EPL 2024-25: Matchweek 15 Recap

Fifteen weeks into the English Premier League season, the surprises and unpredictability remain at an all-time high. I’ll keep this week’s intro brief, as there’s plenty to unpack in the Matchweek 15 recap and Matchweek 16 preview. On the predictions front, we turned the tide, nailing 2/9 exact scorelines—Leicester City’s 2-2 draw with Brighton and West Ham’s 2-1 win over Wolves—while correctly calling seven outcomes overall. A strong bounce back amidst the recent chaos!

Elsewhere, the Merseyside Derby was postponed due to severe weather, keeping Liverpool top of the table with a game in hand. Chelsea’s seven-goal thriller against Spurs catapulted them to second, two points clear of Arsenal, who were held to a draw by Fulham. Nottingham Forest continued their impressive form, staying in the top six with a massive away win at Manchester United. At the bottom, Southampton, Wolves, and Ipswich occupy the relegation zone, while Crystal Palace, Leicester City, and Everton have clawed their way clear with recent positive results.

With that, let’s dive in—here’s your Matchweek 15 recap and Matchweek 16 preview.

Everton 0-2 Liverpool

The highly anticipated Merseyside Derby was postponed due to unforeseen weather circumstances. Everton, coming off a commanding win against Wolves, were eager to test themselves against league leaders Liverpool. Fans will now have to wait for the rescheduled clash to see whether Liverpool can maintain their dominance or if Everton can further their resurgence.

Aston Villa 1-0 Southampton

Villa’s slim victory over Southampton came courtesy of Jhon Durán’s first-half strike who was favored to Ollie Watkins to start the match. Durán displayed exceptional strength to hold off defenders and finish clinically. Villa created several chances to extend their lead, with McGinn and Tielemans orchestrating play, but their wastefulness kept the scoreline narrow. Southampton, meanwhile, struggled to threaten, failing to register a shot on target, and their disjointed midfield left them vulnerable. Villa’s defensive discipline ultimately sealed a crucial three points, propelling them into the top half of the table after a series of unfortunate results.

Brentford 4-2 Newcastle United

Brentford put on a masterclass at home, extending their unbeaten run at the Gtech Community Stadium. Bryan Mbeumo starred with a goal and an assist, while Schade and Collins capitalized on Newcastle’s defensive frailties. For the Magpies, Alexander Isak and Harvey Barnes provided moments of brilliance, but Newcastle’s inability to defend against Brentford’s quick transitions proved costly. The result was a reminder of Brentford’s strength on home soil and Newcastle’s struggles with consistency this season.

Crystal Palace 2-2 Manchester City

Crystal Palace held Manchester City to a thrilling draw at Selhurst Park. Munoz and Lacroix’s goals for Palace highlighted their ability to exploit City’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly on counterattacks. Haaland’s equalizer and Rico Lewis’s late strike showcased City’s attacking firepower, but their inability to control the game defensively cost them the full three points. A late red card for Lewis added to City’s frustrations as Palace, supported by their home support, displayed immense resilience in a critical point.

Manchester United 2-3 Nottingham Forest

Old Trafford witnessed an upset as Nottingham Forest stunned Manchester United with a clinical performance. Milenkovic opened the scoring with a powerful header before Gibbs-White doubled the lead with a sensational strike. Chris Wood’s physicality caused havoc for United’s defense, and his second-half goal proved decisive. United’s fightback through Højlund and Fernandes wasn’t enough, as their poor set-piece defending and lack of midfield control proved costly. Forest’s well-organized display marked one of their most impressive wins of the season.

Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

Arsenal were left frustrated at Craven Cottage after being held by a resilient Fulham side. Raul Jimenez put the hosts ahead with a perfectly executed counterattack, punishing Arsenal’s high line. William Saliba equalized with a powerful header from a set piece, but the Gunners squandered multiple chances to take the lead. Saka’s disallowed goal in the dying moments due to offside summed up Arsenal’s evening, while Fulham’s compact shape and disciplined defending earned them a deserved point.

Ipswich Town 1-2 Bournemouth

Bournemouth’s ability to turn games around was on full display as they overturned a deficit to defeat Ipswich. Chaplin’s early goal gave the hosts hope, but second-half substitutes Ouattara and Enes Unal turned the game on its head. Unal’s composed finish in stoppage time sealed the victory. Ipswich’s defensive lapses once again proved their undoing, while Bournemouth’s set-piece precision and tactical adjustments secured a valuable three points.

Leicester City 2-2 Brighton

Leicester staged a dramatic late comeback to secure a draw against Brighton. Goals from Lamptey and Minteh had the Seagulls in control, showcasing their ability to break down defenses with quick transitions. However, Jamie Vardy’s close-range strike reignited Leicester’s hopes before De Cordova-Reid’s injury-time tap-in completed the comeback. Brighton’s attacking dominance was undone by defensive errors, while Leicester displayed grit and determination under Ruud van Nistelrooy’s leadership.

Tottenham Hotspur 3-4 Chelsea

A pulsating encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium saw Chelsea edge out Spurs in a seven-goal thriller. Cole Palmer was the standout performer with two well-taken penalties and a pinpoint assist. Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez added to Chelsea’s tally, while Son and Kulusevski kept Spurs in the game with clinical finishes. Defensive lapses on both sides added to the drama, but Chelsea’s attacking cohesion and Palmer’s composure ensured they came away with all three points.

