Matchweek 21 of the 2025/26 Premier League season (January 6–8) is a midweek round where being sharp is more important than being stylish—there’s not much time to recover, many players will be rotated, and even tiny mistakes can lead to losing points. Within the current set of Premier League predictions, fixtures like this are influenced by momentum, squad availability, and match conditions.
It kicks off on Tuesday night with West Ham facing Nottingham, a game that usually gets physical and tactical, especially if West Ham can take control early on. Wednesday is filled with a big block of games starting at 20:30: Bournemouth vs Tottenham looks like it will be a fast and open match, while Brentford vs Sunderland and Everton vs Wolves seem like classic games where every little detail matters. Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa is also tricky—Palace at home can make things tough, especially if they press effectively. Fulham vs Chelsea brings a London rivalry, and Manchester City vs Brighton is one where City will aim to dominate right from the start.
Later at 21:15, Burnley vs Manchester United and Newcastle vs Leeds will have a different pace—high energy, direct play, and lots of quick changes. The round wraps up on Thursday with Arsenal vs Liverpool, the big game of the week, where keeping the momentum and managing the game could be crucial.
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Bournemouth vs Tottenham
Bournemouth is currently in 15th place with 23 points after playing 20 matches. They have five wins, eight draws, and seven losses, with a goal difference of 31:38. Their form has been inconsistent, often resulting in draws and losses against stronger opponents. Offensively, Bournemouth can be dangerous with their direct play and quick attacks, but their defense is shaky and allows many goals, especially under pressure.
Key players include Semenyo, Kluivert, and Tavernier.
At home, they have four wins, four draws, and two losses, with a goal difference of 13:9. Their style is energetic, featuring a medium block and attempts at quick transitions. They haven’t won in their last 11 matches, which include six losses and five draws.
Tottenham is currently in 13th place with 27 points after playing 20 matches. They have achieved 7 wins, 6 draws, and 7 losses, with a goal difference of 28:24. Their form is unstable, showing a mix of wins and losses. Offensively, Tottenham has quality and creativity, but their finishing varies, while their defense often shows weaknesses during transitions.
The most dangerous players are Richarlison, van de Ven, and Kudus. Away from home, they have five wins, three draws, and two losses with a goal difference of 16:12, indicating a solid performance on the road. Their style of play is offensive, with a high tempo and possession. In today’s match, besides the injured players, they will also be without Bissouma and Sarr, who are engaged in AFCON.
Bournemouth will try to respond with intensity and transitions, while Tottenham will seek control through possession and quality in finishing. The guests have a slight advantage, but both teams have defensive weaknesses, so we can expect at least one goal from both sides.
GG (BTTS-Yes)
Predicted CS: 1:2
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West Ham vs Nottingham
West Ham is currently in 18th place with 14 points after playing 20 matches, and they are seriously involved in the fight for survival. They have three wins, five draws, and 12 losses, with a goal difference of 21:41. Their form is very weak, having lost several matches recently, which has clearly affected their confidence. Offensively, they create a limited number of chances and often rely on individual efforts, while their defense is unstable and allows too much space between the lines.
Bowen is the most dangerous player in attack, supported by Lucas Paqueta and Wilson. At home, they have only two wins in 10 matches and a goal difference of 12:23, indicating serious vulnerability even in front of their own fans. Their style of play is inconsistent, lacking a clear rhythm, and they frequently struggle with organized defense. In this match, they will also be without defenders Diouf and Wan-Bissaka, who are part of AFCON.
Nottingham is currently in 17th place with 18 points, just above the relegation zone. After playing 20 matches, they have five wins, three draws, and 12 losses, with a goal difference of 19:33. Their form is inconsistent, showing some positive results now and then, but they lack continuity and have suffered four consecutive losses. Offensively, they rely on quick transitions and fast breaks, but they create very few clear chances. Their defense can be vulnerable under sustained pressure.
Key players include Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, and Sangare, who carry most of the creative load. Away from home, they have two wins, two draws, and six losses, with a goal difference of 7:16, highlighting their instability on the road. Their style of play is mostly reactive, with a deep block and a focus on counter-attacks. In today’s match, they will be without the injured players, as well as the creative player Sangare and defender Willy Boly, who are participating in AFCON.
West Ham will try to take the initiative through possession, but their defensive weaknesses leave room for Nottingham’s counterattacks. The visitors appear more organized and dangerous in transition.
