⚽ Premier League 2025/2026 Discussion Thread ⚽

[jaberwock]

Round 32 games are starting in 2 days.

Manchester City and Chelsea both have easy games normally. I guess both sides would win. The most interesting event of the week is Newcastle - Man Utd. I think Newcastle will beat them once again to continue chasing a CL ticket.  

I will not conclude that Newcastle will beat Manchester United that easily because it will be a very serious fight that United will take up to protect their image. A loss to Newcastle this weekend will damage their psychology for the second leg of the Europa league against Lyon, a match they need to win to continue chasing the Europa league trophy which is their ticket to playing champions league next season. Ruben Amorim should have understood the importance of that match already and would already be acting to prevent a loss at all cost, which is the reasonable thing to do.

This is true, while Newcastle is very good, United got a tie with City and then Lyon, so they are trying their very hardest to be a team that doesn't lose, and keeps the momentum going. I am not sure if United will win though, I feel as if another draw would be more likely and could be the result here.

I can see how things could change and matter at this stage, but if you keep on doing whatever you do here, like United does, then they could keep the momentum going and have another tie. They figured out that if they could have good defense, then they could at least get a draw, and they are trying to do that now. Newcastle will have hard time scoring, and United will make sure they get at least one point out of this game.

[SatoPrincess]

By the way have you known it is official that England has got one of the extra spots for the Champions League? 



Not surprising much. Now it is going to be more fun to follow the last weeks of the Premier League. Manchester City got a superb win today. Aston Villa also did the same.

Now both are waiting for tomorrow. For what Chelsea and Newcastle will do... 4 teams fighting for the same goal. Manchester City and Newcastle are my favourites to finish 4th and 5th.

Yes I found that out last month from one of the posts in the Champions League thread and to do my own research to confirm the authenticity of the information. I think it’s a good development because if we say the Premier League is the most competitive league in football then it makes sense to have more of the English Premier League teams in the Champions League competition.

[Justbillywitt]

By the way have you known it is official that England has got one of the extra spots for the Champions League? 



Not surprising much. Now it is going to be more fun to follow the last weeks of the Premier League. Manchester City got a superb win today. Aston Villa also did the same.

Now both are waiting for tomorrow. For what Chelsea and Newcastle will do... 4 teams fighting for the same goal. Manchester City and Newcastle are my favourites to finish 4th and 5th.

Manchester city is a sure banker to qualify for the champions league. But I would love to see Aston villa qualify again. Looks at how far they have come in the champions league this campaign. Newcastle never got to this stage when the played in the champions league last season. So for me I would like Aston Villa to make the champions league spot. But Newcastle have a big advantage because they still have a game at hand. We are still going to see more challenges coming up. Chelsea are also looking more dangerous as they ain't relenting in their quest for the champions league. I expect them to win against Ipswich today and go back to the top 4. I also expect Newcastle to win Manchester United.

[sotelorene]

By the way have you known it is official that England has got one of the extra spots for the Champions League? 



Not surprising much. Now it is going to be more fun to follow the last weeks of the Premier League. Manchester City got a superb win today. Aston Villa also did the same.

Now both are waiting for tomorrow. For what Chelsea and Newcastle will do... 4 teams fighting for the same goal. Manchester City and Newcastle are my favourites to finish 4th and 5th.

Manchester city is a sure banker to qualify for the champions league. But I would love to see Aston villa qualify again. Looks at how far they have come in the champions league this campaign. Newcastle never got to this stage when the played in the champions league last season. So for me I would like Aston Villa to make the champions league spot. But Newcastle have a big advantage because they still have a game at hand. We are still going to see more challenges coming up. Chelsea are also looking more dangerous as they ain't relenting in their quest for the champions league. I expect them to win against Ipswich today and go back to the top 4. I also expect Newcastle to win Manchester United.

Yes, I think Manchester city has realized themselves and if they must qualify for champions league next season they will have to ensure they don't lose any match again because it is just remaining 6 or 7 match to the end of the season and Nothingham forest is in a very big problem one more loss or draw they are doomed. Chelsea is a must win today because they really have to qualify and they don't have any challenge in conference because they won the first leg so they will put all effort to make sure they secure the 3 points and as for Newcastle it is going to be somehow though Manchester united wouldn't want to stress themselves because they are not competing for anything in the premier league, so they should overlook today's match and focus on how to win Lyon on Thursday.