West Ham United 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

West Ham secured a crucial victory over Wolves to climb further away from the relegation zone. Bowen’s curling effort opened the scoring, and Soucek’s towering header doubled the lead. Matt Doherty’s strike gave Wolves hope, but their lack of cutting edge in the final third and defensive fragility cost them. West Ham’s physicality and set-piece threat were key to their success, while Wolves continue to struggle for consistency in both attack and defense.

EPL 2024-25: Matchweek 16 Preview

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2024

Arsenal vs. Everton – 10:00 AM

Arsenal return to the Emirates, determined to respond after their frustrating draw at Fulham. With Ødegaard pulling the strings in midfield and Saka’s pace and precision down the flanks, the Gunners will look to exploit Everton’s defensive weaknesses. Sean Dyche’s side, still reeling in the relegation zone, must rely on Calvert-Lewin’s physicality and their defensive organization to stay competitive. Arsenal’s home dominance and superior firepower make them heavy favorites.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Everton

Liverpool vs. Fulham – 10:00 AM

Liverpool’s return to Anfield after their postponed Merseyside Derby pits them against a resilient Fulham side. Mo Salah’s relentless form, combined with Liverpool’s high-energy press, will pose a daunting challenge for Fulham’s backline. Marco Silva’s side can look to Alex Iwobi and Raul Jimenez on the counter, but containing Liverpool’s fluid attack for 90 minutes is a tall order. The Reds should secure another crucial three points.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Fulham

Newcastle United vs. Leicester City – 10:00 AM

St. James’ Park sets the stage for an intriguing battle between two teams in contrasting form. Newcastle will seek redemption after their defeat at Brentford, leaning on Alexander Isak’s creativity and Anthony Gordon’s directness. Leicester, buoyed by their dramatic draw against Brighton, have shown grit under Ruud van Nistelrooy’s guidance. Jamie Vardy remains the Foxes’ talisman, but Newcastle’s defensive solidity and home support give them the edge.

Prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 Leicester City

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Ipswich Town – 10:00 AM

In a crucial clash at the bottom of the table, Wolves host Ipswich Town at Molineux. Wolves’ reliance on Matheus Cunha’s playmaking and Pablo Sarabia’s vision will be key to unlocking Ipswich’s defense. Ipswich, however, can capitalize on Wolves’ occasional lapses, with Chaplin offering a clinical threat in the box. Home advantage and experience tip the scales in Wolves’ favor in what could be a nervy affair.

Prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 Ipswich Town

Nottingham Forest vs. Aston Villa – 12:30 PM

Nottingham Forest, riding high after their upset win over Manchester United, welcome an in-form Aston Villa to the City Ground. Chris Wood’s physical presence will challenge Villa’s backline, while Watkins and Durán offer dynamic options for the visitors. Both teams have found success through disciplined setups and efficient finishing, making this a tactical battle. Expect a tightly contested draw.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Aston Villa

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2024

Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Crystal Palace – 9:00 AM

The M23 Derby at the Amex Stadium promises an explosive encounter between Brighton’s fluid attacking style and Palace’s defensive organization. Mitoma’s flair and Joao Pedro’s sharpness in the box will test Palace’s resolve, while Eberechi Eze and Mateta can exploit Brighton’s recent defensive inconsistencies. With the derby atmosphere adding intensity, Brighton’s quality in transition should see them edge it.

Prediction: Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Crystal Palace

Manchester City vs. Manchester United – 11:30 AM

The Manchester Derby takes center stage as City host United at the Etihad. Erling Haaland’s clinical finishing and Kevin De Bruyne’s creativity are poised to exploit United’s ongoing defensive frailties. Despite Fernandes and Rashford’s counterattacking potential, United’s lack of cohesion in midfield and vulnerability on set pieces leave them at a significant disadvantage. City’s depth and tactical supremacy should deliver a comfortable victory.

Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United

Chelsea vs. Brentford – 2:00 PM

Chelsea will aim to build on their thrilling win over Spurs as they host Brentford at Stamford Bridge. Cole Palmer has been a revelation for the Blues, while Nicolas Jackson’s movement in the box gives Chelsea a cutting edge. Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Wissa remain dangerous on the counter, but defensive lapses could cost them. Chelsea’s improving confidence and attacking fluency make them favorites to take all three points.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Brentford

Southampton vs. Tottenham Hotspur – 2:00 PM

Southampton’s leaky defense will be put to the test against Spurs’ high-octane attack. Son Heung-min’s clinical touch and Kulusevski’s ability to carve out chances will be pivotal. Southampton’s midfield must step up to keep the visitors at bay, but Tottenham’s quality and consistency should see them secure a straightforward victory on the road.

Prediction: Southampton 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2024

AFC Bournemouth vs. West Ham United – 3:00 PM

The Matchweek concludes with Bournemouth hosting West Ham in a matchup of contrasting styles. Bournemouth will look to Tavernier’s set-piece expertise and Ouattara’s creativity to unlock West Ham’s defense. The Hammers, meanwhile, rely on Jarrod Bowen’s incisiveness and Tomas Soucek’s aerial dominance. Both sides have shown inconsistency, and a closely fought draw feels like the most likely outcome.

Prediction: AFC Bournemouth 1-1 West Ham United