EPL 2024-25: Matchweek 10 Recap

We’ve officially wrapped up 10 weeks of English Premier League action and return this weekend following a series of European League clashes. It’s worth noting that these midweek performances often reveal much about the teams participating in these competitions. Some clubs prioritize their league matches by rotating their squads (Tottenham, for example, as they suffered a loss to my beloved Galatasaray), while others employ entirely different lineups and tactics compared to the league (Chelsea’s approach in the Conference League comes to mind). Meanwhile, some struggle to carry their league momentum into European competition (recently Aston Villa and Manchester City), while others, like Liverpool, continue to thrive across both fronts. Although the tournament stakes and environments vary, Week 10 serves as a reminder to keep these other competitions in mind, as they may influence weekend performances.

As for my predictions, I had planned to compile all results thus far, but time got the better of me this week, so I’ll have that update ready for you all next week. For now, my Week 10 predictions brought three correct results: wins for Liverpool and Forest, and a draw for Wolves and Crystal Palace, the only game where I nailed the score. I admit to some second-guessing in my predictions, but this led to better success within our WagerPass official plays. We’ve moved past those early weeks of zero accuracy, and while there’s still room to improve, I’m pleased with the steady progress.

Turning to the Premier League, there was no shortage of drama: Arsenal’s surprising defeat to an inconsistent Newcastle, City’s first-ever league loss to Bournemouth, West Ham’s continued struggles with a 3-0 defeat to Forest, Tottenham’s home dismantling of Aston Villa, and a point-shared battle between United and Chelsea, marking United’s first match without Erik ten Hag. As things stand, Liverpool leads the league, two points clear of City. Nottingham Forest’s remarkable season has them in third with 19 points, trailed by Chelsea, Arsenal, and Aston Villa in the top six. Tottenham sits close in seventh, while Newcastle and Manchester United find themselves in mid-table positions, 11th and 13th, respectively, 10 and 13 points off the top spot. Wolves anchor the table with just three points, while Southampton and Ipswich hover just above them. Crystal Palace narrowly avoids the relegation zone with a two-point cushion while West Ham sit below United. As the table tells the story, we’re set for an action-packed matchweek, so let’s get it started!

Newcastle United 1-0 Arsenal

Newcastle clinched a critical win over Arsenal, with Isak’s emphatic header from a Gordon cross proving decisive. Arsenal’s attack struggled without Ødegaard’s creative influence in midfield, allowing Newcastle to retain defensive control. Despite limited chances, Newcastle capitalized on key opportunities, while Arsenal’s reliance on long balls targeting Havertz proved ineffective. Hall’s defensive impact was noteworthy, especially with his block on Merino’s shot and efforts to limit Saka’s opportunities. With this win, Newcastle gained momentum once again as Arsenal’s form slump continues, leaving them seven points behind of the league leaders.

AFC Bournemouth 2-1 Manchester City

Bournemouth secured their first-ever league win over Manchester City with a disciplined performance. Semenyo, a standout for Bournemouth this season, exploited City’s weaknesses with a ninth-minute goal, using a direct approach that left City’s defense struggling. Evanilson added a second, assisted by the effective Kerkez. City dominated possession but found breaking down Bournemouth’s low block challenging, failing to create clear-cut chances. Late in the game, Gvardiol’s powerful header reduced the deficit but wasn’t enough to secure a point. Haaland found promising positions but lacked sharpness, missing two crucial opportunities. This match exposed City’s vulnerabilities against organized defenses and continued to emphasize their reliance on De Bruyne and Rodri, whose absences continue to be sorely felt.

Ipswich Town 1-1 Leicester City

Ipswich and Leicester played to a 1-1 draw, with Ipswich surrendering their lead in stoppage time. Davis put Ipswich ahead with a well-taken strike, but Leicester pressed relentlessly after Ipswich went down to 10 men. Ayew’s late equalizer was a testament to Leicester’s persistence, though Ipswich’s defense held firm for most of the match. Ayew’s substitution once again shifted momentum, exposing Ipswich’s vulnerabilities while playing a man down, leaving Leicester to wonder which starting eleven makes the most sense for their winning chances.

