Premier League Matchweek 22 of the 2025/26 season (January 17–19) comes with a busy stretch where squad depth, rotation, and in-game control can matter just as much as raw quality. With several matches packed into a short window, teams that manage tempo well and avoid sloppy moments should gain an edge, especially in the tight battles for Europe and the survival fight. Observations from this match form part of the wider Premier League predictions, alongside analysis of other games from the same matchweek.

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Manchester Utd vs Manchester City

Manchester Utd is currently in 7th place with 32 points after playing 21 matches. They have achieved 8 wins, 8 draws, and 5 losses, with a goal difference of 36:32, indicating an unstable season with frequent ups and downs. Their form is inconsistent, with several draws in recent games and issues with continuity.

Offensively, they create chances, but their finishing isn’t reliable, while the defense often allows easy goals, especially under pressure. Fernandes is a key playmaker, Mbemo contributes with goals, and Casemiro plays an important role in maintaining balance. At home, they have five wins in 10 matches and a decent goal difference of 18:13, but they lack true dominance. Their style of play is a mix of possession and transition, facing challenges against teams with high intensity.

Manchester City is currently in 2nd place with 43 points after playing 21 matches, and they are still in the race for the title, trailing 6 points behind the leader, Arsenal. They have achieved 13 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses, with a goal difference of 45:19, which shows their consistency and quality. Their form is stable, with good results and control over matches.

Their offense is among the best in the league, boasting a lot of possession and varied attacks, while defensively they rarely allow serious chances. Haaland is the main goal threat, with Foden and De Bruyne acting as the creative engine. Away from home, they have five wins in 10 matches and a goal difference of 18:11. Their style is dominant, featuring high possession, pressing, and control of the tempo.

City will maintain control through possession and positional attacks, while United will look for chances through transitions. The difference in stability and quality favors the visitors.

2 (Manchester City to Win)

Predicted CS: 1:2

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Chelsea vs Brentford

Chelsea is currently in 8th place with 31 points after playing 21 matches. They have a record of 8 wins, 7 draws, and 6 losses, with a goal difference of 34:24, indicating a solid but inconsistent season. Their form has been variable, with a mix of wins, draws, and losses in recent games, lacking a longer winning streak.

Offensively, Chelsea creates enough chances, with good ball movement and the involvement of multiple players in attack, but their finishing can be inconsistent. Defensively, they are relatively stable, although there are times when their concentration drops. Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez are key players in the attack, while Neto adds dynamism on the wings. At home, they have 4 wins in 10 matches and a goal difference of 15:11, showing moderate confidence. Their style of play is based on possession, control, and gradual attacks.

Brentford is currently in 5th place with 33 points after playing 21 matches, making them one of the nice surprises of the season. They have achieved 10 wins, three draws, and 8 losses, with a goal difference of 35:28, which shows they are good at attacking but have some defensive weaknesses. Their form is strong, with several wins in the last few rounds boosting their confidence.

Offensively, Brentford is direct and dangerous, especially with their quick transitions and set pieces, while their defense can leave gaps under pressure. Thiago is the main goal threat, with Schade and Ouattara providing support from behind. When playing away, they have three wins in 10 matches and a goal difference of 12:18, indicating they are more vulnerable on the road. Their style is intense with fast transitions.

Chelsea will try to control the game through possession, while Brentford will look for chances from transitions and direct play. The match could be evenly matched, but both teams have excellent offensive capabilities, so we expect at least one goal from each side.

GG (BTTS-Yes)

Predicted CS: 1:1

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Leeds vs Fulham

Leeds is currently in 16th place with 22 points after playing 21 matches, just above the relegation zone. They have achieved five wins, seven draws, and nine losses, with a goal difference of 29:37, indicating issues with their defense and a lack of consistent results. Their form is unstable, showing mixed results in recent games and frequent draws.

Offensively, Leeds plays with a high tempo and directness, but they often struggle to finish their chances, while their defense leaves gaps, especially during transitions. Calvert-Lewin is the main goal threat, with Aaronson and Nmecha providing support from behind. At home, they have four wins in ten matches and a goal difference of 18:13, which gives them moderate confidence. Their style of play is intense, featuring pressing and a vertical approach, but it comes with tactical risks.

Fulham is currently in 9th place with 31 points after playing 21 matches, and they are having a fairly stable season. They have achieved 9 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses, with a goal difference of 30:30, which shows a balanced team without major extremes. Their form is solid, remaining unbeaten in the last five matches, with positive results in recent games boosting their confidence.

Offensively, Fulham is organized and patient, with good ball circulation, while defensively they appear disciplined and compact. Wilson and Jimenez are the main attacking players, and Smith Rowe brings creativity from the midfield. On away games, they have three wins in 10 matches and a goal difference of 11:17, indicating some vulnerability when playing outside their home. Their style is controlled and reactive.

Leeds will try to impose a high tempo and pressure, while Fulham will look for control and a patient game. The match could be evenly matched, but the form and stability slightly favor the visitors.

X2 (Fulham to Win or Draw)

Predicted CS: 1:1

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Liverpool vs Burnley

Liverpool is currently in 4th place with 35 points after playing 21 matches and is in a direct fight to be among the top 4 in the league. They have achieved 10 wins, five draws, and 6 losses with a goal difference of 32:28, which shows a solid but not completely consistent season. Their form is stable, with positive results in the recent matches and improvement in their gameplay.

Offensively, Liverpool creates a lot of chances through quick combinations and width on the wings, but their finishing varies. Defensively, they are generally strong, although they can sometimes leave space when playing a high line. Ekitike and Gakpo are the standout players in attack, with Salah being a key factor in crucial moments. At home, they have 6 wins in 10 matches and a goal difference of 15:10, which confirms their strength on home ground. Their style of play is aggressive, featuring high pressing and quick transitions.

Burnley is currently in 19th place with only 13 points earned after 21 matches, putting them in serious danger of relegation. They have achieved just three wins, drawn four times, and lost 14 matches, with a goal difference of 22:41, indicating significant defensive issues and poor performance consistency. Their form is bad, with a streak of negative results in the league and low confidence.

Offensively, Burnley relies on individual efforts and set pieces, but they create very few clear chances, while their defense often crumbles under pressure and allows many shots. Anthony and Flemming are the most dangerous in attack, but support is limited. On the road, they have only one win, one draw, and eight losses in 10 matches, with a goal difference of 12:26, highlighting their weakness away from home. Their style is defensive and reactive.

Liverpool will control the game through possession and high pressure, while Burnley will defend deep and look for rare counterattacks. The difference in quality, form, and home advantage strongly favors the hosts.

1 (Liverpool to Win)

Predicted CS: 3:0

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Sunderland vs Crystal Palace

Sunderland is currently in 10th place with 30 points earned from 21 matches, showing a decent season in the middle of the table. They have achieved 7 wins, 9 draws, and 5 losses, with a goal difference of 21:22, indicating a strong but not overly effective team. Their form is inconsistent, with frequent draws and a lack of winning streaks.

Offensively, Sunderland plays in a disciplined and patient manner, but they create a limited number of clear chances, while defensively they are compact and hard to break through. Isidor is the standout forward, with Brereton and Le Fee providing support in creating opportunities. At home, they have five wins in 10 matches and a goal difference of 16:8, confirming their stability at home. Their style of play is organized, focusing on structure and control.

Crystal Palace is currently in 13th place with 28 points after playing 21 matches, and they are having an inconsistent season. They have 7 wins, 7 draws, and 7 losses, with a goal difference of 22:23, which shows their balance in results. Their form is weak, with very few wins in the recent matches, as they haven’t won in the league for 6 games and are struggling with offensive execution.

Offensively, Palace relies on individual talent and quick transitions, but they find it hard to create consistent chances, while defensively they can be vulnerable under pressure. Mateta is the main goal threat, with Munoz and Sarri providing support from the background. Away from home, they have two wins in 11 matches and a goal difference of 5:14, highlighting their weaknesses on the road. Their style is reactive and cautious.

Sunderland will aim to control the game through organization and home stability, while Crystal Palace will look for chances on the counter. The match is likely to be tough and have few goals.

1X (Sunderland to Win or Draw)

Predicted CS: 1:0

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Tottenham vs West Ham

Tottenham is currently in 14th place with 27 points after playing 21 matches, and their season has been quite up and down. They have achieved 7 wins, 6 draws, and 8 losses, with a goal difference of 30:27, which shows they have a decent offense but lack defensive stability. Their form has been inconsistent, with a mix of losses, draws, and a few rare wins in the recent matches, lacking a clear pattern.

Offensively, Tottenham can be dangerous with quick attacks and wing play, but their finishing isn’t always great, and their defense often gives up space and concedes goals at crucial moments. Richarlison is the main goal threat, with Palhinha and Van de Ven being important players in the midfield. At home, they have only two wins in 10 matches and a goal difference of 12:12. Their style of play is offensive, but it can be tactically risky.

West Ham is currently in 18th place with 14 points after playing 21 matches, and they are in a serious fight for survival. They have achieved three wins, five draws, and 13 losses, with a goal difference of 22:43, which clearly shows their big defensive weaknesses and lack of balance in results. Their form is poor, with a series of losses and a drop in confidence.

Offensively, West Ham relies on individual talent and set pieces, but they struggle to create consistent pressure, while their defense often breaks under intensity. Bowen is the most dangerous in attack, with Paqueta and Wilson providing support from behind. Away from home, they have only one win in 10 matches and a goal difference of 9:18, highlighting their weakness on the road. Their style is defensive and reactive.

Tottenham will try to set the pace and attack, while West Ham will defend deeply and wait for chances from set pieces or counterattacks. The home field and greater offensive potential are in favor of the hosts.

1 (Tottenham to Win)

Predicted CS: 2:1

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Nottingham vs Arsenal

Nottingham is currently in 17th place with 21 points after playing 21 matches, just above the relegation zone. They have 6 wins, 3 draws, and 12 losses, with a goal difference of 21:34, indicating serious issues with defensive stability and poor performance consistency. Their form is bad, with a series of losses in recent matches and a clear drop in confidence.

Offensively, Forest often relies on individual efforts and quick transitions, but they create very few clear chances, while the defense frequently struggles under continuous pressure. Gibbs-White and Hudson-Odoi are the main creative threats, with Sangare providing support from the midfield.
At home, they have 4 wins in 10 matches and a goal difference of 11:14, showing moderate confidence but lacking consistency.
Their style of play is reactive and defensive, focusing on counterattacks.

Arsenal is in first place with 49 points after playing 21 matches and is the leader of the table, having 6 points more than second-placed Manchester City. They have achieved 15 wins, 4 draws, and only 2 losses, with an impressive goal difference of 40:14, which confirms their dominance and consistency. Their form is excellent, with a series of victories and a high level of confidence.

Offensively, Arsenal plays fluidly and diversely, with quick combinations, width, and strong pressure, while defensively they are among the toughest in the league and rarely allow serious chances. Trossard and Gyokeres are among the most dangerous in attack, with Saka and Rice as key figures in balance and creativity. On the road, they have 6 wins in 10 matches and a goal difference of 14:9. Their style is dominant, with high possession and organized pressing.

Nottingham will defend deep and wait for counterattacks, while Arsenal will control the game through possession and constant pressure. The difference in quality, form, and structure is clearly on the side of the visitors.

2 (Arsenal to Win)

Predicted CS: 0:2

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Wolves vs Newcastle

Wolves are currently in 20th place with only 7 points after 21 matches, putting them in a really tough spot at the bottom of the table. They have managed just one win, 4 draws, and a staggering 16 losses, with a goal difference of 15:41, which clearly shows how weak their season has been and the serious structural issues they face. Their form is poor, with a string of losses and only a few positive results, although they have shown brief moments of brilliance in recent games.

Offensively, Wolves struggle to create chances and have a big problem with finishing, while defensively, they often crumble under pressure and concede a lot of goals. Hwang, Kalajdzic, and Mane are among the few bright spots in their attack. At home, they have only one win in 10 matches and a goal difference of 10:23, highlighting their vulnerability even at home. Their style of play is mostly reactive and defensive, lacking a clear offensive identity.

Newcastle is currently in 6th place with 32 points after playing 21 matches and is fighting for European spots. They have a record of 9 wins, 5 draws, and 7 losses, with a goal difference of 32:27, showing a solid balance between offense and defense. Their form is good, with a series of positive results in the last few rounds and increased confidence.

Offensively, Newcastle plays directly and effectively, with good intensity and threats from multiple positions, while defensively they appear organized and physically strong. Bruno Guimaraes is key in the midfield, with Isak and Barnes as the main offensive threats. Away from home, they have two wins in 10 matches and a goal difference of 10:12, which isn’t perfect but is stable. Their style of play is intense, featuring high pressing and quick transitions.

Wolves will try to defend deep and survive under pressure, while Newcastle will take control through intensity and direct play. The difference in quality, form, and confidence is significant.

2 (Newcastle to Win)

Predicted CS: 1:2

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Aston Villa vs Everton

Aston Villa is currently in 3rd place with 43 points after playing 21 matches and is firmly in the race for the top. They have achieved 13 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses, with a goal difference of 33:24, indicating a stable and competitive season. Their form is good, with several victories in the recent rounds and a quick recovery after negative results.

Offensively, Villa plays directly and efficiently, with fast transitions and good finishing, while their defense is generally solid, although they can leave space when playing high up the pitch. Watkins and Rogers are the main attacking threats, with Buendia serving as an important playmaker. At home, they have an impressive 8 wins in 10 matches and a goal difference of 18:8, confirming their dominance at home. Their style of play is aggressive, featuring high pressing and intensity.

Everton is currently in 12th place with 29 points after playing 21 matches, and their season has been quite up and down. They have achieved 8 wins, 5 draws, and 8 losses, with a goal difference of 23:25, which shows they have limited attacking power and an unstable defense. Their form is inconsistent, with a mix of wins and losses in the recent games, lacking a longer positive streak.

Offensively, Everton relies on physical play and set pieces, but they create very few chances, while defensively they can struggle under continuous pressure. Dewsbury-Hall and Ndiaye are the most dangerous in attack, with Barry providing support. Away from home, they have 4 wins in 10 matches and a goal difference of 9:10, indicating moderate stability. Their style of play is reactive and cautious.

Aston Villa will take the initiative through possession and high pressure, while Everton will defend deeper and look for chances on the counter and from set pieces. The difference in form, quality, and the home advantage clearly favors the host.

1 (Aston Villa to Win)

Predicted CS: 3:0

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Brighton vs Bournemouth

Brighton is currently in 11th place with 29 points after playing 21 matches, showing a season of moderate stability. They have achieved 7 wins, 8 draws, and 6 losses, with a goal difference of 31:28, indicating a balanced team with solid performance. Their form is relatively good, with positive results in recent matches and the ability to compete against stronger opponents.

Offensively, Brighton plays with good ball movement and involves the full-backs, while their defense is organized but can be vulnerable to quick counterattacks. Welbeck brings experience and finishing skills, while van Hecke and Gomez play important roles in maintaining stability. At home, they have 5 wins in 10 matches and a goal difference of 18:11, which provides confidence. Their style is possession-based with a high tempo.

Bournemouth is currently in 15th place with 26 points after playing 21 matches, and they are trying to move away from the relegation zone. They have 6 wins, 8 draws, and 7 losses, with a goal difference of 34:40, which shows they have offensive potential but also serious defensive weaknesses. Their form is unstable, with a mix of good performances and tough losses.

Offensively, Bournemouth plays direct and fast, often using the wings, but their defense struggles with positioning and consistency. Semenyo is the main goal threat, with Kroupi and Tavernier providing creative support. They have only one win in 10 away matches and a goal difference of 18:29, highlighting their weakness when playing away from home. Their style is open and risky.

Brighton will try to control the game through possession and pressure, while Bournemouth will look for chances through direct attacks and transitions. Both teams play offensively, so we can expect a match with a lot of goals.

3+ (Over 2.5)

Predicted CS: 2:1

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Context from Premier League Matchweek 21 predictions and upcoming coverage in Premier League Matchweek 23 predictions provides a clear timeline across matchweeks.