Premier League Predictions Matchweek 18

Matchweek 18 of the 2025/26 Premier League season lands right after Christmas (December 26–28) and it has the feel of a round where the table can move fast, because legs get heavy and squads rotate. This fixture is part of the wider Premier League predictions for the current matchweek, where each game is reviewed in the context of form and scheduling.

It begins on Friday at 21:00 with Manchester United hosting Newcastle, a fixture that often turns into a high-energy battle with quick transitions and lots of duels. Saturday brings a full schedule, starting at 13:30 as Nottingham welcome Manchester City — a tricky test if City dominate the ball but face a low block and counter threat.

At 16:00 there’s a classic Premier League rush: Arsenal vs Brighton, Brentford vs Bournemouth, Burnley vs Everton, Liverpool vs Wolves, and West Ham vs Fulham all kick off together. This window usually creates chaos in live standings, because goals across multiple grounds can instantly change the pressure on teams chasing Europe or fighting to stay steady.

Later on Saturday at 18:30, Chelsea face Aston Villa in a match that could be decided by midfield control and how well each side handles transitions.

Sunday wraps things up with two games: Sunderland vs Leeds at 15:00, then Crystal Palace vs Tottenham at 17:30 — a matchup that can swing on set pieces, discipline, and who manages the tempo better.

Manchester Utd vs Newcastle

Manchester United is currently in 7th place on the table with 26 points. After playing 17 matches, they have 7 wins, 5 draws, and 5 losses, with a goal difference of 31:28, which clearly shows their unstable form and lack of consistency. They can be dangerous and productive in attack, but their defense often leaves gaps and allows easy goals.

Bruno Fernandes is the main creator and leader in the midfield, while Mbemo is their top scorer, and Casemiro brings experience with 4 goals so far. At home, they play decently, but not dominantly, having 4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses after 8 matches. Their style is based on possession and individual skill, with attempts for quick attacks, but they lack full control of the game rhythm.

Newcastle is currently in 11th place with 23 points after playing 17 matches, achieving 6 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses, with a goal difference of 23:22. Their form has been inconsistent, especially when playing away, where after 8 matches they have only secured one win, drawn three times, and lost four times. Offensively, the team creates a lot of chances, but defensively they can struggle under pressure.

Bruno Guimaraes is key for controlling the midfield and has scored 5 goals so far, while Woltemade, Gordon, and Barnes are their strongest attacking threats. Their style of play relies on high pressing, physical duels, and quick transitions, with an open approach to matches. They have played efficient games, and in 9 of the last 10 matches, there have been at least three goals.

The match features a clash between two teams with offensive potential but defensive weaknesses. United will try to control the game at home, while Newcastle will look to capitalize on transitions. We expect an open match with chances for both sides and at least three goals during the game.

3+ (Over 2.5)

Predicted CS: 2:2

Nottingham vs Manchester City

Nottingham is currently in 17th place with 18 points, just above the relegation zone. After playing 16 matches, they have five wins, three draws, and eight losses, with a goal difference of 17:25, indicating a struggle for survival and inconsistent form. Although their results have been unpredictable, they have shown signs of improvement lately, especially at home. Offensively, the team doesn’t create many chances, but they can be effective when given space, while the defense often struggles under continuous pressure.

Gibbs-White is the main playmaker and the most important player in the midfield, while Hudson-Odoi and Sangare bring speed and balance to the center. At home, they have three wins, one draw, and four losses with a goal difference of 11:13, showing they are more dangerous in front of their fans. Their style is cautious, focusing on a compact defense and attempts at quick counterattacks.

Manchester City is currently in 2nd place with 37 points and is in a direct race for the title, as they are only two points behind the leader Arsenal. After 17 matches, they have 12 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses, with an impressive goal difference of 41:16 and great form. Offensively, they are clearly the best team in the league, applying constant pressure and creating many chances, while their defense is stable and disciplined.

Haaland is the top scorer in the league with 19 goals so far, Foden brings creativity and movement between the lines, and Reijnders provides control and tempo from the midfield. Away from home, they have 4 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses with a goal difference of 16:10, showing they can dominate even on the road. Their style is based on complete control through possession, high pressing, and tactical superiority.

The difference in quality is clear, and City will take the initiative from the very start, while Nottingham will defend deep and wait for a chance to counter. A match where the visitors are expected to dominate is anticipated.

2 (Manchester City to Win)

Predicted CS: 0:3

Arsenal vs Brighton

Arsenal is currently in first place with 39 points and is in a great position to win the title this season. After playing 17 matches, they have 12 wins, three draws, and two losses, with a goal difference of 31:10, which shows their stability and control of the game. Their form is excellent, with a series of victories and strong performances. Offensively, the team is efficient and diverse, while their defense is the strongest in the league and rarely allows chances.

Saka and Trossard bring creativity and drive, Gyokeres is a constant threat in the final third, and Eze contributes with smart movement between the lines. At home, Arsenal has 7 wins and 1 draw from 8 matches, with a goal difference of 20:3, clearly showing their dominance. Their style is based on high pressing, control through possession, and a disciplined tactical setup.

Brighton is currently in 9th place with 24 points after 17 matches, having achieved 6 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses, with a goal difference of 25:23. Their form has been inconsistent, showing strong performances at home but struggling when playing away. Offensively, the team can be creative and dangerous, but they lack consistency in finishing. Defensively, they often give space to stronger opponents.

Welbeck is their top scorer so far, but he is out due to injury. Van Hecke contributes from set pieces, while De Cuyper brings energy down the left side. When playing away, they have 2 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses with a goal difference of 9:12, indicating a drop in stability outside their home stadium. Their playing style focuses on possession, technical play, and building attacks from the back.

Arsenal will control the game and the tempo, while Brighton will try to respond through possession, but they will be under constant pressure. The difference in form and defensive stability favors the home team.

1 (Arsenal to Win & Over1.5)

Predicted CS: 2:0

Brentford vs Bournemouth

Brentford is currently in 12th place with 23 points. After playing 17 matches, they have 7 wins, 2 draws, and 8 losses, with a goal difference of 24:25. This shows they have some ups and downs, but they can still compete. Their form is inconsistent, with important wins at home, but also losses against stronger teams. Offensively, the team plays directly and can be dangerous, while their defense isn’t always reliable and often concedes goals.

Thiago is the standout scorer and the main attacking force with 11 goals so far, Ouattara brings speed and penetration, and Schade adds energy in the midfield. At home, they have five wins, two draws, and only one loss after 8 matches, with a goal difference of 16:9, highlighting their strength in front of their fans. Their style is based on physical play, quick attacks, and taking advantage of set pieces.

Bournemouth is currently in 15th place with 22 points after playing 17 matches, achieving five wins, seven draws, and five losses, with a goal difference of 26:29. Their form has been shaky, as they haven’t won in the last eight matches, and they have drawn their last three games. Offensively, they have solid potential and can score goals, but defensively, they give away too much space, especially when playing away.

Semenyo is the most dangerous player in attack, Kroupi adds speed to the offense, and Tavernier contributes creativity from a deeper position. When playing away, they have one win, three draws, and four losses from eight matches, with a goal difference of 15:23, indicating serious defensive issues. Their style of play is open and attacking, with attempts at quick transitions, but often lacks enough balance.

Brentford will try to take advantage of their strong home form, while Bournemouth will look for answers through an open attack. Given the defensive weaknesses on both sides, it’s likely that we will see at least one goal from each team in this match.

GG (BTTS-Yes)

Predicted CS: 2:1

Burnley vs Everton

Burnley is currently in 19th place, just above the bottom, with 11 points and is in a serious fight for survival. After playing 17 matches, they have three wins, two draws, and 12 losses, with a goal difference of 19:34, which clearly shows their struggles throughout the season. Their form is very weak, with a series of negative results and very few positive moments, as they haven’t won in the last eight matches, suffering seven losses.Offensively, they find it hard to create chances and are rarely effective, while their defense is one of the most vulnerable in the league and often breaks under continuous pressure.

Flemming is their top scorer, and Uguchukwu plays a role in midfield, but he doesn’t have enough impact. At home, they have two wins, one draw, and five losses with a goal difference of 7:10, indicating that they don’t have a strong advantage even at home. Their style is mostly defensive, with a deep block and attempts at direct attacks, but without clear organization.

Everton is currently in 10th place with 24 points after playing 17 matches, achieving 7 wins, 3 draws, and 7 losses, with a goal difference of 18:20. Their form is inconsistent, but the team shows stability against weaker opponents. Offensively, they are not among the most productive, but they know how to play well against less strong teams, while their defense is compact and organized.

Dewsbury-Hall and Ndiaye are key in transitions and creativity, and Grealish contributes with movement and assists. When playing away, Everton has three wins, one draw, and four losses with a goal difference of 7:10, showing they can get results even on the road. Their playing style is disciplined, focusing on controlling the midfield and taking advantage of the opponent’s mistakes.

Everton enters as the more skilled and stable team, while Burnley will try to defend and survive under pressure. Considering the form and the difference in organization, the visitors have a clear advantage.

2 (Everton to Win)

Predicted CS: 0:1

Liverpool vs Wolves

Liverpool is currently in 5th place with 29 points. After playing 17 matches, they have 9 wins, 2 draws, and 6 losses, with a goal difference of 28:25. This shows they have strong offensive power but also some defensive issues. Their form is solid, with important wins recently and consistent results. Offensively, the team creates a lot and plays with high intensity, while the defense can be vulnerable during transitions.

Salah is the main threat and leader in attack, Gakpo provides flexibility and finishing, and Gravenberch adds dynamism. At home, they have five wins, one draw, and two losses from 8 matches, with a goal difference of 13:9, indicating stability and the ability to set the pace in front of their fans. Their style is aggressive, featuring high pressing, quick attacks, and intense wing play.

Wolves are currently in last place with only two points after 17 matches played. They still haven’t won a game, have drawn twice, and lost 15 times, with a goal difference of 9:37. Their form is really poor, with a string of losses and serious issues at every level. Offensively, they struggle to create chances and have a big problem with finishing, while their defense is the weakest in the league and often crumbles under pressure.

Munetsi and Arokodare are key in the attack, but Krejci has limited impact, and the overall quality isn’t enough. Away from home, they have one draw and seven losses with a goal difference of 2:14, which further highlights their vulnerability outside their home stadium. Their style is mostly defensive and reactive, but lacks clear organization and control.

The gap in quality and form is huge, and Liverpool should be able to fully control the match from the very start. Wolves will find it hard to withstand the pressure when playing away.

1 & 3+ (Liverpool to Win & Over2.5)

Predicted CS: 3:0

West Ham vs Fulham

West Ham United is currently in 18th place with 13 points and is under a lot of pressure because they are in the relegation zone. After playing 17 matches, they have only three wins, four draws, and ten losses, with a goal difference of 19:35, which shows serious defensive issues and poor performance. They haven’t won in the last six matches, which include three draws and three losses. Offensively, they can be dangerous at times, but they lack consistency and finishing, while the defense often struggles under pressure.

Bowen is the key offensive player and leader in attack, Wilson contributes with movement and goals, and Lucas Paquetá brings creativity from the midfield. At home, they have two wins and six losses from eight matches, with a goal difference of 10:20, indicating that their home ground does not provide them with stability. Their style is reactive, with a tendency to pull back and try for counterattacks, but often without a clear structure.

Fulham is currently in 13th place with 23 points after playing 17 matches, achieving 7 wins, 2 draws, and 8 losses, with a goal difference of 24:26. Their form has been inconsistent, but recently they have shown better organization and stability in their results. Offensively, the team knows how to create chances and be effective, especially through quick transitions. Although their defense isn’t very strong, it performs better than that of their opponents.

Wilson is key in creating plays, Smith Rowe brings freshness and drive, while Chukwueze and Jimenez add directness to the attack. When playing away, they have 2 wins, 1 draw, and 5 losses with a goal difference of 9:16, which shows some weaknesses but also their ability to surprise. Their style is balanced, focusing on quick ball movement and utilizing space.

West Ham is under pressure and needs to win, but Fulham seems more organized and confident at the moment. The match has the potential to be a close contest with chances for both sides.

GG (BTTS-Yes)

Predicted CS: 1:1

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

Chelsea is currently in 4th place with 29 points and is in a direct fight for the spots that lead to the Champions League. After playing 17 matches, they have 8 wins, 5 draws, and 4 losses, with a goal difference of 29:17, showing a solid balance between offense and defense. Their form is good, with several strong performances recently, especially at home. Offensively, the team plays fluidly and with a lot of movement, while the defense is organized but can struggle against stronger opponents.

Joao Pedro and Neto bring directness and creativity to the attack, while Enzo Fernandez is key for control and tempo in the midfield. At “Stamford Bridge,” Chelsea has 4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses with a goal difference of 12:7, indicating stability but not absolute dominance. Their style is based on possession, quick circulation, and attacks through the wings.

Aston Villa is currently in 3rd place with 36 points and is one of the most consistent teams in the league this season. After 17 matches, they have 11 wins, three draws, and three losses, with a goal difference of 27:18 and are in great form. They have achieved 10 consecutive victories, three of which are from the group stage of the Europa League. Offensively, they are very effective and punish every mistake, while defensively they appear compact and disciplined.

Rogers is the most dangerous in attack with 7 goals scored so far, Buendia brings creativity between the lines, and Watkins contributes with movement and pressure on the opponent’s defense. Away from home, they have 4 wins, two draws, and two losses from 8 matches with a goal difference of 11:11, showing that they know how to play maturely outside their home stadium. Their style is balanced, with quick transitions, high intensity, and a clear tactical structure.

Chelsea will have more possession and control in the midfield, but Aston Villa looks more dangerous in transition and more organized at the moment. The match promises to be an even and tactical duel with chances on both sides.