Alan Shearer has provided us with his latest round of Premier League predictions.
The first games of 2026 didn’t exactly get the year started with a bang with three goalless draws and a 1-1 on New Year’s Day.
But this weekend promises an improvement on that front with Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest getting us up and running at midday.
Arsenal are looking to extend their lead at the top of the league when they take on Bournemouth tonight with a tasty clash between Leeds United and Manchester United get us started on Sunday.
Manchester City host managerless Chelsea with Liverpool facing a tricky test on the road at Fulham.
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As ever, England legend and Betfair ambassador Alan Shearer has revealed his Premier League predictions to Metro.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
Villa back at home. Their Christmas period was unkind with fixtures, Chelsea and Arsenal away, it doesn’t get much tougher than that. I guess they would have taken two draws, so to come away with three points is good.
They went against Arsenal in the first-half and they could, maybe should have been 1-0 up. Watkins missed a big chance, but I know Arsenal were brilliant in the second half and thoroughly deserved it after half-time.
They shouldn’t be too disappointed with that performance and I think they’ll bounce back and beat Forest.
Prediction: Aston Villa win.
Brighton vs Burnley
It is a huge game because you’d expect Brighton to win. You can imagine the noise if they don’t because of the run they’re on. Burnley were a lot better against Newcastle actually, and were a tad unlucky, but I don’t think they’ll go there and be able to keep a clean sheet against Brighton.
I expect Brighton to win, but I don’t think it will be as easy as people might think.
Prediction: Brighton win.
Wolves vs West Ham
It is a game West Ham have to win. I can’t say with any confidence that they’ll go there and win, but they have to. Whether Wolves change their tact or not, we’ll have to wait and see.
You can imagine the noise if West Ham go there and Wolves beat them. It’s a tough one to predict, which is why I’m going to go for a draw.
Prediction: Draw.
Bournemouth vs Arsenal
Bournemouth have stuttered for a while now, albeit they got a good result and a good point against Chelsea. We’ll have to see if Semenyo plays, but even if he does, I still think Arsenal will have enough.
After their performance against West Ham, the belief and the confidence that goes with that, Arsenal will still be too much for Bournemouth.
Prediction: Arsenal win.
Leeds vs Man United
Considering the turnaround from Leeds, I’m going to go for a home win. It’s always a great game at Elland Road and there’s not much love between the two sets of fans, so it should be an absolute cracker. With the form they’re in and Calvert-Lewin starting, I think Leeds will beat Man United.
I’m not convinced all is well at United; Amorim mystifies me sometimes, especially going back to a back three after beating Newcastle. I think Leeds will have too much for them.
Prediction: Leeds win.
Fulham vs Liverpool
Liverpool are on a good run and Fulham are on a decent run as well, getting a great point at Crystal Palace. But Liverpool were not convincing against Leeds at all and didn’t look a goal threat. I’m going to go for a draw.
Prediction: Draw.
Tottenham vs Sunderland
Spurs didn’t really look a threat last time out. They’re at home, and the difference between their home form and away form is incredible, but Sunderland are really tough to beat. They are a tough nut to crack.
It wouldn’t surprise me if this was 0-0. I think Sunderland might shut up shop and it looks as if it’s got nil-nil written all over it.
Prediction: Draw.
Everton vs Brentford
This is a tough one to call. I think it could be really interesting and there could be goals. Keith Andrews is doing a great job at Brentford, playing some cracking football, and they demolished Bournemouth at home.
There is an argument for both sides, but because Everton are at home, I’m just going to say home win.
Prediction: Everton win.
Newcastle vs Crystal Palace
It’s tough for Newcastle as they didn’t play well the other night, but to get an away win in any Premier League game is a good thing. Just getting the three points at Burnley was massive for them.
Letting Burnley back in was a bit concerning, but I’m hoping it’s another away win which gives them belief and confidence going forward. I would expect them to come back to St James’ Park and be roared on to a home victory.
Prediction: Newcastle win.
Man City v Chelsea
There is so much to talk about with both clubs; Man City not being able to break Sunderland down and Chelsea in the situation they’re in with no manager. I don’t suspect there’ll be one in time for the game on Sunday.
I’m going to go for a City home win. If it was away from home, I might have gone for a draw, but as it’s at the Etihad, I think they’ll have enough.
Prediction: Man City win.
