⚽ Premier League 2025/2026 Discussion Thread ⚽

[Futurexxx]

Arsenal is the winner for week 19, every other team that is contesting with them drop point and they were able to secure all 3 points, even when most people think they will be dropping point in that match against Aston Villa. Arsenal made a statement by trashing Aston Villa 4-1, and it puts them 4 points ahead of Manchester City after they draw against Sunderland.  The good thing is that they gained points from every team contesting with them for the title and that's a big positive for them, so I am really expecting Arsenal to win the title this season.

My sentiment about arsenal has always been the same. First all they really tried to defeat this Aston Villa team that has gone on eleven games winning streak, but are they consistent enough during the defining stage of the season, I mean from February to April?
Because Time and time again they have proven to be unreliable during those periods which have cost them the title in the last five seasons, so till they weather the storm and stay consistent during those period, that's when I will be confident in them that they have changed the narrative and are now ready to be crown champions.

This season they have shown signs of relinquishing their first position to Manchester City, but till this defining months of the season comes, I wouldn't be looking too much into their performances.

[Alonso_]

Most of the games ended in draw and Liverpool against leeds did not surprise me at all and that of Manchester city surprised me the most because I saw how Manchester city fans were busy running there mouth and they thought Aston Villa was going to defeat us and they have forgotten that we have an unbeaten record nobody have defeated arsenal home. And arsenal meeting against Bournemouth and arsenal is on fire and there is nothing that can go wrong at this point and the moment we win that game is going to make things more interesting because arsenal are doing all they could to win the league.

Arteta is busy working hard to make arsenal win the league and even with how everything is turning the man keeps making everything possible just to see that club win the Premier league and even the Champions league is in the radar so arsenal is committed about both leagues and I expect them to be able to win both of them because who is going to stop us nobody that am seeing.

Weather and strong defensive strategy from weaker sides put big clubs in drain, and they were not able to have any action despite having great attacking options in these games, both Leeds United and Sunderland are newly promoted, and their sources are also not near half of these big clubs still they produce shocks and stay in good spot.

Liverpool is having troubling time, and they are trying to have some good rhythm and things back on their control but draw between Sunderland and Manchester City gave serious shock to Citizens fans and gamblers as well because too many bets for both teams to score and have over 2.5 gone wrong, and they lost big money.

Source: @footyaccums

Damn, that’s like the definition of trash. At this point it’s better for them to just take the throw in instead of corner. They might have a better chance from the throw in to score goals. And I also think that Liverpool is going to face some problems. because they have already announced that the coach is going to leave after this season. Even though a lot of people think that it is going to be good for Liverpool because now Mohammed Salah is going to stay but I think as a club it is going to have a bit of negative effect on them.

I really don’t understand what you are talking about, I have to tell you that not all team have same playing styles, most of the teams in the Premier League are now using this tactical approach of using a long throw to their advantage, and also using the corner kick like an advantage of scoring goals, using this long throw like Corner kick was unified again by Arteta and his Arsenal team, which I think it’s very poor way of playing football, which was previously used by Stoke City.

I really don’t know where you got the information that Slot is getting sacked in the summer, and you literally said Mohamed Salah is staying, I really don’t know how this would be possible, because nobody knows the future, When did Liverpool announce that the Coach is going to Leave ?

[Spaceman1000$]

The way of entering new year in the PL wasn't fun honestly. Last night was really boring I agree about that. Some people might say there were still many attacks, shots and saves which make a match more enjoyable.

But to tell the truth it doesn't sound fun to me unless I see some goals.    After these results Arteta must be quite happy. His team have increased the point gap again. 4 points with Manchester City and 6 with Aston Villa!

Well it was a bad day yesterday, especially for we gamblers, all the 4 premier league games that was played yesterday ended in a draw, which is very unlikely. Well as for me I lost all my best, I gambled on Manchester city to win and for Tottenham to play over 2.5 goals but it all ended in a bad bet. I really hope tomorrow when the premier league games are played we see a lot of goals.

It a 4 points gap between arsenal and Manchester city now and I will tell you that it still a long way to go. It been an exciting season so far and arsenal are looking favorite to win the league this but they would have to put up a big fight if they really want to bring the premier league to London this season.

Most of the results of yesterday's English Premier League games came as a huge surprise to gamblers especially the Sunderland Vs Manchester City game at the famous Stadium of Light. They were too boring to watch and for the people that staked on them, most of them ended up losing their bets but that's actually part of the game. Football as always will leave you with surprising results when you least expected but the good thing is that more games will still be played this from tomorrow, so there's still chances to win big this weekend staking on EPL games.

