The Premier League is back and throws up some exciting clashes on matchday two that could shape the narrative of the 2025/26 campaign.
Exciting storylines are already bubbling, and this second week will provide more clarity as teams face crucial tests, hoping to set the early pace.
With that in mind, read on as we preview key Premier League fixtures on matchday two.
Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur (Saturday, August 23)
No matter how well Manchester City are doing, Tottenham Hotspur have a way of bringing them back down to earth, so you can expect a packed stadium for this crucial contest.
Tickets are always available via official channels but fans can also get Man City tickets via Seatsnet.com to watch another instalment of this intriguing rivalry live at the Etihad Stadium.
Despite Tottenham’s preposterously poor 2024/25 league campaign, one of Spurs’ measly 11 wins came against Man City, slapping Pep Guardiola’s side 4-0 at the Etihad.
Tottenham have won six of their last 11 meetings with City, who have managed only four victories (D2).
City must be wary, even though they have strengthened themselves to make an easy meal of Spurs when they roll into town.
Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders look like fantastic additions, while James Trafford will help with the Ederson problem between the sticks. Rayan Ait-Nouri also helps plug the gaping hole at left-back.
Man City are well-positioned to challenge for the Premier League again, but Tottenham present a perfect test of those credentials.
Despite leading Spurs to the Europa League, Ange Postecoglou got the axe as Tottenham decided to hire Thomas Frank to spearhead a new era.
Tottenham have signed Mohammed Kudus to strengthen the roster, and more reinforcement is on the way as the North Londoners aim to improve on their 17th-placed league finish last term.
A result against Man City on enemy territory will be an excellent way for Frank to get the fans to buy into his vision, but it won’t come easily.
Tottenham fans can get Spurs tickets on reliable marketplace like Seatsnet to follow the North Londoners in person as they set out to banish the ghosts of last season.
Liverpool vs Newcastle United Preview – (Monday, August 25)
Newcastle United will be pushing for a rare win when they welcome champions Liverpool to St. James’ Park on Monday night for their second game of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Newcastle endured another frustrating transfer window. Ambitious targets like Matheus Cunha, Mohammed Kudus and Hugo Ekitike slipped through their fingers.
The dismissal of transfer chief Paul Mitchell left the recruitment drive disjointed. For all their ambition, Howe must now rely on a thin squad to match the league’s elite.
By contrast, Liverpool flexed their strength in the market, securing Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and former Newcastle target Ekitike.
The latter has hit the ground running, adding a new dimension to an attack already boasting Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.
Defensively, though, cracks remain. Ibrahima Konate has looked shaky, and Arne Slot’s full-backs are still bedding into his system. That gives Newcastle hope, especially with the backing of a raucous St. James’ Park crowd.
History, however, favours Liverpool. The Reds are unbeaten in the league against Newcastle since 2015, winning 12 of the last 17 meetings.
For the Magpies, it will take grit, discipline and no shortage of quality to end that streak.
Burnley vs Sunderland (Saturday, August 23)
Premier League newcomers Burnley and Sunderland clash in a match that could have massive ramifications for the relegation battle.
The hosts must be eager to plant their foot in the Premier League after bouncing between divisions.
The Clarets, led by Scott Parker, will know that a result against Sunderland at home goes a long way in their bid to stave off relegation.
Taking points off fellow relegation strugglers will be key to surviving the cauldron. They will also need to get the right tools in the transfer market for the battle ahead.
Burnley have spent heavily, but just like the last time they were in the Premier League, questions remain about whether they have strengthened well enough for the task ahead.
There are no such questions about Sunderland’s transfer dealings. Many European giants should be envious of the Black Cats’ recruitment.
A midfield of Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, and Granit Xhaka can push for a mid-table finish. Simon Adingra is a Premier League-proven winger.
New defender Omar Alderete was one of the best in La Liga last term, while goalkeeper Robin Roefs is on the radar of the Dutch national team.
Reinildo Mandava, Arthur Masuaku, and Nordi Mukiele are all seasoned performers who will strengthen Sunderland’s bid to stay in the top flight after eight years away.
Sunderland will be confident, having beaten Burnley last season at home, while securing a draw at Turf Moor. The Black Cats have not lost in their previous three visits to Lancashire.
Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest (Sunday, August 24)
Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest were involved in a cold war this summer. The Eagles secured a spot in the Europa League via their FA Cup win.
However, John Textor’s failure to make the proper boardroom adjustments cost them their place with his Lyon side set to feature in the same competition, breaking UEFA rules.
Forest wrote to UEFA, reiterating Palace’s gaffe, as they would usurp their position, and their plan was successful. UEFA demoted Palace to the Europa Conference League.
Forest’s capitulation last season, which saw them manage Conference League football despite featuring in the top four for most of the season, flew out of the window as they climbed into the Europa League.
Both teams will be fighting for those European slots this season, setting up an emotionally-charged clash next week.
Despite barely strengthening their squad this summer, Palace will be eager for revenge over heavy-spending Forest. Easier said than done, considering the history.
Palace have one victory over Forest in their last 15 meetings in the Premier League. The Tricky Trees have won seven times (D7). Forest have not lost at Selhurst Park since 2003.
While Palace boss Oliver Glasner has a history of making life prickly for the big boys in the division, Forest historically have the upper hand in this one. He has not been able to solve this puzzle.
