Preview

Jan

2026

Preview: Form teams Fulham and Liverpool clash at the Cottage

Liverpool travel to Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon looking to extend their unbeaten run across all competitions to nine. They face a Fulham side who find themselves sitting in fifth in the form table having feasted over the festive period with three wins and a draw across their last five.

By Sam McGuire

The story so far

The 2025/26 campaign has been a topsy turvy one for the Premier League champions. They started with five wins from five in the Premier League before a run of six defeats in seven had people questioning Arne Slot’s future at the club.

However, the Reds are now unbeaten in seven domestic matches and found themselves in fourth position ahead of Saturday’s results in the English top flight. Only three teams have racked up more points than Liverpool over the last five games and while it might not have been too pretty, the Reds have found a way to win football matches again. For now at least.

Fulham, meanwhile, started the season with just two wins in nine. It did, at one stage, appear as though Marco Silva’s side might be in trouble. They’ve managed to turn it around though with six wins from their last 10 in the Premier League.

Their home record is quietly impressive too. They’ve conceded 10 in nine but this number is skewed by the five they conceded in the 5-4 loss to Manchester City. Outside of that, their record is played eight, conceded five, won five and lost two.

The trip to Craven Cottage won’t be an easy one for the Reds, especially when you consider Liverpool’s struggles on their travels this term – played nine, won four, lost four.

Key Players

For the Premier League champions, the match-winner and difference-maker could well be Hugo Ekitike. He blanked against Leeds ending his run of six goal involvements across his last four matches, but he was, by far, Liverpool’s greatest threat, finishing with an Expected Goals total of 1.02.

For Fulham, it has to be Harry Wilson, doesn’t it? The 28-year-old has five goals and four assists in the Premier League this term and has three goals and an assist in his last seven top flight appearances. The former Liverpool player does have a goal against the Reds too. Maybe he’ll add to it on Sunday.

Team News

The hosts could have Kenny Tete back in their squad while Ryan Sessegnon could be risked after a hamstring injury. Rodrigo Muniz, however, is ruled out until February at the earliest. Other than those two doubts and one player definitely ruled out, Silva has a full squad to choose from.

Slot doesn’t have such luck. The Dutch tactician is without Alexander Isak due to a broken leg and Mohamed Salah is away at AFCON. Cody Gakpo could well start his first game in almost a month after making two sub appearances off of the bench recently having returned from injury. The Reds don’t have that many options in attack right now. Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo are still out while Giovanni Leoni isn’t expected to return this season.

Prediction

We’re going with a score draw for this one, 1-1.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Jan

2026

Preview: Manchester United cross the Pennines to face Leeds United

Elland Road has become one of the toughest venues for away teams to visit in the Premier League over the last month.

By Graham Ruthven

Rivalry reignited

Not so long ago, Leeds United appeared destined for an immediate return to the Championship. The Elland Road side were struggling for consistent form and Daniel Farke was fighting for his job.

Now, though, Leeds are on a six-game unbeaten run, sitting seven points clear of the bottom three following Thursday’s credible 0-0 draw away to Liverpool.

Sunday’s match is a big opportunity for Leeds to get the better of their fiercest rivals, particularly with the game taking place at Elland Road where Farke’s side have lost just twice this season.

Manchester United must bounce back from a disappointing home draw against Wolves which raised fresh questions over Ruben Amorim’s suitability as the club’s manager.

After success with a back four in games against Bournemouth and Newcastle, Amorim reverted to his favoured 3-4-3 shape to face the worst team in the Premier League and United subsequently struggled for attacking threat.

While Amorim’s immediate job security might not be at risk, another disappointing result against Leeds would seriously set back the notion that Manchester United are making progress under his stewardship.

Key players

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s incredible scoring run came to an end against Liverpool, marking the first time in six games that the centre forward had failed to find the back of the net.

Brenden Aaronson has thrived after Farke’s change to a new 3-5-2 shape with the American’s dribbling ability giving Leeds a different dimension in the attacking third.

