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Arsenal began the defence of their Premier League crown in style last weekend, securing a commanding 3-0 home win over Coventry City.

Their trip to Aston Villa on Monday stands out as the headline fixture in what looks set to be a fascinating round of Matchday 2 games.

With that in mind, here is our preview of the weekend’s action.

Manchester City were made to work hard in their opening match against Bournemouth, but ultimately fought back to claim a 2-1 home victory.

Their visit to Crystal Palace on Friday may not be straightforward, with the hosts keen to respond after last weekend’s defeat at Everton.

That said, City completed the double over Palace with two 3-0 wins and look well placed to come away from Selhurst Park with another victory.

Prediction: Man City to win.

Liverpool were fortunate to come away from their opening fixture at Newcastle United with a point and will need a better display this weekend.

Forest will be desperate to respond after back-to-back home defeats to Leeds United in the league and cup over the past week.

The hosts are favourites for this game, but Forest have enough to spring a surprise by taking a point.

Prediction: Draw.

Two sides with hopes of challenging for European qualification face off in an intriguing contest at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.

Bournemouth gave Man City plenty to think about last weekend and will believe they can overcome Everton this time around.

The Toffees turned in a solid display against Palace at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and could come away from the south coast with something to show for their efforts.

Prediction: Draw.

Coventry were handed a harsh reminder of Premier League life on their return to the top flight, with Arsenal teaching them a tough lesson in the opening game.

The Sky Blues will try to put that right this weekend when fellow newly-promoted side Hull City arrive at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

The Tigers stunned Manchester United last weekend, but they may find it difficult to reproduce that level in the Midlands.

Prediction: Coventry to win.

Big-spending Tottenham Hotspur turned in a poor performance at Brentford last weekend, with manager Roberto De Zerbi left lamenting the side’s lack of cohesion.

Newcastle, by comparison, showed far more spirit against Liverpool at St James’ Park and were unlucky not to open the season with a win.

An entertaining contest could be in store at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the Magpies may cause Spurs plenty of problems.

Prediction: Draw.

Chelsea made an impressive start under new manager Xabi Alonso with a striking 3-2 victory at Fulham on Monday night.

Brighton opened their campaign by beating Villa 4-0 at home, and then followed it up with another 4-0 win over Tromso in the Europa League.

The Seagulls have the tools to trouble Chelsea’s defence, but playing at home could prove decisive for the Blues in this one.

Prediction: Chelsea to win.

Leeds and Brentford have both been mentioned as possible contenders for European qualification this season, making their clash at Elland Road especially interesting.

The Whites have already beaten Forest twice in the league and cup this week, while Brentford launched their campaign by thrashing Tottenham.

Leeds were formidable at home last season and are backed to maintain their strong start to the new campaign.

Prediction: Leeds to win.

Sunderland and Fulham both opened with defeats, so each side needs to raise its level this weekend.

The Black Cats have failed to win any of their last six home league matches against Fulham (D3, L3) since a 1-0 victory in January 2009.

The visitors have not lost their opening two Premier League matches in a season since 2020/21, which offers encouragement ahead of Sunday.

Prediction: Draw.

Manchester United’s disappointing 2-0 loss at Hull last weekend was another reminder that nothing can be taken for granted in the Premier League.

A home game against newly-promoted Ipswich should, on paper, be a straightforward one for the Red Devils, but they cannot afford to underestimate the visitors.

Ipswich have strengthened their squad significantly since earning promotion, and this contest may be tighter than many expect.

Prediction: Man United to win.

Aston Villa’s poor work in the summer transfer window contributed to a demoralising defeat at Brighton last weekend.

Arsenal, on the other hand, hardly needed to get out of second gear as they comfortably brushed aside Coventry at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners should be capable of following that up at Villa Park, although the home side could still make them work for it.

Prediction: Arsenal to win.