Matchweek 20 of the 2025/26 Premier League season (January 3–4) is really important, as teams need to manage their performance, player rotation, and momentum while the league moves further into winter. With not much time to recover, this round could change the title race and the fight for European spots. The analysis here contributes to the overall Premier League predictions for this matchweek, which consider league context and recent performances.
The action kicks off on Saturday at 13:30 with Aston Villa facing Nottingham, where the intensity at home and early pressure might be key. Then at 16:00, three games start at the same time: Brighton vs Burnley, Wolves vs West Ham, and Everton vs Brentford. These matches usually reward teams that are disciplined and efficient, especially those trying to avoid the lower part of the table.
On Saturday evening at 18:30, there’s an exciting match as Bournemouth takes on Arsenal, which will likely challenge Arsenal’s ability to perform consistently away from home against a tough opponent.
Sunday begins at 13:30 with Leeds vs Manchester United, a fast-paced game where speed and quick transitions will be very important. The 16:00 time slot is busy, featuring Fulham vs Liverpool, Newcastle vs Crystal Palace, and Tottenham vs Sunderland, with many teams looking to take control before they get too tired.
The round wraps up at 18:30 with a big match: Manchester City vs Chelsea, a game that could depend on small details, tactical changes, and individual skills.
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Aston Villa vs Nottingham
Aston Villa is currently in 3rd place with 39 points, and after losing to Arsenal last round, they are 6 points behind. After playing 19 matches, they have achieved 12 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses, with a goal difference of 30:23, showing that they have a strong attacking ability and high intensity. Their form is really good, with a series of wins in the last league matches and only a few ups and downs, although they sometimes struggle against top opponents.
Offensively, Villa plays fast and direct, with a lot of movement between the lines and good finishing. Their defense is solid, but sometimes leaves space when they play high up the pitch. Watkins is the main attacking threat, with Rogers and Buendia providing creative support. At home, they have 7 wins out of 9 matches and a goal difference of 15:7, which confirms their dominance at home. Their style of play is aggressive, with high pressing and quick transitions. In today’s match, besides the injured players, they will also be without Guessand, who is participating in AFCON.
Nottingham Forest is currently in 17th place with 18 points earned from 19 matches played, just above the relegation zone. They have achieved five wins, three draws, and 11 losses, with a goal difference of 18:30, indicating serious issues with defensive stability and consistent scoring. Their form is weak, with a series of losses in recent matches leading to a drop in confidence.
Offensively, Forest relies on individual efforts and quick transitions, but they create very few clear chances, while their defense often breaks under continuous pressure. Gibbs-White and Hudson-Odoi are the most creative players, with Sangare providing support from the midfield. Away from home, they have two wins in 9 matches and a goal difference of 6:13, highlighting their vulnerability outside of their home ground. Their style is reactive and defensive. In today’s match, they will be without the injured players as well as the creative Sangare and defender Willy Boly, who are participating in AFCON.
Aston Villa will control the game through possession and pressing, while Nottingham will defend deep and wait for counterattacks. The difference in form, quality, and the advantage of playing at home favors Aston Villa.
1 (Aston Villa to Win)
Predicted CS: 2:0
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Brighton vs Burnley
Brighton is currently in 14th place with 25 points earned. After playing 19 matches, they have achieved 6 wins, 7 draws, and 6 losses, with a goal difference of 28:27. This shows that the team has a solid offensive potential, but they often struggle with consistency in results. Their form has been inconsistent, with several draws and losses in recent matches, although they remain competitive in most games. They haven’t won in the last 6 matches. Offensively, Brighton creates chances through possession, but their finishing varies, and their defense can falter under continuous pressure.
Welbeck is the main attacking option, with Van Hecke and Gomez being important figures in transitions. At home, they have 4 wins from 9 matches and a goal difference of 16:11, indicating moderate reliability. Their style of play is technical and possession-oriented. In today’s match, they will be without the injured players and also without Baleba, who is part of the Cameroon national team.