*Aaronson’s possession numbers in the Premier League this season*

Anton Stach will be a big presence in the centre of the pitch for the home side. The German has created more chances than any other Leeds player this season and could be key on Sunday.

For Manchester United, it will largely fall on Matheus Cunha to provide a spark in the attacking third with Bruno Fernandes still injured and Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Benjamin Šeško registered more shots than any other player on the pitch in United’s 1-1 draw with Wolves. However, the Slovenian striker hasn’t found the back of the net since October.

Ayden Heaven has stepped up as an important defensive figure for Manchester United in recent weeks while Patrick Dorgu has offered a funnel into the final third on the right wing.

Team news

Daniel James and Sean Longstaff are both sidelined through injury for Leeds while Joe Rodon could return to action after missing the goalless draw against Liverpool on New Year’s Day.

Ethan Ampadu will miss Sunday’s match after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season at Anfield. The Welsh international will leave a big hole in the defensive line.

Fernandes is out of action for a number of weeks while Matthijs De Ligt, Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo all struggling with knocks right now.

Amad and Mbeumo are on international duty with their respective national teams at AFCON with Moroccan right back Noussair Mazraoui also at the tournament. This leaves Manchester United depleted for the visit to Elland Road.

Prediction

The Yorkshire side are hard to beat at the moment, with Daniel Farke’s squad looking rejuvenated in the latter end of 2025. A win over their Lancashire rivals would be quite the statement of intent to start 2026: Leeds 2-1 Manchester United.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Jan

2026

Preview: In-form Espanyol welcome Barcelona in New Year Derby

Espanyol play host to Barcelona in LaLiga on Saturday evening in what promises to be a thriller considering the recent form of both clubs.

By Ross Kilvington

Following a short winter break, both teams will be looking to continue building momentum in the first match of 2026.

Espanyol eyeing first win over cross-city rivals since 2018

Espanyol have long been the ugly sister regarding football teams in Barcelona and they have not won against their rivals since January 2018.

That victory came in the Copa del Rey, with the club winning the first leg 1-0 at home. However, you have to stretch back to February 2009 for their last league victory over Barcelona, winning 2-1 in the same season that Pep Guardiola’s men won the treble.

Ahead of this highly anticipated clash, Espanyol are currently on a five-game winning streak in the Spanish top flight.

This run has seen them vaulted up to fifth in the league, just two points shy of fourth place.

They will pin their hopes on duo Edu Expósito and Pere Milla. The former has created 40 big chances in LaLiga this term, ranking him second out of every player, while the latter has scored six league goals.

If those two perform well, Espanyol have a chance of ending their eight-year winless drought on Saturday.

Barcelona are on course to defend their LaLiga title

After losing two of their opening ten league matches, including a Clásico loss to Real Madrid, Barcelona have won eight on the bounce, the last seven all by at least a two goal margin.

Combined with Madrid’s dismal form, this superb run has seen them lead the table by four points heading into 2026.

Hansi Flick’s side have won their previous three matches against Espanyol and another win on Saturday will extend their advantage at the top of the table.

This would pile even more pressure on Madrid and Xabi Alonso as they bid to win consecutive LaLiga titles.

Lamine Yamal has scored five league goals and grabbed three assists since the start of November and he will be key in this intriguing match.

Team news

The home side will be without midfielder Charles Pickel, who is representing DR Congo at the Africa Cup of Nations and won’t be back for another few weeks.

Elsewhere, Ramon Terrats and Javi Puado are both missing due to injury.

Flick will be without the services of Gavi, Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araújo for the match against Espanyol.

Dani Olmo is a major doubt to a shoulder issue, although Pedri could return after missing the Villarreal clash due to a calf problem.

Prediction

Despite Barcelona’s recent dominance in this head-to-head, Espanyol enter the match in excellent form and they can certainly cause the away side plenty of problems.

Given the fact they will play a day before Madrid, this could prove to be a major incentive for Flick and his side.

