⚽ Premier League 2025/2026 Discussion Thread ⚽

[MArsland]

Currently I don’t understand what Manchester United are up to and Manchester city at the other hand didn’t perform well during their previous match against Brighton as a matter of fact Manchester city started the season so poor likewise United. This match might end draw except Manchester city are back, city comeback game is always unexpected and strong but, I doubt if they’ll do well this season. Viewing the probability city are way higher than Manchester United maybe the match taking place at Etihad Stadium makes predicting so obvious and easy, home benefit is never a guarantee now so this match is still unpredictable anything can happen but, if Manchester United wins no doubt Manchester city is gradually going down.

The Derby is clearly no longer about stability, but about prestige for both teams. And don't be surprised if both teams play differently. Even Manchester United, who have been less promising, seem motivated to play cautiously when facing Manchester City.

[Nightwatchmare]

IS funny to see here in this thread we are talking more about the shit game between Liverpool and Burnley instead of the main one who is Manchester United against Manchester City, can anyone said to me why?

So lets change that.

What team do you expect to prevail in the derby of the weekend? Are we gonna see a close match or a open one?

Despite Manchester City vs Manchester United match being the toughest match in the premier league this week that doesn't stop people from talking and discussing about other matches in the premier league this week because this thread is specifically for the discussion of premier league matches. It is difficult to predict between Manchester City and Manchester United the team that will win the Manchester derby this season since both teams current performance are of poor quality, but i think Manchester United might win Manchester City because of Manchester City injury crisis.

[knowngunman]

At least when it comes to Haaland, even with the Norwegian national team, he's truly incredible. Most recently, in the 11-1 victory over Moldova, Haaland scored five goals—incredible. And I'm sure at Man City, he'll remain as productive as usual.

Source: Erling Haaland's incredible scoring record

Haaland we know is a goal machine before but that's not longer the case anymore. He seems to lost his ability to score many goals as possible since last season the same way Manchester City suffered to stand on their feet since that same last season. Luckily, he approached this new season with a bit of luck. He's used to scoring incredible goals but ghosts himself in very important games without having even a target on goal. I hope he will turn up for Manchester City the same way he turn up for Norway in their last match winning against their opponent with almost a dozen goals.

[Volgastallion]

Wow i was expecting to see Haaland having more goals than games played on Manchester City, maybe this alst bad run with them affect it a little.

I think some of the hype aroung him comes down after this last season. He is still a monster and for sure he is gonna be breaking more records in the future but i also thing now is more terrenal.

[Moreno233]

Finally international break is over and time to jump into some EPL action.

With the international break coming to an end, expect upsets as teams could have some of their stars who might have picked up some knocks, perhaps fitness level's went down etcetera...

But game am looking forward to seeing is the Manchester derby and my money will be on the Red Devils because they seem to be a new team with an ambition to prove a point while City struggles for identity 

You are right about first match after international break. I will put this into consideration while making my picks for the week, I might even consider leaving this week just to observe things for myself because I have failed many times betting on the first match after international break because players are not always on their peak performance after the break. Like Mbappe is already complaining that they need more time to rest as players, something that people feel is not expected from a serious professional like him.

[Slow death]

Finally international break is over and time to jump into some EPL action.

With the international break coming to an end, expect upsets as teams could have some of their stars who might have picked up some knocks, perhaps fitness level's went down etcetera...

But game am looking forward to seeing is the Manchester derby and my money will be on the Red Devils because they seem to be a new team with an ambition to prove a point while City struggles for identity 

With or without injured players, the bookmakers don't seem to care much about it, they don't see Manchester United having a chance of coming out of this game with a victory, I say this because of how the odds are distributed:



Manchester City started the league well in the first game, scoring four goals and not conceding a single goal. The problems began after the first game. In the second, they conceded two goals and didn't score any goals. In the third game, they conceded two goals again, but this time they scored one goal. This means that Manchester City's problem lies in their defense and an unstable attack, in which Erling Haaland isn't scoring goals consistently.

Now, when I look at Manchester United, I see the same problems, with the added aggravation that they are much worse in attack and defense than Manchester City. I honestly see Manchester City managing a draw or a win. I highly doubt Manchester United can win.

[Swordsoffreedom]

Manchester City started the league well in the first game, scoring four goals and not conceding a single goal. The problems began after the first game. In the second, they conceded two goals and didn't score any goals. In the third game, they conceded two goals again, but this time they scored one goal. This means that Manchester City's problem lies in their defense and an unstable attack, in which Erling Haaland isn't scoring goals consistently.

I think Manchester City's main problem is their defense and midfield. Manchester City's defense is weak, and it is clearly visible. City performed very badly against Tottenham and Brighton in their last two matches, and after losing De Bruyne, Manchester City's midfield is also weak. Guardiola has failed to fill the void of De Bruyne. City also cannot find a worthy replacement for De Bruyne.

