Premier League August 23 Preview: Man City vs Bournemouth & Newcastle vs Liverpool | Predictions and Score Tips

Premier League opening-weekend action continues on August 23 with two major fixtures.

Manchester City welcome Bournemouth to the Etihad Stadium, while Liverpool face a much tougher assignment away to Newcastle United at St James' Park.

The official Premier League schedule has City vs Bournemouth kicking off at 14:00 UK time, followed by Newcastle vs Liverpool at 16:30.

Manchester City vs Bournemouth

Date: August 23, 2026

Manchester City start their Premier League campaign at home and will be expected to take all three points.

Pep Guardiola's side should dominate possession, while Bournemouth are more likely to focus on defensive organisation and quick counter-attacks.

Haaland Remains City's Biggest Threat

Erling Haaland will once again be central to City's attacking plans.

Against a Bournemouth defence likely to operate in a compact shape, City's ability to move the ball quickly around the penalty area and create space for Haaland could determine the match.

If City score early, Bournemouth may be forced to abandon their defensive approach and leave more space behind.

Bournemouth Need to Be Brave

Sitting deep for the entire match could be dangerous against City.

Bournemouth's better opportunities may come immediately after winning possession, when City's players are committed forward.

Quick transitions and direct attacks into the space behind City's defensive line could provide the visitors with opportunities.

However, they will need to be extremely efficient with the limited chances they receive.

Prediction

City have home advantage and superior squad depth.

Bournemouth can make the match competitive, particularly early on, but keeping Guardiola's side quiet for the full 90 minutes is a difficult task.

Prediction: Manchester City to win

Score prediction: Manchester City 2-0 Bournemouth

Alternative: Manchester City 3-1 Bournemouth

Newcastle United vs Liverpool

Date: August 23, 2026

This could be one of the most entertaining matches of the opening weekend.

Liverpool travel to St James' Park knowing Newcastle's home intensity can make life difficult for any Premier League opponent.

Unlike City's match, there is far less separating these teams, particularly when Newcastle have the advantage of playing at home.

Liverpool Face an Early Test

Liverpool should have enough attacking quality to create chances, but controlling the midfield will be crucial.

Newcastle are likely to press aggressively, especially during the opening stages, and Liverpool cannot afford to repeatedly lose possession in dangerous areas.

If the visitors survive that early pressure and establish control, their attacking quality could eventually make the difference.

Newcastle's Home Advantage Matters

Newcastle's biggest weapon could be the atmosphere and intensity at St James' Park.

Rather than trying to dominate possession throughout, the hosts can look to force turnovers and attack Liverpool quickly.

Set-pieces could also be important in a game where both teams have enough quality to score.

Expect Goals From Both Sides

This match looks more open than City against Bournemouth.

Liverpool may have the slight advantage in overall quality, but Newcastle should create opportunities at home.

The first goal could completely change the contest. If Newcastle score first, Liverpool will be forced forward and the match could become a fast, end-to-end battle.

Prediction

Liverpool are slight favourites, but this is a difficult opening fixture.

Newcastle's home advantage makes a comfortable away victory unlikely, so a draw should also be considered.

Prediction: Liverpool draw no bet / Liverpool slight edge

Score prediction: Newcastle United 1-2 Liverpool

Alternative: Newcastle United 2-2 Liverpool

August 23 Final Predictions

Manchester City have the clearer advantage of the two favourites and should be capable of starting their season with a home victory.

Liverpool face a much tougher challenge. Newcastle have the intensity and home advantage to trouble them, but the Reds' attacking quality gives them a narrow edge.