[JeffBrad12]

By the way have you known it is official that England has got one of the extra spots for the Champions League? 



Not surprising much. Now it is going to be more fun to follow the last weeks of the Premier League. Manchester City got a superb win today. Aston Villa also did the same.

Now both are waiting for tomorrow. For what Chelsea and Newcastle will do... 4 teams fighting for the same goal. Manchester City and Newcastle are my favourites to finish 4th and 5th.

PL's fifth UCL spot already predicted even before. Their clubs got some win in the quarter final of european competitions, and they got it.

We will have City, Chelsea and Newcastle are competing for the fifth spot. Most probably fourth spot is also available as well.

[hyudien]

Manchester city is a sure banker to qualify for the champions league. But I would love to see Aston villa qualify again. Looks at how far they have come in the champions league this campaign. Newcastle never got to this stage when the played in the champions league last season. So for me I would like Aston Villa to make the champions league spot. But Newcastle have a big advantage because they still have a game at hand. We are still going to see more challenges coming up. Chelsea are also looking more dangerous as they ain't relenting in their quest for the champions league. I expect them to win against Ipswich today and go back to the top 4. I also expect Newcastle to win Manchester United.

It is true that Newcastle has a 2 game advantage including today against Man United. Because if from the 2 matches they can sweep clean with a win Newcastle will be able to continue to secure the top 4 position. But still it will not be easy when you see Man City has returned to its performance towards the end of the season. The most important thing is that Newcastle, Aston Villa and Chelsea must be wary of each other and only 2 places can be contested.

[SatoPrincess]

By the way have you known it is official that England has got one of the extra spots for the Champions League? 



Not surprising much. Now it is going to be more fun to follow the last weeks of the Premier League. Manchester City got a superb win today. Aston Villa also did the same.

Now both are waiting for tomorrow. For what Chelsea and Newcastle will do... 4 teams fighting for the same goal. Manchester City and Newcastle are my favourites to finish 4th and 5th.

Yes I found that out last month from one of the posts in the Champions League thread and to do my own research to confirm the authenticity of the information. I think it’s a good development because if we say the Premier League is the most competitive league in football then it makes sense to have more of the English Premier League teams in the Champions League competition.

This will surely creat a very big competition among Man City, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Nottingham and Newcastle. This teams fall in between 3 to 7 on the table with a very close point. It purely an advantage to premier league. I hope Man City and Chelsea make use of this opportunity.

Well the competition for the Champions League spot has been on for a while because the clubs get first hand information on these changes, we as fans are the ones who are seeing this as news even though it’s been public for a while now.

Chelsea managed to come back from a two goal deficit to draw the game 2-2 against Ipswich Town. They failed to get all three points from this match although it’s better draw than a loss. At the moment, they are same points with Aston Villa on the table standings.

[aylabadia05]

I will not conclude that Newcastle will beat Manchester United that easily because it will be a very serious fight that United will take up to protect their image. A loss to Newcastle this weekend will damage their psychology for the second leg of the Europa league against Lyon, a match they need to win to continue chasing the Europa league trophy which is their ticket to playing champions league next season. Ruben Amorim should have understood the importance of that match already and would already be acting to prevent a loss at all cost, which is the reasonable thing to do.

This is true, while Newcastle is very good, United got a tie with City and then Lyon, so they are trying their very hardest to be a team that doesn't lose, and keeps the momentum going. I am not sure if United will win though, I feel as if another draw would be more likely and could be the result here.

I can see how things could change and matter at this stage, but if you keep on doing whatever you do here, like United does, then they could keep the momentum going and have another tie. They figured out that if they could have good defense, then they could at least get a draw, and they are trying to do that now. Newcastle will have hard time scoring, and United will make sure they get at least one point out of this game.

The draw was there, but for the first half. Although United were behind, they were able to reply in a short time through Garnacho. A draw against City in the derby and almost winning if Onan had performed well against Lyon, for us it was a positive result and a good capital when playing at Newcastle's home.
After being held to a 2-2 draw by Lyon, many people said that Amorim did not dare to choose to play another goalkeeper besides Onana, but in this match, Amorim did not play Onana, even Onana's name was not in the line-up including not being seen on the bench.

In the second half which will be played soon, we hope that United can take advantage of the slightest opportunity to score a goal. I personally have placed a bet for United to win.
That is a courage that I do for my favorite team.