It is difficult to say whether City will play well after the international break. So far, City's overall performance has been weak. The bonding of the midfield with the attack is also weak. So considering the home match, City cannot be considered as a favorite. We saw City's terrible performance against Tottenham in the home match.

Every team's performance tends to change after the international break. So I will probably refrain from betting in the first week.

[Adbitco]

Source: Erling Haaland's incredible scoring record

Just look at Haaland's goal scoring statistics, it's so incredible that one can say his a genius in his natural position. The man who knows when and where to position himself and anticipate where the ball be at even before it does and bangs in the goal. His physique has helped him too as defenders find it hard to displace him when they are together.

[Tmoonz]

Finally international break is over and time to jump into some EPL action.

With the international break coming to an end, expect upsets as teams could have some of their stars who might have picked up some knocks, perhaps fitness level's went down etcetera...

But game am looking forward to seeing is the Manchester derby and my money will be on the Red Devils because they seem to be a new team with an ambition to prove a point while City struggles for identity 

You are right about first match after international break. I will put this into consideration while making my picks for the week, I might even consider leaving this week just to observe things for myself because I have failed many times betting on the first match after international break because players are not always on their peak performance after the break. Like Mbappe is already complaining that they need more time to rest as players, something that people feel is not expected from a serious professional like him.

Hmmm at least I'm seeing someone that's on same track with me, I have been telling people of the Manchester derby that Manchester United will win the game no doubt, but they seems not to see it from my view, like Manchester City has been very poor in performance this season and they are struggling to win match, while Manchester United on the other hand has shown some kind of confident and are desperate for winning and getting back to their normal winning ways, and looking at the odds given, each time Manchester United have 4 odds against Manchester City they always win the game, so this will make no difference.

[Merit.s]

Source: Erling Haaland's incredible scoring record

Just look at Haaland's goal scoring statistics, it's so incredible that one can say his a genius in his natural position. The man who knows when and where to position himself and anticipate where the ball be at even before it does and bangs in the goal. His physique has helped him too as defenders find it hard to displace him when they are together.

Yea,he is indeed a good striker who doesn't miss the back of the net when he is positioned on the right spot. However, Haaland is not the struggling type of player who struggles to get the ball and make a superb finish. He depends on his wingers in order for him to be suceed in getting a gaol which isn't that good for his kind of player. This is because, if his wingers are not in a good form, Haaland will hardly score any goal.

He hasn't been in his best form since last season when City was faced hit with injuries and difficulties. I hope that he can get back his pace this season and help his team out because majority of them are looking up to him.

[AirtelBuzz]

Man City continues to be quite unpredictable. Sometimes, as usual, they play very well, but sometimes, they don't live up to expectations. Like the results of their first two matches, losses to Tottenham and even to Brighton. As for the lineup, well, at least they still have Haaland as a goal-scoring machine, but not only that, they also need strong defenders, but yeah... as we know right now...

At least when it comes to Haaland, even with the Norwegian national team, he's truly incredible. Most recently, in the 11-1 victory over Moldova, Haaland scored five goals—incredible. And I'm sure at Man City, he'll remain as productive as usual.

Source: Erling Haaland's incredible scoring record

It's true that Manchester City is still very unpredictable but still this team is definitely moving forward in the new season's Premier League. In fact the attacking player of this team has a lot of talent as the Norwegian player has been showing positive results for his national team in World Cup qualifying matches. The Manchester City veteran helped Norway secure an epic win over Moldova because we observed in that match that Erling Haaland was able to score five goals by combining his own talent and skills.

To be honest his phenomenal performance against Moldova in the World Cup qualifiers has given some confidence that he may be equally productive in the new Premier League season, actually my idea the Norwegian striker showed no signs of slowing down in this qualifying match.

[pawel7777]

I posted it last week, but there have been some changes in odds for this weekend's fixtures, so here we go again:

Arsenal x1.37 Vs Nottingham Forest x8.00; Draw x5.00
Bournemouth x2.45 Vs Brighton x2.80; Draw x3.50
Crystal Palace x1.67 Vs Sunderland x5.25; Draw x3.80
Everton x2.45 Vs Aston Villa x2.90; Draw x3.30
Fulham x1.98 Vs Leeds United x3.90; Draw x3.50
Newcastle United x1.44 Vs Wolves x7.00; Draw x4.75
West Ham x3.40 Vs Tottenham x2.10; Draw x3.60
Brentford x4.50 Vs Chelsea x1.73; Draw x3.90
Burnley x8.00 Vs Liverpool x1.34; Draw x5.25
Manchester City x1.75 Vs Manchester United x4.25; Draw x4.00

Both Man City and Man United have some serious trouble with injured players. Apparently a combined total of 16 players might not be available for Sunday's game:
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-utd-injury-news-city-32447884?int_source=nba

[Velvet78]

Haaland is still in a great form. He blanked only the Tottenham game and honestly I can't say Manchester City were good as a team there either.    That performance of 5 goals and 2 assists at Norwegian national team was also spectacular!

