Round 1 Results 25/26
1 - 1
We Predicted
Brighton vs Fulham
Final Score: 1 - 1
The Game Notes: Brighton look sharp after a solid pre-season - capped by a 2-1 win over Wolfsburg with Maxim De Cuyper on the scoresheet - but they’re still bedding pieces under Hürzeler. Fulham arrive organised and in rhythm after beating Eintracht Frankfurt 1-0, yet the absence of key left-back Antonee Robinson should temper their threat, pointing to a cagey opener where Brighton’s home edge is balanced by Fulham’s counter-punch. We think 1-1 feels about right.
0 - 1
We Predicted
Sunderland vs West Ham
Final Score: 3 - 0
The Game Notes: Sunderland open their Premier League return with some key defensive issues - captain Luke O’Nien is out and first-choice keeper Anthony Patterson is a major doubt - so they may sit deep and try to nick something. West Ham arrive sharper after a solid pre-season capped by a shootout win over Lille, and with Niclas Füllkrug talking up their readiness, the Hammers look set to edge a tight one 0-1.
2 - 0
We Predicted
Spurs vs Burnley
Final Score: 3 - 0
The Game Notes: Spurs open at home under Thomas Frank with a sturdier spine thanks to João Palhinha, even if they’re adapting post-Maddison (ACL) and after Son’s exit. Pre-season showed both edges of where they are - an eye-catching win over Arsenal in Hong Kong but a bruising at Bayern - while newly promoted Burnley arrive pragmatic under Scott Parker and still bedding in Broja/Ugochukwu after a flat 1-0 loss to Lazio. That all points to a clean 2-0 victory for Tottenham.
1 - 3
We Predicted
Wolves vs Man City
Final Score: 0 - 4
The Game Notes: Wolves limp into the opener after a winless pre-season and a blunt attack, with key defender Yerson Mosquera still easing back from last season’s knee injury. City look sharper and deeper after summer additions like Cherki and Reijnders and a tidy 3-0 tune-up at Palermo; even if Rodri isn’t fully ready, their front line should create enough while leaving the odd window for Wolves to nick one - hence our 1-3 prediction.
2 - 1
We Predicted
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
Final Score: 0 - 0
The Game Notes: Chelsea look lively after a short but slick pre-season - 2-0 v Leverkusen and 4-1 v Milan at the Bridge - with João Pedro among the goals and a good mood around the camp. Palace arrive buoyant from lifting the Community Shield, but with Daichi Kamada a doubt that creative edge in midfield might be blunted, so a tight game tilted by Chelsea’s home punch feels like 2-1.
1 - 2
We Predicted
Man United vs Arsenal
Final Score: 0 - 1
The Game Notes: United get the Old Trafford lift and come in mostly unbeaten from pre-season, with a revamped attack - Mbeumo, Sesko and Cunha - adding pace and presence to hurt back lines. Arsenal look sharp after the 3-0 over Athletic Club and travel with a near clean bill of health, so they’ll carry a great threat. Feels like a fast, even game that Arsenal just edge 2-1.