England really did gamblers dirty in premier league yesterday, 4 matches yesterday was draw I mean who was expecting that and among the 4 matches it was only crystal palace that scored, it was really sad and folks that use to play goals and straight win will be most disappointed because there was no goal neither was there a win. And yes among all the game played yesterday even if I was expecting a draw at last not from Manchester city because I believed they will always want to follow Arsenal so that the gap won't be much but I think right now arsenal Is leading with about 5 points and that has given them a bit confident.

Well, not all gamblers where did dirty, Pool players had a filled day, as the four matches actually played in their favor. However Arsenal leading with five points is something they should be proud about, but given the antecedence of Arsenal, I just hope they are not leading now for some other clubs to come behind them and win the trophy again, this is what they've been doing in the last three seasons now, so their current lead isn't surprising to me.

[Accardo]

I really don’t know where you got the information that Slot is getting sacked in the summer, and you literally said Mohamed Salah is staying, I really don’t know how this would be possible, because nobody knows the future, When did Liverpool announce that the Coach is going to Leave ?

Lately a rumor was flying on the internet that Klopp will be returning to Liverpool, but the red bull chief debunked the news that Klopp is going nowhere. Such news as this signifies how hot the pressure on Arne slot is like, he's not doing a great job and could be sitting on a hot seat that entails he'd be losing his job in Liverpool.

[Nightwatchmare]

Manchester United is going to play against Leeds United on Sunday. The odds for MU are 2.65 and Leeds are 2.70, a pretty close match.

In the last match against Wolves, they were unable to get three points. You know wolves are in the 20th position of the table. So they were unable to get three points against a team that is literally at the bottom of the table. That is why I am not confident about them getting three points in the next match as well. To be honest, Manchester United is absolutely trash at this moment. So it is very hard to trust them with anything right now. And honestly I do not see anything improving unless the owner changes. Which of course is probably not going to happen anytime soon.

I don't know if anyone will believe me but I'm having the feeling that Leeds will win Manchester United in that match. Manchester United failure to win Wolves at Old Trafford have made me to doubt them and a strong team like Leeds that held Liverpool to a goalless draw, will find it easier to defeat Manchester United. Leeds is very good when they play at home and they don't have any form of respect for big teams. They will not only dominate the match, Manchester United might concede more than two goals.

Even if no one believes you that Leeds will win Manchester United, since you already have the conviction that Leeds will win Manchester United, you do not need someone to believe you before you can bet on Leeds. Leeds is a strong team this season, and they beat some big teams in the premier league this season, and some big teams struggled to win Leeds. Although we cannot use the past performance or result of Manchester United to determine that Leeds will win Manchester United, but i believe Leeds has a good chance of winning Manchester United at Elland Road.

[Sarah Azhari]

The main reason is Chelsea isn't just that club that believes in a manager long term regardless of their previous achievement.

When Chelsea changed ownership, I thought their policies would change, but that hasn't happened. The Chelsea owners and management still like to fire managers at will. Managers who manage Chelsea never last long, even though they've won major titles. But when the season starts and the team's performance is unstable, management immediately fires them.

[MusaMohamed]

The way of entering new year in the PL wasn't fun honestly. Last night was really boring I agree about that. Some people might say there were still many attacks, shots and saves which make a match more enjoyable.

But to tell the truth it doesn't sound fun to me unless I see some goals.    After these results Arteta must be quite happy. His team have increased the point gap again. 4 points with Manchester City and 6 with Aston Villa!

Arsenal now have a quite safe difference with below clubs and they managed to secure their first position even Manchester City and Aston Villa tried to create big pressure recent weeks. Beating Aston Villa convincingly in a direct match shows that Arsenal in this season are ready to take a trophy. They no longer just play well, and accept the runner up position like how they finished three latest season. This season can be someting different for Arsenal and Arteta with their ending, no longer a second position but might be as a champion.

Lately a rumor was flying on the internet that Klopp will be returning to Liverpool, but the red bull chief debunked the news that Klopp is going nowhere. Such news as this signifies how hot the pressure on Arne slot is like, he's not doing a great job and could be sitting on a hot seat that entails he'd be losing his job in Liverpool.

Why does Klopp need to return to Liverpool now while the club already got a fourth position and had 3 points more than Chelsea at a fifth position?
If Liverpool need Klopp, it would have been weeks ago when Liverpool were in a big crisis, not now. Arne Slot already helped Liverpool gradually recovered well from the crisis and from Ekitike to Wirtz, there are many good signals that they have been adapted better to Premier League and Liverpool, and ready for their better contributions for the club in remaining months of the season.

