Gameweek 2 Preview | 25/26
Gameweek 2 starts tonight, here’s a preview of the upcoming matches & what to expect.
Arsenal vs Leeds United
Arsenal welcome Leeds to the Emirates in what promises to be a test of contrasting styles. The Gunners, fresh from signing big names like Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke for around £165 million, scraped past Manchester United 1-0 but left plenty of questions about their attacking sharpness. Leeds, meanwhile, grabbed a late-winner against Everton and will look to bring that momentum north. It’s worth noting that Arsenal have never lost at home to a promoted side in their past 42 matches, setting a historical backdrop to this one.
Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur
City are buzzing after a thumping 4-0 victory over Wolves, and winning again here would really set the tone for their season. Tottenham, controlled by new manager Thomas Frank, dismantled Burnley 3-0 last week, and their confidence is high. Always a compelling battle, City need to prove consistency, Spurs want to show they’re not here to push over.
West Ham United vs Chelsea
This one comes heavy with subplot. West Ham go into their home opener chasing a first win after a crushing 3-0 loss to Sunderland. Chelsea, despite a winless draw with Crystal Palace, registered strong expected-goals figures and plenty of attacking intent. Past meetings are captured by stats, Chelsea have won five of the last seven. Defensive frailties from set pieces may hand them an advantage.
Newcastle United vs Liverpool
Some serious drama here. Liverpool make the trip amid transfer whispers surrounding Alexander Isak, injured and longing for a move away. New signing Hugo Ekitike impressed in the opener, carrying attacking hope for the Reds. Meanwhile, Newcastle need a response under pressure. The tension could spill over onto the pitch.
Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest
This one carries a subplot of its own. A UEFA ruling deprived Palace of a Europa League place in favour of Forest, and that grudge match angle can’t be ignored. Injuries and squad depth will influence how Palace, recently weakened, manage against a Forest side with extra motivation.
Other Fixtures to Watch
- New Stadium Buzz: Everton open their spanking new £800-million home, taking on Brighton, while excitement, and perhaps nerves will follow them into this matchweek.
- Man United’s Attack Choices: United must decide between Mason Mount and Benjamin Šeško leading the forward line, trying to sharpen up an attack that lacked bite last week.
Stat Snippets & Intriguing Angles
- Arsenal vs Leeds: Arsenal haven’t dropped points at home to a promoted team in 42 games, and Leeds are eager to upset that streak.
- Chelsea’s dominance over West Ham: Five wins in seven games, plus expected-goals momentum, suggest the Blues could be riding high.
- Isak saga: All eyes on whether Newcastle can handle the media storm, and how Liverpool, buoyed by Ekitike, respond.
- Europa standoff: Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest is as much about settling off-field disputes as on-field points