Alan Shearer has laid out his predictions for all ten matches in the second round of the Premier League. The former England striker expects the favourites to come out on top in most crucial encounters, while also anticipating a few surprises.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City. Shearer believes that Enzo Maresca's side will once again find a way to secure a result despite a shaky start to the season.
Shearer commented:
No matter how you assess Manchester City’s performance, they always find a way back into the match and win, thanks to magnificent moments involving Cherki and Guardiola. I'm concerned about Crystal Palace this season. It'll be interesting to see what happens with Mateta and Sarr in the coming week.
Prediction: Manchester City victory.
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest. Shearer was not impressed with the Merseysiders' showing against Newcastle, particularly the partnership between Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.
He stated:
The issues Liverpool faced last season haven’t disappeared. It will be interesting to see how long Isak and Wirtz take to gel. They didn’t impress me against Newcastle either, so they need to step up fairly quickly.
Nonetheless, the expert is confident that Andoni Iraola's side will take all three points at home.
Prediction: Liverpool victory.
Coventry vs Hull. Shearer praised Hull's performance following their victory over Manchester United but expects a more balanced game in the second round.
He remarked:
Hull were brilliant against Manchester United and fully deserved their three points. Coventry had a tough opener against the champions, and I think many see this match as crucial.
Prediction: Draw.
Bournemouth vs Everton. Shearer feels that Everton were somewhat fortunate in their win over Crystal Palace, while Bournemouth performed well against Manchester City.
He noted:
Bournemouth has some good players. After all the losses, many expected trouble for them last season, but they had a solid year. I think they'll be fine.
Prediction: Draw.
Tottenham vs Newcastle. Shearer expects an away victory. He believes Tottenham must respond to their disappointing outing against Brentford, although their need to attack may play into Newcastle's hands.
He said:
Tottenham simply cannot perform worse than against Brentford. They were humiliated, so a reaction is likely. But they’ll need to attack Newcastle, and that will suit the visitors given their speed on the break.
Prediction: Newcastle victory.
Chelsea vs Brighton. Shearer was impressed by Brighton's thumping 4-0 win over Aston Villa but believes Chelsea will provide a sterner test.
He stated:
What a result and performance from Brighton against Aston Villa! But I think it will be much tougher for them against Chelsea, who secured a great result against Fulham.
Prediction: Chelsea victory.
Leeds vs Brentford. Both teams impressed Shearer in the first round, particularly Brentford's performance against Tottenham.
He remarked:
Almost everything Brentford did—long passes, combination play, or pressing—was near perfect. But Leeds also achieved a great result. James Trafford will be crucial for the team this season.
Prediction: Leeds victory.
Sunderland vs Fulham. Shearer expects a tough season for both sides, particularly Sunderland as they juggle league duties with European competitions.
He said:
Sunderland often won by slim margins last season, but matches like that can easily turn the other way. With European fixtures, I think they will struggle.
Prediction: Draw.
Manchester United vs Ipswich. Following their loss to Hull, Shearer harshly critiqued the team and anticipates a serious response at Old Trafford.
He declared:
Everything Manchester United did at the weekend was dreadful. The team looked physically unprepared, was poor at set pieces, defensively frail, and offered nothing going forward. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Sesko and Rashford in the starting lineup.
Prediction: Manchester United victory.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal. Shearer is most confident about Arsenal, seeing the defending champions as the clear favourites for the season and highlighting Birmingham's difficulties.
He mentioned:
Aston Villa are in chaos right now with the coach's conflict with Ollie Watkins. This could be a tough season for them. Arsenal looked magnificent and undoubtedly remains the team everyone needs to beat.
Prediction: Arsenal victory.