[ILuckyGuyI]

Newcastle are crushing Manchester United. It's 3-1 now.    Am I surprised? Not at all! What can I expect from the Manchester side in such a tough away game in the end...

I'm afraid they are much worse in the 2nd half. All of their focus is on the Europa League now obviously. Beating Lyon to reach semi finals... I believe they'll do it too. And this is like the only trophy chance left. I doubt they will make it anyway.

Edit: Just became 4-1. Hard to keep up with Newcastle. 

[asriloni]

Don't tell me United doesn't need to sign a new goalie. All of their goalie were awful to watch. The picture above is the moment when Bayindir did stupid mistake by passing to the opponent's attackers, then his club conceded 4th goal.

They have no good goalie available, and must be their top priority to sign a proper goalie. I'd also see a new goalie is far important than a new striker.  

[Franctoshi]

By the way have you known it is official that England has got one of the extra spots for the Champions League?  



Not surprising much. Now it is going to be more fun to follow the last weeks of the Premier League. Manchester City got a superb win today. Aston Villa also did the same.

Now both are waiting for tomorrow. For what Chelsea and Newcastle will do... 4 teams fighting for the same goal. Manchester City and Newcastle are my favourites to finish 4th and 5th.

It has started already by Newcastle and Manchester City displacing of Chelsea in the 4th and 5th position race, I did say this last week that Chelsea is not fit to displaced City in that position regardless of cities form. How would a team that is racing for Champions league qualification draw to two games in a stretch? even from what they displayed in their last game, drawing a match they would have win and stay tight in the 4 place after Ciy and Nottingham Forest drew their games.

[SmartCharpa]

Arsenal knows they'll not be winning the league title and are very much safe in finishing the season in the top four and that's why they're now prioritizing the UCL ahead of league games

Let us assume that Arsenal's draw against Brentford was due to their next Champions League match against Real Madrid, but I do not see it as an excuse, if Arsenal is good enough to beat any club in the Premier League, they would defeat Brentford instead of a draw. Arsenal can still win the game and maintain their lead against Real Madrid, they have 3 goals lead, and while they have good defenders, they can only defend during the second leg.

However, Arsenal's Premier League position is not safe, they are 6 points ahead of Nottingham Forest, 7 points above Newcastle, and 8 points ahead of Manchester City. Anything can happen in football, and no one can predict what will happen in the remaining games. Arsenal must improve in league games because if they continue this way, they risk losing their position, a draw or a defeat will not help them qualify for the next Champions League.

[Pokapoka124]

Manchester United players looked fatigued and confused in the game. After the 3rd goal, the game was literally “a game of men against boys” like the commentary in FC25 famously says. This game shows that Bayindir is no better than Onana. It’s a pity that a second choice goalkeeper cannot take advantage of the opportunity given to outshine the first choice goalie and give the coach a reason to give him more minutes. But it seems there’s no difference between Onana and Bayindir.

[masulum]

-snip
They have no good goalie available, and must be their top priority to sign a proper goalie. I'd also see a new goalie is far important than a new striker.  

With MU not playing in the UCL or even UEL next season, it might be difficult to find a top player to fill the new goalkeeper. The alternative is to find players from middle or lower clubs, but he has good quality or potential to grow with MU. According to the news I read, there are several names that MU wants to bring in.
1. Senne Lammens - Royal Antwerp
2. Lucas Chevalier - Lille
3. James Trafford - Burnley
4. Bart Verbruggen - Brighton

Maybe MU can get one of them

[Slow death]

Don't tell me United doesn't need to sign a new goalie. All of their goalie were awful to watch. The picture above is the moment when Bayindir did stupid mistake by passing to the opponent's attackers, then his club conceded 4th goal.

They have no good goalie available, and must be their top priority to sign a proper goalie. I'd also see a new goalie is far important than a new striker.  

In my opinion, the coach and the board should sell all the players and sign other players. It seems to me that these players have no motivation to play. The mistakes that the defense players make are disastrous, which means that the goalkeeper is seen as the only one to blame. All he has to do is make a mistake.

There is also nothing useful in the attack. Honestly, this entire Manchester United squad has no future. They need to be very brave and sell them all and spend money on good, cheap signings that are of quality.