As such, expect Barcelona to win a ninth successive LaLiga match to begin the New Year with a bang: Espanyol 1-3 Barcelona.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow all the games from LaLiga on FotMob in the 2025/26 season – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Jan

2026

Preview: Arsenal set their sights on a meeting with Bournemouth

Bournemouth play host to an in-form Arsenal on Saturday evening in the Premier League as both teams play their first game of 2026.

By Ross Kilvington

Bournemouth are winless in ten top flight matches dating back to October 26, while Arsenal have won five of their previous six league games.

With Manchester City slipping up against Sunderland, the Gunners have a chance to stretch even further clear at the top of the table.

Andoni Iraola is enduring his toughest spell since taking over Bournemouth

After winning three of their opening five Premier League fixtures, the Cherries have won only twice since the start of October.

This has seen Iraola’s men plummet down the table as they enter this clash sitting 15^th, although nine points clear of relegation.

The manager will be pinning his hopes on holding on to Antoine Semenyo for long enough to start him in the game against the league leaders.

Semenyo has scored nine Premier League goals so far this season, including efforts against Liverpool and Manchester United.

Indeed, he has netted three goals in his previous four matches and Mikel Arteta must be wary of the threat he will pose on Saturday evening.

Do Arsenal have one hand on the Premier League title?

Arsenal benefitted massively on New Year’s Day as Sunderland held City to a 0-0 draw at the Stadium of Light.

This meant the Gunners head into their first match of 2026 four points clear at the top of the table.

Many believe the title is Arsenal’s to lose, especially after a stunning victory over Aston Villa earlier this week.

Villa had won 11 consecutive matches across all competitions – with Arsenal being one of their victims – but the Gunners scored four second-half goals to wrap up all three points at the Emirates.

That win was their fourth in a row in the top flight and means they begin 2026 with a healthy advantage at the top.

Arteta’s men are fighting on four fronts, which means his squad will be stretched even further over the next few months.

A win over the Cherries will be the ideal way to begin the new year, no doubt about that.

Team news

Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori remain doubts after missing the Villa clash in midweek.

Declan Rice could return to the side, while Gabriel Jesus may have put himself in the frame for a start against the Cherries.

Max Dowman is a definite absentee, as he is struggling with an ankle injury.

For the home side, Ben Gannon-Doak, Veljko Milosavljević and Tyler Adams will all be unavailable for the clash.

Ryan Christie and Lewis Cook might be ready, although they will have to undergo late fitness tests.

Prediction

Given the respective form of both teams, Arsenal enter this clash as firm favourites to claim all three points.

Bournemouth have shown plenty of fight in recent weeks, however, as evidenced by the 4-4 draw with Manchester United before Christmas and the 2-2 stalemate with Chelsea a few days ago.

Arsenal will continue to demonstrate their title credentials and should win this game fairly comfortably: Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow all the games from the Premier League on FotMob in the 2025/26 season – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Jan

2026

Preview: Thomas Frank’s homecoming as Spurs visit Brentford

The fourth-best hosts welcome the joint-best visitors in the Premier League.

By Filip Mishov

Brentford targeting a first-ever top flight home victory against Spurs

The Bees are flying into the New Year on a two-match winning streak and are among the best home teams in the Premier League, with only the leading trio boasting a superior record to Brentford on their own turf after 18 rounds played.

The Keith Andrews-led squad have already exceeded most expectations this season, and rare are those who would have predicted that the West London club would welcome Thomas Frank‘s Spurs from the top half of the table, sitting above them with a point more in the overall standings.

On the contrary, the reigning Europa League winners are faring much better away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and thus, are the joint-best team on the road in the Premier League alongside Arsenal and Aston Villa this season. However, the Lilywhites only just put an end to their two-match losing run with a narrow win against Crystal Palace, and now, Spurs are hoping to continue their unbeaten streak against Brentford at the GTech, which stretches back to 2022.

