EPL 2024-25: Matchweek 11 Recap

Oh man, the international break is over, and guess what? No more breaks until March 2025! That means uninterrupted soccer action and Premier League drama for the next few months. Matchweek 11 brought us plenty of excitement, and as we gear up for Matchweek 12, Liverpool sits firmly atop the table with a five-point lead over Manchester City. City holds a four-point cushion over third-place Chelsea, with Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, and Brighton rounding out the top six. Meanwhile, Aston Villa has slipped to 9th with back-to-back losses, and Tottenham’s shocking defeat at home to Ipswich has them down in 10th. Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United sit at 13th, looking to climb under new leadership, while Ipswich’s upset lifted them out of the relegation zone. The bottom three now features Southampton, Wolves, and Crystal Palace, all struggling with just one win in their last five games.

In other news, Pep Guardiola has signed a contract extension with City, Ruben Amorim takes charge at United for the first time, Leicester’s rising star Abdul Fatawu is out for the season with injury, Mateo Kovacic will miss a few weeks, leaving City’s midfield even thinner, and Brentford continues to chase their first away win of the season as they head to Goodison Park.

Matchweek 11 was thrilling on the pitch, but not so much for my predictions. With only one correct result (and no exact scorelines), I’ll admit it wasn’t my best showing. But we move on, and Matchweek 12 is here to turn things around. Arsenal welcomes Nottingham Forest in a top-six showdown with Odegaard and Saka back to full fitness. Villa hosts Crystal Palace hoping to end their losing streak. City and Tottenham clash again after Spurs eliminated them from the Carabao Cup couple weeks ago. United, under Amorim, take on Ipswich, while Newcastle and West Ham cap off the week in what promises to be a fiery affair as both teams look to rise back to their usual selves. Let’s dive into it!

Brentford 3-2 Bournemouth

In one of the weekend’s most exciting matches, Brentford edged Bournemouth in a five-goal thriller. The Bees once again relied on their strength from set pieces, with Jensen’s long throws causing havoc in Bournemouth’s defense. Wissa’s looping header leveled the match after an early strike from Kluivert, who had given Bournemouth the lead with a well-worked set-piece routine. Late on, Brentford capitalized on defensive lapses to seal the win, despite Bournemouth hitting the post in the last seconds of the match, showcasing their resilience and ability to grind out results in high-pressure moments.

Wolves 2-0 Southampton

Wolves secured a much-needed win with a dominant performance, despite conceding the majority of possession to Southampton. Cunha was the standout performer once again, orchestrating the attack and delivering a goal and an assist. His opener was a clinical pass to Sarabia, who finished with poise, and he later capped off the performance with a spectacular strike of his own. Southampton’s frustrations were compounded by a disallowed goal following a VAR review, leaving them stuck at the bottom of the table with only one win to show.

Crystal Palace 0-2 Fulham

Fulham picked up a crucial three points at Selhurst Park, with Smith Rowe shining as he opened the scoring after capitalizing on a defensive error from Lacroix. Palace struggled to find rhythm in attack, with Mateta missing their best chance of the match. Late on, Harry Wilson doubled the lead with a composed finish off the bench, continuing his hot streak, though his second attempt was ruled out for handball. Fulham’s defensive organization stifled Palace, who now find themselves winless in five.

West Ham 0-0 Everton

A lackluster stalemate at the London Stadium saw both teams fail to produce the cutting edge needed to secure the win. Everton’s Pickford proved pivotal, making several key saves to deny Summerville and the West Ham attackers and ensure the Toffees left with a point. West Ham, despite dominating possession, lacked the creativity to break down Everton’s organized backline and failed to score for the first time in their last five matches. Both teams will feel this was a missed opportunity to push forward in the table, as both sides have struggled for consistency early on.

Brighton 2-1 Manchester City

Brighton pulled off a massive upset, handing Manchester City their fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions in a match that highlighted the Seagulls’ resilience and tactical adaptability. Haaland’s first-half goal had City in control, but Joao Pedro’s introduction in the second half turned the match on its head. Pedro notched a goal and an assist, as Brighton’s high pressing and relentless energy overwhelmed City after the break. This marks uncharted territory for Pep Guardiola, whose side now faces serious questions about their consistency.

