Premier League: Predicting the winners of every opening weekend fixture

Arsenal welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Emirates Stadium in mid-December for a Premier League clash that already feels like a meeting of opposites. Arsenal have been riding high at the top of the table, collecting consistent victories and showing a level of maturity that has impressed pundits and supporters alike. In the past two months, they secured a convincing 2-0 win over Brentford and followed it up with another strong performance against Brighton, continuing their push for the title. Mikel Arteta’s side has been praised for its defensive solidity and attacking flair, with players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus contributing heavily to their momentum. The atmosphere around the club is buoyant, with fans believing this could be the season Arsenal finally reclaim the Premier League crown.

Wolves, on the other hand, arrive in London under very different circumstances. Their recent form has been troubling, with defeats piling up and confidence visibly shaken. In the last two months, Wolves suffered a damaging loss to Nottingham Forest and were held to a frustrating draw against Burnley, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the table. Gary O’Neil has struggled to find a balance in his squad, with defensive lapses and a lack of cutting edge in attack undermining their efforts. The club’s supporters are growing increasingly anxious, as Wolves currently sit in 20th place with only two points to show for their campaign. The contrast between the two sides could not be starker, and this fixture represents a daunting challenge for the visitors.

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Burnley prepare to host Fulham at Turf Moor in what promises to be a tense Premier League clash. The Clarets have endured a difficult run of form over the past two months, slipping deeper into relegation trouble. Their recent defeats to Arsenal, West Ham, Chelsea, Brentford, and Crystal Palace have highlighted defensive frailties and a lack of cutting edge in attack. Manager Scott Parker has admitted frustration after narrow losses, particularly the 0-1 home defeat to Palace at the start of December. Burnley remain stuck in 19th place with just ten points, and the pressure is mounting as they look to salvage their season. The home crowd will demand a response, but confidence is low after six defeats in their last seven league outings.

Fulham, meanwhile, arrive in Lancashire with a mixed bag of results but a stronger position in the table. Marco Silva’s side stunned Tottenham with a 2-1 away victory at the end of November and followed it up with a narrow 1-0 win over Sunderland. However, their defensive vulnerabilities were exposed in a chaotic 4-5 defeat to Manchester City at Craven Cottage earlier this month, a game that showcased both their attacking flair and their inability to contain elite opposition. Fulham sit 15th with 17 points, offering them some breathing space above the relegation zone. News around the club has focused on Silva’s insistence that his team must tighten up defensively if they are to push further up the table during the festive period.

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Chelsea head into their clash with Everton at Stamford Bridge with renewed confidence after a turbulent start to the season. Over the past two months, the Blues have shown signs of improvement under Mauricio Pochettino, with notable victories including a 2-0 win over Newcastle in the Carabao Cup and a hard-fought 3-2 triumph against Brighton in the Premier League. Despite a setback against Manchester United in early December, Chelsea’s attacking play has been sharper, with Cole Palmer emerging as a key figure in their forward line. The squad has also been buoyed by the return of Reece James from injury, although his fitness remains closely monitored. News surrounding Chelsea has focused on their push to climb the table and secure European qualification, a goal that seemed distant earlier in the campaign but now appears more realistic given their recent performances.

Everton, meanwhile, have endured a rollercoaster period marked by off-field drama and on-pitch resilience. The club was docked ten points in November due to breaches of financial regulations, a punishment that initially dropped them into the relegation zone. However, Sean Dyche’s side responded admirably, securing crucial wins against Nottingham Forest and Newcastle, while also battling to a gritty draw against Brighton. Their victory over Burnley in early December highlighted the team’s fighting spirit, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin rediscovering some form and Jordan Pickford continuing to provide stability in goal. The Toffees’ supporters have rallied behind the team despite the sanctions, and the players have shown determination to prove they can survive and thrive in the Premier League regardless of the off-field challenges.

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Liverpool’s clash with Brighton in the Premier League promises to be one of the more intriguing fixtures of the winter schedule. Jurgen Klopp’s side have been in strong form over the past two months, with notable victories including a 2-0 win over Manchester United at Anfield and a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Manchester City at the Etihad. The Reds have also advanced in the Europa League, defeating Sparta Prague convincingly in March. Recent headlines have focused on Mohamed Salah’s return from injury, which has boosted Liverpool’s attacking options, while young midfielder Conor Bradley has continued to impress with his energetic performances. The team’s consistency has kept them firmly in the title race, and this match against Brighton is seen as another crucial step in maintaining momentum.

Brighton, meanwhile, have endured a mixed run of results in the past two months. Roberto De Zerbi’s side secured a memorable 5-0 victory over Sheffield United in February, showcasing their attacking flair, but they also suffered defeats against Fulham and Tottenham, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities. Their Europa League campaign ended in disappointment after being knocked out by Roma, which has shifted their focus entirely to domestic competition. Injuries have been a concern, with key players such as Kaoru Mitoma sidelined, but the emergence of youngsters like Facundo Buonanotte has provided some optimism. Brighton’s style remains bold and adventurous, but their inconsistency has left them battling to stay in the top half of the table rather than pushing for European qualification.

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Well wedged in the soft underbelly of the ranking, Brentford today occupies 14th place in the Premier League with 6 points behind the last European folding seat and 6 ahead of the first relegation place. It's often all or nothing with the Bees who have won 4 of their last 8 championship matches, losing 4. After gaining the upper hand at home over relegated Burnley 3-1, they conceded expected setbacks at Arsenal 2-0 and Tottenham last weekend 2-0. Back in the elite this season, Leeds are currently 16th in the Premier League and are 2 points ahead of the red zone.

After having suffered four losses in a row, Daniel Farke's men resumed their march forward during the last two days played at home. This allowed them to get a breath of fresh air. Leeds first created a surprise by beating Chelsea 3-1 before holding Liverpool to a draw last weekend 3-3. 

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Crystal Palace is reaching an important milestone in its project and today occupies 4th place in the Premier League, 1 point ahead of 5th place. The London team hopes to go the distance in order to join the fight for the European folding seats or even for the next Champions League. Confidently, the Eagles have only lost one of their last 6 championship matches, for 4 victories and 1 draw. Beaten at home by Manchester United 1-2, they then won on the lawns of Burnley 0-1 and Fulham last weekend 1-2. Champion of England continuously from 2021 to 2024, Manchester City hopes to regain the title this season.

Trailing for a while, the Skyblues took advantage of Arsenal's recent drop in performance to get back into the race. Indeed, they are currently 2nd in the Premier League and are 2 points behind 1st place. The Citizens are at their advantage these days, as evidenced by the 5 successes gleaned during the last 6 days, for 1 defeat. After a loss to Newcastle 2-1, they in turn dominated Leeds 3-2, Fulham 4-5 and Sunderland last weekend 3-0. 

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Not at the same level as in the previous year, Nottingham Forest may have to work hard to avoid a decline this season. Authors of an alarming start to the championship, Morgan Gibbs-White's teammates have regained momentum following the arrival on the bench of Sean Dyche. Indeed, they have pocketed 3 victories in the last 5 days, for 2 defeats. This allows them to be 17th in the Premier League with 2 points ahead of the red zone. After winning at bottom side Wolverhampton 0-1, the Nottingham club fell to Everton last weekend 3-0. Eager to fight for the European seats this season, Tottenham is currently 11th in the Premier League and concedes 3 points in 5th place.

The Spurs got off to a very good start before seriously marking time with a string of 5 games without a win, 2 draws and 3 defeats. They put an end to this bad dynamic last weekend. After bringing back a good point from Newcastle 2-2, the London team got the better of Brentford 2-0. This week, Tottenham easily won against Slavia Prague in the Champions League 3-0. 

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Sunderland defied the predictions for its return to the elite and quickly distanced itself from the fight for maintenance. Indeed, the promoted team now occupies 9th place in the Premier League, 2 points behind the last European folding seat. Less irresistible in recent weeks, the Black Cats have won only one of their last 6 championship matches, for 3 draws and 2 defeats. After taking a good point from Liverpool 1-1, they were soundly beaten in the lair of Manchester City last weekend 3-0.

Behind on their progress table, Newcastle is currently 12th in the Premier League and is 1 point behind their opponent of the day. The Magpies have suffered from chronic irregularity but seem to have found the right fuel in recent weeks, as evidenced by their current series of 4 matches without defeat, 3 victories and 1 draw. Held to a draw at home by Tottenham 2-2, they otherwise won against Manchester City 2-1, Everton 1-4 and Burnley last weekend 2-1. 

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Not necessarily expected so much this season, West Ham is currently 18th in the Premier League and is 2 points behind the first non-relegation team. Despite the quality of its squad, the London team will have to work hard to avoid a decline. The recent dynamic still brings hope. Indeed, the Hammers have only lost one of their last 6 championship matches, for 2 wins and 3 draws. After losing to Liverpool 0-2, they held off Manchester United 1-1 and Brighton last weekend 1-1.

Aston Villa worried all their fans at the start of the season but quickly rectified the situation. The Birmingham-based club today occupies 3rd place in the Premier League with 3 units of spending on 1st place. Full of confidence, the Villans have pocketed 9 victories in the last 10 days, for 1 defeat. Beaten at Liverpool at the beginning of November 2-0, they then took over Bournemouth 4-0, Leeds 1-2, Wolverhampton 1-0, Brighton 3-4 and the leader Arsenal last weekend thanks to a goal scored at the very end of the game 2-1. 

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A big disappointment from the previous year, Manchester United is in much better shape this season. Indeed, Ruben Amorim's band today occupies 6th place in the Premier League with 1 point behind 4th place, qualifying for the next Champions League. To their advantage these days, the Red Devils have only conceded one setback in the last 9 days, for 5 wins and 3 draws. After being held to a draw at home by West Ham 1-1, they won at bottom side Wolverhampton last Monday 1-4. Eager to take a new step this season, Bournemouth made a very good start to the championship but have seriously fallen into line since then.

The Cherries are currently 13th in the Premier League and are 5 points behind their opponent today. On the tough side, they have not won any of their last 6 championship matches, 2 draws and 4 defeats. Beaten by Sunderland 3-2 and Everton 0-1, Bournemouth showed a reaction last weekend by holding off Chelsea 0-0. 

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