Key players

Kevin Schade finally stole the limelight from the free-firing Igor Thiago against AFC Bournemouth, as the talented forward scored a perfect hat-trick and showcased his full attacking repertoire. Although it took the German international a couple of seasons to adjust to the Premier League’s demands, now the 24-year-old is the squad’s second-best scorer (6) and the third-best chance creator (16), with only Michael Kayode (19) and Mikkel Damsgaard (21) having created more chances for their teammates. With Tottenham’s defence experiencing changes week in, week out, the dangerous Schade will pounce on every given opportunity to further impress his former boss and potentially his future suitors.

Mohammed Kudus is Spurs’ main protagonist this season and the tricky Ghanian is leading in terms of assists made (5), chances created (23) and successful dribbles (3.1 per 90) among his teammates in the Premier League, making him a menace for the opposing defenders. Furthermore, the 25-year-old is the highest rated player in the squad, averaging a FotMob rating of 7.11 and the pacey winger is Thomas Frank’s most reliable attacker this season given the inconsistency and the injuries across their forward line.

Team news

Sepp van den Berg missed the last match against the Cherries, but the Dutch centre-back is expected to be available, while Frank Onyeka and Dango Ouattara are on international duty at the AFCON and Joshua Dasilva, Antoni Milambo and Fabio Carvalho are injured.

The return of Cristian Romero will provide Thomas Frank’s injury-depleted squad with a big boost, but Xavi Simons still has to serve a two-match suspension and joins Destiny Udogie, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke on the sidelines plus Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma are at the AFCON.

Prediction

The tight-knit Bees will be eager to show Thomas Frank that swapping West for North London was not a step up in his managerial career, and with the in-form Kevin Schade and Igor Thiago up front, goals for the home side are almost a certainty, but the Danish coach might have a trick or two up his sleeve as well, and I believe a draw might be the most realistic outcome.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, player ratings. Download the free app here.

Jan

2026

Preview: Liverpool start 2026 with home tie against Leeds United

The clash at Anfield on Thursday evening sees two of the most in-form teams in the Premier League facing off. Yes, you did read that right. Liverpool and Leeds United rank fourth and fifth respectively in the current form table over the last five matches.

By Sam McGuire

The story so far

Liverpool have had a real Jekyll and Hyde season. The Premier League champions won five from five to kickstart the campaign before losing six of their next seven in the English top-flight. Right now, they’re on a six match unbeaten run in the league, winning five of those.

They went from languishing in mid-table to sitting in fourth position in what felt like a blink of an eye. With Mohamed Salah away at AFCON, Florian Wirtz has stepped up over recent weeks. He posted an 8.4 FotMob rating against Brighton, an 8.6 against Spurs and then a 9.0 in the win over Wolves last weekend. During this three game period, he has a goal and an assist.

Leeds head to Merseyside unbeaten in their last five following a 1-1 draw with Sunderland last time out in the Premier League. During this run, they’ve beaten Crystal Palace (4-1) and Chelsea (3-1), while also managing a 3-3 draw with Liverpool.

This form has seen them climb to 16th in the Premier League, six points clear of the relegation places. It’s been an impressive turnaround after a run of six defeats in seven had threatened to undo their positive start to the season. However, everything is delicately balanced right now. A few bad results and they’ll be right back in the battle to avoid the drop zone.

Key Players

Hugo Ekitike is a man in form for Liverpool. With Salah at AFCON and Alexander Isak out injured, the Frenchman has relished his role as the main man in attack for the Reds. He has five goals and an assist in his last four outings for the champions and this includes a two goal haul in the 3-3 draw with Leeds.

For Leeds, Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the one to watch. The former Everton man has scored in each of his last six outings and has eight goals in total for Danial Farke’s side. Only Antoine Semenyo (nine), Igor Thiago (11) and Erling Haaland (19) have more goals than the Leeds United No. 9 this term.