Liverpool 2-0 Aston Villa

Liverpool continued their strong form with a clinical win at home against an in-form Aston Villa. Salah was instrumental, setting up Darwin Núñez’s opener in a chaotic sequence and later adding a goal himself with a blistering counterattack. Villa had their moments, creating five big chances, but poor finishing and Liverpool’s defensive organization ensured the Reds held firm. Kelleher’s heroics in goal also played a key role as Liverpool kept pace at the top of the table and has honestly made us all forget that Alisson was injured.

Manchester United 3-0 Leicester City

Manchester United delivered a commanding performance to send Ruud van Nistelrooy off with a win in his final match as interim manager. Fernandes opened the scoring with a stunning strike, while Kristensen’s own goal doubled the lead before halftime. Garnacho added a touch of brilliance in the second half with a long-range effort to seal the victory. Leicester struggled to create meaningful chances, with United’s defensive organization nullifying their attacking threats. While United got the chance to close the gap to the top half of the table, Leicester’s struggles continue.

Nottingham Forest 1-3 Newcastle United

Newcastle showcased their attacking firepower in a comeback win over Nottingham Forest. Murillo gave the hosts an early lead with a towering header, but Newcastle dominated the second half. Isak equalized with a clinical finish and later set up Joelinton to put the Magpies ahead. Barnes rounded off the scoring with a late goal on the counter. Forest’s defensive vulnerabilities were exposed, leaving them to rue another missed opportunity to maintain momentum, but they still remain in fifth with the same amount of points as Chelsea, Arsenal, and Brighton.

Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Ipswich Town

Ipswich pulled off one of the shocks of the season, stunning Tottenham at their home ground. Szmodics opened the scoring with a spectacular bicycle kick, and Delap doubled the lead with a scrappy finish. Bentancur’s second-half header gave Spurs a glimmer of hope, but Solanke’s disallowed goal late on added to their frustrations as Spurs could not get going offensively and were wasteful on many late crosses. Defensive lapses continue to plague Tottenham, leaving questions about their ability to compete for European places given their inconsistency against opponents they are expected to beat.

Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal

The London derby ended in a stalemate, with both teams showing moments of brilliance but failing to capitalize fully. Neto opened the scoring for Chelsea with a long-range strike, but Arsenal responded late through Martinelli, who finished superbly after a delightful assist from Ødegaard. Both sides will be left to reflect on missed chances, as this draw does little to strengthen their positions in the top-four race. On Arsenal’s side, they will be happy and rejuvenated given Ødegaard’s return to the starting eleven.

EPL 2024-25: Matchweek 12 Preview

Saturday, November 23, 2024

Leicester City vs. Chelsea – 7:30 AM

Leicester’s struggles at the back are well-documented, with 13 goals conceded in their last six outings—and they’ll need to tighten up significantly against a Chelsea side boasting attacking talent. Cole Palmer’s return is timely for Chelsea, as his creativity and calmness in possession have proven pivotal in unlocking defenses, and simply, he is their best player. For Leicester, containing Chelsea’s wide threats and transitional pace will be a monumental task, especially with their recent defensive lapses. While the Foxes may fight to stay in the contest early, Chelsea’s superior quality and attacking movement should shine through as the match progresses.

Prediction: Leicester City 0-2 Chelsea

AFC Bournemouth vs. Brighton & Hove Albion – 10:00 AM

Bournemouth face a daunting task against Brighton, whose attacking rhythm has been electric all season. Danny Welbeck continues to play a key role for the Seagulls, linking their midfield to their strong forward line, while Mitoma’s sharpness on the wing has been a consistent menace for defenses. Bournemouth will rely heavily on Antoine Semenyo’s speed and Evanilson’s direct running and set-piece ability to deliver on the counter, but their defensive vulnerabilities, coupled with Brighton’s ability to dictate possession and press high, make this a tough assignment. Brighton’s sharpness in the final third and ability to create overloads should prove decisive here.