Do you think this will motivate him to score against the Red Devils as well? Anytime Goalscorer - Haaland gives us 1.91. Wonderful for betting though. But as a reminder, he hasn't been able to score against them for a few games...

[WatChe]

Manchester City started the league well in the first game, scoring four goals and not conceding a single goal. The problems began after the first game. In the second, they conceded two goals and didn't score any goals. In the third game, they conceded two goals again, but this time they scored one goal. This means that Manchester City's problem lies in their defense and an unstable attack, in which Erling Haaland isn't scoring goals consistently.

Now, when I look at Manchester United, I see the same problems, with the added aggravation that they are much worse in attack and defense than Manchester City. I honestly see Manchester City managing a draw or a win. I highly doubt Manchester United can win.

Manchester City in three games have scored 5 goals while conceded 4 goals. You are right in saying that Manchester city need to check their defence as they have conceded 4 goals in three games they have played so far. It's important to keep an eye on how many goals you have conceded in every game. Top teams on points table are the one who not only score goals but also don't allow other team to score goals against them. City still has the time to make a come back in the league provided they address this problem.

[slapper]

Manchester City started the league well in the first game, scoring four goals and not conceding a single goal. The problems began after the first game. In the second, they conceded two goals and didn't score any goals. In the third game, they conceded two goals again, but this time they scored one goal. This means that Manchester City's problem lies in their defense and an unstable attack, in which Erling Haaland isn't scoring goals consistently.

I think Manchester City's main problem is their defense and midfield. Manchester City's defense is weak, and it is clearly visible. City performed very badly against Tottenham and Brighton in their last two matches, and after losing De Bruyne, Manchester City's midfield is also weak. Guardiola has failed to fill the void of De Bruyne. City also cannot find a worthy replacement for De Bruyne.

It is difficult to say whether City will play well after the international break. So far, City's overall performance has been weak. The bonding of the midfield with the attack is also weak. So considering the home match, City cannot be considered as a favorite. We saw City's terrible performance against Tottenham in the home match.

Every team's performance tends to change after the international break. So I will probably refrain from betting in the first week.

In fact, I believe the betting angle here is the underrated story. And City as a whole is still priced after two consecutive defeats and remained 60/40 in favour against United, which is crazy considering their worst start in the PL since 2004/05. City lost most last season, and with 1X2, you did the same: -17% ROI; with Asian handicap, -22%

Look at Haaland. Three goals is good, but take away Wolves and he is nothing more than a scavenger, 22 touches vs Spurs, only one shot of which 0 on target. In the second half, Brighton stopped all three attacks: the team did not make a single shot after the break. When the midfield connection is destroyed, his diet of shots simply becomes thinner and thinner

Pep has got Derby -> Napoli -> Arsenal, after the international break. By that point, assuming that City have not sorted the Rodri / KDB dependence, I would not be surprised to hear us discussing them as a poor gamble even in victory. Play on +1.5 or +2.5 handicaps against opponents is the intelligent one now, as City may still be getting the points, but the margins are not there

[Adams0001]

IS funny to see here in this thread we are talking more about the shit game between Liverpool and Burnley instead of the main one who is Manchester United against Manchester City, can anyone said to me why?

So lets change that.

What team do you expect to prevail in the derby of the weekend? Are we gonna see a close match or a open one?

Currently I don’t understand what Manchester United are up to and Manchester city at the other hand didn’t perform well during their previous match against Brighton as a matter of fact Manchester city started the season so poor likewise United. This match might end draw except Manchester city are back, city comeback game is always unexpected and strong but, I doubt if they’ll do well this season. Viewing the probability city are way higher than Manchester United maybe the match taking place at Etihad Stadium makes predicting so obvious and easy, home benefit is never a guarantee now so this match is still unpredictable anything can happen but, if Manchester United wins no doubt Manchester city is gradually going down.

Both Manchester United and Manchester City are not in there best form since last season and we can't really predict who will achieve the three point. Guadiola as lost there last game before the international break, he will do all is best to achieve three point against Manchester United but anything can happen the game can probably end up in favor of Guadiola or favour of Amorim. let just see how the games will end, but with how I see the both team are playing Manchester City can have the higher rank of wining the game. After playing against Manchester United this weekend they will preper for the Champions League.

Guadiola need to build is team again because they don't have strong defenders anymore, that is why Brighton have more opportunities against them last match. They just need to be careful against Manchester United so that any of there players should not get injured because they still have tough matches to play in front, and Manchester United are just focusing on the Premier League along and Manchester City focus on many competitions so Guadiola need to know how to manage is players.

[bitgolden]

Man City continues to be quite unpredictable. Sometimes, as usual, they play very well, but sometimes, they don't live up to expectations. Like the results of their first two matches, losses to Tottenham and even to Brighton. As for the lineup, well, at least they still have Haaland as a goal-scoring machine, but not only that, they also need strong defenders, but yeah... as we know right now...

At least when it comes to Haaland, even with the Norwegian national team, he's truly incredible. Most recently, in the 11-1 victory over Moldova, Haaland scored five goals—incredible. And I'm sure at Man City, he'll remain as productive as usual.

To be fair they are rebuilding, so of course the yare going to take some time to get used to each other. Just as an example, the latest game they had was against Brighton, and they won the UCL against Inter (and won treble that year) only 2 years ago, that's it, just 2 years ago.

And you know how many players are the same in both of those games? Just 4. That's right, they had Stones, Rodri, Silva and Haaland and everyone else in the entire team changed, and many left since then. So that should tell you how it is quite obvious they are not going to be easily winning every game. That 4 players could make some changes but that doesn't mean we are going to get the result that we want, it's going to be inconsistent for them.

[letteredhub]

Finally international break is over and time to jump into some EPL action.

With the international break coming to an end, expect upsets as teams could have some of their stars who might have picked up some knocks, perhaps fitness level's went down etcetera...

But game am looking forward to seeing is the Manchester derby and my money will be on the Red Devils because they seem to be a new team with an ambition to prove a point while City struggles for identity 

You are right about first match after international break. I will put this into consideration while making my picks for the week, I might even consider leaving this week just to observe things for myself because I have failed many times betting on the first match after international break because players are not always on their peak performance after the break. Like Mbappe is already complaining that they need more time to rest as players, something that people feel is not expected from a serious professional like him.

International breaks hardly leaves many teams remaining in same form they were before the break, which is true that a lot of upsets would take place and some of the big teams might disappoint gamblers this weekend. I was looking out on playing a no cleansheet against some of the big teams playing against relatively strong side,I see that there could be lots of goals in this weekend matches across the major leagues including the EPL.
Mbappe is human and has a right to express his concerns despite a professional, stress and fatigue do affects professionals.

[ITExpert]

Liverpool can become a very good team in the future and if they continue their winning streak in this league, then we will see a different color in this league.

Liverpool has been good and strong this season compared to previous seasons. Their performance this season has not declined, and I believe they are ready for the Premier League trophy competition this season.
Facing Burnley should not be a hurdle for Liverpool, nor for United, whose performance is still not convincing. This season's competition is probably between Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea. I don't know whether to consider Man City and United.

Liverpool is a strong and capable team and they improved a lot as well as compared to their performances in the last season. And as they are going and performing if they manage their performance with the same consistency then I think there will be no doubt of anyone that they will definitely achieve bigger in this season. Because as the ratio of their performance is not having any ups and down till now this passion is for sure leading towards the path of success. And they are going to score the best position on the points table. As in the discussion someone mentioned that the real competition of the title will be between the Liverpool Chelsea and Arsenal. I think it is quite true because the other clubs need to do a lot to contribute in this race. Because this way demands a lot of effort passion and a dedication of never to lose.

[Agbe]

Liverpool can become a very good team in the future and if they continue their winning streak in this league, then we will see a different color in this league.

Liverpool has been good and strong this season compared to previous seasons. Their performance this season has not declined, and I believe they are ready for the Premier League trophy competition this season.
Facing Burnley should not be a hurdle for Liverpool, nor for United, whose performance is still not convincing. This season's competition is probably between Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea. I don't know whether to consider Man City and United.

Liverpool is a strong and capable team and they improved a lot as well as compared to their performances in the last season. And as they are going and performing if they manage their performance with the same consistency then I think there will be no doubt of anyone that they will definitely achieve bigger in this season. Because as the ratio of their performance is not having any ups and down till now this passion is for sure leading towards the path of success. And they are going to score the best position on the points table. As in the discussion someone mentioned that the real competition of the title will be between the Liverpool Chelsea and Arsenal. I think it is quite true because the other clubs need to do a lot to contribute in this race. Because this way demands a lot of effort passion and a dedication of never to lose.

Liverpool has been consistent in their play but this season I have not been convinced about their performance because it's true that they are scoring goals but they are also conceeding goals which is not a good one This is a sign that Liverpool defense line is faulty which I think will be a big problem to Liverpool where the season gets to the hardest points.