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GOAL verdict: As it stands, Alexander Isak is not going to be in the Newcastle team for opening day, according to an update from manager Eddie Howe. As a result, Villa are going to take advantage of the moment and drive home three points to kick off the campaign. With the addition of new forward Evann Guessand alongside their already stellar attack - featuring Ollie Watkins, Donyell Malen, and Morgan Rogers - this one is Villa's to lose.

GOAL verdict: Sunderland's offseason business has everyone in the Premier League wondering if they could be the shock of the campaign. They've spent north of $130M on transfers. West Ham, meanwhile, lost star attacker Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham and have yet to replace him. They've made some sound signings, particularly in defense and in goal, but without a Kudus replacement, they're going to struggle. Sunderland is going to capitalize on the moment they officially return to the Premier League.

GOAL verdict: Levante, newly promoted to La Liga, will look to kick things off against an Alaves side who avoided relegation by just two points last season. It will be a close affair, but go with the new boys here. Alaves lost striker Joaquin Panichelli to RC Strasbourg - after a brilliant loan spell with Miranda in La Liga 2 last year, he was expected to be a key player. As it stands, they just don't have the firepower. Levante, meanwhile, brought in eight players this summer as they look to avoid relegation.

GOAL verdict: As the La Liga season kicks off, Valencia and Sociedad will both look to begin with three points after underwhelming 2024-25 campaigns. Both ended last season on 46 points, and both missed out on European competition. Valencia lost key defender Cristhian Mosquera to Arsenal, while the Gunners also nabbed midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Sociedad. With both teams shorthanded in different departments, and neither attack particularly improved, this will be a scoreless affair. 

GOAL verdict: A battle between NWSL heavyweights, this will be a riveting contest. The Current have won eight straight matches, and recently bolstered their roster with the addition of U.S. international Ally Sentnor. The Pride, meanwhile, are winless in their last three, and fell to the Current earlier this season, 1-0 at home. With KC's form and home-field advantage, this one goes to the Current, though reigning NWSL champions Orlando won't make it easy.

GOAL verdict: The Union defeated the Red Bulls 2-0 in early July at home, and now, riding a five-match unbeaten streak, will look to do the same on the road at Sports Illustrated Stadium. RBNY are coming off a positive result against RSL, but Philly's form will be too much to overcome. Golden Boot contender Tai Baribo and new forward Milan Iloski will lead the Union to three points.

GOAL's verdict: Cincy is coming off a narrow loss to Charlotte FC, but they played a stellar match, and star forward Kevin Denkey returned from injury. Portland, meanwhile, sustained their worst defeat of the season to St. Louis CITY SC on Matchday 28. In his return to Providence Park, MLS MVP candidate Evander will look to make a splash for FCC against his former club. Portland, excellent at times this season, is no match for this Cincy team.

GOAL's verdict: The Dash have won just one match in their last seven, and in every single defeat this season have conceded at least two goals. Gotham, meanwhile, are on a four-match unbeaten streak and has Spain international Esther Gonzalez back in the team after competing in the 2025 EUROS. Although Houston are coming off a narrow win over the NC Courage, the Bats will take this one.

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