EPL 2024-25: Matchweek 6 Recap

Sound the alarm! I finally got an exact scoreline prediction correct with the Bournemouth-Southampton match this past week, breaking the unfortunate trend that has been haunting me with these predictions. In addition to a correct scoreline, I also predicted two correct winners—Liverpool and Arsenal—but that’s about it. This season continues to be filled with surprises, and the scorelines each week only add to the challenge of predicting exact outcomes. There’s a reason these types of bets typically have crazy odds. Guessing the exact scoreline in one of the world’s most unpredictable soccer leagues is not for the faint-hearted, but I love the grind and learn best through continuous trial and error.

I’ve spent the last week and a half traveling back to my home country of Türkiye, and as a result, I didn’t have the dedicated eye I usually keep on the Premier League weekends. However, I did get the opportunity to support my team, Galatasaray, in two home matches which I would highly recommend to any soccer fan if they ever get the chance. I still managed to watch as many Premier League matches as possible and, as a disclaimer, watched ‘extended’ extended highlights of the matches I missed due to my travel schedule. Rest assured, the quality of this recap and the upcoming preview remains on par with our usual standards—nothing short of the gold standard is acceptable here at SportsEthos. With that said, and ahead of the next international break, let’s dive in!

Chelsea 4-2 Brighton

Chelsea delivered a tactical masterclass, exploiting Brighton’s high defensive line with ruthless efficiency. Cole Palmer’s first-half four-goal haul underscored Chelsea’s sharpness in transition, with his off-ball movement and creativity pulling Brighton’s defenders out of position. Chelsea’s relentless pressing and quick ball progression left Brighton unable to settle into their usual possession-based game. In-form Nicolas Jackson missed several chances, however, Chelsea was highly dominant as they created six big chances, four of which ended in goals.

Brighton struggled tactically, stubbornly sticking to their high line despite being repeatedly exposed. Fabian Hurzeler’s side found some success through errors from Chelsea keeper Robert Sánchez, but their failure to adjust defensively proved costly. Brighton’s vulnerability to teams that press high and transition quickly was evident, leading to their first defeat of the season.

Newcastle United 1-1 Manchester City

Newcastle’s tactical discipline earned them a well-deserved point against Manchester City, whose lack of creativity without Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri was glaring. Pep Guardiola’s side enjoyed their usual possession dominance but lacked incision in the final third, with Erling Haaland often isolated due to a lack of midfield support. City’s attempts to control the match were hampered by Newcastle’s physicality, particularly in midfield, where Joelinton and Bruno Guimarães disrupted City’s rhythm.

Eddie Howe’s side combined defensive solidity with attacking ambition, pressing City in key phases and creating quality chances in the second half. Newcastle’s ability to adapt tactically, maintaining a strong defensive shape while pushing for a winner, was a hallmark of their growing confidence this season. City’s struggles without Rodri’s presence in midfield raise concerns about their ability to control games against physical opposition, though a fully fit Phil Foden could alter their dynamics.

Arsenal 4-2 Leicester City

Arsenal overwhelmed Leicester with a barrage of attacks led by the electrifying Bukayo Saka, whose movement and dribbling caused chaos for Leicester’s backline. While Saka didn’t score, his influence was pivotal as Arsenal generated 17 corner kicks and continuously threatened from set pieces. Leicester’s defense looked fragile throughout, unable to cope with Arsenal’s relentless pressure.

Leicester managed to score two world-class goals, but their overall performance lacked consistency. Arsenal’s pressing and quick transitions made the difference, and despite conceding, their defensive organization continues to improve. Arsenal’s form signals their readiness to compete for the top spot once again this season.

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-2 Liverpool

Liverpool emerged from a tough encounter with Wolves, securing a narrow victory thanks to Mohamed Salah’s penalty, but the match was far closer than expected. Wolves frustrated Liverpool’s attack in the first half with a compact defensive shape that limited space in the final third. However, Liverpool’s relentless pressure eventually wore Wolves down, and Salah pounced on a defensive error to convert the decisive penalty.

Wolves showed significant attacking promise, with Matheus Cunha and Rayan Aït-Nouri causing problems for Liverpool’s defense. Although they pulled a goal back late, Wolves’ inability to sustain their attacking momentum ultimately cost them. Liverpool’s performance, while not their best this past weekend, highlighted their ability to grind out results, a trait proving essential in the title race.

Manchester United 0-3 Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham’s dominant display at Old Trafford laid bare the defensive and organizational issues plaguing Manchester United. Spurs systematically targeted United’s left flank, with Brennan Johnson and James Maddison exploiting the space left by United’s poor defensive structure. The match took a decisive turn when Bruno Fernandes was sent off, leaving United exposed to Spurs’ counter-attacks.

