Premier League predictions – Gameweek 26: Will Liverpool end Etihad hoodoo? | OneFootball

Gameweek 26 of the 2024-25 Premier League season could be a pivotal one.

While Manchester City are no longer in the title race, they could have a say in where the trophy ends up. This weekend they host leaders Liverpool, who missed the opportunity to go 10 points clear in midweek.

Instead, the Reds go into the weekend eight points ahead of second-placed Arsenal, albeit having played a game more. That gap could be cut to five on Saturday though, with the Gunners hosting West Ham United.

The weekend starts on Friday once again, as Brentford travel to Leicester City. There’s also a reunion at Goodison Park when David Moyes’ Everton host his former club Manchester United.

We’ve taken a look at all 10 matches from gameweek X and offered our predicted scores.

Leicester vs Brentford

Things really aren’t going well for Leicester at home. The Foxes have lost their past five home league games, all without scoring. And four of those game by a scoreline of 0-2. Brentford were poor on the road the start the season, but they’ve now won each of their past three away league games. It feels like an unwanted record sixth consecutive home league defeat is on the cards for Leicester.

Everton vs Man Utd

The final Goodison Park match between Everton and Man Utd comes with extra narrative. It sees Moyes take on the club he initially left Everton for eight years ago. And he sees his side in the better form. The Toffees are unbeaten in their past five league games, winning four. The only exception was the Merseyside derby draw against Liverpool. Man Utd, meanwhile, have lost three of their past four league games, the last two without scoring.

Arsenal vs West Ham

This is Arsenal’s chance to put some pressure on Liverpool. The Gunners will have been boosted by more dropped points from the Reds, but they have to capitalise. Arsenal like playing against West Ham, having won their past two matches by an aggregate scoreline of 11-2. The Gunners are also unbeaten in their past 15 Premier League games AND their past 15 home league games. At the same time, West Ham have won just one of their six Premier League matches under Graham Potter.

Bournemouth vs Wolves

Bournemouth are another team hoping to capitalise on their rivals playing later this weekend. The Cherries could move into the top four on Saturday if they beat Wolverhampton Wanderers. Andoni Iraola’s men have won their past two games across all competitions after seeing an 11-match league unbeaten streak come to an end. Wolves are still struggling, just two points above the relegation zone. They’ve lost five of their past six league games after an initially good start to life under Vitor Pereira. They’ve struggled a lot on the road too.

Prediction: Bournemouth 3-1 Wolves (9/1 with BetMGM)

Fulham vs Crystal Palace

A second London derby of the weekend, this one sees Fulham host Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage. Marco Silva’s men are currently eighth in the table having won three of their past four league games. They’re just five points outside the top four and may harbour European hopes. Crystal Palace are also on a good run with three wins from five, but they have lost two of their past three. The Eagles remain 13th, seven points outside the top half. But four of the past six games between these two sides have finished level.

Ipswich vs Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur will look to climb the Premier League table when they travel to face Ipswich Town. But the Tractor Boys are hoping to do the league double over Tottenham, having picked up their first win of the season against Spurs in November. Tottenham have won their past two league matches following a run of four straight defeats, both without conceding. At the same time, Ipswich have lost four of their past six, drawing two. They’ve also lost their past three home league games by an aggregate score of 10-1.

Southampton vs Brighton

Southampton picked up a rare win over Ipswich recently, but they returned to losing ways against Bournemouth in their next match. It was Southampton’s 20th league defeat of the season, and leaves then 20th in the table. They’re now 10 points from safety, and it feels like their time in the top flight is running out. Brighton and Hove Albion will be hoping to add to their misery as they look to string together successive league wins having beat Chelsea last time out. It looks like they’ve put their 7-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest behind them.

Aston Villa vs Chelsea

Aston Villa are winless in their past five league games, but they may be confident about ending that run against an out-of-form Chelsea. Four of those five games have ended in a draw, including the 2-2 result against Liverpool in midweek. Chelsea, meanwhile, have won two of their past nine league games and are winless in five away from home.

Prediction: Aston Villa 3-2 Chelsea (18/1 with BetMGM)

Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest

Two sides with European ambitions, both not in very good form. Newcastle United have lost three of their past four league games, including their past two at St James’ Park. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, have lost two of their past three with both defeats coming away from home. Of course, the only exception was that 7-0 thrashing of Brighton.

Man City vs Liverpool

This is the big one. And it’s a big test for Liverpool’s title credentials. If they win this, you might see their odds of winning the title cut even more. The Reds are, of course, in excellent form with just the one league defeat this season. Even with their two recent draws, Liverpool are looking tough to beat. And that is useful, considering they’ve won just one of their past 15 Premier League games at the Etihad. Man City are in decent form and back in the top four. But their humbling defeats at the hands of Arsenal and Real Madrid recently show that they can still be hurt.

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