close
The Premier League returns in the blink of an eye with another of set of fixtures this weekend. This is the time of the season when teams get tested the most. Over the years, we've had remarkable slip-ups and unexpected wins in this phase of the season.
All 20 teams in this division are now deeply engaged in the chase to meet their expectations this term. And there is no time to take the gas off the pedal from now until the turn of the year. The next few weeks will undoubtedly give us a hint on who might have a strong chance of lasting the entire length of the Premier League race.
Without further ado, let us dive straight into my predictions for Premier League gameweek 15:
Everton vs Liverpool
Newcastle United FC v Liverpool FC - Premier League - Source: Getty" srcset="https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/84f6b-17333971476689-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/84f6b-17333971476689-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/84f6b-17333971476689-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/84f6b-17333971476689-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/84f6b-17333971476689-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/84f6b-17333971476689-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/84f6b-17333971476689-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/84f6b-17333971476689-1920.jpg 1920w">
Newcastle United FC v Liverpool FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
This would be the last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, what an iconic venue it's been in the Premier League. Everton got a great result against Wolves on Wednesday. I never thought they would get four goals in a game this season! That win puts them in a good position, but this is a tough game.
Liverpool dropped points against Newcastle and cannot afford to do the same again on Saturday. The Everton fans will always make it difficult for them. But it helps Liverpool that Everton beat Wolves quite comfortably in the last game. Everton will now turn up thinking they have a chance and have a swing at Liverpool. This will help Arne Slot's team pick them apart in my opinion.
The league leaders looked a bit jaded in midfield during that 3-3 draw at Newcastle. Curtis Jones came in for Dominik Szoboszlai but Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch got no rest. Newcastle's midfield also had a good mixture of power and guile, with Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton playing there. As such, it is no surprise that Liverpool were a bit outplayed in midfield.
Newcastle thoroughly deserved that draw and their performance is a blueprint for everyone trying to stop Liverpool this season. But even when they were not at their best, Liverpool still scored three goals away from home and that's not something many teams in the world can do. Mohamed Salah always turns up when needed and he did that, a proper big game player.
I don't understand why Slot did not play Trent Alexander-Arnold from the start though. He showed his class after coming on. You could say the manager was protecting him for the Merseyside derby. But I think he should have been in the starting line-up.
Everton must score first if they want to get a result in this game and the only way they can do that is through set-pieces in my opinion. I can't see them troubling Liverpool otherwise and I expect the visitors to secure all three points at Goodison Park.
Prediction: Everton 0-2 Liverpool
Brentford vs Newcastle United
Newcastle United FC v Liverpool FC - Premier League - Source: Getty" srcset="https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/acf3e-17333985083496-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/acf3e-17333985083496-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/acf3e-17333985083496-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/acf3e-17333985083496-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/acf3e-17333985083496-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/acf3e-17333985083496-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/acf3e-17333985083496-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/acf3e-17333985083496-1920.jpg 1920w">
Newcastle United FC v Liverpool FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Brentford are a completely different team at home. Their home record is bordering on unbelievable, but the away record is bordering on atrocious! We saw that against Aston Villa, didn't we? Brentford were blown away in that 3-1 defeat.
I thought Newcastle were brilliant in their draw with Liverpool. They caused some serious problems to Liverpool and will take a lot of confidence from that result. I have a strong feeling that this game will be a goal-fest. Brentford will score at home and I also expect Newcastle to have a go at this game.
This could well be one of the most entertaining matches of the weekend with more than one goal at both ends. I doubt either of these teams can go one better and get three points though.
Prediction: Brentford 2-2 Newcastle United
Aston Villa vs Southampton
Aston Villa FC v Brentford FC - Premier League - Source: Getty" srcset="https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c693b-17333988749378-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c693b-17333988749378-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c693b-17333988749378-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c693b-17333988749378-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c693b-17333988749378-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c693b-17333988749378-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c693b-17333988749378-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c693b-17333988749378-1920.jpg 1920w">
Aston Villa FC v Brentford FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
This will surely be another win for Aston Villa, I don't see it panning out any differently. At this rate, Southampton could be gone by December! They started alright against Chelsea, but eventually proved they haven't learned anything from their mistakes.
You're playing Chelsea, why would you try and play out from the back? This is one thing that always does my head in, why don't these teams ever learn that it's not something that will help them? It's not great coaching if you are forcing players to do what they cannot do. That's happening at Southampton now.
Villa were excellent when they got back to winning ways against Brentford. Morgan Rogers scored a wonderful goal and Ollie Watkins also found the back of the net in that 3-1 win. They must be really confident and I don't see any reason why they won't win again on Saturday.
Prediction: Aston Villa 3-0 Southampton
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City
Manchester City FC v Nottingham Forest FC - Premier League - Source: Getty" srcset="https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/bc955-17334006180799-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/bc955-17334006180799-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/bc955-17334006180799-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/bc955-17334006180799-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/bc955-17334006180799-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/bc955-17334006180799-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/bc955-17334006180799-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/bc955-17334006180799-1920.jpg 1920w">
Manchester City FC v Nottingham Forest FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Pep Guardiola went back to his tried and tested line-up and Manchester City returned to winning ways. That win over Nottingham Forest will be a huge sigh of relief. If my memory serves me right, I remember City once going to Crystal Palace with the Premier League title on the line and they ended up winning comfortably.