Burnley is currently in 19th place with 12 points after playing 19 matches. They have achieved three wins, three draws, and 13 losses, with a goal difference of 20:37, which clearly shows serious defensive issues and a lack of consistency. Their form is weak, with several losses in a row and difficulties in staying competitive against organized teams. They haven’t won in the last 10 matches, losing 9 of those games. Offensively, Burnley has some players who can make a difference, but they create very few clear chances, while the defense often struggles to set up properly.
Flemming and Anthony are the most dangerous in finishing, with Ugbo as an additional option. Away from home, they have only one win in 9 matches and a goal difference of 12:24, highlighting their vulnerability. Their style is reactive and cautious. Besides the issues with injured players, they will also be without Foster, Mejbri, and Tuanzebe for this match as they are part of AFCON.
Brighton will control the game through possession and pressure, while Burnley will defend deep and wait for counterattacks. The difference in organization and the home field advantage are on the side of the hosts.
1 (Brighton to Win)
Predicted CS: 2:1
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Wolves vs West Ham
Wolves are currently in 20th place with only three points. After playing 19 matches, they still haven’t won, with three draws and 16 losses, resulting in a goal difference of 11:40. This clearly shows the serious crisis and lack of quality in all areas. Their form is extremely poor, with a long winless streak and frequent heavy defeats, which further damages their confidence.
Offensively, Wolves have serious issues creating chances and finishing, while their defense is the weakest in the league and often collapses under minimal pressure. Krejci and Bueno are among the few who show some fight, but they don’t have a real impact. At home, they haven’t won a single match in 9 games, with a goal difference of 7:23, highlighting their struggles even in front of their own fans. Their style of play is chaotic, lacking a clear structure. Defender Emmanuel Agbadou will not participate in this match as he is part of AFCON.
West Ham is currently in 18th place with 14 points after playing 19 matches. They have a record of three wins, five draws, and 11 losses, with a goal difference of 21:38, showing that the team is unstable, but still more competitive than their opponent. Their form is weak, with more losses in the recent rounds, but they occasionally manage to earn points against similar rivals.
Offensively, West Ham has players who can change the game, but their finishing is inconsistent, while the defense often gives away too much space. Bowen is the main offensive threat, with Paqueta and Wilson as key figures in creating chances. On the road, they have only one win in 9 matches and a goal difference of 9:15, which isn’t impressive, but still better than the home team. Their style is direct and physical. In this match, they will also be without defenders Diouf and Wan-Bissaka, who are part of AFCON.
A tough match is expected between two struggling teams, but West Ham has more quality and a better chance to take advantage of Wolves’ weak defense. However, due to rotations in the visiting team’s defense, we can expect at least one goal from both sides.
GG (BTTS-Yes)
Predicted CS: 1:2
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Bournemouth vs Arsenal
Bournemouth is currently in 15th place with 23 points. After playing 19 matches, they have a record of five wins, eight draws, and six losses, with a goal difference of 29:35. This shows that the team has a decent offensive impact but also serious defensive weaknesses. Their form has been inconsistent, as they haven’t won in the last ten matches, with more draws and an inability to close out games in their favor. Offensively, Bournemouth plays boldly and directly, creating chances through quick transitions and high energy, but their finishing varies, while the defense often leaves space behind the line.
Semenyo is the most dangerous player up front, and this will be his last match before transferring to Manchester City, with Kroupi and Tavernier providing creative support. At home, they have four wins in nine matches and a goal difference of 11:6, which shows they are competitive in front of their fans. Their style of play is dynamic and offensively oriented.
Arsenal is in first place with 45 points after playing 19 matches. They have achieved 14 wins, three draws, and two losses, with a goal difference of 37:12, which shows their dominance and consistency. Their form is excellent, with a winning streak and high intensity in all areas. Offensively, Arsenal is diverse and effective, with quick ball movement and multiple threats from different positions, while their defense is one of the strongest in the league.
