The 2025-2026 Premier League campaign returns this weekend after the international break with the title race, European spots and relegation battle all in focus.
Arsenal remain nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table despite recent cup exits and host Bournemouth in Saturday’s early kick-off after a midweek European win.
Tottenham travel to Sunderland with Roberto De Zerbi looking to spark improvement, while Liverpool aim to halt a poor run when Fulham visit Anfield. Manchester City face a decisive trip to Chelsea on Sunday, before Manchester United host Leeds on Monday night.
Former England striker Alan Shearer has issued his predictions ahead of the round of fixtures via the United Kingdom publication, The Metro.
On the relegation battle, Shearer expects West Ham to beat Wolves after the FA Cup disappointment.
He said, “The reverse game was the fixture where I thought West Ham were done. I thought they were dead and buried. But you’ve got to give them credit for the way they’ve come back. Wolves have come back better as well over the last couple of months. It’ll be a really tense one for West Ham.
“It was a bit of a blow for them in the FA Cup and going out in the manner that they did. But in the long run, if they were able to stay up, then that would be a good thing, them going out. So I’m going to say West Ham win here at home because I think it’ll be a great atmosphere, and everyone will be up for it.”
On Arsenal, he added: “This is huge for Arsenal. If they can win again, then I think it would really, really set them up for a strong finish.”
Shearer also backed Everton to beat Brentford, Brighton to win at Burnley and Liverpool to bounce back against Fulham. “You can imagine the noise if Liverpool lose here… I’m going to back Liverpool though. Arne Slot will without doubt will change the system again and Salah will be back. Home win.”
He predicted draws between Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace against Newcastle. Sunderland are tipped to beat Tottenham.
On the title race, Shearer backed City to win at Chelsea. “If Man City don’t win and Arsenal win this weekend, I think the Premier League title race will be dead and buried.”
Premier League Matchday 32 fixtures and kick-off times
Friday, April 10
8 p.m. – West Ham United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Saturday, April 11
12:30 p.m. – Arsenal vs Bournemouth
3 p.m. – Brentford vs Everton
3 p.m. – Burnley vs Brighton & Hove Albion
5:30 p.m. – Liverpool vs Fulham
Sunday, April 12
2 p.m. – Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United
2 p.m – Sunderland vs Tottenham Hotspur
2 p.m – Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa
4:30 p.m. – Chelsea vs Manchester City
Monday, 13 April
8 p.m. – Manchester United vs Leeds United