If they win this game, that's two in a row and suddenly they're on the right track. I expect that to happen even though Palace got a brilliant result against Ipswich Town on Tuesday.
Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne returned to the City line-up for the clash against Forest and it automatically made Bernardo Silva a better player! In all honesty, Silva was struggling in recent games and it looked like a knock-on effect of them players returning to the team.
People look at Grealish and be like, 'what does he do?' What he does brilliantly is that he keeps the ball and draws opponents in to him and that opens up space for his teammates. You don't want the likes of De Bruyne and Silva operating in free space and Grealish allows them to do it.
It's understandable that Guardiola did not think of this change ahead of the Liverpool game. He had never been in that position and such lapses in judgement can always happen. You and me don't know football as much as Guardiola knows, yet we would've never started Matheus Nunes in that role at Anfield. That was a mistake, but common sense prevailed in the win over Forest and Guardiola made the right decision.
City face Manchester United in the derby after the trip to Palace and anything short of a win at Selhurst Park will be a huge blow.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 0-2 Manchester City
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest
Arsenal FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League - Source: Getty" srcset="https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/b3a72-17334015824254-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/b3a72-17334015824254-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/b3a72-17334015824254-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/b3a72-17334015824254-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/b3a72-17334015824254-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/b3a72-17334015824254-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/b3a72-17334015824254-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/b3a72-17334015824254-1920.jpg 1920w">
Arsenal FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
This is a difficult game for Manchester United. If Nottingham Forest can play like they did against Liverpool at Anfield earlier this season, it will be a problem for the hosts at Old Trafford. Manchester United were disappointing against Arsenal. They looked comfortable in the first half, but it felt like they were only playing for a draw.
Manchester United kept things safe and tried to unleash the big guns in Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee in the second half. But by the time they came on, the game was done. I thought it was a very negative approach from Ruben Amorim. Manchester United fans need to patient. It will take time for them to get the results they desire but Amorim will eventually get it right because he is a good manager.
I actually thought Amorim outwitted Mikel Arteta in that first half. Manchester United were so comfortable and Arsenal did not look like scoring apart from that missed header by Thomas Partey. But this is the Premier League, not the Portuguese league and that's just not good enough if you're Manchester United.
Forest may have lost to Manchester City the other day, but I think they will cause problems at Old Trafford. They are good down the wings and this could hurt Manchester United. I'm going for a draw here.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-2 Nottingham Forest
Fulham vs Arsenal
Arsenal FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League - Source: Getty" srcset="https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/9d09c-17334025437208-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/9d09c-17334025437208-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/9d09c-17334025437208-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/9d09c-17334025437208-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/9d09c-17334025437208-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/9d09c-17334025437208-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/9d09c-17334025437208-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/9d09c-17334025437208-1920.jpg 1920w">
Arsenal FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
It all depends on what happens with Fulham tonight. If they beat Brighton, they will cause problems to Arsenal. But if they lose, they will be in trouble against the Gunners.
Fulham are a decent team but I just think Arsenal are on an incredible run and it will be tough to stop them. Let's not forget that Arsenal lost this fixture last season and that eventually led to them losing the Premier League title so they will be very careful.
Liverpool also have the advantage of playing early this weekend and that puts pressure on Arsenal. You play first and if you get all three points, then it's a different challenge for the teams chasing you. So this is still a really difficult game.
Arsenal can definitely put pressure on Liverpool. If you look at the fixtures, Arsenal have had a really tough start. It's almost been unkind to them! Now they will play some fixtures that are 100 percent winnable and if they manage to secure seven or eight victories on the trot, they will close that gap with Liverpool.
I can't help but admire what Arsenal have done with their set-pieces. They always look like they will score and it's absolutely amazing. You watch other teams' set-pieces and they swing it in but the goalkeeper comes out and catches it easily. Arsenal send in each corner with so much power and it gives the goalkeepers no chance, that strategy is working so well for them.
Prediction: Fulham 1-2 Arsenal
Leicester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Leicester City FC v West Ham United FC - Premier League - Source: Getty" srcset="https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c708c-17334034133392-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c708c-17334034133392-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c708c-17334034133392-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c708c-17334034133392-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c708c-17334034133392-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c708c-17334034133392-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c708c-17334034133392-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c708c-17334034133392-1920.jpg 1920w">
Leicester City FC v West Ham United FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
What a phenomenal result for Leicester the other day. How did that happen, I don't know though! I don't think Brighton are as naive as West Ham. With the passing and movement Brighton have, I can't see anything but a win for them here.
That win over West Ham has papered over the cracks at Leicester. Don't get me wrong, it's a great result. But it also gives them a false sense of security. Leicester weren't even that great, I don't know how they ended up winning 3-1!