X2 (Draw or Nottingham to Win)
Predicted CS: 1:1
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Brentford vs Sunderland
Brentford is currently in 7th place with 30 points after playing 20 matches. They have 9 wins, 3 draws, and 8 losses, with a goal difference of 32:28. Their form is solid, having secured several victories in recent games and maintaining a good competitive rhythm. Offensively, Brentford is very effective, showing a good balance between positional attacks and quick transitions. Their defense is stable, although it can struggle against technically superior teams.
A key player is Thiago, who has scored 14 goals so far, with significant support from Schade and Ouattara. At home, they have 6 wins, 3 draws, and only 1 loss, with a goal difference of 20:10. Their style of play is intense, featuring high pressing and physical duels. Additionally, they will be without Onyeka and Ouattara due to AFCON, alongside other injured players.
Sunderland is currently in 8th place with 30 points after playing 20 matches. They have achieved 7 wins, 9 draws, and 4 losses, with a goal difference of 21:19. Their form is stable, but they have a lot of draws and not enough scoring efficiency. Offensively, Sunderland plays in an organized way, but they create a limited number of chances, while their defense is compact and disciplined.
The standout players are Isidor, Brobbey, and Le Fee, who bring creativity and threat in the final third. Away from home, they have two wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses with a goal difference of 5:11. Their style of play is organized and cautious, focusing on structure. For AFCON, they have called up five players from their squad: Mandava, Masuaku, Sadiki, Talbi, and Traore.
Brentford will try to control the game and the tempo, while Sunderland will aim to slow down the pace and control the midfield. The home advantage and offensive efficiency are in favor of Brentford.
1 (Brentford to Win)
Predicted CS: 2:1
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Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa
Crystal Palace is currently in 14th place with 27 points after playing 20 matches. They have 7 wins, 6 draws, and 7 losses, with a goal difference of 22:23. Their form has been unstable, with frequent ups and downs, and they haven’t won in the last five games, suffering 4 losses during that time. Offensively, Palace struggles with consistency and finishing, often creating very few clear chances. Their defense is solid in positioning but can give in under prolonged pressure.
Key players include Mateta, Munoz, and Sarr, who pose the biggest offensive threat. At home, they have two wins, five draws, and three losses, with a goal difference of 10:12. Their style of play is mostly cautious, using a medium block and focusing on transitions. Additionally, they will be without Sarr, who is part of the Senegal national team, along with other injured players.
Aston Villa is currently in 3rd place with 42 points after playing 20 matches, having the same number of points as Manchester City. They have achieved 13 wins, three draws, and 4 losses, with a goal difference of 33:24. Their form is really good, showing a series of positive results and a high competitive intensity. Offensively, Villa plays fast and direct, with a lot of movement between the lines and effective finishing. Their defense is solid, although sometimes it leaves space when playing high up the pitch.
Key players include Rogers, Watkins, and Emiliano Buendia. Away from home, they have five wins, two draws, and three losses with a goal difference of 15:16. Their playing style is aggressive, featuring high pressing and quick transitions. They have 12 wins and just one loss in their last 13 matches across all competitions. In today’s match, they will be without the injured players and also without Guessand, who is participating in AFCON.
Crystal Palace will try to slow down the game with a compact block, while Aston Villa will impose a high tempo and pressure. The difference in form and offensive quality is clearly in favor of the visitors.
2 (Aston Villa to Win)
Predicted CS: 0:2
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Everton vs Wolves
Everton is currently in 12th place with 28 points after playing 20 matches. They have 8 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses, with a goal difference of 22:24. Their form has been inconsistent, showing ups and downs and a lack of continuity in their results. Offensively, Everton creates a limited number of chances and often struggles with finishing, while their defense is relatively organized but can falter under prolonged pressure.
Key players include Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, and Barry. At home, they have 4 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses, with a goal difference of 13:14. Their style of play is cautious, focusing on defensive structure and gradual attacks. The 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.
Wolves are currently in 20th place with only 6 points after playing 20 matches, sitting at the bottom of the table. They have one win, three draws, and 16 losses, with a goal difference of 14:40, and their form is very weak with a series of negative results. Offensively, Wolves have serious issues creating chances and rarely reach the final third, while their defense is one of the most vulnerable in the league.
The standout players are Hee-chan, Krejci, and Bueno, but they haven’t had enough impact on the results. Away from home, they are winless, with two draws and 8 losses, having a goal difference of 4:17. Their style of play is reactive, with a deep block and attempts at rare counter-attacks. Defender Emmanuel Agbadou will not participate in this match as he is part of AFCON.
Everton will have the initiative and more possession, while Wolves will focus on defense. The home advantage and greater stability clearly favor Everton.
1 (Everton to Win)
Predicted CS: 2:0
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Fulham vs Chelsea
Fulham is currently in 11th place with 28 points after playing 20 matches. They have 8 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses, with a goal difference of 28:29. Their form has been solid, showing improvement in the last few games and more consistent results. Offensively, Fulham plays in an organized and patient manner, effectively using width and making late runs into the box. Their defense is disciplined but can be vulnerable to quicker counterattacks.
Key players include Wilson, Jimenez, and Smith Rowe. At home, they have five wins, two draws, and three losses, with a goal difference of 17:12. Their playing style is balanced, maintaining controlled tempo and focusing on positional play. Additionally, they will be without Bassey, Chukwueze, and Alex Iwobi, who are part of the Nigerian national team, alongside other injured players.
Chelsea, after the departure of Enzo Maresca, is currently under the temporary management of Calum McFarlane and is sitting in 5th place with 31 points from 20 matches played. They have achieved 8 wins, 7 draws, and 5 losses, with a goal difference of 33:22. Their form has been inconsistent, often resulting in draws and a lack of stability. Offensively, Chelsea creates many chances through possession and a technically skilled midfield, but their finishing varies. Defensively, they sometimes leave space when playing a high line.
Key players include Joao Pedro, Enzo Fernandez, and Pedro Neto. Away from home, they have 4 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses, with a goal difference of 18:11. Their style is offensive, characterized by high possession and pressure in the opponent’s half. In their last match, they managed to earn a point in an away game against Manchester City.
Fulham will try to control the midfield and slow down the pace, while Chelsea will impose possession and offensive pressure. The individual quality favors the visitors, but the match promises to be a closely contested battle.
X2 (Draw or Chelsea to Win)
Predicted CS: 1:1
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Manchester City vs Brighton
Manchester City is currently in 2nd place with 42 points after playing 20 matches. They are 6 points behind the leading team, Arsenal, and have the same number of points as Aston Villa. They have achieved 13 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses, with a goal difference of 44:18. Their form is very strong, as they are on a winning streak and maintaining a high competitive rhythm. Offensively, City dominates with ball possession, constant pressure, and a lot of created chances, while their defense is solid and rarely allows serious threats.
Key players include Erling Haaland, Foden, and Tijjani Reijnders, who bring direct danger and control in the midfield. At home, they have 8 wins, a draw, and a loss, with a goal difference of 26:7. Their style of play is dominant, featuring high possession, positional play, and constant offensive pressure. In today’s match, they will be without the injured players as well as Marmoush and Ait Nouri, who are engaged in AFCON.
Brighton is currently in 10th place with 28 points after playing 20 matches. They have achieved 7 wins, 7 draws, and 6 losses, with a goal difference of 30:27. Their form has been unstable, showing mixed results in the recent rounds. Offensively, Brighton plays in a technical and fluid manner, but they often struggle with finishing. Their defense can be vulnerable under continuous pressure.
Key players include Welbeck, van Hecke, and Diego Gomez. When playing away, they have two wins, three draws, and five losses, with a goal difference of 12:16. Their style of play is open and possession-oriented, but it carries risks during defensive transitions. In today’s match, they will be without Baleba, who is part of the Cameroon national team, in addition to other injured players.
Manchester City will control the game through high possession and constant pressure, while Brighton will try to respond with short passes and technical play. The difference in quality and home dominance clearly favors City.
1 (Manchester City to Win)
Predicted CS: 2:0
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Burnley vs Manchester Utd
Burnley is currently in 19th place with 12 points after playing 20 matches. They have achieved three wins, three draws, and 14 losses, with a goal difference of 20:39. Their form is weak, showing a series of negative results and a lack of consistency. Offensively, Burnley struggles to create clear chances and often relies on set pieces, while their defense is vulnerable and allows too much space between the lines.
Key players include Flemming, Anthony, and Ugochukwu, but their impact is limited. At home, they have two wins, two draws, and six losses, with a goal difference of 8:13. Their style of play is cautious, featuring a deep block and attempts at direct attacks. In addition to injury problems, they will also be without Foster, Mejbri, and Tuanzebe for this match due to AFCON.
Manchester United, after the departure of their manager Ruben Amorim, will be led by interim coach Darren Fletcher, a former player for Manchester United, in this match. They currently sit in 6th place with 31 points from 20 matches played. They have achieved 8 wins, 7 draws, and 5 losses, with a goal difference of 34:30, and their form has been inconsistent with mixed results. Offensively, United has quality and individual creativity, but they often lack control over the tempo, while their defense can be shaky.
Key players include Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, and Casemiro, who bring experience and creativity to the team. On the road, they have recorded three wins, four draws, and three losses with a goal difference of 16:17. Their style of play is offensive, but there are frequent fluctuations in their organization. They drew in the last two rounds against relatively weaker opponents and need a win to restore their confidence. In addition to the injured players due to participation in AFCON, they will also be without Diallo, Mazraoui, and Mbeumo.
Burnley will defend deeply and look for opportunities from set pieces, while Manchester United will have more possession and take the initiative. The difference in quality and experience is in favor of the visitors.
2 (Manchester Utd to Win)
Predicted CS: 0:2
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Newcastle vs Leeds
Newcastle is currently in 9th place with 29 points after playing 20 matches. They have 8 wins, 5 draws, and 7 losses, with a goal difference of 28:24. Their form is solid, showing some positive results in the last few rounds and improved stability at home. Offensively, Newcastle plays directly and physically strong, with good intensity and threats from the second line. Their defense is solid but can struggle against faster attacks.
Key players include Bruno Guimaraes, Woltemade, and Harvey Barnes. At home, they have 6 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses, with a goal difference of 18:12. Their style of play is intense, with a high tempo and strong pressing in front of their home crowd. They have achieved two wins in their last two matches, indicating that they are improving their form.
Leeds United is currently in 16th place with 22 points after playing 20 matches. They have achieved five wins, seven draws, and eight losses, with a goal difference of 26:33. Their form is shaky, often resulting in draws and issues with consistency. Offensively, Leeds plays with high intensity and directness, but they frequently struggle to convert chances. Their defense is vulnerable and allows too much space during transitions.
Key players include Calvert-Lewin, Nmecha, and Stach, who pose the biggest offensive threat. Away from home, they have only one win, three draws, and six losses, with a goal difference of 8:20. Their style of play is open and risky, featuring high pressing but also frequent defensive mistakes.
Newcastle will impose their physical style and pace, while Leeds will try to respond with aggressive pressing and direct attacks. The home advantage and better structure clearly favor Newcastle.
1 (Newcastle to Win)
Predicted CS: 2:1
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Arsenal vs Liverpool
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Arsenal is in first place with 48 points after playing 20 matches and holds the top position. They have achieved 15 wins, three draws, and two losses, with a goal difference of 40:14. Their form is extremely strong, featuring a winning streak and a high level of consistency. Offensively, Arsenal plays fluidly and organized, with quick ball circulation and many chances created. Their defense is one of the toughest in the league, rarely allowing any space.
Key players include Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard, and Rice, who control the pace and creativity of the game. At home, they have 9 wins and a draw, with a goal difference of 26:5. Their style of play is dominant, featuring high pressing and complete control of the match.
Liverpool is currently in 4th place with 34 points after playing 20 matches. They have achieved 10 wins, 4 draws, and 6 losses, with a goal difference of 32:28. Their form is decent, but they have some ups and downs, especially when playing away. Offensively, Liverpool plays with high intensity and directness, but their finishing can be inconsistent, while their defense can be vulnerable against teams that move the ball quickly.
Key players include Hugo Ekitike and Gakpo, who pose the biggest attacking threat. When playing away, they have 4 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses with a goal difference of 17:18. Their style of play is offensive and vertical, but it carries risks during defensive transitions. They are facing issues with injured players, and for this match, they cannot count on Salah, who is with the Egyptian national team.
Arsenal will impose control through possession and high pressing, while Liverpool will try to respond with intensity and quick attacks. The home advantage and form clearly favor Arsenal, but the hosts have shown some weaknesses in defense recently, so we can expect at least one goal from both sides.
Predicted CS: 2:1
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This matchweek follows on from the trends observed in Premier League Matchweek 20 predictions earlier in the season. For a forward-looking view of the league schedule, see Premier League Matchweek 22 predictions once the next round begins.