[WatChe]

Let us assume that Arsenal's draw against Brentford was due to their next Champions League match against Real Madrid, but I do not see it as an excuse, if Arsenal is good enough to beat any club in the Premier League, they would defeat Brentford instead of a draw. Arsenal can still win the game and maintain their lead against Real Madrid, they have 3 goals lead, and while they have good defenders, they can only defend during the second leg.

However, Arsenal's Premier League position is not safe, they are 6 points ahead of Nottingham Forest, 7 points above Newcastle, and 8 points ahead of Manchester City. Anything can happen in football, and no one can predict what will happen in the remaining games. Arsenal must improve in league games because if they continue this way, they risk losing their position, a draw or a defeat will not help them qualify for the next Champions League.

It's surprising to see Arsenal who managed to best Real Madrid 3-0 recently, played a draw against BRE in EPL. If Arsenal keep playing like that in rest of there 6 matches then they might not able to finish in top 4 teams of EPL. Nottingham forest also lost the moment, as they lost two of there last games played. Newcastle united with one more game to go has great chance of getting the third position. Nottingham Forest third position is under threat as City, Chelsea and Villa are just one win away from making it to third position also. 

[Pokapoka124]

Arsenal knows they'll not be winning the league title and are very much safe in finishing the season in the top four and that's why they're now prioritizing the UCL ahead of league games

Let us assume that Arsenal's draw against Brentford was due to their next Champions League match against Real Madrid, but I do not see it as an excuse, if Arsenal is good enough to beat any club in the Premier League, they would defeat Brentford instead of a draw. Arsenal can still win the game and maintain their lead against Real Madrid, they have 3 goals lead, and while they have good defenders, they can only defend during the second leg.

However, Arsenal's Premier League position is not safe, they are 6 points ahead of Nottingham Forest, 7 points above Newcastle, and 8 points ahead of Manchester City. Anything can happen in football, and no one can predict what will happen in the remaining games. Arsenal must improve in league games because if they continue this way, they risk losing their position, a draw or a defeat will not help them qualify for the next Champions League.

It is now clear to everyone that Arsenal do not have what it takes to win the Premier League this season, their position on table is also not safe. I don’t understand how they managed to beat Real Madrid in the Champions League. I went back to watch highlights of Declan Rice’s free kicks and none of them had been as incredible as they were on matchday against Madrid. Arsenal have to be the most unpredictable team in the league this season.

[Accardo]

Ideally, Arsenal are only 4 games away from winning the Champions League, which is still very much within reach

Arsenal is likely to face PSG at the semi finals, and it'll be their third time of reaching this stage in champions league. Arteta have to change history for the gunners, the last champions league final with Barcelona (2006) ended in a 2:1 defeat and since then Arsenal never came this close, except in 2009 their last semi final which was lost to Man U 4:1 defeat on aggregate. This season it'll be best if they play Barca at the final and defeat them, although the team require enough hard work to win these competent teams.

[len01]

It is now clear to everyone that Arsenal do not have what it takes to win the Premier League this season, their position on table is also not safe. I don’t understand how they managed to beat Real Madrid in the Champions League. I went back to watch highlights of Declan Rice’s free kicks and none of them had been as incredible as they were on matchday against Madrid. Arsenal have to be the most unpredictable team in the league this season.

It seems that you have answered yourself how Arsenal does not look like when they compete in the UCL. It is clear that Arsenal is very enthusiastic and hopes to be able to perform further to win the prestigious title in the UCL. So, that is the reason why Arsenal does not think too much about the EPL title and it is very impossible to catch up on the points difference from Liverpool.
You also don't need to worry even though Newcastle could shift Arsenal's position, but I strongly believe that Arsenal will still get a UCL ticket next season. A draw doesn't always look bad.

[Salahmu]

Don't tell me United doesn't need to sign a new goalie. All of their goalie were awful to watch. The picture above is the moment when Bayindir did stupid mistake by passing to the opponent's attackers, then his club conceded 4th goal.

They have no good goalie available, and must be their top priority to sign a proper goalie. I'd also see a new goalie is far important than a new striker.  

The need for goalkeeper has become a notice of importance to the club because this days is far disgraceful than what he was keeping before this time even the players are very disappointed because they cannot have an unreliable goalkeeper, Manchester United does not deserve this, if it was the former keeper who knows what they could have done already but this is the second season of this troubling, are there no second goalkeeper in the Manchester United?, they need to learn from Pep Guardiola on what he might think or do to stop this keeping errors, Newcastle United mesmerize Manchester United with 4.