There's no doubt that Leicester rode their luck en route to that win. The big problem with them is that when they get beat, they get completely blown away. I just find that trend worrying, that's their problem. This was quite evident in the games against Chelsea and Nottingham Forest.
I'd be shocked if Leicester stay up, I don't see that happening at all. Conceding 20 shots in a game and winning every week is going to be hard. Brighton could rip them to shreds in this clash.
Prediction: Leicester City 1-3 Brighton & Hove Albion
Ipswich Town vs Bournemouth
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League - Source: Getty" srcset="https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/df71c-17334055407095-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/df71c-17334055407095-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/df71c-17334055407095-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/df71c-17334055407095-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/df71c-17334055407095-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/df71c-17334055407095-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/df71c-17334055407095-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/df71c-17334055407095-1920.jpg 1920w">
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League - Source: Getty
This is a tough game to predict because I don't know how Bournemouth will get on against Tottenham later tonight. Ipswich Town were really poor in that loss to Crystal Palace. It felt like they carried on that poor form from the second half of the defeat against Nottingham Forest to the last game.
I must admit I was really disappointed with Ipswich because that game against Palace was one they could've won and they failed miserably. Honestly, they were a million miles away from troubling Palace.
Bournemouth are relentless at the moment. I just can't see anything other than them winning this game. Ipswich must not lose heart if they want to stay up. Things can change very quickly from now until the turn of the year.
Prediction: Ipswich Town 1-2 Bournemouth
Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea
Southampton FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League - Source: Getty" srcset="https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/a9f7a-17334064564731-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/a9f7a-17334064564731-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/a9f7a-17334064564731-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/a9f7a-17334064564731-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/a9f7a-17334064564731-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/a9f7a-17334064564731-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/a9f7a-17334064564731-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/a9f7a-17334064564731-1920.jpg 1920w">
Southampton FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
The only thing that worries me with Chelsea is that they gave away a couple of really good chances to Southampton, even when they were only playing against 10 men. The goalkeeper made a great save at 3-1. If that goes in, it becomes 3-2. I'm not nitpicking with Chelsea, it was still a great result. But that would be my worry about them.
It does not take anything away from the fact that they won 5-1 while resting many of their key players. That is a masterstroke from Enzo Maresca. When the team sheet came in, I thought, 'oh my god, what are you doing? This is the Premier League, you can't be taking any team lightly'. But those changes did not have a detrimental impact on Chelsea.
I wouldn't label Chelsea as genuine title contenders though. It's hard to call them that. They have a good squad, probably the strongest in the Premier League. But they played Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool this season and took just one point. That is why they are not contenders yet.
If you're a fan, Tottenham away from home is Chelsea's biggest game of the season. Chelsea lost in this fixture last season so this is a huge game. If they can win against Spurs, it will send a massive statement. I won't label Tottenham as one of the 'big boys' in the league but they are a team that can beat a lot of teams and we've seen that already this season.
If Chelsea secure a top-four finish and win a trophy, this would become a phenomenal season for them. Anything more than that would be incredible but unlikely.
Ange Postecoglou wants Tottenham to be entertaining that's how they try to play. Chelsea have better players in nearly every position and may have too much for Spurs to handle.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-3 Chelsea
West Ham United vs Wolves
West Ham United FC v Ipswich Town FC - Premier League - Source: Getty" srcset="https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/622f7-17334074852362-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/622f7-17334074852362-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/622f7-17334074852362-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/622f7-17334074852362-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/622f7-17334074852362-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/622f7-17334074852362-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/622f7-17334074852362-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/622f7-17334074852362-1920.jpg 1920w">
West Ham United FC v Ipswich Town FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
This is a massive game for both managers. Julen Lopetegui and Gary O'Neill are under immense pressure. How can Wolves win 4-1 at Fulham, and then concede four goals in back-to-back defeats to Bournemouth and Everton? That's just unbelievable.
Speaking of unbelievable, I was baffled by how West Ham did not include Lucas Paqueta in their line-up to face Leicester. How can you do that? I don't understand that decision. We all know Leicester won't take the game to West Ham, they have a certain way of playing. It involves sitting back and hitting teams on the counter.
We knew West Ham would enjoy a lot of the ball, so why not include Paqueta? He keeps the ball well and makes things happen. That worked quite well against Newcastle and Lopetegui made a big mistake by leaving him out. This is what happens when you bring in managers who don't understand how the Premier League works. They may have done great things elsewhere in Europe, but it's not the same here.
Whoever loses this game, will be under severe pressure from the fans. The sack is inevitable if you don't have fans on your side. After Wolves' recent results, I just can't back them here. They let Everton score four goals in a game, I thought Everton would never score four in total from now until Christmas!
Prediction: West Ham United 2-0 Wolves
Why did you not like this content?
Cancel Submit
Was this article helpful?
like selected
avatar selected
Thank You for feedback
Quick Links
More from Sportskeeda
Edited by Paul Merson