Trossard, Saka, and Gyokeres are key players in the attack, with Odegaard acting as the engine in the midfield. When playing away, they have five wins, two draws, and two losses from nine matches, with a goal difference of 11:7, indicating stability even on the road. Their style of play is dominant, featuring high pressing and control.
Arsenal will take control and set the pace, while Bournemouth will try to respond with energy and quick transitions. The difference in quality and form is quite significant.
2 (Arsenal to Win)
Predicted CS: 0:3
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Leeds vs Manchester Utd
Leeds is currently in 16th place with 21 points. After playing 19 matches, they have a record of five wins, six draws, and eight losses, with a goal difference of 25:32. This shows that the team is strong offensively but weak defensively. Their form has been inconsistent, with a few draws and one important win in the last rounds, but they lack the consistency needed to move up the table. Offensively, Leeds plays with a fast pace and aggressive approach, creating many chances, but they often leave space behind, making their defense vulnerable.
Calvert-Lewin is the main attacking option, with Nmecha and Stach providing important support from the midfield. At home, they have four wins in nine matches and a goal difference of 17:12, which shows they can be dangerous in front of their fans. Their style of play is intense, with high pressing and direct transitions. In today’s match, they will also be without defender Ethan Ampadu, who is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards.
Manchester United is currently in 6th place with 30 points after playing 19 matches, sharing the same points as Chelsea. They have achieved 8 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses, with a goal difference of 33:29, indicating a team with strong attacking skills but some defensive weaknesses. Their form is relatively stable, showing a mix of wins and draws in recent matches, although they can sometimes underperform, like in the last match when they drew with Wolves at home. Offensively, they have fast and creative players who can change the game with their individual talent, while the defense isn’t always reliable during transitions.
Bruno Fernandes and Mbeumo are key players in the attack, with Casemiro leading the midfield. On away games, they have three wins out of 9 matches and a goal difference of 15:16, showing moderate confidence when playing away. Their playing style is balanced, combining possession with quick counterattacks. Besides the injured players due to AFCON participation, they will also be without Diallo, Mazraoui, and Mbeumo.
Leeds will try to impose a fast pace and physical pressure, while Manchester United will look for control and punish the space behind the defense. We expect a dynamic match, but the quality is on the side of the visitors.
X2 (Draw or Manchester Utd to Win)
Predicted CS: 1:2
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Everton vs Brentford
Everton is currently in 8th place with 28 points. After playing 19 matches, they have achieved 8 wins, 4 draws, and 7 losses, with a goal difference of 20:20. This shows that the team has a solid balance, but also some ups and downs in their results. Their form is inconsistent, with important wins at home, but also some losses against stronger opponents. Offensively, Everton plays quite direct and practical, without taking too many risks, while their defense is compact and disciplined, especially at home.
Dewsbury-Hall and Ndiaye are the most active in the final third, with Grealish providing creative support. At home, they have 4 wins out of 9 matches and a goal difference of 11:10, indicating moderate confidence. Their style of play is physical and organized, focusing on duels and second balls. Unfortunately, their top scorer will not participate in this match due to injury, and they will also be without Gueye and Ndiaye, who are part of the African Cup of Nations.
Brentford is currently in 17th place with 27 points after playing 19 matches, just one point behind their opponent today. They have achieved 8 wins, 3 draws, and 8 losses, with a goal difference of 28:26, indicating that they are strong offensively but shaky defensively. Their form has been inconsistent; they experienced a dip but have managed to recover in the last three matches. Offensively, Brentford is dangerous during transitions and through direct play, but their defense often leaves gaps and concedes easy goals.
Thiago is the main attacking threat, with Schade and Daoutra providing support from behind. On the road, they have two wins from 9 matches played, with a goal difference of 8:16, highlighting their vulnerability away from home. Their style of play is open and risky. Additionally, they will be without Onyeka and Ouattara, who are part of AFCON, along with other injured players.