Spurs’ pressing and quick transitions created six big chances, and they could have added more goals. Manchester United’s inability to adapt after the red card, combined with their ongoing defensive problems, continues to raise concerns about their form. Spurs, on the other hand, look increasingly cohesive, and their tactical fluidity suggests they are ready to challenge at the top level – if they remain consistent.

Ipswich Town 2-2 Aston Villa

Ipswich earned a valuable point against Aston Villa, matching the intensity of their in-form opponents in a thrilling contest. Villa’s Ollie Watkins was clinical, but Ipswich’s ability to create high-quality chances and press effectively kept them in the match. Liam Delap stood out for Ipswich, nearly completing a hat trick as he exploited Villa’s defensive frailties, scoring two goals.

Villa’s defensive vulnerabilities were on full display, as they struggled to deal with Ipswich’s pressing game. Despite their attacking firepower, Villa looked disorganized at the back, raising questions about their ability to handle high-intensity matches where they have conceded nine goals on the season. Ipswich’s tactical setup and resilience will give them confidence as they continue to compete and grind out results at this level.

Brentford 1-1 West Ham United

Brentford’s knack for scoring early continued with an early strike giving them the lead, but West Ham’s resilience saw them equalize through Tomas Soucek. Brentford’s high-pressing game was effective early on, but West Ham adjusted tactically, gaining more control in midfield as the match progressed.

Bryan Mbeumo remained a constant threat for Brentford, but the Bees struggled to maintain their attacking tempo beyond the early goal. West Ham’s tactical flexibility, switching between a possession-based approach and quick transitions, earned them a deserved point. Both sides will need to address defensive inconsistencies if they aim to challenge for the top half this season.

Everton 2-1 Crystal Palace

Everton secured their first win of the season thanks to a stellar performance from Dwight McNeil, who scored both goals in a hard-fought victory over Crystal Palace. McNeil’s movement and finishing were crucial as he capitalized on Palace’s defensive lapses, particularly from set pieces.

Jarrad Branthwaite’s return to the Everton defense added stability, with his partnership alongside James Tarkowski providing a solid foundation. Palace, on the other hand, struggled to create clear chances, and Eberechi Eze had a particularly frustrating match. Oliver Glasner’s side will need to find solutions quickly, especially in defense, if they hope to climb the table this season.

Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest

Fulham handed Forest their first loss of the season thanks to a penalty goal by in-form Raul Jimenez. Forest were much more inspired after falling behind, however, their efforts were not enough to warrant an equalizer. With this score, Fulham rise to the sixth spot, a place they will work extremely hard to keep. With only one loss on the season, they continue to be one of the surprising teams of the season, while Forest’s promising start to the season takes a halt with this result.

Bournemouth 3-1 Southampton

Bournemouth secured a hard-earned victory in the South Coast derby, outmaneuvering Southampton with a combination of high pressing and quick transitions. Evanilson opened the scoring, exploiting Southampton’s defensive disorganization.

Outtara and Semenyo added the second and third goals, pulling the match away from a Southampton side that continues to struggle with playing out from the back. Southampton remains one of four winless teams in the league, a concerning trend for the Saints.

EPL 2024-25: Matchweek 7 Preview

SATURDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2024

Crystal Palace vs Liverpool – 7:30 AM EST

Liverpool have started the season in spectacular form, sitting at the top of the table with 15 points from six matches and boasting one of the best defenses in the league, having conceded just two goals. Mo Salah has scored in each of his last three matches, with Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez also contributing well under Arne Slot’s system. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, have struggled so far this season, sitting 18th without a win. They’ve only managed five goals while conceding nine. The last nine meetings between these two at Selhurst Park have seen Liverpool win eight and draw one, and Palace’s current form suggests they will struggle against Liverpool’s high press and possession dominance.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 0-3 Liverpool

Arsenal vs Southampton – 10:00 AM EST

Arsenal are third in the table, one point off the top, and are coming off an impressive 2-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. Bukayo Saka, though only scoring once in the Premier League this season, has been a crucial playmaker, assisting six of Arsenal’s 12 goals. Southampton, in contrast, are struggling profoundly, sitting 19th with only one point and having lost five of their six matches. Their attempts to play out from the back have often led to costly mistakes. Against an in-form Arsenal team who will look for all three points at home, they do not withstand a chance unless they park the bus and remain strong with it.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Southampton

Brentford vs Wolverhampton Wanderers – 10:00 AM EST

Brentford are currently 12th and have caught attention for their remarkable ability to score early goals, netting within the first minute in their last three matches—a Premier League record. Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa have been effective goalscorers in the post-Ivan Toney era. However, their overall form has been inconsistent, with only seven points from six games. Wolves sit at the bottom of the table, winless in their last nine away games, and have the worst defensive record, conceding 16 goals. Manager Gary O’Neil is under pressure, and while Wolves have shown they can score, their defensive vulnerabilities will likely be exposed by Brentford’s quick transitions.