Liverpool 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion

Liverpool battled back to secure a 2-1 win over Brighton, a team that held them in the early stages. Brighton struck first through my guy Ferdi Kadioglu, showing composure in the build-up, but Liverpool’s second-half adjustments shifted momentum. Gakpo’s deflected goal and Salah’s decisive strike turned the tide, with Slot’s tactical changes upping Liverpool’s tempo and intensity. Tsimikas shone, generating three key set-piece chances, while Salah’s movement repeatedly troubled Brighton’s left side, testing Estupiñán. This win illustrates Liverpool’s adaptability and relentless push to lead the table after Matchweek 10 and cements them as the team to beat in the young season.

Nottingham Forest 3-0 West Ham United

Nottingham Forest extended their impressive run with a commanding 3-0 win over West Ham. Wood’s header, followed by goals from Hudson-Odoi and Aina, displayed Forest’s offensive coordination. West Ham’s Alvarez was sent off, limiting their already diminished threat. Forest’s defense, anchored by Sels in goal, was resilient, allowing no meaningful shots after halftime. Wood’s eighth goal of the season highlighted his clinical finishing, while Hudson-Odoi’s playmaking further boosted Forest’s growing reputation as a team to watch, now in third place.

Southampton 1-0 Everton

Southampton claimed their first win of the season, narrowly edging Everton 1-0 with Armstrong’s late goal from a Sugawara cross. Despite Everton’s higher possession, they lacked incisiveness and were denied by Ramsdale’s key saves. Beto’s disallowed equalizer highlighted Everton’s ongoing struggles in the final third, while Southampton’s disciplined defense finally delivered a positive outcome.

Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-2 Crystal Palace

Wolves and Palace battled to a 2-2 draw in a match exposing defensive lapses on both sides. Palace struck first through Chalobah, but Wolves quickly responded with goals from Strand-Larsen and Gomes. Palace’s late equalizer by Guehi kept them in it, yet their missed opportunities were telling. Cunha was Wolves’ key creator once again, generating multiple chances, while Palace’s finishing issues persist, as do Wolves’ set-piece vulnerabilities.

Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 Aston Villa

Tottenham’s come-from-behind win over Aston Villa showcased their offensive versatility, with Solanke’s two goals and Maddison’s late free-kick securing a 4-1 victory. Villa initially led after Rogers scored from a set-piece, but Spurs capitalized on Villa’s defensive issues in the second half. Solanke’s clinical finishing and Maddison’s set-piece prowess highlighted Villa’s inability to handle Spurs’ pressure through Ange’s high-line.

Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea

In a tightly contested 1-1 draw, United and Chelsea continued their respective struggles in the final third. United took the lead through Fernandes’ penalty after Hojlund was fouled, but Chelsea equalized via Caicedo’s volley following a Casemiro clearance error. Garnacho’s promising positioning and Rashford’s off-target effort highlighted United’s offensive inconsistency, while Chelsea’s Palmer was stifled by United’s midfield pressure. Missed chances continue to haunt both teams this season.

Fulham 2-1 Brentford

Fulham completed a comeback against Brentford, overturning an early deficit to win 2-1. Wilson’s late brace punished Brentford’s defensive lapses, with Fulham dominating possession and creating several opportunities. Brentford’s inability to close out games allowed Fulham to exploit gaps, as Robinson’s assist for Wilson’s winner reflected Fulham’s persistence.

EPL 2024-25: Matchweek 11 Preview

Saturday, November 9, 2024

Brentford vs AFC Bournemouth – 10:00 AM

Brentford looks to bounce back at home after a narrow loss to Fulham, where late-game defensive lapses exposed vulnerabilities. Bournemouth, coming off a momentous 2-1 victory over Manchester City, will be confident and looking to sustain their momentum. Semenyo’s dynamic play on the counter and Kerkez’s influence in wide areas have been pivotal in Bournemouth’s recent form. Brentford will need to keep a close eye on these threats while tightening their defense to avoid another late breakdown.

Prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Brentford

Crystal Palace vs Fulham – 10:00 AM

Crystal Palace enters this match with a solid defensive foundation but has struggled to find consistency in front of goal. Fulham’s recent comeback win over Brentford showcased their resilience, with Wilson’s impact off the bench proving decisive. Palace will look to contain Fulham’s midfield creativity, focusing on limiting transitional opportunities. Fulham, on the other hand, will aim to maintain pressure in the final minutes, capitalizing on any defensive gaps Palace might leave open as they push forward.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 Fulham

West Ham United vs Everton – 10:00 AM

West Ham is eager to restore their form following a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, where defensive fragility and a lack of structure were exposed. Everton, who narrowly lost to Southampton, faces similar issues in converting possession into goals. West Ham will rely on creative sparks from Paquetá and Ward-Prowse to drive the attack, while Everton’s defense, led by Tarkowski, will need to be resolute to keep their hosts at bay. A balanced contest could unfold, with West Ham’s home support tipping the scales in their favor.

Prediction: West Ham 2-1 Everton

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton – 10:00 AM

Wolves enter this fixture after a spirited 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace, yet their defensive frailties remain a concern. Southampton’s recent victory over Everton should give them a boost in confidence, especially with Armstrong showing flashes of form. Wolves will rely on Cunha to drive forward and exploit Southampton’s defensive weaknesses, while Southampton’s discipline in pressing and organization will be tested. A back-and-forth battle seems likely, with Wolves’ offensive depth providing a slight edge in this relegation battle fixture.

Prediction: Wolves 2-1 Southampton

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Manchester City – 12:30 PM

Manchester City, stung by a surprising defeat to Bournemouth, is out to reaffirm their title credentials against Brighton. City’s attack, led by Haaland, will be expected to respond decisively, especially given Brighton’s defensive vulnerabilities that were exposed by Liverpool last week. Brighton’s Estupiñán will be tasked with containing City’s relentless pressure, but City’s high-intensity pressing and Gvardiol’s continual influence on set pieces are likely to make the difference as Guardiola’s men push to regain control.

Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Brighton

Liverpool vs Aston Villa – 3:00 PM

Liverpool, currently leading the league, takes on Aston Villa after an impressive comeback against Brighton that showcased their attacking depth and adaptability. Villa struggled defensively in their previous fixture against Tottenham, and they’ll need a sharper backline to withstand Liverpool’s high-pressing game. Salah’s movement and Tsimikas’s set-piece delivery are expected to test Villa’s defensive organization. With Liverpool’s offensive quality and Villa’s recent struggles on the road, the hosts have a clear edge in this matchup.

Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Aston Villa

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Manchester United vs Leicester City – 9:00 AM

Manchester United returns to Premier League action after a gritty 1-1 draw with Chelsea, with questions lingering over their attacking consistency. Leicester, recently defeated by United in the EFL Cup, will be looking for redemption but may struggle to contend with United’s control in midfield. Fernandes and Garnacho are likely to drive United’s attack, while Leicester’s defense will need to stay compact to avoid being overrun. United’s home advantage and tactical structure should give them the upper hand in what promises to be a competitive clash.

Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Leicester

Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle United – 9:00 AM

Nottingham Forest continues their impressive form with a commanding 3-0 victory over West Ham, with Wood and Hudson-Odoi forming a potent partnership up front. Newcastle, coming off a disciplined win over Arsenal, brings a strong defense and a clinical approach. Forest’s home advantage and attacking momentum, however, suggest this will be no easy outing for Newcastle. Expect a tightly contested match, with both teams displaying resilience and discipline, potentially leading to an exciting draw.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-2 Newcastle

Tottenham Hotspur vs Ipswich Town – 9:00 AM

Tottenham displayed their offensive prowess in a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Aston Villa, with Solanke playing a pivotal role. Ipswich managed a respectable draw against Leicester but may find it challenging to cope with Tottenham’s depth in attack. With Son and Maddison leading Spurs’ creative efforts, they should be able to dictate the tempo and exploit Ipswich’s defensive gaps. Tottenham’s organized approach and firepower make them easy favorites to secure a comfortable victory at home.

Prediction: Tottenham 3-0 Ipswich

Chelsea vs Arsenal – 11:30 AM

Chelsea hosts Arsenal in a crucial London derby. Chelsea’s recent draw with Manchester United showed defensive resilience but also underscored their need for greater consistency in attack. Arsenal, who have struggled for creativity without Ødegaard, may find it difficult to break down Chelsea’s organized defense. This matchup is likely to be tight, with both teams focused on tactical discipline. Chelsea’s home advantage, combined with Arsenal’s recent inconsistency, suggests a narrow win for the Blues.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal