EPL Matchday 2: Picks & Preview (Aug 22-25)
An action-packed opening weekend in the Premier League saw all leading contenders for the title pick up victories. However, the pressure will be back on all 20 teams in the competition when matchday two gets underway on Friday. You can find our EPL matchday 2 picks for every matchup here.
How to Watch
- When: Friday, August 22, 2025 – Monday, August 25, 2025
- Where: Various Stadiums, England
- How to Watch: NBC/USA/Peacock
EPL Matchday 2 Picks
West Ham vs. Chelsea
The second round of matches get underway at the London Stadium, as West Ham bid to recover following a miserable start to the campaign. Chelsea didn’t fare much better, and they were fortunate to avoid defeat against Crystal Palace. However, the Blues have a dominant record against their London rivals, winning each of the last three fixtures. An away win looks to be the smart play.
Free Pick:
Man City vs. Tottenham
Man City made an excellent start to their 2025-26 campaign with a blistering showing at Wolves to win by a four-game margin. Tottenham also enjoyed a dream start under Thomas Frank with a fine win at home against Burnley. Spurs famously beat City 4-0 at the Etihad last season, but we would be stunned to see history repeat itself.
Free Pick:
Bournemouth vs. Wolves
Despite losing at Liverpool on the opening night, plenty of positives could have been taken from Bournemouth’s performance. Wolves looked defensively weak in their opening match of the season, and despite a fine record on the road against the Cherries, based on the performances last weekend, a home win looks a solid selection.
Free Pick:
Brentford vs. Aston Villa
It will likely take time for Keith Andrews to get his ideas across at Brentford following his appointment in the summer. However, they will need an improved showing against Champions League-chasing Aston Villa on Saturday. Villa disappointed in the final third against Newcastle last Saturday, but they should have too much quality for a Bees side that look set to struggle in 2025-26.
Free Pick:
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Burnley vs. Sunderland
Despite losing at Tottenham last weekend, there was enough to suggest that Burnley may cause problems for most teams this season. However, at this early stage, Sunderland look to be the best prepared of the promoted teams. They oozed quality across the field in their opening day 3-0 win over West Ham, and a second straight success could be on the cards this Saturday.
Free Pick:
Arsenal vs. Leeds
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal didn’t scream title winners on the opening day of the season, as they stuttered in the final third despite beating Man United 1-0. It’s likely that they will need time to gel. Leeds recorded a 1-0 success on their return, but their lack of quality in the attacking areas is a major concern. We expect a home win when making EPL matchday 2 picks.
Free Pick:
Crystal Palace vs. Nottingham Forest
Crystal Palace arguably should have beaten Chelsea last weekend, but they would have been appeased with a 0-0 draw. At this point, they still have all their major stars, but rumors are set to intensify. Nottingham Forest made a dream start to the new season with a bold attacking display against Brentford, and a second straight victory could follow on Sunday.
Free Pick:
Everton vs. Brighton
Everton play their first match at their new home stadium on Sunday, but the mood is already low at the Hill Dickinson. David Moyes cut a frustrated figure following a 1-0 loss at Leeds, and their lack of attacking flair is a major concern. Brighton defended well in their opening match, despite playing out a 1-1 draw, but a first win of the campaign could arrive on Merseyside.
Free Pick:
Fulham vs. Man United
Ruben Amorim’s Man United were the better team against Arsenal on the opening weekend, and they were unfortunate not to get at least a point against the Gunners. Their attacking players caught the eye at Old Trafford, and it already promises to be a better campaign. An aging Fulham may struggle to deal with United’s new-look pacey forward line.
Free Pick:
Newcastle vs. Liverpool
Alexander Isak’s future will dominate the build-up to the clash between Newcastle and Liverpool, with the Reds aiming to prize the striker from St. James’ Park. Newcastle’s forward line looked light without the Swede, and scoring goals could be an issue this term. Liverpool’s defensive issues have been well-documented, but their attacking players could once again get them over the line on Monday.
Free Pick:
