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January 3, 2025, 11:54 pm
EPL 2024-25: Matchweek 19 Recap
Happy New Year to all, and what better way to ring in 2025 than with another exciting weekend of Premier League action. With the season now entering its second half, the stakes are higher than ever, and teams are gearing up for crucial battles that could shape the table—and the upcoming winter transfer window.
This past week, I managed to correctly predict six match outcomes, including two exact scorelines in Fulham-Bournemouth and Tottenham-Wolves, both ending 2-2. While I fell short with four incorrect predictions, I’d say it was a solid showing overall, especially with some of the surprises this league continues to deliver.
At the top of the table, Liverpool remain in control, six points clear with a game in hand. Arsenal have rediscovered their groove, winning three straight to reclaim second place. Nottingham Forest’s incredible season sees them in third, ahead of Chelsea, who are battling for consistency after back-to-back defeats. Defending champions Manchester City sit sixth, trailing Liverpool by 14 points, while Newcastle United’s four-game winning streak has propelled them to fifth.
Elsewhere, Bournemouth, Fulham, Aston Villa, and Brighton round out the top 10, while Tottenham and Manchester United are struggling to find form, sitting in 11th and 14th, respectively. Wolves, revitalized under Vítor Pereira, have climbed out of the relegation zone into 17th, leaving Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and Southampton to occupy the bottom three.
This weekend’s fixtures promise more drama, with teams vying for crucial points in the title race, the push for European spots, and the fight to avoid relegation. Without further ado, let’s dive into the Matchweek 19 recap and Matchweek 20 preview.
Leicester City 0-2 Manchester City
Manchester City snapped their four-game winless streak with a much-needed 2-0 victory over Leicester at the King Power Stadium. Savinho opened the scoring in the 21st minute, reacting quickest to a rebound from Foden’s saved shot. The Brazilian youngster then set up Erling Haaland for a powerful header that doubled the lead in the second half. Leicester came close through Jamie Vardy, who struck the crossbar, but their ongoing struggles in front of goal proved costly. For City, this was a positive step forward, though the opposition’s current struggles shouldn’t be overlooked.
Crystal Palace 2-1 Southampton
Crystal Palace overturned an early setback to defeat Southampton 2-1 at Selhurst Park, deepening the visitors’ relegation troubles. Tyler Dibling shocked the home crowd with an early goal, but Trevoh Chalobah’s header from a corner brought Palace level. Eberechi Eze sealed the win with a stunning volley in the second half. Southampton offered little resistance after their opener, with defensive issues once again on full display. Palace moved further away from the drop zone, while the Saints’ survival hopes took another hit.
Everton 0-2 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest’s incredible season continued with a composed 2-0 victory at Goodison Park. Chris Wood opened the scoring with a clever chip after a quick counterattack, and Morgan Gibbs-White’s precise finish in the second half secured the win. Everton struggled to break through Forest’s disciplined defense, with Jordan Pickford making key saves to keep the scoreline respectable. Sean Dyche’s side continues to lack attacking solutions, while Forest remain in second place, cementing their position as the league’s surprise package.
Fulham 2-2 AFC Bournemouth
Fulham and Bournemouth shared the points in a back-and-forth 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage. Raul Jimenez gave the hosts an early lead, and Harry Wilson’s curling strike restored Fulham’s advantage after Evanilson’s equalizer. Bournemouth kept pushing and found a late equalizer through Dango Ouattara’s header. Both teams had chances to secure the win, but poor finishing left them settling for a point each. Fulham’s inability to close out the match will frustrate Marco Silva, while Bournemouth’s fightback showed their resilience.
Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Tottenham and Wolves played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in North London. Hwang Hee-chan gave Wolves an early lead, but Spurs fought back with goals from Rodrigo Bentancur and Brennan Johnson before halftime. Wolves kept pushing and Strand Larsen’s late equalizer earned them a valuable point. Tottenham controlled much of the possession but struggled defensively, a recurring theme under Ange Postecoglou. Wolves, under Vítor Pereira, continue to look organized and motivated as they fight to climb the table.
