Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Premier League Second Weekend Puts Big Teams Under Pressure
The Premier League is starting its second weekend of matches.
Some teams won their first games, while others need to play much better.
Manchester City visit Crystal Palace, who lost their opening match.
Liverpool play Nottingham Forest after drawing late with Newcastle United.
Newcastle now face Tottenham, who were beaten by Brentford.
Manchester United host Ipswich Town and are expected to improve.
Chelsea play Brighton, and Arsenal travel to Aston Villa.
Several matches feature teams with different levels of confidence and pressure.
Manchester City visit Crystal Palace after both clubs had contrasting opening weekends.
Liverpool travel to Nottingham Forest, while Newcastle United face Tottenham Hotspur.
Manchester United host Ipswich Town after a disappointing opening performance.
Chelsea meet Brighton, while Leeds United and Brentford defend unbeaten starts.
Arsenal visit Aston Villa, which could lose striker Ollie Watkins to Al-Hilal.
- Who
- Premier League clubs including Manchester City, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal.
- What
- The second round of Premier League matches will be played.
- When
- The round begins Friday night and ends Monday night.
- Where
- Matches will take place at venues including Old Trafford, Elland Road, and Villa Park.
- Why
- Teams are seeking to build on strong starts or recover from disappointing opening results.
Teams Seeking Improvement
Teams Building Momentum
Manchester United-Ipswich Town
Teams Seeking Improvement
Manchester United need a considerable improvement after lacking bite in their opening match.
Teams Building Momentum
Ipswich Town are another promoted side and will travel to Old Trafford.
Chelsea-Brighton
Teams Seeking Improvement
Chelsea are still being rebuilt under Xabi Alonso, with Enzo Fernandez working toward full fitness.
Teams Building Momentum
Brighton impressed by defeating Aston Villa heavily in their opening match.
Arsenal-Aston Villa
Teams Seeking Improvement
Arsenal travel with confidence after winning their opening game.
Teams Building Momentum
Aston Villa appear to be in flux and could lose Ollie Watkins before the match.
- Opening-round results
- Crystal Palace lost 2-0 to Everton, while Arsenal beat Coventry City 3-0.
- Friday fixture
- Manchester City visit Crystal Palace.
- Liverpool fixture
- Liverpool travel to Nottingham Forest after drawing late with Newcastle United.
- Manchester United fixture
- Manchester United host promoted Ipswich Town at Old Trafford.
- Promoted-team match
- Coventry City play Hull City after Coventry lost to Arsenal and Hull City beat Manchester United 2-0.
- Unbeaten starters
- Leeds United and Brentford both won their opening matches.
- Monday fixture
- Arsenal travel to Aston Villa to close the round.
- Transfer storyline
- Ollie Watkins is increasingly likely to leave Aston Villa for Al-Hilal, according to the article.