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The Premier League machine relentlessly rolls into its third week of action, offering no respite for the weary before the looming international break. Just when you thought the season was merely finding its rhythm, St. James’ Park on Monday night delivered a pulsating reminder of football’s unparalleled drama.
The so-called “Alexander Isak Derby” on Tyneside was an instant classic, with Liverpool’s dramatic 3-2 triumph against the Magpies already staking its claim as a contender for game of the season, despite its early arrival. We are only two weeks into the 2025-26 campaign, and the first international hiatus is almost upon us. Fortunately, the schedule-makers have once again delivered a belting, narrative-laden weekend of action. With no Friday or Monday night fixtures, the chaos will be condensed into less than 48 hours.
Here are Sports Illustrated’s comprehensive Premier League predictions for Gameweek 3.
Saturday, August 23: A Pivotal Day for Ruben Amorim
The weekend kicks off with a West London Derby at Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea host Fulham. While perhaps not the fiercest rivalry, the close proximity of these two clubs ensures an inherent edge. Chelsea has historically dominated this fixture, but Fulham secured a rare triumph at the Bridge last festive season.
Marco Silva’s side has started the campaign with two draws, while the Blues impressively dismantled a struggling West Ham United in Gameweek 2. However, the Saturday afternoon slot is dominated by what was expected to be a routine home outing for Manchester United against newly promoted Burnley. Yet, their stunning penalty shootout defeat to League Two Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday has transformed this fixture into one of immense significance for manager Ruben Amorim, who now desperately needs three points.
Burnley, however, have looked surprisingly strong through two weeks, earning their first victory of the campaign last time out. Sunderland, after a reality check at Turf Moor, are back at home this weekend to welcome Brentford to the Stadium of Light. Both teams boast one win so far, with the Bees getting on the board by beating Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Speaking of Wolves, Vitor Pereira’s men enter their clash with Everton fresh off a come-from-behind cup victory over West Ham on Tuesday. They are still searching for their first league win of the 2025-26 season against the Jack Grealish-inspired Toffees.
Tottenham Hotspur were the standout performers of Gameweek 2, securing another impressive victory at the Etihad, with Thomas Frank’s immediate impact on the Lilywhite squad clearly evident. Bournemouth are next for Spurs, who will be keen to maintain their 100% record heading into the international break.
Saturday’s action concludes at Elland Road, where Leeds United take on Newcastle United. Leeds were comprehensively outmatched at Arsenal last weekend, while Newcastle can take plenty of encouragement from their spirited defeat to the champions. Eddie Howe, however, could be without several key players in Yorkshire.
Saturday’s Fixtures and Predictions:
| Kick-Off Time | Fixture | Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30 p.m. BST / 7:30 a.m. ET | Chelsea vs. Fulham | 3–1 |
| 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET | Man Utd vs. Burnley | 2–1 |
| 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET | Sunderland vs. Brentford | 0–0 |
| 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET | Tottenham vs. Bournemouth | 2–0 |
| 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET | Wolves vs. Everton | 1–1 |
| 5:30 p.m. BST / 12:30 p.m. ET | Leeds vs. Newcastle | 1–2 |
Sunday, August 24: Liverpool and Arsenal in Anfield Blockbuster
Sunday offers a captivating four-game slate, including a rare 7 p.m. kick-off that sees a struggling Aston Villa side welcome Crystal Palace to Villa Park. Palace secured their place in the Conference League on Thursday and have recorded a pair of draws to start their Premier League campaign. Villa, meanwhile, are desperately hoping to secure their first victory.
Before that, Manchester City visit Brighton & Hove Albion in what promises to be a cracking contest on the south coast. Both teams are aiming to bounce back from defeats in Gameweek 2. Simultaneously, Nottingham Forest, who overcame off-field controversy to draw at Palace last week, host a West Ham team that desperately needs to build some momentum before they risk being roped into appointing José Mourinho.
These two fixtures will merely serve as appetizers for the weekend’s undisputed standout clash at 4:30 p.m., as, for many, the Premier League’s top two teams go head-to-head on Merseyside. Liverpool host title rivals Arsenal in an encounter that, while not decisive, could significantly shape the 2025-26 title race. The Gunners, despite their historically wretched record at Anfield, must play to win.
Sunday’s Fixtures and Predictions:
| Kick-Off Time | Fixture | Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| 2 p.m. BST / 9 a.m. ET | Brighton vs. Man City | 2–3 |
| 2 p.m. BST / 9 a.m. ET | Nottingham Forest vs. West Ham | 2–0 |
| 4:30 p.m. BST / 11:30 a.m. ET | Liverpool vs. Arsenal | 3–3 |
| 7 p.m. BST / 4 p.m. ET | Aston Villa vs. Crystal Palace | 0–0 |
For more insights and the latest updates on the Premier League, visit the official Premier League website.
Published 6 Hours Ago by James Cormack
James Cormack is a Sports Illustrated Soccer freelance writer with an avid interest in tactical and player analysis. As well as supporting Spurs religiously, he follows Italian and German football, taking particular interest in the work of Antonio Conte & Julian Nagelsmann.
