Premier League GW1 predictions: Man United to overcome Arsenal, Bournemouth to stun the champions Liverpool

Reigning Premier League champions Liverpool will kick off the 2025-26 campaign on Friday evening, with Arne Slot's side welcoming Bournemouth to Anfield.

There are five matches on Saturday, including Aston Villa against Newcastle United in the early start, while Tottenham Hotspur will host Burnley before Manchester City head to Molineux to tackle Wolverhampton Wanderers in the late kickoff.

On Sunday, there are three matches in total, including a blockbuster of a contest at Old Trafford, with Manchester United welcoming old enemies Arsenal.

Chelsea will host Crystal Palace on the same afternoon, with Nottingham Forest also in action against Brentford, before gameweek one concludes on Monday night, with newly-promoted Leeds United welcoming Everton to Elland Road for what should be a fascinating affair.

In the first set of fixtures, Sports Mole are facing off against singer Georgia, who is a Man United fan.

Read on to discover Georgia's and our predictions for gameweek one of the 2025-26 campaign.

Liverpool vs. Bournemouth

Friday, 8pm

Georgia: Liverpool 1-2 Bournemouth

Sports Mole: Liverpool 3-1 Bournemouth

Liverpool and Bournemouth fans can empathise over one aspect of their teams on Friday night - a shortage of centre-backs - and the opening game of the season certainly has goal-fest potential.

However, while we do not have faith in Slot's defence to come out unscathed, the Dutchman's new-look attack should run the Cherries backline ragged as the champions kick off their defence on a high.

Aston Villa vs. Newcastle United

Saturday, 12.30pm

Georgia: Aston Villa 3-2 Newcastle

Sports Mole: Aston Villa 2-1 Newcastle

Closely matched - both in ability and ambition - these teams should play out another entertaining contest, in keeping with recent league meetings. Villa's brilliant home record and Newcastle's pre-season woes must tilt the balance in favour of the hosts, who will win by a single goal.

Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Fulham

Saturday, 3pm

Georgia: Brighton 1-0 Fulham

Sports Mole: Brighton 2-1 Fulham

Brighton and Fulham have both enjoyed positive pre-season campaigns on the pitch and it would not be too much of a surprise to see both teams score at the Amex - four of their last six meetings have seen the net ripple at both ends.

The Cottagers have a decent overall record against the Seagulls, but we are backing the hosts on this occasion to outscore their opponents and claim a narrow opening-weekend victory.

Sunderland vs. West Ham United

Saturday, 3pm

Georgia: Sunderland 2-0 West Ham

Sports Mole: Sunderland 1-0 West Ham

Taking into account the summer of change for both clubs, Sunderland’s fairly uninspiring pre-season form and West Ham’s poor opening-day record, a somewhat cagey and closely-contested battle could be in store this weekend.

However, the Stadium of Light is set to be rocking and that should provide a huge boost for Sunderland. With that in mind, we think that an upset could be on the cards early doors, with Le Bris to guide the Black Cats to a slender victory.

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Burnley

Saturday, 3pm

Georgia: Tottenham 0-1 Burnley

Sports Mole: Tottenham 1-0 Burnley

Burnley's astonishing defensive feats in the Championship may not be a precursor for their Premier League rearguard feats, although the Clarets held their own against Lazio in their final pre-season friendly.

Midweek fatigue will also work against the Lilywhites, but we still have faith in Frank's men to break through eventually and make the perfect start, even if it may not be pretty.

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Manchester City

Saturday, 5.30pm

Georgia: Wolves 1-3 Man City

Sports Mole: Wolves 1-2 Man City

Man City did the double over Wolves last season, winning both matches by a one-goal margin, and this weekend’s opening fixture could be another closely-contested battle.

However, the Citizens will be regarded as favourites to come out on top and should have enough quality to outscore an Old Gold outfit who conceded the fourth-most league goals last season (69).

Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace

Sunday, 2pm

Georgia: Chelsea 2-3 Crystal Palace

Sports Mole: Chelsea 1-1 Crystal Palace

It will not be a straightforward opening fixture for Chelsea, who were held by Palace at home last season, and history could repeat itself, especially after seeing how impressive the Eagles were against Liverpool a week ago.

If Guehi and Eze are in the side, that strengthens the visitors’ chances even more, as they seek to extend their unbeaten run to 10 matches.

Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford

Sunday, 4pm

Georgia: Forest 2-0 Brentford

Sports Mole: Forest 1-1 Brentford

A subdued pre-season suggests that Forest may take some time to gel, while their counter-punching approach could play into the hands of Brentford. Despite suffering a lot of disruption, the Bees still have plenty of quality in their squad, so they should head back home with a point.

Manchester United vs. Arsenal

Sunday, 4pm

Georgia: Man United 1-0 Arsenal

Sports Mole: Man United 0-1 Arsenal

For all of Man United's cash-splashing in the final third, Amorim's trio of marquee signings will surely take some time to gel, whereas Arsenal new boys Zubimendi and Gyokeres already have an excellent understanding if the Swede's opening goal in the Emirates Cup is anything to go by.

Add in a full-strength defensive unit bolstered by the return of set-piece monster Gabriel Magalhaes, we can picture a tense opening day battle going the way of the Gunners.

Leeds United vs. Everton

Monday, 8pm

Georgia: Leeds 1-0 Everton

Sports Mole: Leeds 1-1 Everton

Without Branthwaite, Everton are much weaker defensively, and that will give Leeds an opportunity in front of a raucous Elland Road that should give the hosts a big advantage.

Both clubs have added a number of new faces to their squad this summer and it could take a little while for them all to settle in, and that could be evident in a close affair here.

Georgia Q&A

How did you come to support Man United and what are your favourite memories from your time as a fan?

Georgia: I came to support Manchester United because when I was a kid my parents sat me down to watch the Champions League final when they won the treble in 1999. I never felt connected to a London team so, from that day, on Manchester United became my team! I've never looked back, even through these tough times.

Who have been your favourite five players for Man United?

Georgia: Paul Scholes, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roy Keane, Jaap Stam, Ryan Giggs

What's going on with you at the moment?

Georgia: I'm in the middle of releasing some special singles and currently in the studio working on my next record. Also I’m playing some secret shows here and there. I love and cherish this time when Im in the studio as I can be at my most creative. It also means I can watch a lot of football!

'Wanna Play’ by Georgia is available to stream now.

You can follow Georgia on Instagram and X.