Everton will try to use their home stability and physical strength, while Brentford will look for chances from transitions. The match seems balanced, but the home team has a slight advantage.
1X (Everton to Win or Draw)
Predicted CS: 1:0
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Fulham vs Liverpool
Fulham is currently in 11th place with 27 points. After playing 19 matches, they have achieved 8 wins, 3 draws, and 8 losses, with a goal difference of 26:27. This shows that the team has a solid offensive contribution but also experiences fluctuations in their results. Their form is relatively good, as they haven’t lost in the last 4 matches, winning three of them and showing improved performance at home. However, they can struggle against teams with high intensity. Offensively, Fulham plays directly and effectively in transition, but their finishing can vary, and their defense isn’t always reliable during quick counterattacks.
Wilson and Jimenez are the main threats in attack, with Smith Rowe providing creative support. At home, they have five wins out of 9 matches and a goal difference of 15:10, confirming their competitiveness at home. Their style of play is dynamic, featuring quick transitions and physical play. Additionally, they will be without Bassey, Chukwueze, and Alex Iwobi, who are all part of the Nigerian national team, alongside other injured players.
Liverpool is currently in 4th place with 33 points after playing 19 matches. They have a record of 10 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses, with a goal difference of 30:26, showing that they are a strong attacking team, but not always consistent. Their form is decent, with a series of wins in the league and good performances in tough away games, although they sometimes lose control in the midfield. Offensively, Liverpool plays with high pressing and quick ball movement, while their defense is aggressive but can be vulnerable to counterattacks.
Salah is the star player, with Gakpo and Ekitike providing significant support. Away from home, they have 4 wins in 9 matches and a goal difference of 15:16, indicating that their away games are open and effective. Their style is intense and attacking. They are facing issues with injured players, and for this match, they cannot rely on Salah, who is part of the Egypt national team.
An exciting match is expected with a fast pace, where Fulham will try to take advantage of their home momentum, while Liverpool will apply pressure and speed. The quality and depth favor the visitors, and we anticipate an efficient game with at least three goals.
3+ (Over 2.5)
Predicted CS: 1:2
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Newcastle vs Crystal Palace
Newcastle is currently in 13th place with 26 points. After playing 19 matches, they have achieved 7 wins, 5 draws, and 7 losses, with a goal difference of 26:24. This shows that the team has a solid offensive ability, but they also have some defensive inconsistencies. Their form is variable, with important wins at home, but also a few unexpected slip-ups in recent rounds. Offensively, Newcastle plays intensely and directly, applying good pressure in the midfield, while their defense sometimes leaves space during transitions.
Woltemade and Barnes are the main threats up front, with Bruno Guimaraes acting as the key playmaker. At home, they have five wins out of 9 matches and a goal difference of 16:12, indicating that they are much more confident in front of their fans. Their style of play is energetic, with a high tempo and physical duels.
Crystal Palace is currently in 10th place with 27 points after playing 19 matches. They have achieved 7 wins, 6 draws, and 6 losses, with a goal difference of 22:21, indicating a well-balanced team with a solid structure. Their form has been inconsistent, with draws and losses in recent games, but they generally remain competitive against all opponents. Offensively, Palace relies on individual talent and quick attacks, while their defense is organized and compact, especially against stronger teams.
Mateta is the main attacking option, with Munoz and Sarr serving as creative playmakers. On away games, they have five wins out of 9 matches and a goal difference of 12:9, showing that they can be dangerous even on the road. Their style of play is reactive, focusing on counterattacks.
A balanced and physical match is expected, with Newcastle being the more aggressive team at home and Palace being dangerous on the counterattack. The details will make the difference, and a draw seems like a real possibility.
