Premier League Week 2 Fixtures: Breaking Down Weekend's Biggest Encounters

If the immediate return of the Premier League was anything to go by, the next 10 months are billed for a more entertaining season than ever before, with the action resuming in Week 2.

While one can’t be so greedy as to demand the same stellar standards from each fixture, this weekend does offer its customary batch of particularly promising clashes.

Read on for all viewing information as well as a breakdown of each key fixture, a second of which one shouldn’t hope to miss.

Fulham vs. Arsenal

When: Saturday, August 24

Where: Craven Cottage, West London

Time: 12:45 p.m. BST (7:45 a.m. ET)

Viewing Info: BT Sport (UK), NBC Sports (U.S.)

Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra

The first fixture of the weekend commences with two teams in utterly opposite veins of confidence right now. Fulham have surprised a few with their win at Sunderland, while Arsenal suffered a shock 3-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa.

Playing at Craven Cottage for the first time this season, it’ll be interesting to see if the newly remodeled Fulham can maintain their record of generally being a far more threatening outfit on home soil.

At the Stadium of Light last Saturday, the Cottagers failed to create much in terms of attacking chances but took what little they did have well, absorbing the pressure of the opposition with relative ease.

It also doesn’t help Arsenal’s hope of a first campaign win to have just a starting XI’s worth of healthy players, as 101Goals points out via Twitter:

Arsene Wenger’s lack of transfer business, especially when compared with Martin Jol, could result in a two-match losing streak to start the 2013-14 term.

Prediction: Fulham 2-0 Arsenal

Aston Villa vs. Liverpool

When: Saturday, August 24

Where: Villa Park, Birmingham

Time: 5:30 p.m. BST (12:30 p.m. ET)

Viewing Info: Sky Sports (UK), NBC (U.S.)

Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra

Both having won their first games of the season in relatively confident fashion, Aston Villa and Liverpool are set for what could be a very tight encounter this weekend.

However, one big factor in Paul Lambert’s hopes will depend on Wednesday evening’s fixture against Chelsea before the Saturday clash.

Three games in the space of seven days is difficult to contend with for any side, giving the Reds a slight advantage when it comes to match preparation.

Although the 3-1 win over Arsenal speaks highly of the Villans, the Birmingham club were actually on the back foot for most of the match, but the trio of Andreas Weimann, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Christian Benteke fortunately came up with the goods.

For Liverpool, the game could be a shot for new loan signing Aly Cissokho to get his first minutes in the Premier league, while the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Lucas will hope to continue a very promising start.

Prediction: Aston Villa 2-2 Liverpool

Manchester United vs. Chelsea

When: Monday, August 26

Where: Old Trafford, Manchester

Time: 8 p.m. BST (3 p.m. ET)

Viewing Info: Sky Sports (UK), NBC (U.S.)

Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra

Undoubtedly the biggest match of the weekend, Monday Night Football welcomes its first true grand slam fixture of the season, and we’re only two weeks deep.

Having netted six goals between them last weekend, it’s clear the attacking side of things isn’t a clear issue for either club, although Manchester United do trump Chelsea with four of those contributions.

Although Kevin De Bruyne and Oscar came up with goods against Hull's Tigers last Sunday, the likes of Juan Mata and Andre Schurrle could be contending for starting places when they travel to Old Trafford, with some players now featuring in as many as four games over the last two weeks.

David Moyes’ attack was in fluid motion during the 4-1 win at Swansea City, but Chelsea’s attacking midfield will pose a different threat altogether. It just so happens that defensive midfield and retaining possession has looked to be the Red Devils’ issue of late, making for a very promising matchup.

Come May, it’s likely that these will be two of the sides vying for title honours, so we may be set for a thriller in Week 2’s final encounter.

Prediction: Manchester United 3-2 Chelsea

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