Premier League August 22 Preview: Hull City vs Manchester United & Everton vs Crystal Palace | Predictions and Score Tips

The 2026/27 Premier League season gets underway with an exciting opening weekend, and two matches on August 22 deserve close attention.

Manchester United begin their campaign away to newly promoted Hull City, while Everton host Crystal Palace in a fixture that looks far more difficult to call.

For United, this is an important opportunity to make a strong start under Michael Carrick. Everton, meanwhile, will hope home advantage can make the difference against a competitive Palace side.

Hull City vs Manchester United

Date: August 22, 2026

Manchester United travel to Hull City as clear favourites on paper.

The Red Devils enter Michael Carrick's first full season in charge with expectations significantly higher, and the opening schedule gives them a good opportunity to build early momentum.

After Hull, United face another promoted club, Ipswich Town, in their second Premier League fixture. The official schedule therefore gives Carrick's side a relatively favourable opening two matches.

United Have the Stronger Attack

Bruno Fernandes remains one of the key figures in United's attacking system, while Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha add pace, movement and greater variety in the final third.

Against Hull, United are likely to have more possession and spend long periods trying to break down a compact defensive structure.

An early goal could be crucial. If United score first, they should have enough quality to control the game and create further opportunities.

Hull Could Make It Difficult at Home

Hull's main advantage will be the occasion itself.

Playing their first Premier League match after promotion in front of their home supporters should create an intense atmosphere, and they are unlikely to give United an easy afternoon.

The hosts may look to stay compact, frustrate Carrick's side and attack through quick transitions and set-pieces.

However, maintaining that defensive concentration for 90 minutes against United's attacking quality will be a major challenge.

Prediction

Manchester United have the stronger squad and more individual match-winners. Hull's home advantage could keep the contest competitive, but United should have enough to start the season with three points.

Prediction: Manchester United to win

Everton vs Crystal Palace

Date: August 22, 2026

Everton against Crystal Palace looks considerably more balanced.

The Toffees have home advantage, while Palace have enough quality and pace to threaten on the counter-attack.

Everton's preparations included a final pre-season fixture at home before beginning their Premier League campaign against Palace, confirming this match as their opening league assignment.

Everton Need to Make Home Advantage Count

Everton will want to impose themselves physically and control the midfield battle.

Set-pieces could also play an important role. In a match where clear chances may be limited, corners and free-kicks could provide one of the best routes to goal.

Scoring first would allow Everton to manage the tempo and force Palace to take more risks.

Palace Can Threaten on the Break

Crystal Palace should not be underestimated.

If Everton push too many players forward, Palace could find space to attack quickly in transition.

That makes this a potentially tight tactical contest rather than a match where either team is likely to dominate throughout.

Prediction

There is not much separating the two sides on paper.

Everton's home advantage gives them a slight edge, but Palace are capable of taking something from the match.

Prediction: Draw / Everton double chance

Score prediction: Everton 1-1 Crystal Palace

Alternative: Everton 2-1 Crystal Palace

August 22 Final Predictions

The first match looks more straightforward, with Manchester United expected to have too much quality for newly promoted Hull City.

Everton versus Crystal Palace is harder to separate and could develop into a tight opening-day contest.