X (Draw)
Predicted CS: 1:1
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Tottenham vs Sunderland
Tottenham is currently in 12th place with 26 points. After playing 19 matches, they have achieved 7 wins, 1 draw, and 7 losses, with a goal difference of 27:23. This shows that the team has a solid offensive potential, but they lack consistency. Their form is unstable, with a mix of wins, draws, and losses in the recent matches, indicating fluctuations in their performance. Offensively, Tottenham creates chances through quick ball movement and wing play, but their finishing can vary.
Defensively, they sometimes leave space during transitions. Richarlison is the main threat in attack, with van de Ven and Kudus playing important supporting roles. At home, they have two wins out of 9 matches and a goal difference of 11:11, which suggests they are not completely secure even at home. Their style of play is offensive, with a high tempo and an attempt to dominate. In today’s match, besides the injured players, they will also be without Bissouma and Sarr, who are engaged in AFCON, and Simons will be suspended due to a red card.
Sunderland is currently in 7th place with 29 points after playing 19 matches. They have achieved 7 wins, 8 draws, and 4 losses, with a goal difference of 20:18, indicating that they are a well-organized and competitive team. Their form is stable, featuring a series of draws and some important victories, especially against direct rivals. Offensively, Sunderland plays in a disciplined manner, taking few risks but showing good efficiency when space opens up, while their defense is compact and hard to break through.
Isidor is a key player in the final third, with Le Fee and Brobbey providing support from the background. Away from home, they have two wins in 9 matches and a goal difference of 4:10, which shows a cautious approach when playing outside. Their style of play is balanced and reactive. For AFCON, they have called up five players from their squad: Mandava, Masuaku, Sadiki, Talbi, and Traore.
Tottenham will try to control the pace and possession, while Sunderland will play patiently and wait for a mistake. The quality is on the home team’s side, but the guests’ form suggests a tough match where they won’t easily give up points on this away game.
GG (BTTS-Yes)
Predicted CS: 2:1
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Manchester City vs Chelsea
Manchester City is currently in second place with 41 points, just 4 points behind the first-place team, Arsenal. After playing 19 matches, they have achieved 13 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses, with a goal difference of 43:17, which clearly shows their offensive strength and control in games. Their form is really good, with a series of victories in the last few matches and only slight fluctuations, especially at home. Offensively, City dominates with possession, quick ball movement, and positional play, creating many chances, while their defense is solid and rarely allows clear opportunities.
Haaland is the main goal scorer, with Foden and Reijnders acting as creative engines, and Cherki providing balance. At home, they have 8 wins out of 9 matches and a goal difference of 25:6, confirming their dominance in front of their fans. Their style of play is controlling, featuring high pressing and complete superiority across the field. In today’s match, besides the injured players, they will also be without Marmoush and Ait Nouri, who are engaged in AFCON.
Chelsea is currently in 5th place with 30 points after playing 19 matches. They have achieved 8 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses, with a goal difference of 32:21, showing that the team has good offensive potential but also some inconsistency in results. Their form has been mixed lately, with a combination of wins, draws, and losses, especially during tough away games. Offensively, Chelsea has speed and individual talent, but they often rely on inspiration, while their defense can be vulnerable under continuous pressure.
João Pedro and Enzo Fernandez are key players in the game, with Neto providing an additional offensive option. On the road, they have 4 wins out of 9 matches and a goal difference of 17:10, which is solid but not dominant. Their style is dynamic, with attempts at quick attacks and transitions. After a series of poor results, the team’s management has parted ways with Enzo Maresca, and a replacement has yet to be appointed.
Manchester City will control the game with possession and pace, while Chelsea will look for chances through transitions and individual skill. The class, form, and home advantage are clearly in favor of the home team.
1 (Manchester City to Win)
Predicted CS: 2:0
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Insights from Premier League Matchweek 19 predictions provide useful background when comparing how teams have progressed between rounds. For a forward-looking view of the league schedule, see Premier League Matchweek 21 predictions once the next round begins.