[bitLeap]

England really did gamblers dirty in premier league yesterday, 4 matches yesterday was draw I mean who was expecting that and among the 4 matches it was only crystal palace that scored, it was really sad and folks that use to play goals and straight win will be most disappointed because there was no goal neither was there a win. And yes among all the game played yesterday even if I was expecting a draw at last not from Manchester city because I believed they will always want to follow Arsenal so that the gap won't be much but I think right now arsenal Is leading with about 5 points and that has given them a bit confident.

I was initially optimistic that Man City could keep the gap with Arsenal and had the determination to score against Sunderland. In fact they disappointed my bet that day, I was amazed by Sunderland's solid defense mode at the back. Sunderland defensive determination kept Man City from taking 3 points and for Pep Guardiola the result was a huge loss.
Today is the time for Aston Villa to win 3 points to mean that Man City position to go down.

[Sims25]

Everyone is hammering Arsenal ML (-217) after they thumped Villa, but I am staying far away from the Gunners today. In fact, I smell a draw or an outright upset. Why? Cos it's January



Here is why I’m fading the public:

The "Rice" Factor: Declan Rice is a massive doubt (knee). If he doesn't start, that midfield protection vanishes. We've seen what happens when Partey or Jorginho get isolated on the counter it's not pretty.

Bogey Ground: Remember last season? Bournemouth did the double over Arsenal. They won 2-0 at the Vitality. Iraola’s high press gave Arteta fits, and stylistic matchups don't change overnight.

The Letdown Spot: Arsenal is coming off a massive "statement win" vs. Villa. This is the classic hangover spot. Early kickoff (or late depending on where you are), away from home, against a desperate team sitting 15th.

Bournemouth's Desperation: The Cherries haven't won in 4 games. They scraped a 2-2 draw with Chelsea recently, proving they can hang with the big boys at home. They need this points to stay clear of the drop zone.

The public sees "1st vs 15th" and blinds bets the favorite. The books know this. That’s why the line on Bournemouth (+0.5) feels too generous.



My Play: I grabbed Bournemouth +0.5 and sprinkled a little on Draw (X).

Prediction: 1-1 or a scrappy 2-1 Bournemouth win.

Who's riding with the underdog today?

[Gabbylee]

Everyone is hammering Arsenal ML (-217) after they thumped Villa, but I am staying far away from the Gunners today. In fact, I smell a draw or an outright upset. Why? Cos it's January



Here is why I’m fading the public:

The "Rice" Factor: Declan Rice is a massive doubt (knee). If he doesn't start, that midfield protection vanishes. We've seen what happens when Partey or Jorginho get isolated on the counter it's not pretty.

Bogey Ground: Remember last season? Bournemouth did the double over Arsenal. They won 2-0 at the Vitality. Iraola’s high press gave Arteta fits, and stylistic matchups don't change overnight.

The Letdown Spot: Arsenal is coming off a massive "statement win" vs. Villa. This is the classic hangover spot. Early kickoff (or late depending on where you are), away from home, against a desperate team sitting 15th.

Bournemouth's Desperation: The Cherries haven't won in 4 games. They scraped a 2-2 draw with Chelsea recently, proving they can hang with the big boys at home. They need this points to stay clear of the drop zone.

The public sees "1st vs 15th" and blinds bets the favorite. The books know this. That’s why the line on Bournemouth (+0.5) feels too generous.



My Play: I grabbed Bournemouth +0.5 and sprinkled a little on Draw (X).

Prediction: 1-1 or a scrappy 2-1 Bournemouth win.

Who's riding with the underdog today?

Your predicton is a bold one but with Arsenal's current form, I don't think Bournemouth stands a chance against them. Even with Rice out, they still have replacements that can come in his place.

[Bastketsrus]

Everyone is hammering Arsenal ML (-217) after they thumped Villa, but I am staying far away from the Gunners today. In fact, I smell a draw or an outright upset. Why? Cos it's January



Here is why I’m fading the public:

The "Rice" Factor: Declan Rice is a massive doubt (knee). If he doesn't start, that midfield protection vanishes. We've seen what happens when Partey or Jorginho get isolated on the counter it's not pretty.

Bogey Ground: Remember last season? Bournemouth did the double over Arsenal. They won 2-0 at the Vitality. Iraola’s high press gave Arteta fits, and stylistic matchups don't change overnight.

The Letdown Spot: Arsenal is coming off a massive "statement win" vs. Villa. This is the classic hangover spot. Early kickoff (or late depending on where you are), away from home, against a desperate team sitting 15th.

Bournemouth's Desperation: The Cherries haven't won in 4 games. They scraped a 2-2 draw with Chelsea recently, proving they can hang with the big boys at home. They need this points to stay clear of the drop zone.

