defence and step out at the Etihad Stadium for the first time this term, in a fascinating Saturday night contest against Newcastle, who put in the performance of the first round a week ago.
Their contest follows hot on the heels of another tasty battle between Tottenham and Manchester United.
The Red Devils were fortunate to pinch an opening game win at Old Trafford and head to the London Stadium to play Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs, for whom there remains plenty of optimism despite the departure of club legend Harry Kane to Bayern Munich on the eve of the new season.
A brace of London derbies, meanwhile, bring the Premier League weekend to a climax.
The Monday night football sends Arsenal south of the River Thames to play Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Both were narrow winners first time out, as the Gunners seek to build on last season’s impressive, second-placed finish under Mikel Arteta.
Sunday grabs the eye, too, with a humdinger between West Ham and Chelsea at the London Stadium.
The Blues’ unbelievable spending spree shows no sign of letting up since the arrival of coach Mauricio Pochettino, while veteran boss David Moyes prepares to take his Hammers into Uefa Europa League action in the coming months.
Aston Villa and Everton go head-to-head in Sunday’s other top flight fixture, with both having tasted defeat on the opening weekend.
Three more Saturday matches include a first home game of the new campaign for Liverpool, with Bournemouth the visitors to Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp saw his charges held to an entertaining opening draw at Chelsea, albeit with Mohamed Salah sulking following his second half withdrawal, while the Cherries popped an opening point under new coach Andoni Iraola at the Vitality Stadium.
Fulham and Brentford complete a hat-trick of capital city rival clashes when they battle for west London pride at Craven Cottage.
It’s a contest full of intrigue between two clubs that impressed last season, with both recording top half finishes before carrying on that momentum into last week’s opening round of EPL action.
Wolves put in a spirited display in their Monday night loss at Manchester United and face another stern test of their survival credentials at Molineux.
Over-achievers Brighton are the visitors to the Black Country and few would bet against them brushing off the loss of Moises Caicedo for a transfer record-busting fee in excess of £100 million.
Promoted pair Luton and Burnley will have to wait for their reunion, however.
The Hatters’ EPL debut at Kenilworth Road has been delayed thanks to the £10m, rapid-fire upgrades needed upon their shock play-off final promotion to the top flight.
Nottingham Forest and promoted Sheffield United kick off the Premier League weekend on Friday night when they both continue their quest for their first points of the new campaign under the lights at the City Ground.
English Premier League predictions for 18 – 21 August
Nottingham Forest v Sheffield United
| Result prediction | Nottingham Forest to win |
| Over/Under prediction | under 2.5 goals |
| HT / FT prediction | Nottingham Forest / Nottingham Forest to win |
| Team to Score prediction | Nottingham Forest |
| Anytime Goalscorer prediction | T. Awoniyi(Nottingham Forest) |
Fulham v Brentford
| Result prediction | Fulham to win |
| Over/Under prediction | over 2.5 goals |
| HT / FT prediction | Fulham / Fulham to win |
| Team to Score prediction | both teams |
| Anytime Goalscorer prediction | A. Mitrović(Fulham) Y. Wissa(Brentford) B. Mbeumo(Brentford) |
Liverpool v AFC Bournemouth
| Result prediction | Liverpool to win |
| Over/Under prediction | under 2.5 goals |
| HT / FT prediction | Liverpool / Liverpool to win |
| Team to Score prediction | Liverpool |
| Anytime Goalscorer prediction | C. Gakpo(Liverpool) |
Luton Town v Burnley
| Result prediction | Luton Town to win |
| Over/Under prediction | under 2.5 goals |
| HT / FT prediction | draw / Luton Town to win |
| Team to Score prediction | both teams |
| Anytime Goalscorer prediction | C. Morris(Luton Town) |
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Brighton & Hove Albion
| Result prediction | Brighton & Hove Albion to win |
| Over/Under prediction | under 2.5 goals |
| HT / FT prediction | Brighton & Hove Albion / Brighton & Hove Albion to win |
| Team to Score prediction | Brighton & Hove Albion |
| Anytime Goalscorer prediction | E. Ferguson(Brighton & Hove Albion) |
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United
| Result prediction | Tottenham Hotspur to win |
| Over/Under prediction | over 2.5 goals |
| HT / FT prediction | draw / Tottenham Hotspur to win |
| Team to Score prediction | both teams |
| Anytime Goalscorer prediction | n/a |
Manchester City v Newcastle United
| Result prediction | Newcastle United to win |
| Over/Under prediction | over 2.5 goals |
| HT / FT prediction | draw / Newcastle United to win |
| Team to Score prediction | both teams |
| Anytime Goalscorer prediction | E. Haaland(Manchester City) C. Wilson(Newcastle United) |
Aston Villa v Everton
| Result prediction | draw |
| Over/Under prediction | under 2.5 goals |
| HT / FT prediction | Aston Villa / draw |
| Team to Score prediction | both teams |
| Anytime Goalscorer prediction | A. Doucouré(Everton) |
West Ham United v Chelsea
| Result prediction | draw |
| Over/Under prediction | under 2.5 goals |
| HT / FT prediction | draw / draw |
| Team to Score prediction | both teams |
| Anytime Goalscorer prediction | n/a |