Prediction: Bournemouth 1-3 Brighton & Hove Albion

Arsenal vs. Nottingham Forest – 10:00 AM

The Emirates has become a fortress for Arsenal in recent seasons, and they’ll look to assert their dominance against a spirited Nottingham Forest side. Chris Wood remains Forest’s focal point in attack, but he’ll find it difficult to impose himself against Arsenal’s disciplined and strong backline. With Saka back in contention and Ødegaard pulling the strings in midfield, Arsenal’s fluid attack should potentially overwhelm Forest in this top-six clash. I expect the Forest to sit deep and rely on counters, but Arsenal’s relentless pressure and their ability to exploit spaces in wide areas should secure them the points, even if it won’t come easily.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Nottingham Forest

Aston Villa vs. Crystal Palace – 10:00 AM

Aston Villa’s consistency at home has been one of their hallmarks this season, and they’ll be favorites against an inconsistent Crystal Palace side. Ollie Watkins has been central to Villa’s success, with his movement and finishing forcing defenders into uncomfortable positions. Palace, though capable on the counter, has struggled for fluidity in attack, even with Eze returning to the fold. While Palace’s compact structure might make life difficult early on, Villa’s quality in wide areas, sharpness in front of goal, and their depth should eventually break them down.

Prediction: Aston Villa 2-0 Crystal Palace

Everton vs. Brentford – 10:00 AM

Goodison Park sets the stage for a tactical battle between two sides who’ve had contrasting fortunes in recent weeks. Everton’s defensive solidity under Sean Dyche has been impressive, with just two goals conceded in five matches, but their lack of attacking output remains a concern. Brentford, with Bryan Mbeumo and Wissa leading their forward line, will look to exploit Everton’s occasional lapses on set-pieces and use their pace to test the Toffees’ organization. While both sides should have their moments, this match screams a draw, as Everton will likely take a cautious approach to contain Brentford’s high-energy style of play.

Prediction: Everton 1-1 Brentford

Fulham vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers – 10:00 AM

Fulham head into this match as favorites, supported by their defensive resolve and ability to grind out results at Craven Cottage. Wolves, though improving, still lack consistency in the final third despite Matheus Cunha’s bright moments this season. This one feels like a tactical chess match, with both sides cautious in their approach. Fulham’s compact shape and ability to capitalize on Wolves’ defensive gaps should tip the scales in their favor, especially as Wolves aim to build momentum after securing their first win of the season in Matchweek 11.

Prediction: Fulham 1-0 Wolves

Manchester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur – 12:30 PM

Manchester City host Spurs in what could be a defining clash for both sides. Guardiola’s men have shown defensive vulnerabilities in recent weeks, but their dominance at the Etihad remains intact. Haaland will relish the opportunity to exploit Spurs’ makeshift defense, with Romero and Van de Ven both potentially absent. Tottenham’s attack, driven by Maddison’s creativity and Son’s pace, might trouble City on the break, but their inability to sustain pressure or manage transitions for 90 minutes could cost them dearly. I expect City to control the tempo and bounce back with a convincing win.

Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Sunday, November 24, 2024

Southampton vs. Liverpool – 9:00 AM

Liverpool travel to St. Mary’s brimming with confidence, their attack firing on all cylinders as Salah, Diaz, and Núñez continue to deliver. Southampton’s defensive frailties have been their undoing all season, with some of the league’s highest expected goals conceded at home. The Saints might try to frustrate Liverpool with a deep defensive block, but the visitors’ relentless pressing and ability to create a high number of possessions through wide areas should see them come away with another emphatic win to maintain their spot at the top of the table.

Prediction: Southampton 0-3 Liverpool

Ipswich Town vs. Manchester United – 11:30 AM

Ipswich face an uphill battle against a Manchester United side keen to build momentum under new manager Ruben Amorim. The hosts have struggled to contain top-tier opposition this season, and United’s attacking options—led by Bruno Fernandes, Rashford, Diallo and Garnacho—are likely to find joy in Ipswich’s defensive gaps and inexperience. While the Ipswich’s disciplined approach and momentum after beating Tottenham away might hold firm initially, United’s individual brilliance and superior quality under the new manager should ultimately secure them a convincing victory.

Prediction: Ipswich Town 0-2 Manchester United

Monday, November 25, 2024

Newcastle United vs. West Ham United – 3:00 PM

The matchweek concludes with an enticing encounter at St. James’ Park. Newcastle’s home form has been formidable, with Lewis Hall’s impact at left-back adding a new dimension to their attack. West Ham, though dangerous on the counter, have struggled for consistency, and they’ll need big performances from Paquetá, Summerville, and Bowen to trouble Newcastle’s defense. Isak’s sharpness in front of goal and Newcastle’s overall energy at home should prove decisive in what promises to be an entertaining affair.

Prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 West Ham United