Prediction: Brentford 2-1 Wolves

Leicester City vs Bournemouth – 10:00 AM EST

Leicester City are 17th and winless this season but have shown flashes of improvement, particularly in their 4-2 defeat against Arsenal, where they displayed strong character. Bournemouth, in contrast, come into this fixture with momentum after a 3-1 win over Southampton. They have a balanced record with two wins, two draws, and two losses, sitting 11th. Leicester’s home advantage and attacking capabilities, especially through players like Mavididi and Jamie Vardy, suggest they can capitalize on Bournemouth’s weaknesses and go for a win at home.

Prediction: Leicester City 2-0 Bournemouth

Manchester City vs Fulham – 10:00 AM EST

Manchester City, sitting second in the table, are unbeaten in their last 49 home matches and will look to make it 50 against a Fulham side that has surprised many this season. Fulham are sixth with three wins and are unbeaten in their last five matches. However, Fulham’s record against City is dismal—they’ve lost their last 16 meetings. City’s squad depth, particularly with players like Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden in form, will make it difficult for Fulham to contain their attacking prowess. Fulham will likely rely on their defensive structure and counter-attacking opportunities, but City’s superiority in possession and clinical finishing should see them through.

Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Fulham

West Ham United vs Ipswich Town – 10:00 AM EST

West Ham have had a poor start to the season, sitting 14th, and have lost all three of their home matches. Ipswich Town, sitting 15th, have drawn four of their six matches and have shown resilience despite their struggles. West Ham’s inability to keep a clean sheet and their leaky defense suggest Ipswich could at least score a goal and look for a tie once again, especially through Liam Delap who may capitalize on West Ham’s defensive inconsistencies. Although West Ham’s stronger squad might give them an edge, Ipswich Town’s ability to grind out draws may challenge for points again here.

Prediction: West Ham 2-2 Ipswich Town

Everton vs Newcastle United – 12:30 PM EST

Everton secured their first win of the season last week, which will provide a much-needed morale boost as they host a Newcastle side in good form. Dwight McNeil was key in Everton’s win over Crystal Palace, and his contributions will be vital if Everton are to continue building momentum. However, Everton’s defense remains fragile, despite Branthwaite’s return, and they’ll face a tough test against Newcastle.

Newcastle are coming off a 1-1 draw with Manchester City, where they displayed tactical discipline and resilience. Eddie Howe’s side has shown that they can handle both defensive and attacking duties well, with Joelinton and Harvey Barnes key players in their attack. Given Everton’s inconsistencies, Newcastle’s high-energy style is likely to give them the edge in this encounter.

Prediction: Everton 1-2 Newcastle United

SUNDAY, 6 OCTOBER 2024

Aston Villa vs Manchester United – 9:00 AM EST

Aston Villa, currently fifth in the table, have been excellent at home under Unai Emery. Their high pressing and attacking play have seen them dominate even strong opponents. Manchester United, on the other hand, are in 13th place, having lost three of their six matches this season, and pressure is mounting on Erik ten Hag. United’s defensive frailties were exposed in their 3-0 defeat to Tottenham last week, and Aston Villa’s fluid attacking options, including Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey, and super-sub Jhon Duran, could cause them further problems. A loss here could push Ten Hag closer to the sack, while Villa looks primed to continue their strong home form.

Prediction: Aston Villa 2-2 Manchester United

Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest – 9:00 AM EST

Chelsea, currently fourth in the league, have found their rhythm recently, with Cole Palmer stepping up as a key player once again this season. They are unbeaten in their last three matches, and their attacking depth is starting to show, with players like Nicolas Jackson and Pedro Neto finding form. Forest have had mixed results this season and come to this match with a narrow 1-0 loss to Fulham last weekend. They will be eager to bounce back, something they have shown against Liverpool, however, Chelsea’s dynamic attack and home advantage make them strong favorites. Nottingham will need to be defensively compact and hope to catch Chelsea on the counter, but it’s a tall order against a team in such good form recently.

Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Tottenham Hotspur – 11:30 AM EST

Brighton, sitting ninth, have drawn three of their last four matches but are struggling defensively, conceding eight goals in three matches. Tottenham, currently eighth, have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly through players like Brennan Johnson and Micky van de Ven in recent weeks. However, Spurs are dealing with several key injuries, including Heung-min Son and Destiny Udogie, which could impact their performance. Brighton’s home advantage, combined with Spurs’ injury concerns, makes this a likely open and high-scoring contest.

Prediction: Brighton 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur