After a short break for the FA Cup, the Premier League returns for Matchday 25 with some very intriguing fixtures. The previous round of fixtures saw some significant results, capped by Arsenal’s resounding 5-1 rout over defending Premier League champions Manchester City. Nottingham Forest also bounced back from a heavy defeat at Bournemouth with a stunning 7-0 victory at home to Brighton. Could Matchday 25 go one better?
Friday, February 14
Brighton vs Chelsea
Matchday 25 kicks off on Friday night with Brighton vs Chelsea. It’s an interesting fixture because Brighton lost 7-0 last time out. This followed a defeat to Everton, and they’ve got to find a way to get back on track and make amends. Chelsea are also starting to look like the team they were earlier in the season, picking up wins after a slide in form. However, extra spice is added to this fixture because of the relationship between the clubs. Chelsea have purchased players, a manager, and staff from Brighton in recent years, with Moises Caicedo, Graham Potter, et al. all heading to Stamford Bridge, so these matches have the tendency to catch fire.
Saturday, February 15
Leicester City vs Arsenal
After victory against Spurs, there were hopes Leicester City had turned the corner, but these were subsequently dashed after a 4-0 away defeat to Everton. Therefore, it’s fair to say that Leicester City vs Arsenal is a fixture that Foxes fans won’t be looking forward to. While Arsenal have stuttered at times, in a season when they had a great chance to capitalise on Manchester City’s struggles, they have found form recently and looked well worth their 5-1 win over Pep Guardiola’s team. A free-scoring Gunners team is the last thing Leicester and Ruud van Nistelrooy need, and the result could be significant in more ways than one.
Aston Villa vs Ipswich Town
After a stellar campaign last term, Aston Villa have found it harder going this season, largely due to their involvement in the Champions League. They have often faltered in the fixture following a European game, and this was evidenced by a disappointing 2-0 away defeat in the Midlands derby against Wolves last time out. Ipswich Town will feel disappointed of late too, especially after losing to basement outfit Southampton at Portman Road. Aston Villa vs Ipswich is a chance for both teams to get back on track. However, with the impressive work done by Villa in the transfer market, it could prove a difficult afternoon for Kieran McKenna’s struggling Tractor Boys.
Fulham vs Nottingham Forest
This is a clash between two teams that are having an excellent season in their own right. Fulham showed their class to upstage Newcastle at St. James Park after going 1-0 behind, and Forest’s 7-0 demolition of Brighton will be talked about for years to come. Based on what both teams have managed to produce so far this season, you’d expect this to be a tight affair, and one that both can ultimately come out on top in. And with Marco Silva’s men chasing qualification for Europe and his compatriot Nuno attempting to guide Forest into the Champions League, the result here will be more significant than some may initially realise.
Manchester City vs Newcastle United
At the start of the season, Manchester City vs Newcastle United will have been a fixture that the home team will have been looking forward to and the visitors probably not so much. Fast forward to the present day, and City are still in the midst of serious struggles and Newcastle, while they lost last time out at the hands of Fulham, will fancy their chances. With Pep Guardiola’s team suffering a humiliating 5-1 reverse at the Emirates in the last Premier League outing, it will be interesting to see how they react to such an embarrassment by their standards. They could come out firing and look to exact revenge on the Magpies. Or, they could feel even more fragile than they did previously, which would spell danger for them at the Etihad.
Southampton vs Bournemouth
There haven’t been too many occasions when Southampton have headed into a Premier League fixture off the back of a victory, but Southampton vs Bournemouth is one of them. What’s potentially more of a surprise is that Bournemouth come into this game on the back of a defeat, but it was to league leaders Liverpool, after all. The Saints won against fellow strugglers Ipswich, but their situation still looks bleak, regardless of the three points and the work they’ve done in the transfer market. Bournemouth’s impressive run came to an end against Arne Slot’s title winners in waiting. Still, it should prove nothing more than a minor obstacle in the road, with Andoni Iraola’s side expected to be back to their impressive best at the first opportunity.
West Ham vs Brentford
West Ham vs Brentford, an all-London affair, could prove to be a more intriguing top-flight clash than some may initially think. Since Graham Potter arrived at the London Stadium, there have been improvements, and after recruiting Evan Ferguson, West Ham could have taken another step in the right direction under their new manager. Brentford’s form continues to be inconsistent, and a defeat to struggling Spurs won’t have gone down well with Thomas Frank and the Bees. In short, West Ham and Brentford are two teams who are a lot better than recent results and performances have shown, and now they have the stage to make their respective cases. A win here for either team will be a sign of the direction they’re heading in, and there will be concerns for the loser.
Crystal Palace vs Everton
Crystal Palace are starting to look more and more like the team that finished last season under Oliver Glasner. While their 2-0 win at Old Trafford against Manchester United, thanks to a Jean-Philippe Mateta brace, won’t have come as the kind of shock it would have been a decade or so ago, it’s still a sign of Palace being solid top-level operators. Crystal Palace vs Everton will prove to be a yardstick not only for the Eagles but also for an in-form Everton side, which is rejuvenated under returning manager David Moyes. The Toffees are a winning team again, and the visitors to Selhurst Park will test Palace’s credentials. By the end of the season, Palace and Everton could be vying for a similar finishing place, which would be quite something and a reason why a win here for both matters.
Sunday, February 16
Liverpool vs Wolves
Liverpool continue to look on course to secure their second Premier League title, and Liverpool vs Wolves should be another straightforward fixture, especially at Anfield. The Reds’ recent form has allowed them to fend off Arsenal in second comfortably, and they remain impressive in victory. However, Wolves won’t feel that a positive result is beyond them because they continue to show what they’re capable of in flashes. A 2-0 home win over a good Aston Villa team last time out will have given them all the confidence they require to take it to Arne Slot’s side. Wolves are also boosted by match-winner Matheus Cunha penning a new long term deal with the club.
Spurs vs Manchester United
Spurs vs Manchester United is a match between two teams who have endured dismal runs of late in the Premier League. In the past, United would have felt very confident when taking on Spurs, but now both are at the wrong end of the table and looking to find a way to rescue their respective campaigns. While a 2-0 away win against Brentford has provided a bit of relief for Spurs, they need to find some consistency in results and performances. And for Ruben Amorim’s side, they continue to falter, with a 2-0 home reverse at the hands of Crystal Palace the latest disappointment. Interestingly, Mathys Tel was an attacking target for both teams, and he ended up joining Spurs on loan for the rest of the season. Could he make the difference in this one and break United hearts?