The public sees "1st vs 15th" and blinds bets the favorite. The books know this. That’s why the line on Bournemouth (+0.5) feels too generous.



My Play: I grabbed Bournemouth +0.5 and sprinkled a little on Draw (X).

Prediction: 1-1 or a scrappy 2-1 Bournemouth win.

Who's riding with the underdog today?

Yeah, this has trap game written all over it. January away after a big win is never comfortable, and Bournemouth will fight at home. I’m on Bournemouth +0.5 and a small Draw (X). A tight 1–1 feels likely.

[maknyos]

I really don’t know where you got the information that Slot is getting sacked in the summer, and you literally said Mohamed Salah is staying, I really don’t know how this would be possible, because nobody knows the future, When did Liverpool announce that the Coach is going to Leave ?

Lately a rumor was flying on the internet that Klopp will be returning to Liverpool, but the red bull chief debunked the news that Klopp is going nowhere. Such news as this signifies how hot the pressure on Arne slot is like, he's not doing a great job and could be sitting on a hot seat that entails he'd be losing his job in Liverpool.

They're just rumors and I don't believe rumors easily, especially when one of them has denied it. But there's nothing wrong with rumors either, because there are many reasons why rumors can be talked about even if they come from unclear sources.
Liverpool fans feel a little disappointed, so rumors about their coach leaving are also natural if they end up becoming a topic of conversation. But on the way, if ArneSlot can't do better then it could be that the rumors become a reality.

[Qhunman]

Source: @footyaccums

And I also think that Liverpool is going to face some problems. because they have already announced that the coach is going to leave after this season. Even though a lot of people think that it is going to be good for Liverpool because now Mohammed Salah is going to stay but I think as a club it is going to have a bit of negative effect on them.

Arne slot will a take a bow after this season, that sounds surprising because I haven't heard it on the news. If he is living truly after this season that sounds good, after all the team haven't been better ever since he came in as coach. If he continues after next season, Liverpool performance might not improve and the team may find it difficult to compete to win the premier League next season. It is better he is leaving so that Liverpool may employ the service of another coach.

[liasbaa]

England really did gamblers dirty in premier league yesterday, 4 matches yesterday was draw I mean who was expecting that and among the 4 matches it was only crystal palace that scored, it was really sad and folks that use to play goals and straight win will be most disappointed because there was no goal neither was there a win. And yes among all the game played yesterday even if I was expecting a draw at last not from Manchester city because I believed they will always want to follow Arsenal so that the gap won't be much but I think right now arsenal Is leading with about 5 points and that has given them a bit confident.

I was initially optimistic that Man City could keep the gap with Arsenal and had the determination to score against Sunderland. In fact they disappointed my bet that day, I was amazed by Sunderland's solid defense mode at the back. Sunderland defensive determination kept Man City from taking 3 points and for Pep Guardiola the result was a huge loss.
Today is the time for Aston Villa to win 3 points to mean that Man City position to go down.

Aston Villa will go into the match as favourites against Nottingham Forest and they will probably win and replace Man City in point table. It was expected that they might draw with Arsenal in the last match but it did not happen. If Aston villa wins today, it will not be good news for Man City because they will drop from second position to third. Sunderland were very determined and drew with Man City in the previous match. They are considered unbeaten at home because they have not lost in the last 10 matches. They have either drawn or won. Sunderland's defensive position was so strong that despite having 67 percent of the ball in their possession, they were able to put only 4 of 14 shots on target. Guardiola however predicted before the match that it would not be easy for them to win the match because the opponent is strong at home. In the end of that match it was proven by the draw.

[Zlantann]

Lately a rumor was flying on the internet that Klopp will be returning to Liverpool, but the red bull chief debunked the news that Klopp is going nowhere. Such news as this signifies how hot the pressure on Arne slot is like, he's not doing a great job and could be sitting on a hot seat that entails he'd be losing his job in Liverpool.

I don't think Liverpool's management is irrational like Chelsea's. Arne Slot led the Reds to the EPL title in his first season. Liverpool is still in the running for the League, UEFA Champions League,, and others. Clubs sometimes go through a hard time, and club owners should be patient with coaches instead of putting them under pressure.

Regarding Jurgen Klopp returning to Anfield, Red Bull chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff has made it clear that the former Liverpool coach is happy with his role in Red Bull. Klopp has no release clause in his contract. However latest development has shown that the German is committed to his new role.

[boltz]

Lately a rumor was flying on the internet that Klopp will be returning to Liverpool, but the red bull chief debunked the news that Klopp is going nowhere. Such news as this signifies how hot the pressure on Arne slot is like, he's not doing a great job and could be sitting on a hot seat that entails he'd be losing his job in Liverpool.

