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The Premier League returns this weekend after a three-month break, with former England internationals Alan Shearer and Paul Merson sharing their views on the opening fixtures and title race.
The 2025/26 Premier League campaign begins at 8 p.m. later tonight, August 15, with defending champions, Liverpool hosting Bournemouth at Anfield.
Five matches follow on Saturday, before the headline clash on Sunday as Manchester United face Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Shearer, speaking to BetFair, predicted a winning start for Liverpool despite their defeat in the Community Shield.
“Liverpool vs Bournemouth, I know Liverpool were disappointing in the Community Shield, but I’d guess Anfield will be rocking again, so I’ll go for a home win,” he said.
The former Newcastle striker backed Manchester City to claim all three points against Wolves, noting the host’s summer departures. “Wolves have lost a couple of big-hitters and I think Man City will go there and take the points,” he said.
On Chelsea’s meeting with Crystal Palace, Shearer predicted a draw, citing Palace’s earlier competitive action. “Chelsea being at home, with the players they’ve signed… I’m tempted to go for a draw,” he noted.
For Sunday’s top fixture, he expects a stalemate. “It’s wonderful for us to sit down on Sunday and watch two giants go head to head so early in the season. Tough one to call but I’ll go for a draw,” he said.
Meanwhile, Merson told Sportskeeda he believes Arsenal can win the Premier League this season after finishing second to Liverpool last term.
“If you ask me to pick the favourites to win the Premier League right now, I would have to go with Arsenal,” he said, highlighting the club’s signings of a holding midfielder and a centre-forward.
Merson tipped Arsenal and Liverpool as the main contenders, with the outcome likely decided by which side keeps its key players fit.
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