Team News

The visitors are without Sean Longstaff and Daniel James for the trip to Anfield. Liverpool, meanwhile, are without a host of names. Salah is away with Egypt at AFCON, Giovanni Leoni and Alexander Isak aren’t expected to be back any time soon while Wataru Endo, Stefan Bajčetić and Joe Gomez are still absent with various knocks. The good news for the hosts is that Dominik Szoboslzai has returned from his suspension having sat out of the win over Wolves.

Prediction

Both teams have momentum on their side which means both teams are likely going to score. Liverpool have the superior quality in attack, despite the noticeable absences, so we’re going with another 2-1 win for the hosts.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Jan

2026

Preview: Man City test unbeaten record at Sunderland

Manchester City are hitting form with Pep Guardiola’s team currently on a winning run of eight matches in all competitions.

By Graham Ruthven

Mancunian momentum

What was once billed as a transitional season is increasingly looking like a title-challenging one for Manchester City who have built some serious momentum since their last league defeat to Newcastle in November.

Since then Pep Guardiola’s team have won eight matches on the bounce, most recently easing past Nottingham Forest in a match that highlighted the strength of City’s resolve compared to last season.

Sunderland have been one of the surprise packages of the Premier League season, but have stalled in recent weeks, winning just one of their last five fixtures.

Some of this can be attributed to the number of Sunderland players currently at the Africa Cup of Nations. Indeed, Régis Le Bris is currently without as many as six first team starters due to international call-ups.

Nonetheless, the Black Cats have yet to suffer a loss at home in the Premier League this season and will test Manchester City in attacking transition. Thursday’s match could be a compelling one.

Key players

Granit Xhaka has been one of the signings of the season in the Premier League. The Swiss midfielder has given Sunderland control and leadership in the centre of the pitch. Both qualities will be important against Manchester City.

Further forward, Brian Brobbey’s physicality could unsettle City’s defence while Wilson Isidor could stretch the visitors in the second half of the match off the bench.

Realistically, Robin Roefs will need to be in top form to stop Manchester City from finding the back of the net. The Dutch goalkeeper’s save percentage of 77.8% is currently the highest in the Premier League.

Erling Haaland is the obvious difference-maker to highlight from a Manchester City point of view. The Norwegian has netted an incredible 19 goals in just 18 league outings so far this season.

However, Rayan Cherki is starting to find his feet as City’s most influential player in the final third. The Frenchman found the back of the net against Forest while no other Premier League player has more assists (seven) than him this term.

Phil Foden has drawn a blank in each of his last three games, but has still contributed nine goal contributions in the league this season. He and Cherki will operate behind Haaland.

In central midfield, Nico González, Tijani Reijnders and Bernardo Silva will be given the opportunity to go again with Rodri still working his way back to full fitness. The Spaniard could feature off the bench.

Team news

As if Sunderland’s absentee list wasn’t long enough due to AFCON, Dan Ballard is now sidelined with a knee injury. The physical defender’s absence will be felt in the backline.

Arthur Masuaku, Noah Sadiki, Reinildo, Habib Diarra, Chemsdine Talbi and Bertrand Traoré are all at AFCON, leaving Le Bris somewhat short of options across the pitch. Sunderland’s depth is being tested.

Rayan Aït-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are also at AFCON while Oscar Bobb and Jérémy Doku are expected to miss out as they continue their recovery from injury.

Prediction

With Arsenal having already posted an impressive win over Aston Villa in this round of games, it’s now time for Manchester City to respond if they want to keep pace in the title race. We expect them to become the first away side to win at the Stadium of Light this season: Sunderland 1-3 Man City.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Dec

2025

Preview: Manchester United round off 2025 against bottom side Wolves

Manchester United host Wolves at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening, hoping to build on an impressive win over Newcastle United last time out. Rob Edwards is still searching for his first point in charge of the Midlands club, while they are yet to find a victory from their opening 18 games of the campaign.

By Matt Smith

It’s been just a few weeks since these two sides last met, with United securing an emphatic 4-1 victory away from home earlier in December. Interestingly, all three United goalscorers on that day, Mason Mount, Bryan Mbeumo, and Bruno Fernandes, could all miss this fixture.

