Ed Sheeran makes predictions for PL clashes between Manchester United-Fulham, Chelsea-Manchester City and more
English singer Ed Sheeran has made his predictions for the opening gameweek of the 2024-25 Premier League, including Manchester United's clash with Fulham and Manchester City's trip to Chelsea. The new season gets underway at Old Trafford on Friday (August 16), with United hosting the Cottagers.
Two days later, Pep Guardiola's City commence their quest for a record-extending fifth straight title when they visit Chelsea. Other notable clashes during the opening weekend include Arsenal hosting Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday (August 17), Liverpool visiting newly promoted Ipswich Town on the same day and 2016 winners Leicester City hosting Tottenham Hotspur on Monday (August 19).
In a short video uploaded by the Premier League on X, Sheeran made his predictions for the opening gameweek. He said about the United-Fulham clash:
"Manchester United vs Fulham: I think United that because I feel like they are gonna come out the gate and prove that they are Man United again."
About Liverpool, he said:
"Ipswich vs Liverpool: You know I've been talking to the Ipswich players. They've had nine weeks off. There's a lot of Liverpool players that played in the Euros. I think we're going to win that."
"Arsenal vs Wolves: I think Arsenal win that. I don't know what score but Arsenal will win it. I think Arteta's got a really really strong squad."
About defending champions Manchester City's trip to Chelsea, Sheeran said:
"Chelsea vs Man City: I think Man City. Chelsea do have a very strong squad. I just think like it's Man City in it."
About reigning Championship winners Leicester's clash with Spurs, Sheeran went with Spurs.
What happened when Manchester United played Fulham and Manchester City travelled to Chelsea in the Premier League?
Manchester United won't have happy memories of their last Premier League home clash with Fulham. When the Cottagers visited Old Trafford in February this year, they returned to London with all three points.
Calvin Bassey's 65th-minute opener seemed set to put the visitors on the way to victory before Harry Maguire equalised in the 89th minute. However, in a dramatic finish, Alex Iwobi netted the winner in the seventh minute of stoppage time as Fulham won a league game at Old Trafford for only the second time since 1963.
Meanwhile, Manchester City were involved in an eight-goal thriller in their last Premier League visit to Stamford Bridge in November last year. The Cityzens led thrice, thanks to an Eriling Haaland brace.
Rodri's 86th-minute strike seemed enough for Pep Guardiola's side to take the win, but former Manchester City man Cole Palmer's 95th-minute equaliser from the spot forced a share of the spoils.