West Ham United 0-5 Liverpool
Liverpool made a statement with a 5-0 demolition of West Ham at the London Stadium. Luis Diaz opened the scoring with a close-range finish, followed by goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah before halftime. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s stunning free-kick and Diogo Jota’s opportunistic strike rounded off the rout. West Ham, who had been in decent form, were completely outclassed. Liverpool remain firmly at the top of the table, showcasing their title-winning credentials with another dominant display.
Aston Villa 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion
Aston Villa and Brighton shared the spoils in an exciting 2-2 draw at Villa Park. Ollie Watkins converted an early penalty, and Morgan Rogers doubled Villa’s lead shortly after. Brighton responded with Simon Adingra’s header and Tariq Lamptey’s thunderous strike to level the match late on. Villa’s defensive lapses cost them a win, while Brighton’s resilience earned them a point despite extending their winless run to seven games.
Ipswich Town 2-0 Chelsea
Ipswich stunned Chelsea with a 2-0 victory at Portman Road. Liam Delap converted an early penalty, and Omari Hutchinson added a composed finish to seal the upset. Chelsea struggled to create meaningful chances, with João Félix seeing a potential equalizer ruled out for offside. Ipswich’s defensive organization frustrated the visitors, leaving Chelsea slipping further behind in the title race and raising serious questions about their top-four hopes.
Manchester United 0-2 Newcastle United
Newcastle cruised to a 2-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford. Alexander Isak capitalized on a defensive mistake to score the opener, and Joelinton’s header doubled the lead shortly after. Newcastle’s midfield duo of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães controlled the game, leaving United struggling to respond. Ruben Amorim’s side lacked cohesion and intensity, while Newcastle continue to strengthen their grip on a top-four spot.
Brentford 1-3 Arsenal
Arsenal came from behind to secure a 3-1 victory over Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. Bryan Mbeumo gave the hosts an early lead, but Gabriel Jesus leveled shortly after. Mikel Merino’s header put Arsenal ahead, and Gabriel Martinelli’s solo effort sealed the win. Arsenal showed their adaptability and determination as they stayed within striking distance of Liverpool in the title race.
EPL 2024-25: Matchweek 20 Preview
SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, 2025
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Newcastle United – 7:30 AM
Tottenham are in desperate need of a turnaround as they host a surging Newcastle United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Ange Postecoglou’s side has struggled with defensive lapses, particularly against teams with pace and precision on the counterattack. Newcastle, fresh off a dominant 2-0 win at Old Trafford, arrive with confidence. Alexander Isak and Joelinton are proving pivotal, while Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali provide control in midfield. With Spurs prone to counterattacking vulnerabilities and Newcastle excelling in quick transitions, Eddie Howe’s men are my favorites to take the spoils.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-3 Newcastle United
AFC Bournemouth vs. Everton – 10:00 AM
Bournemouth host Everton at the Vitality Stadium in a clash of two sides seeking consistency. Bournemouth showed resilience in their 2-2 draw against Fulham, with Ouattara and Evanilson providing crucial attacking impetus. However, their defensive lapses remain a concern, and they’ll need to be sharper at the back. Everton, on the other hand, are struggling for goals but remain defensively solid, thanks in large part to Jordan Pickford’s shot-stopping heroics. James Tarkowski’s leadership at the back has been a key factor, but Sean Dyche’s side must find a way to create and convert chances. This matchup feels like it could hinge on a moment of individual brilliance.
Prediction: AFC Bournemouth 2-1 Everton
Aston Villa vs. Leicester City – 10:00 AM
Aston Villa return to Villa Park looking to bounce back from a frustrating draw with Brighton. Ollie Watkins’ return to form has been crucial, and Morgan Rogers has added creativity in the final third. Villa’s home form remains one of their strongest assets, and they’ll look to capitalize on Leicester’s frailties. Leicester, under Ruud van Nistelrooy, are in dire need of points. Defensive lapses have been a recurring theme, and the Foxes have struggled to defend against set pieces. With Jamie Vardy and Mavididi needing to shoulder the attacking burden, Leicester must find a way to trouble Villa’s solid backline.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-0 Leicester City
Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea – 10:00 AM
Crystal Palace face a daunting challenge as they welcome Chelsea to Selhurst Park. Palace showed great character in their 2-1 win over Southampton, with Eberechi Eze continuing to lead the way. However, their attack has been inconsistent, and they’ll need to be clinical to trouble Chelsea. The Blues, coming off a shocking 2-0 defeat to Ipswich, are eager to make amends. Enzo Maresca will demand a response from his players, particularly in the attacking third where Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku will be key. Chelsea’s midfield depth could overwhelm Palace, but only if they avoid the defensive lapses that cost them against Ipswich.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Chelsea
Manchester City vs. West Ham United – 10:00 AM
Manchester City host West Ham at the Etihad in a crucial game for Pep Guardiola’s side. City ended their winless streak with a composed 2-0 victory over Leicester, but defensive vulnerabilities remain. Erling Haaland’s return to scoring form is a welcome boost, and Phil Foden continues to provide the creative spark. West Ham, who were dismantled 5-0 by Liverpool, will be eager to bounce back. Jarrod Bowen’s form remains a bright spot, but Julien Lopotegui’s men will need to stay disciplined defensively to avoid being overrun by City’s relentless attack.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 West Ham United
Southampton vs. Brentford – 10:00 AM
Southampton, rooted to the bottom of the table, are in desperate need of points as they face Brentford at St. Mary’s. Against Palace, the Saints once again fell short defensively. Onuachu will be key if Southampton are to break down Brentford’s compact defense. Brentford, led by Bryan Mbeumo, have shown their ability to frustrate opponents with their defensive organization. Although their away form has been inconsistent, their counterattacking style could cause problems for a Southampton side that struggles with pace and is leaking goals.
Prediction: Southampton 1-2 Brentford
Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Arsenal – 12:30 PM
Brighton face Arsenal at the Amex Stadium, hoping to snap their seven-match winless streak. Despite their struggles, Brighton have players capable of turning games around, such as Joao Pedro, Mitoma and Enciso. However, their defensive frailties could be exploited by an in-form Arsenal side. The Gunners, sitting in second place, are in relentless pursuit of Liverpool at the top of the table. Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Ødegaard, and Kai Havertz have been instrumental, while Gabriel Jesus is regaining his sharpness in front of goal. Mikel Arteta’s men will look to control possession and pounce on Brighton’s defensive errors.
Prediction: Brighton & Hove Albion 0-2 Arsenal
SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 2025
Fulham vs. Ipswich Town – 9:00 AM
Fulham will aim to build on their draw against Bournemouth as they host Ipswich at Craven Cottage. Marco Silva’s attacking trio of Raul Jimenez, Harry Wilson, and Alex Iwobi have been in good form, and their creativity will be key against an Ipswich side that pulled off a major upset against Chelsea. Ipswich, riding high after their 2-0 win, will need to replicate their defensive organization and capitalize on counterattacking opportunities. Liam Delap and Omari Hutchinson have been standout performers, but Fulham’s quality could prove too much.
Prediction: Fulham 2-1 Ipswich Town
Liverpool vs. Manchester United – 11:30 AM
All eyes will be on Anfield as Liverpool host Manchester United in one of the league’s marquee fixtures. Liverpool’s attacking trio of Salah, Gakpo, and Diaz has been electric, while their midfield has shown excellent balance under Arne Slot. Manchester United, meanwhile, are desperate for a response after a poor showing against Newcastle. Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford will need to deliver standout performances, but unless Ruben Amorim’s side tightens up defensively, they could be in for another tough outing.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Manchester United
MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2025
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Nottingham Forest – 3:00 PM
Wolves and Nottingham Forest face off in an intriguing clash at Molineux. Wolves, revitalized under Vítor Pereira, have been defensively solid and will look to Matheus Cunha and Hwang Hee-chan to lead the attack. Their physical approach could trouble Forest’s backline. Forest, sitting second in the table, are riding a wave of confidence. Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga have been instrumental in their rise, while their defensive solidity has made them tough to break down. This promises to be a hard-fought battle with little to separate the two sides.
Prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Nottingham Forest