Team news

Speaking ahead of the game, Ruben Amorim was unsure whether Mount would be fit enough to face Wolves after he was substituted at half-time last time out. Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Matthijs De Ligt, and Kobbie Mainoo are also likely to miss out, while Amad Diallo, Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui are away at AFCON.

Edwards has confirmed that Santiago Bueno picked up a knock against Liverpool, so he could miss out for the away side. Andre will be unavailable after he received his fifth yellow card of the season.

Amorim’s adapting at United

The key talking point surrounding Amorim during his United tenure has been his stubbornness towards his three-at-the-back formation. Over the last couple of games, the Portuguese manager has started to shift things, and it was certainly more of a back four against Newcastle.

It certainly paid off for the Red Devils, picking up an impressive 2-1 victory. Whether Amorim feels he was forced into the change due to the lack of options at the moment or decided something needed to be altered to turn things around remains to be seen, but it’s exciting for United fans to see a change that has yielded results.

Change of style needed for Wolves?

It’s safe to say things haven’t worked out for Wolves this season, and relegation feels like a foregone conclusion at this stage. We’re almost at the halfway stage of the campaign, and Edwards’ side are already 16 points adrift of safety.

No side has completed more long balls per game than Wolves in the Premier League this season, but it’s a method that simply isn’t working out. The Wanderers have conceded more and scored fewer than any other team, and they are sleepwalking to relegation unless something drastic happens in the coming months.

Dorgu the surprise saviour

Last time out, Amorim deployed Patrick Dorgu, traditionally a wing-back, in an unorthodox right-wing position, and it certainly paid off. The Danish youngster provided a crucial goal to help United secure three points, and it was arguably his best game in a United shirt.

Over the last couple of games, where Dorgu has been given a little more freedom to make an impact in the opposition half, he’s produced a goal and an assist. Amorim might have found his solution to Mbeumo’s absence unexpectedly.

Prediction

Unfortunately for Wolves fans, it’s unlikely they’ll be picking up their first win here. We’re going for a 3-0 victory to Manchester United.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, physical metrics, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Dec

2025

Preview: Chelsea face fellow out of sorts side Bournemouth

One win in six Premier League games isn’t a good look for Chelsea, but it could be worse, Bournemouth haven’t won in nine. The two deeply out-of-form sides meet at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

By Alex Roberts

A brilliant first-half against title chasing Aston Villa was completely forgotten after Chelsea completely capitulated in the second, dropping out of the Champions League places. Questions about squad build and ambitions of the higher-ups are starting to get a little louder in West London.

Bournemouth’s 4-1 defeat at Brentford was one of their worst of the season. A positive start to the campaign now feels like a long time ago and sides have well and truly figured out how to get the better of Andoni Iraola and his high line.

Farewell Antoine Semenyo?

This could very well be Semenyo’s last game in a Bournemouth shirt as rumours over a move to Man City and now a potential hijack of that move from Liverpool start to circle ahead of the January transfer window.

It’s easy to see why all the big boys, except Chelsea, want to sign him. Probably the most two footed player in the Premier League, Semenyo’s nine goals and three assists make him one of the most in-form performers outside of the ‘big six’. Unfortunately for Bournemouth, it was inevitable they’d come calling.

Bournemouth fans will be able to enjoy watching him cut inside at least one last time as they travel to Chelsea, and one day, when he’s lighting it up at the Etihad or Anfield, they can look back with fond memories of Semenyo playing for their side.

Don’t blame Enzo Maresca

Chelsea have once again slipped into a winter malaise, and all is not well at Stamford Bridge. When this happened last season, the finger was pointed squarely at Enzo Maresca, but this time, it should be towards the club’s sporting directors and micro-managing co-owner.

The club signed a lot of remarkably talented young players in the summer, but the squad is arguably weaker than last season, and Chelsea are no longer a big fish in a small pond playing in the Europa Conference League, they’ve got to compete in the Champions League.

