Alan Shearer has released his Premier League predictions for the opening weekend of the 2026-27 season, with a draw predicted for the marquee clash between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James' Park. The England legend and Betfair ambassador also tipped Manchester United to beat Hull City, Chelsea to win at Fulham, and a home win for Ipswich against Sunderland.
Opening weekend fixtures and Shearer's calls
Arsenal began their title defence with a win over newly-promoted Coventry City at the Emirates on Friday night. Hull City face Manchester United on Saturday afternoon, while Tottenham travel to Brentford in the evening. Newcastle host Liverpool on Sunday, and the weekend concludes with Fulham taking on Chelsea at Craven Cottage on Monday night.
Shearer predicted a Manchester United win against Hull, despite the ongoing Carlos Baleba transfer saga. "I think it's going to be a different season for Man United, Michael Carrick has done a very good job. He deserves the chance to go again," Shearer said. Betfair Predicts gives Manchester United a 72% chance of winning, with Hull at 10% and a draw at 19%.
Newly promoted sides and tricky ties
For Ipswich vs Sunderland, Shearer expressed caution about newly promoted teams at home. "I'm always wary, and I know I'm going against what I've said in terms of Hull and Coventry, but particularly when a newly promoted team is at home and they're playing a club like Sunderland, I'm always wary in the first four or five games that the atmosphere will be unbelievable," he said. He predicted an Ipswich home win, with Betfair giving Ipswich a 35% chance, Sunderland 36%, and a draw 29%.
Everton are predicted to beat Crystal Palace, with Shearer citing the home crowd's excitement. "I think Everton will have enough against Crystal Palace in this one. I think Everton will be rocking on the first game of the season," he said. Betfair Predicts gives Everton a 43% chance, Crystal Palace 29%, and a draw 28%.
Nottingham Forest vs Leeds is tipped as a draw. Shearer praised Leeds' signings and Forest's appointment of Oliver Glasner. "Oliver Glasner is a really good appointment by Forest, he knows the Premier League and did unbelievably well at Palace," he said. Betfair Predicts gives Forest 41%, Leeds 30%, and a draw 29%.
Spurs, Man City, and Villa's squad losses
Brentford vs Tottenham is also predicted as a draw. Shearer noted Spurs' heavy spending but highlighted Brentford's strength. "Brentford last season were unbelievable. Keith Andrews was up there as one of the best managers of the season," he said. Betfair gives Brentford a 40% chance, Spurs 35%, and a draw 26%.
Despite a poor showing against Arsenal last weekend, Shearer predicts Manchester City will beat Bournemouth. Betfair Predicts gives Man City a 66% chance, Bournemouth 15%, and a draw 20%.
Brighton vs Aston Villa is another draw prediction. Shearer pointed to Villa losing key players, including Rodgers, Konsa, and Tielemans, with Watkins possibly leaving. "Emery is an unbelievable manager, and he is their biggest asset," he said. Betfair gives Brighton 44%, Villa 30%, and a draw 27%.
Newcastle vs Liverpool and the London derby
For Newcastle vs Liverpool, Shearer predicted a draw, citing the emotional atmosphere due to tributes to Kevin Keegan. "It's going to be an emotional atmosphere because of the tributes to Kevin Keegan," he said. Betfair Predicts gives Liverpool a 51% chance, Newcastle 25%, and a draw 25%.
In the west London derby, Shearer backed Chelsea to win at Fulham. "I think Chelsea will have a decent season. Fulham, I think, will struggle. It's a big ask for Arbeloa to come in and take over," he said. Betfair gives Chelsea a 52% chance, Fulham 24%, and a draw 25%.