I don't think Liverpool's management is irrational like Chelsea's. Arne Slot led the Reds to the EPL title in his first season. Liverpool is still in the running for the League, UEFA Champions League,, and others. Clubs sometimes go through a hard time, and club owners should be patient with coaches instead of putting them under pressure.

Regarding Jurgen Klopp returning to Anfield, Red Bull chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff has made it clear that the former Liverpool coach is happy with his role in Red Bull. Klopp has no release clause in his contract. However latest development has shown that the German is committed to his new role.

Uhm , for me Chelsea is a better club this year than Liverpool at every chapter but this is just my personal opinion based on staff , players , bench and $ for transfers.

Well yes , Arne Slot won EPL title but I think it was 70% Jurgen Klopp team who did it and Arne was lucky to be there because with his current philosophy of football , Liverpool are on 4th place , 12 points behind Arsenal. 

[Abbatty]

The first half has just ended and Aston villa got a late goal in this half by Ollie Watkins, well I would say Watkins have been in a good foam since scoring 2 against Chelsea, well when you look at it with the chances villa have created this season his number should be far up. He had a brilliant last season and almost every one was thinking he would get a move away from villa park but he his here this season and thank God he his finding his scoring boots again.

Well I gambled and believed will win this game, well the bookmakers was beginning to make me think other wise with the odd that was given to Aston Villa, anyways I risked it and I really hope it come through for me.

[Alpha Marine]

This season they have shown signs of relinquishing their first position to Manchester City, but till this defining months of the season comes, I wouldn't be looking too much into their performances.

The advantage Arsenal has is that even Manchester City are not in top form. There have been opportunities for Manchester City to close the gap, but they have fumbled it. If Arsenal can continue to take advantage of that and continue to extend the gap, by the time City picks form, it may be too late.
Winning the league is very difficult. Arsenal will have to do all they can to remain at the top because with Pep's Man City on their tail, you can never tell how they will perform.
Injuries to certain players can ruin things for Arsenal during the tough stages of the competition.

I don't think Liverpool's management is irrational like Chelsea's. Arne Slot led the Reds to the EPL title in his first season. Liverpool is still in the running for the League, UEFA Champions League,, and others. Clubs sometimes go through a hard time, and club owners should be patient with coaches instead of putting them under pressure.

I get your point, but it's not that simple. Before you give a manager time, he has to show signs of progress. I don't think Chelsea was irrational in the sacking of Maresca. In another three years, he wouldn't have achieved anything significant in the club. His team never really played like a team that was ready. The conference league and Club World Cup win are not the ways to judge a manager because to be honest, they're not elit competitions.

A manager like Slot can be given time because he has shown that he can take care of his team. He took over Liverpool last season and didn't sign any players, yet he was still competitive. It's not even about the league win, but the way they played. Even in the UCL, if they had not met PSG so early, they would have gone far. Liverpool, PSG and Barcelona were arguably the most in-form teams in Europe last season, so its normal to give a manager like that time. 

[Pandu Geddon]

Arne slot will a take a bow after this season, that sounds surprising because I haven't heard it on the news. If he is living truly after this season that sounds good, after all the team haven't been better ever since he came in as coach. If he continues after next season, Liverpool performance might not improve and the team may find it difficult to compete to win the premier League next season. It is better he is leaving so that Liverpool may employ the service of another coach.

This season did not go according to Slot's plan. Of course, he has targets that were also requested by the club. When he couldn't meet those targets this season, he had to take responsibility by resigning. But everything will depend on the club's consideration. If they are still having difficulty finding a ready coach, it is possible that Slot will still be employed.

[Nheer]

Uhm , for me Chelsea is a better club this year than Liverpool at every chapter but this is just my personal opinion based on staff , players , bench and $ for transfers.

Well yes , Arne Slot won EPL title but I think it was 70% Jurgen Klopp team who did it and Arne was lucky to be there because with his current philosophy of football , Liverpool are on 4th place , 12 points behind Arsenal.  

Same thing I think here. For me as well Chelsea is a better team than Liverpool this season, their form is not really that bad and with all the money Liverpool spent I expected a lot from them because they almost have a perfect squad with lots of quality. Sacking Maresca came as a surprise for me.

You're right Slot just came used the ready made squad Klopp left behind and won the league with them he didn't do much he just fixed the players rightly and they did the work for him. It was not a bad idea since you're coming into a team made already so I guess that was why people didn't really doubt him. Now that he wants to do things his way it's not working out despite spending a lot of money. With his philosophy it will take some time before the players get used to it.