There is a reason Maresca has started to get a little chatty in his press conferences over the past month or so, and the sentiment is, largely, shared by the fans. Of course, all of this will blow over with a few positive results, so let’s see what happens next.

Team news

The biggest piece of team news coming out of Chelsea is that the ever-present Marc Cucurella is doubtful for the game today after asking to be substituted against Villa due to an apparent hamstring injury.

Other than the Spaniard, it’s the usual suspects that are out for Chelsea, with Levi Colwill (ACL) Roméo Lavia (thigh), and Dário Essugo (thigh) all sidelined.

Maresca returns from his touchline ban, though, so he’ll be yelling in person rather than through a walkie talkie.

It’s unlikely Bournemouth will make too many, if any, changes from the side that lost to Brentford. Tyler Adams will once again be a huge miss as he’s out until February after tearing his MCL.

Ben Gannon Doak (hamstring), Veljko Milosavljević (knee), and Matai Akinmboni (muscle) are all definitely ruled out, while Alex Scott is a slight doubt after been withdrawn in the Brentford defeat.

Prediction

It’s not going great for either side at the moment so we’re expecting a pretty cagey affair. So, we’ll go with a 1-1 draw.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Dec

2025

Preview: Aston Villa out to prove title credentials against Arsenal

A pivotal top-of-the-table clash will draw the curtain on Premier League action in 2025.

By Neel Shelat

Aston Villa on the brink of a record-breaking winning streak

Aston Villa’s comeback win over Chelsea last weekend led them to match their club record of 11 consecutive wins across all competitions, first set in 1897 and only previously repeated all of 111 years ago in 1914. Funnily enough, they have done so in what is their 111th season in the English top flight.

Clearly, the Villans seem to have something of a lucky number, but they have a long way to go yet if they are to immortalise this campaign by winning their first league title since 1981.

Arsenal’s fantastic home form

While Villa have been stealing the headlines lately, Arsenal still have some impressive ongoing streaks. Of course, their 18-match unbeaten run was broken in the reverse fixture earlier this month, but their home form has remained imperious.

Last week’s EFL Cup draw with Crystal Palace ended their 10-game winning streak at the Emirates Stadium, but the Gunners remain unbeaten in 15 matches on their turf. They have picked up 25 out of a possible 27 points in their Premier League home matches this term.

*The Premier League table (HOME games only!)*

Key absences in both back lines

Injury crises have derailed many an Arsenal title charge in the past, so they have tried to do everything possible to avoid such a collapse this time around. Their impressive squad depth is coming in very handy at this time of year, and the full back positions are under the spotlight at the moment.

Benjamin White has been out for a few weeks and Jurriën Timber was not a part of the last matchday squad, so Declan Rice may have to deputise at right back unless the Dutchman returns to the XI. Riccardo Calafiori was due to start the weekend’s match but pulled out during the warm-up, so Piero Hincapié or young Myles Lewis-Skelly may well start on the left. Some much-needed good news for the Gunners is that Gabriel Magalhães is expected to make his first start since early November and rekindle his partnership with William Saliba.

Villa would have been preparing for this match without Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres anyway, but their task has been made tougher by one-match suspensions for Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara. Their right side will be further weakened by the absence of Evann Guessand, who was drafted into the Ivory Coast’s AFCON squad at the last minute.

Set-pieces a potential concern for Villa

With Manchester City poised to pounce on any slip-ups in this match, Arsenal will be well aware of the importance of winning this match by any means necessary. Unai Emery’s side have won three of their last five meetings, so Mikel Arteta will need to devise the perfect plan and get his side on their A game.

Set-pieces have been a key component of the league-leaders’ attack this season, and they could prove more important than ever in this match since Villa’s 84 shots conceded from such situations is the worst record in the league.

Prediction

A tense clash is to be expected, but Arsenal might just have enough to carve out a slender victory.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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